- Must visit
Museo Archeologico Rambotti
Archaeological open-air museum of a UNESCO prehistoric pile-dwelling site. It is essential for understanding very early settlement around Lake Garda.
Cheapest price
$37
Average price
$37
Fastest journey
6 h 39 m
Average duration
6 h 39 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
196 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Desenzano del Garda is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Desenzano del Garda will cost around $37 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $37.
Of the 1 trains that leave Florence Santa Maria Novella for Desenzano del Garda on Sun, Jul 19, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 19 the direct trains cover the 196 km distance in an average of 6 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 39 m .
On Sun, Jul 19 the slowest trains will take 6 h 39 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Desenzano del Garda among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 21m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $25, and a bus costs an average of $17.
Distance: 121 miles (196 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$27 Average price Cheapest | $32 Average price | $72 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 51m Average total duration Fastest 2h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 38m Average total duration 6h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Desenzano del Garda:
A train is $6 (€5) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Desenzano del Garda costing on average $32 (€27).
Other travel options to Desenzano del Garda take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 8m.
The journey is about 11m faster (2h 21m by train vs 2h 32m by car) and roughly $45 (€37) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($27 (€22) vs $72 (€59)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Italo.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Desenzano del Garda run on average 28 times per day, taking around 2h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 (€21) but you can travel from only $17 (€14) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:32, the last at 15:09. The fastest train covers the 121 miles (196 km) distance in 4h 28m.
Distance 121 miles (196 km) |
Average train duration 2h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 (€21) |
Trains per day 28 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 4h 28m |
First train 2:32 AM |
Last train 3:09 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Discover the best of Desenzano del Garda — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Desenzano del Garda trip today.
Archaeological open-air museum of a UNESCO prehistoric pile-dwelling site. It is essential for understanding very early settlement around Lake Garda.
Archaeological museum inside the Roman villa area, displaying mosaics and finds that explain ancient Desenzano and lake-region history.
Main municipal archaeology museum known for Bronze Age finds, including the ancient plow. A compact but significant local-history collection.
Elegant lakeside promenade for strolling, sunset views, and access to beaches and the old center. It is one of the town’s signature walks.
Historic center district with lanes, stairways, and mixed architecture from harbor to castle. Best area for wandering and absorbing local character.
Busy central square by the harbor with arcades and historic character. It is ideal for people-watching and connecting major sights on foot.
Buttery risotto made with local Vialone Nano rice and freshwater tench from Lake Garda, a classic lake-and-rice dish tied to the lower Garda plain.
Lake fish such as sardines, lavaret or perch grilled simply with olive oil and herbs. It reflects Garda’s fishing tradition and local extra-virgin olive oil.
Air-dried salted sardines from Lake Garda, usually served with grilled polenta. A historic preservation method and one of the area’s most distinctive flavors.
Established fine dining restaurant serving creative seafood and Italian tasting menus in an intimate, contemporary setting near the center.
Refined lakeside dining in a luxury hotel, known for polished Italian cuisine, seafood and elegant service with views over Lake Garda.
Well-known traditional venue for lake fish, grilled dishes and classic regional cooking in a relaxed trattoria atmosphere.
Moderate for Lake Garda. Hotels rise in summer, dining is mid-priced, and ferries and trains are reasonable versus larger Italian tourist cities.
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. At cafes, small change is enough.
Official public transport app
Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione -> Piazza Giuseppe Malvezzi, Desenzano del Garda
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Desenzano del Garda by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Desenzano del Garda, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Florence Santa Maria Novella to Desenzano del Garda trains use the Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione station pair. Use this guide to compare Florence Santa Maria Novella and Desenzano del Garda train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Firenze Santa Maria Novella is 1 km from Florence city centre. Public transport options include:
Firenze Santa Maria Novella has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: 12oz Coffee Joint, Casa Maioli, Don Nino, Fratelli Cuore, McDonald´s, Panella, Segafredo Zanetti, Spizzico, Venchi, & many more
Free WiFi (30 minutes limit). ATMs are located in the basement in the shopping center next to the Feltrinelli bookshop and between Celio and Mango shops.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00. Information desks are located inside and outside the station.
Luggage storage is provided by KiPoint and located on the ground floor, on the side of Piazza Adua. Open daily from 06:00 to 23:00.
Available at Firenze Santa Maria Novella: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Firenze Santa Maria Novella: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Firenze Santa Maria Novella: Elevators, escalators, step-free access. Mobility assistance is available with the Sala Blu, located next to Platform 1.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Luxor Florence, Joy Hotel Florence, Diplomat Hotel Florence.
Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ristorante Esplanade, Trattoria Alessi
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Mayer & Splendid, Hotel Piroscafo, Hotel Bonotto.
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