What to do · Lake Garda
Scheduled boat from Malcesine to Limone
Information
- From
- €7 adult, one way
- Duration
- 2 h
- Season
- From spring to early November; no scheduled boats in winter
- Who it's for
- All ages; children aged 4 to 11 at a reduced fare
What it is
Malcesine, on the east shore, and Limone, on the west, face each other at the narrow part of the lake. By road you have to go round via Riva and Torbole; on the public boat you cross in a straight line, with Monte Baldo behind you and the rock wall of Limone ahead. It is the most convenient way to reach Limone, which has little parking, and the cheapest way to see the lake from the water: the scheduled boat doubles as an excursion.
The boats are operated by Navigazione Lago di Garda, the public service run under the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure. Torbole and Riva, to the north, and other villages on both shores to the south, are stops on the same line.
Prices
The price depends on the number of sections between the two landing stages. Malcesine – Limone is section 3: €7.50 one way and €15 return; children aged 4 to 11 pay €3.80 one way, and seniors and residents €6. If you continue to Riva, Limone to Riva is section 2, €6. Fast boats carry a supplement, and bikes pay separately; the captain may limit bikes on board.
If you are going to make more than two journeys, the one-day ticket for the upper lake, from Maderno and Torri northwards, costs €27 (€13.50 for children) on ordinary services. For the whole lake, €39.50.
Times and season
Timetables change each season and are published as PDFs on the Navigazione Laghi website: download them beforehand. The scheduled boats sail from spring to early November; in winter, from 2 November 2026 to 12 March 2027, only the car ferry between Maderno and Torri del Benaco operates. Tickets are bought at the ticket offices at the landing stages or on the website.
How to plan it
A classic day out is to go up Monte Baldo in the morning on the Malcesine cable car, come down to the village for lunch and cross to Limone in the afternoon to walk the walkway over the lake, taking the last boat back. Check the time of that last boat before you set out.
Tips
- Sit outside If the weather is good, ride on the deck on the side of the shore you want to see.
- The last boat Outside July and August the last boats leave early: do not get stranded on the other side.
- Day ticket With three or more journeys, the one-day ticket pays for itself.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the boat from Malcesine to Limone cost?
€7.50 one way and €15 return, on the ordinary service. Children aged 4 to 11, €3.80 one way.
Are there boats in winter?
Not scheduled ones: from 2 November 2026 to 12 March 2027 only the Maderno – Torri ferry sails.
Can I take a bike?
Yes, paying its supplement and if there is room on board.
Do I need to book?
No: you buy the ticket at the landing-stage ticket office or on the website.
With young childrenAs a familyWith teenagers
Who runs it
- Navigazione Lago di GardaScheduled boat Malcesine – Limone, one way Visit their website
