ARRIVAL TO ITALY - AIRPORTS AND TRANSFERS

Though public transportation is available via train and bus, we don't recommend the added travel time. Italian freeways are amazingly well kept and renting cars are cheap and as easy as in the US. Though more expensive, we've also had a good experience with the luxury car sharing service Lurento.com. The owner met us at the airport both for the pickup and drop off making the experience very hassle-free. Driving in Italy is very easy with Google or Apple driving navigation. The freeway signs are well lit and easy to read.

For those that don't want to deal with driving, our wedding planner can arrange for a private driver to take you or a scheduled group from the below airports directly to your hotel in the Gardone Riviera area. However, if you do decide to hire a driver, be aware that the Gardone Riviera region does not have ride sharing services like Uber, and taxis are very limited. We recommend to book your hotel in Gardone Riviera where you can easily walk to events if needed.

Contact our planner for any Hotel or Driver assistance

Katiuscia "Kat" Minozzi

email: info@haera.it

mobile: +39 348 3837007

CAR DRIVER INFORMATION

VALERIO CATULLO AIRPORT (VERONA CITY)

From VERONA airport, it takes around 1 hour by car to reach Gardone Riveria village.

Private transfer by car with a driver can be arranged starting from a minimum € 180/200 per trip. For a mini bus/shuttle (7/8 seats or more) need to request for a price quote.

ORIO AL SERIO AIRPORT (BERGAMO CITY)

If arriving to BERGAMO airport, it takes around 1 hour by car to reach Gardone Riveria village.
For a private transfer by car with a driver the price can start from minimum € 180/200 per trip. For a mini bus/shuttle (7/8 seats or more) need to request for a price quote.

MILAN LINATE AIRPORT

If arriving to LINATE airport, it takes around 1 hour 30 minutes by car to reach Gardone Riveria village.

Private transfer by car with a driver the price can start from minimum € 200/250 per trip. For a mini bus/shuttle (7/8 seats or more) need to request for a price quote.

MILAN MALPENSA AIRPORT

If arriving to MALPENSA airport, it takes around 2h10 by car to reach Gardone Riveria village.

For a private transfer by car with a driver the price can start from minimum € 300/350 per trip. For a mini bus/shuttle (7/8 seats or more) need to request for a price quote.

VENICE MARCO POLO AIRPORT

If arriving to VENICE airport, it takes around 2h10 by car to reach Gardone Riveria village.

For a private transfer by car with a driver the price can start from minimum € 300/350 per trip. For a mini bus/shuttle (7/8 seats or more) need to request for a price quote.

BOLOGNA GUGLIELMO MARCONI AIRPORT

If arriving to BOLOGNA airport, it takes around 2h20 by car to reach Gardone Riveria village.

NOTES: For groups of 7 or more and up to 15 guests, it’s possible to organize a private shuttle service. This booking will be more
affordable in terms of cost. Book as early as possible, last minute bookings are more expensive.

CAR RENTALS TIPS

We found that a valid US Drivers License and credit card was all that was required to rent a car in Italy. The rates are very affordable and fuel costs are similar with the US. All new cars manufactured in Italy are hybrid, with a lot that are diesel. They do have electric cars, however the recharging infrastructure and available chargers are not as robust as in the States. We have been warned that it can be problematic with charging. There is also a Luxury Car Rental service https://lurento.com/ that the owner will meet you at the airport with your car making the pickup and drop very simple.

DRIVING ON THE ITALIAN ROADS

Driving in Italy is great! The highway system is amazing with great signage, smooth road surfaces, and transitions. If driving in the center of Milan, Verona or similar, go slow and pay attention. The city centers are ancient and roads are very narrow.

Here are some tips if you decide to drive:

• Stay on the Right Side: Italy drives on the right side of the road. Be aware that on the freeways, the far left fast-lane is ONLY for passing. If you are in the fast-lane, a car behind you will expect you to pull to the right to let them pass. NEVER pass a car on their right side, get in line to pass on the left, or you will get a ticket. Italian drivers are very courteous, unless you are blocking the fast lane.

• Know the Speed Limits: Speed limits are strictly enforced, often with cameras. Generally, urban areas have limits of 50 km/h (31 mph), non-urban roads are 90 km/h (56 mph), highways are 130 km/h (81 mph), and in rainy or poor visibility conditions, the limits may be reduced.

• Parking Can Be Challenging: Street parking may be a challenge, especially in city centers and tourist areas. Look for blue lines, which indicate paid parking, and avoid yellow lines, which are reserved for residents. White lines usually indicate free parking but check signs to confirm. You will be amazed to find that Italian's will park wherever their little cars can fit.

• Don't let Toll Roads Stress You: Italy has many toll roads, especially on the autostrada (highways). When entering a Toll Road make sure to use the far right tollbooth lanes and take a ticket. To exit the Toll Roads, simply stay in the far right lanes and enter the same ticket into the toll machine. Pay with a Visa or Mastercard. They don't take Amex. IF you misplace your ticket, you can press the information button and a helpful agent will ask where you came from and provide the toll amount to pay.

• Watch for Scooter Traffic: Italian roads, especially in cities, often have a high volume of scooters, which can weave through traffic. Be aware and cautious when changing lanes.

• Use a GPS or Map: Italian streets can be narrow and winding, especially in rural areas or smaller towns. A GPS, Google Maps, or a reliable map app can be very helpful, especially to avoid restricted areas and get around unfamiliar layouts.

• Gas Stations: Many stations in Italy have self-service (self) and full-service (servito) options. Note that some stations are closed during midday hours. It’s wise to fill up early in the day or at large stations along highways.