Lake Iseo in a nutshell
Lake Iseo is a lake in Lombardy. The wine region of Franciacorta lies to its south, and Iseo is one of the shore towns. The big draw is Monte Isola, an island with villages such as Peschiera Maraglio and Carzano, reached by a short ferry crossing from the shore.
This is an independent guide. It is not run by the ferry company, the island or a tourism board. Prices are in euros as listed for the 2026/27 winter timetable and can change.
Ferries to Monte Isola
The winter timetable has applied since 12 October 2026.
The shuttle lines
In winter two shuttle lines serve the island: Sulzano to Peschiera Maraglio, and Sale Marasino to Carzano. The timetable comes from the Lake Iseo ferry operator and runs until 21 March 2027.
New pier at Peschiera
From 12 October 2026 the ferries at Peschiera use pier 1 on weekdays, Monday to Friday, and pier 3 on Saturday and Sunday. Some Saturday trips call at both piers. Read the notice at the pier before you board.
Fares and zones
Adult single fares in winter are €2.60, €3.60, €4.50, €5.40 and €6.30 for one to five zones. The day ticket costs €16.50. The landing fee of €1.50 per passenger per day for Monte Isola is not included in these fares. Sulzano, Sale Marasino and Monte Isola form zone C together, and Iseo and Predore are zone D. A ticket is valid for 60 minutes for one zone, plus 30 minutes for each extra zone, counted from the first validation.
Discounts and extras
Children under 6 travel free. Groups of 20 or more passengers get a listed discount of 20 percent. A bicycle costs €2.60 per trip, and an animal or luggage €1.30.
Our picks: Lake Iseo
A short boat tour from Lovere or a day trip from Milan with a winery visit.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Lake Iseo and Franciacorta by coach from Milan
Coach, a winery visit with tasting and a guide. The boat tour around Monte Isola is only part of the full package, and meals are not included.
Check availability →
Scenic boat tour on Lake Iseo from Lovere
One hour on the lake with a skipper. Fuel and insurance are included.
Check availability →Lake Iseo tours and day trips
Boat trips, island visits and wine tours around Lake Iseo, with live prices and availability.
Monte Isola: rules for visitors
People call Monte Isola car-free, but that is not quite true. Private tourist cars may not go to the island, while authorised vehicles and commercial vans are allowed. Motorcycles are for residents only. In practice you explore the island on foot.
Bicycles and e-scooters that you bring over are restricted. Landing and riding them are banned on days before holidays and on holidays from March to September, and every day in August. Residents and bikes already on the island are exempt. Since 1 June 2025 a limited exception applies if you book with an island hotel or one of the listed restaurants. You may then only push the vehicle, must carry your booking and may bring one vehicle per person.
The public beaches have no lifeguards according to the island tourism page. Camping and open fires are banned outside the marked barbecue area at Rocca Martinengo and Menzino.
Getting to Lake Iseo from Milan
There is no direct train from Milan to Monte Isola.
By train
Take a train in the direction of Venice and change at Rovato or Brescia, depending on the connection. Then continue on the Brescia to Iseo to Edolo line to Iseo, Sulzano or Sale Marasino. Sulzano and Sale Marasino are the stations for the island ferries. Regional fares changed on 1 September 2026, so check the current price for each leg.
Day trips from Milan →Wine in the south
The Franciacorta wine area begins south of the lake and runs towards Brescia. A cellar visit with a tasting can be booked ahead, and not every winery is open without an appointment.
Franciacorta guide →Plan the day
Allow a full day for the island. In winter, check the timetable for the last ferry back before you start a walk.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where Lake Iseo fits in Lombardy.
Lake Iseo and Monte Isola: frequently asked questions
How do I get to Monte Isola?
Take a ferry from Sulzano to Peschiera Maraglio or from Sale Marasino to Carzano. Both run in the winter timetable until 21 March 2027. The crossing is short, and the fare depends on the zones you use.
Can I take a car to Monte Isola?
No. Private tourist cars may not go to the island. Authorised vehicles and commercial vans are exceptions, and motorcycles are for residents only.
How much is the ferry to Monte Isola?
Adult single fares in winter range from €2.60 to €6.30 depending on the zones. A day ticket costs €16.50. Add the landing fee of €1.50 per passenger per day.
Can I bring a bike to Monte Isola?
Not on every day. Bringing a bicycle or e-scooter is banned on days before holidays and on holidays from March to September, and every day in August. A limited exception applies if you have an island hotel or restaurant booking, with pushing only. A bike costs €2.60 per ferry trip.
Is swimming safe at the public beaches?
The island tourism page states that public beaches have no lifeguards. Ask locally about the current conditions before you swim.
Is the winter timetable the same as in summer?
No. The winter timetable applies from 12 October 2026 to 21 March 2027 and uses shuttle lines to the island. Check the current timetable for your date.