LAGO MAGGIORE
Train
Stresa is on the Domodossola-Milan train line. It is possible to go to Locarno in Switzerland by train to Domodossola and then change trains. You can ferry back from Locarno to Stresa.
Bus
Stresa is linked by bus to destinations around the lake (all of the western shore) and also to Milan, Novara and Lago d'Orta. Buses depart from the waterfront.
Car
The A8 autostrada connects Milan with Varese, south-east of Lago Maggiore.
Ferries and Hydrofoils
All the western shore towns are connected by ferry and regular boats also access the lake resorts and Villa Taranto. These are operated by Navigazione Lago Maggiore (www.navlaghi.it, tel. 0323 30393 or toll free 800 551801). The ticket office is in Stresa at the landing stage, Piazza Marconi 14-16. Prices include Arona (7.75 return), Angera (7.55 return), Baveno (4.55 return), Cannobio (12.60), Pallanza (6.40 return) and the islands (4.55-6.40 for one island, 8.25 for all three and 9.30 for three plus admission to Villa Taranto). There is a car ferry between Intra (Verbania) and Laveno (eastern shore).




LAGO D'ORTA
Orta San Giulio
Ferries run to Isola San Giulio (3 return by public motorboat or 1.80 with Navigazione Lago d'Orta). The main office is at Via Simonotti 35, Borgomanero, tel. 0322 844862. Boats also run to Omegna and Pella.
Orta Miasino is the closest train station and just a short walk from the centre of Orta San Giulio. It is just off the Novara-Domodossola train line. In summer direct buses run to Stresa. By road take the S32 or S229 from Novara in Piedmont.





LAGO DI COMO
Como
Bus
Como is connected with other destinations along the lake and Bergamo by SPT buses that leave from Piazza Matteotti. Tel. 031 304744. Bergamo is a 2 hour journey (4.30 single, 5.16 for a day return, 6-8 daily).
Train
Como San Giovanni is the train station for the town of Como. Trains come from Milano's Stazione Centrale throughout the day. The station is also connected to other destinations in France, Switzerland and further afield. You can also depart from Milano's Stazione Nord (Stazione Cadorna). These run hourly and take just one hour (2.85) and arrive in Como's lakeside Stazione FNM (Como Nord Lago). They also link with the ferries.
Car
The A9 autostrada will bring you to the A8 and Milan's ring road. The S35 also connects you the ring road.
Ferries
Navigazione Lago di Como operates the ferries that cross the lake and they leave from Piazza Cavour year round. Tel. 031 579211 or tol free 800 551801. You can buy tickets for unlimited trips around the entire lake (17.05/8.50 for adult/child) or day tickets between Como and Bellano (15.50/7.75). There are also tickets that include lunch or admission to the lakeside villas. See the office for more information.

Isola Camacina
Boats run between Tremezzo, Como and other lakeside towns. The Villa Carlotta is a short walk from the Tremezzo jetty. SPT buses also run from the resort to Menaggio (10mins) and Como (one hour). Tel. 0344 32118

Menaggio
Ferries operate to Menaggio.

Tremezzo
Boats run between Tremezzo, Como and other lakeside towns. The Villa Carlotta is a short walk from the Tremezzo jetty. SPT buses also run from the resort to Menaggio (10mins) and Como (one hour). Tel. 0344 32118

Bellagio
Car ferries connect the eastern and western shores in this area and stop at Bellagio.

Varenna
Varenna is linked by boat with the other major towns on the lake.





LAGO DI GARDA
Bus
From Verona, Brescia, Mantua and Milan you can access Lago di Garda.
Ferry
Navigazione sul Lago di Garda, Piazza Matteotti 2 (tel. 030 9149511 or toll free 800 551801) in Desenzano del Garda operates ferreis year-round between most towns on the lake. There are offices in all the towns. Timetables are available from tourist offices. Tickets start at 1.20. The ferries are cheaper than the hydrofoil. Bicycles can be taken onboard but are an extra 3.70
Car
The A4 autostrada and the S11 connect Milan with Venice and pass the southern edge of the lake.The A22 from Verona to Trento runs parallel to the eastern shore. Exit the A22 at Rovereto Sud to get to Riva del Garda.
Train
Desenzano del Garda is on the Milan-Venice train line and the train point of access for Lago di Garda.

Sirmione
You can rent bikes from Adventure Sprint, Via Brescia 9, tel.030 919000.
Mountan bikes are 10.35 per day, 50cc scooters are 31 per day.

Riva del Garda
The bus station, Viale Trento, is 10 minutes from the lake. APT buses connect Riva with Verona's Port Nuova station (2 hours, 6 daily, 4.91). Tel. 045 8004129
Atesina buses travel from Riva to Arco (20 mins, hourly, 4.91) and Trento (1.5 hours, 10 daily, 3.40). There are also services to other places around the lake.





LAGO D'ISEO AND VALLE CAMONICA
Bus
Lago D'Iseo is connected with Brescia and Bergamo by bus. Other bus services also operate to towns around the lake.
Train
Trains run from Brescia to Iseo and other lakeside towns.
Ferry
Navigazione sul Lago d'Iseo, Costa Volpino, has ferries between Sarnico, Iseo, Monte Isola, Lovere and Pisogne. Tel. 035 971483. Services are infrequent in winter.
Gestione Navigazione Laghi operates around Lago d'Iseo, Lago Maggiore, Lago di Como and Lago di Garda. Tel. 035 971483 or www.navigazionelaghi.it