Verona Villafranca Airport, also called Verona Valerio Catullo Airport, connects with Riva del Garda by road and public transport. A taxi or pre-booked transfer can take you directly toward town, while bus and train connections offer an alternative; Riva Lake Lodge is about 94 minutes by car from the airport.
- By car: take the A22 northbound toward Lake Garda.
- By public transport: connect through Verona Porta Nuova by bus, then continue by train or bus.
- By taxi: taxis wait outside Arrivals, and you can also book with an operator in advance.
Where Verona Villafranca Airport is
Verona Villafranca Airport is connected to Verona Porta Nuova railway station by the ATV Verona AirLink, line 199. The airport bus stop is at the terminal exit, giving you a connection into the city before continuing toward Lake Garda.
Direct ATV connections run from the airport to towns around Lake Garda during the summer season. Southern lakeside towns such as Peschiera del Garda are about 20 km from the airport; a driving distance to Riva del Garda is not specified.
How do you drive from Verona Villafranca Airport to Riva del Garda?
Take the A22 northbound and follow signs for lakeside towns when driving toward Lake Garda. The journey from the airport to Riva del Garda takes about 94 minutes by car.
If you’re renting a car, check your route before leaving the airport and follow the road signs toward the lake. The airport is close to major highway routes, but a specific driving distance to Riva del Garda is not given. For other transport choices, you can continue from the airport by bus toward Verona Porta Nuova, then connect onward.
How do public transport connections to Riva work?
For a public-transport journey to Riva, travel first to Verona Porta Nuova and then change to a train or bus connection toward the lake.
- Take the ATV Verona AirLink, line 199, from the airport to Verona Porta Nuova.
- From the station, take a direct train to Desenzano, Peschiera del Garda, or another Lake Garda town.
- For Riva del Garda, change at Verona Porta Nuova to ATV lines 163, 164, or 185; line 185 is described as a fast service.
Direct ATV connections also run from the airport to towns around Lake Garda during the summer season. That option may reduce the number of changes, depending on the service available for your trip. Check the official site before you go.
Can you take a taxi or pre-book a transfer?
You can take a taxi from just outside the Arrivals Terminal or arrange one in advance with a taxi company. Three operators are Unione Radio Taxi at +39 045 532666, Taxi & Auto Blu Soc. Coop. at +39 045 8581403, and Radiotaxi Catullo at +39 045 2223525.
Taxi fares vary by destination, time, and day. Ask the driver or taxi-company staff about the fare before boarding.
Taxi Alto Garda lists Verona Catullo Airport–Riva del Garda at €165 as an indicative fare, with the final cost determined by the onboard meter. Most taxis accept credit cards, but confirm payment options with the operator when booking or before the ride starts.
Chauffeur services are another option and can be booked through local operators or the Uber app. If you prefer to arrange a taxi ahead of time, contact an operator directly to confirm the details for your arrival.
Choosing a route for your arrival
Your choice comes down to whether you prefer a direct road journey or are comfortable changing connections. A taxi or pre-booked transfer avoids the bus-and-train changes; public transport can take you through Verona Porta Nuova and onward by train or bus.
If you’re comparing taxi costs, ask about the fare before setting off and treat the listed €165 from Taxi Alto Garda as indicative, not a fixed price. For public transport, check which connections are running for your arrival, particularly if you’re considering a seasonal direct service.
Once you reach town, you can plan a day in Riva del Garda or use the Riva old-town guide to orient yourself. For details about Riva Lake Lodge, see the hotel page.
FAQs
Where do you catch the AirLink bus at the airport?
The AirLink stop is in the same area as the taxi stand, just outside Arrivals. Stops for train-station and intercity services are a little farther ahead.
How often does the Verona AirLink run?
The AirLink runs from 05:35 to 23:10, with departures every 20 minutes. Confirm the current timetable before you travel.
Can you pay for a Verona airport taxi by card?
Most taxis accept credit cards, but confirm card payment with the operator when booking or before the ride begins.