The closest part of Lake Garda to Florence is the southern end of the lake, specifically the town of Peschiera del Garda. This is because Peschiera del Garda has a train station that is directly connected to Florence via Bologna and Verona, making it the most convenient option for travelers looking to explore both the lake and the city of Florence.
The Distance Between Florence and Peschiera del Garda
The distance between Florence and Peschiera del Garda is approximately:
- 296 km by road
- 284.3 km as the crow flies
How to Travel from Florence to Peschiera del Garda
There are a few different ways to travel from Florence to Peschiera del Garda:
By Train
To travel by train, you can take a train from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station to Milan Centrale, and then transfer to a regional train that goes to Peschiera del Garda. The total journey time is approximately 4-5 hours, depending on the number of connections and the type of train you take.
By Car
If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car in Florence and take the A1/E35 north towards Bologna, then continue on the A13 and A22 highways until you reach Peschiera del Garda. The total driving distance is approximately 320 km, and the journey takes around 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and the route you take.
Other Train Stations Around Lake Garda
While Peschiera del Garda is the closest train station to Lake Garda, there are other train stations around the lake that may be more convenient depending on your final destination. For example:
- If you’re planning to visit the town of Sirmione, you can take a train to Desenzano del Garda and then a bus or taxi to Sirmione.
- If you’re going to Riva del Garda, you can take a train to Rovereto and then a bus to Riva del Garda.
Cost of Travel
The cost of travel from Florence to Peschiera del Garda varies depending on the mode of transportation:
- Train tickets can cost anywhere from 20-50 euros, depending on the type of train and the time of day.
- Renting a car will depend on the type of vehicle, the rental company, and the duration of your rental.
Conclusion
In summary, the closest part of Lake Garda to Florence is the southern end of the lake, specifically the town of Peschiera del Garda. This is due to the town’s direct train connection to Florence via Bologna and Verona, making it the most convenient option for travelers looking to explore both the lake and the city of Florence.