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Is there a car ferry across Lake Maggiore?

Scheduled services up, down and across the lake are run by Navigazione Lago Maggiore. You can cross Lake Maggiore and visit the Borromean Islands (Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, Isola Madre) by motorship or by car ferry with your own bike.



Yes, there is a very efficient car ferry service on Lake Maggiore that connects the Lombardy side (East) with the Piedmont side (West). The primary route runs between the towns of Laveno-Mombello and Intra (Verbania). Operated by Navigazione Laghi, this service allows travelers to bypass the long drive around the northern or southern tips of the lake, cutting travel time significantly. The crossing takes approximately 20 minutes, and ferries generally run every 20 to 30 minutes throughout the day. This is a vital link for both locals and tourists, especially those traveling between Milan and the popular resort towns of Stresa or Pallanza. The ferry accommodates cars, motorcycles, campers, and foot passengers. In 2026, it remains a scenic and practical way to enjoy the lake's grandeur while moving your vehicle between the two scenic shorelines.

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On May 28, 2023, houseboat Gooduria capsized in the Northern Italian Lake Maggiore, killing four people amongst the twenty-three on board. The incident attracted attention when it became clear that almost all of the people on board were associated with the Italian and Israeli national intelligence agencies.

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Luino market is the most famous in the Lake Maggiore area. It has been frequented for the past five centuries, since 1541 when Emperor Charles V granted 'market rights' to the people of Luino.

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