📷 Photo by Patrick Pahlke on UnsplashLake Garda and Lake Como
Castle towns, lakeside campsites and car ferries between the villages.
- Distance
- 337 km (209 mi)
- Driving
- 4 h 39 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- Italy
- Updated
- May 10, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 337 km (209 mi) with 8 stops, from Verona to Como. About 4 h 39 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Italy · More road trips from Riva del Garda
Route description
From Verona, it is a short drive west to Sirmione, a castle town on a narrow peninsula in Lake Garda, with Roman villa ruins at the tip and thermal baths. The old town is closed to traffic, so use the municipal motorhome stopover and walk in.
The Gardesana Orientale road runs north along the eastern shore through Lazise and Bardolino, where a lakeside campsite sits among olive groves and vineyards. At the northern end, Riva del Garda lies below steep mountain walls, popular with windsurfers and climbers.
From Lake Garda, head west to Lake Como, following the eastern shore to Varenna and taking the car ferry to Bellagio, whose stepped lanes and villa gardens stand where the lake’s three arms meet. Car ferries also link Bellagio with Cadenabbia on the western shore.
A lakeside campsite at Domaso, near the northern end of the lake, makes a good base for a swim. The route then follows the western shore road south via Menaggio and Tremezzo to Como. The lakeshore roads are narrow and busy in summer, so allow extra time and check the car-ferry size limits in a large motorhome.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Verona
Italy - 238 km
Sirmione
HistorySirmione, ItalyA castle town on a narrow peninsula in Lake Garda, with Roman villa ruins at the tip and thermal baths.
- 34 km
Sirmione
Sirmione, Italy - 416 km
Lakeside campsite, Bardolino
CampingBardolino, ItalyCampsite in Bardolino, Italy, in a lakeside setting on Lake Garda. A base for anyone who wants to spend time in nature.
- 549 km
Riva del Garda
Italy - 6153 km
Bellagio
ViewsBellagio, ItalyStepped lanes and villa gardens where Lake Como’s three arms meet. Car ferries cross to Varenna and Cadenabbia.
- 724 km
Lakeside campsite, Domaso
CampingDomaso, ItalyCampsite in Domaso, Italy, set in a lake landscape – a base for camping close to nature.
- 853 km
Como
Italy
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Verona → Riva del Garda · 106 km · 1 h 28 minOn the way: Sirmione, Sirmione, Lakeside campsite, Bardolino.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Bavaria (1 km); Camping Al Lago (1 km).
- Day 2: Riva del Garda → Bellagio · 153 km · 2 h 07 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping La' Vedo (6 km); Camping La Fornace (8 km).
- Day 3: Bellagio → Lakeside campsite, Domaso · 24 km · 0 h 20 minOvernight at the campsite itself.
- Day 4: Lakeside campsite, Domaso → Como · 53 km · 0 h 44 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Montorfano (7 km); Area Sosta Camper - Tavernola (4 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. Cold, short days in December–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
- Verona: Limited traffic zone (ZTL). Cameras fine unauthorised vehicles in the historic centre, including hire cars. Park outside and walk or take transit; hotels inside may register your plate.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Lake Garda and Lake Como?
4-day road trip of about 337 km (209 mi) with 8 stops, from Verona to Como. About 4 h 39 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Lake Garda and Lake Como?
We suggest 4 days: about 4 h 39 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Lake Garda and Lake Como start and end?
It starts in Verona and ends in Como.
Which countries does Lake Garda and Lake Como pass through?
Italy.
Where can you camp along Lake Garda and Lake Como?
OpenStreetMap lists 281 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping Castel San Pietro, Corte agricola monro' and Il Parco Dell'Adige.
When is the best time for Lake Garda and Lake Como?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
