Taking a bus from Desenzano station to Sirmione: A practical transportation experience on the shores of Lake Garda.
My biggest worry during this trip to Lake Garda, Italy, was getting from Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione train station to Sirmione. Since Sirmione doesn't have its own train station, if you're coming from Milan or another city by train, you usually have to go to Desenzano first and then transfer to a bus. After actually doing it once, I found that the route wasn't as complicated as I imagined, and it's easy to do without renting a car.
Upon arriving at Desenzano station, follow the signs to leave the station, then look for the bus stop for Sirmione. Keep an eye out for the Arriva LN026 bus; this route connects Desenzano, Sirmione, Peschiera del Garda, and Verona, and is a very practical public transport option for getting to Sirmione.
🚍 Actual Boarding Process
The most important thing throughout the process is not just looking at the words "Sirmione," but also confirming the bus direction and where you get off.
· Origin: Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione Train Station
· Main Route: LN026
· Direction: Sirmione/Verona
· Destination: Sirmione
· Travel Time: Varies depending on traffic conditions and drop-off point
· Summer: Service frequency and connecting methods are affected by the tourist season
LN026 is an important route connecting Desenzano and Sirmione. A new annual timetable will be in effect from April 12, 2026. Therefore, if traveling in the summer, it is recommended to check the schedule again before departure and not rely entirely on times found months ago.
🚌 Most Important Note: Sirmione does not necessarily go directly to the Old Town
This is the most common mistake I see when traveling to Sirmione for the first time.
During peak tourist season, the Sirmione Shuttle Bus will be used. During certain times, LN026 will only stop at Piazza Campiello, the shuttle station, from where the ShuttleBus will continue to the Sirmione Peninsula and historical center.
Therefore, if you see the bus arrive at Sirmione but you are asked to get off, don't panic; this is a normal transfer arrangement.
Currently, official information indicates that the ShuttleBus will operate from March 28th to September 27th during the 2026 tourist season; during certain times, LN026 will be combined with the shuttle bus service to the Sirmione center. This is especially important for those traveling in the summer.
💳 Tickets and Credit Cards
One of the most convenient aspects is that you don't need to spend time looking for a ticket office.
The fare between Desenzano and Sirmione is part of Arriva's zone fare system. The official fare list for Desenzano/Peschiera del Garda ↔ Sirmione currently shows Zone B fares. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets using the Arriva MyPay App.
If you're taking the Sirmione ShuttleBus, they currently offer contactless credit card payment: tap-in when boarding and tap-out when alighting, which is very convenient for travelers.
However, before actually boarding, I still recommend checking the payment methods on the bus for the day, especially to avoid mixing payment rules for different routes.
🧳 Things to Note When Traveling with Luggage
If you're like me, arriving by train from Milan with a lot of luggage, the biggest problem isn't the route, but the crowds.
Sirmione is a very popular lakeside destination in the summer, and the buses can be quite crowded. If you're carrying large luggage, I suggest avoiding peak hours, or considering leaving your luggage at Desenzano before heading to Sirmione.
If you only have a backpack or carry-on suitcase, taking the bus is generally not a problem, but it's best to prepare in advance when boarding and alighting, rather than waiting until the doors open to start organizing your luggage.
🌊 My Impressions After Arriving in Sirmione
What truly made this bus trip worthwhile was the gradual unfolding of Lake Garda's scenery as we traveled from Desenzano to Sirmione.
Compared to taking a taxi, the bus offered a more immersive travel experience. The route passed lakeside residences, resorts, and various towns, gradually transitioning from urban traffic to scenic lake views. Seeing the direction of the Sirmione peninsula made me eagerly anticipate the rest of the journey.
Upon arriving in Sirmione, I transferred to a shuttle bus to enter the peninsula and finally explored the historical center. The entire journey was quite layered.
⭐ My Practical Tips
· For first-time riders, I recommend checking the LN026 timetable in advance.
· Before boarding, confirm the bus's direction of travel; don't just rely on the route number.
· Pay special attention to the transfer arrangements for LN026 and the Sirmione ShuttleBus during the summer.
· Avoid carrying large luggage during peak hours.
· If unsure which stop you're getting off at, simply tell the driver your destination. * Confirm return travel schedules in advance to avoid taking the last train too close to your destination.
· If your trip is scheduled for a weekend or peak summer season, it's highly recommended to allow for buffer time during your commute.
Overall, taking a bus from Desenzano train station to Sirmione is, in my opinion, an easy way to get around Lake Garda without renting a car. The LN026 and Sirmione ShuttleBus routes might seem a bit complicated at first glance, but once you understand the concept of "train to Desenzano → LN026 → ShuttleBus (depending on the time) → Sirmione Old Town," it becomes very clear.
For independent travelers, the biggest advantages of this mode of transport are its flexibility, relatively reasonable cost, and the ability to connect trains and buses. Especially when traveling from Milan to Lake Garda, taking the train to Desenzano and then transferring to a bus to Sirmione is a very practical route. As long as you confirm the timetable in advance, pay attention to the peak season shuttle arrangements, and allow some time for traffic jams, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Sirmione with peace of mind.