Mantua (Mantova) is easily reachable by train, car, and plane, making it a convenient destination whether you’re coming from within Italy or from abroad.

By Train

The Mantova railway station is located in Piazza Don Leoni, just a short walk from the historic city centre.

  • Regional trains run regularly from Verona, taking about 45 minutes to reach Mantova.
  • Trains from Modena take around 55 minutes.
  • Direct connections from Milan take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
  • Other regional routes link Mantova with cities such as Cremona, Padova, Ferrara, and Bologna via Verona or Modena.

The station is centrally located, and from there you can walk, take a local bus, or a taxi straight into the heart of Mantova.

By Car

Mantova is well connected by highway to the rest of Italy:

  • A22 Motorway (Brennero-Modena) – Exit at Mantova Nord (about 4 km from the centre) or Mantova Sud (about 11.5 km).
  • A4 Motorway (Milano-Venezia) – Suitable if you’re coming from the west (Milan/Lake Garda) or east (Venice) — use exits such as Desenzano, Sirmione, Peschiera, or Verona Sud and follow signs for Mantova.
  • A1 Motorway (Autostrada del Sole) – If approaching from the south (Florence/Rome), exit at Parma Est, then follow directions toward Mantova.

Mantova has several parking options, including both free and paid areas close to the city centre and lakeside promenade.

By Plane – Nearest Airports

Mantova does not have its own major airport, but it is served by several regional hubs within easy reach:

  • Verona Villafranca “Valerio Catullo” Airport (VRN) — About 20-33 km from Mantova (the closest major airport) with frequent flights across Europe and easy onward connections by train or shuttle via Verona.
  • Bologna “Guglielmo Marconi” Airport (BLQ) — About 100 km away.
  • Bergamo “Orio al Serio” Airport (BGY) — About 100-102 km away, often with low-cost airline connections.

From Verona Airport, you can take:

  • a taxi directly to Mantova;
  • the “Verona Airlink” shuttle to Verona Porta Nuova station and then a train to Mantova (about 45 minutes).

Getting to Mantova from Lake Garda by Car

Mantova is easily reached from Lake Garda, whether you are traveling by car or train. The journey is short and straightforward, making Mantova an ideal cultural destination for a day trip or a longer stay.

From the southern and eastern shores of Lake Garda (Desenzano, Sirmione, Peschiera, Lazise, Bardolino):

  1. Follow signs for the A4 Motorway (Milan-Venice).
  2. Join the A4 heading east toward Verona or west toward Milan, depending on your starting point.
  3. Exit at Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano del Garda, then follow signs for Mantova via the SS11 or SP roads.
  4. Continue on the A4 to Verona Sud, then take the A22 Motorway (Brennero-Modena) southbound and exit at Mantova Nord.

Driving time is approximately 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic and your starting location around the lake.

Tips for Planning Your Journey

  • Trains to Mantova are frequent between major cities such as Verona and Milan; check schedules on the Trenitalia website or app for up-to-date times.
  • If arriving by plane and taking public transport, allow extra time for transfers between airports and train stations.