A toll free route from Lake Garda will save you a few bob. The cost of a toll for most motorhomes from Peschiera del Garda to the Swiss/Italian border at Chiasso is about thirteen euro. The cost for a for tag axle motorhome is around eighteen euro. The motorway (tolls payable) journey comes in at approximately 113 miles. Google maps suggests a journey time of just under two hours for the motorway journey. This does not however allow for queues at the tolls on the A9 motorway!
Leaving Peschiera, follow the SS11 towards Desenzano and Brescia. A lot of this road is dual carriageway so you can make good progress. Head towards “Ospitaletto” and here, join the A4 motorway for a few miles, leaving at the turning for Seriate/Orio al Serio Airport. This toll section cost 2.70 euro for a tag axle.You can check the cost of Italian motorway tolls by clicking here
After the toll booth, the road is dual carriageway for a while, following the signs to Como. There’s quite a few roundabouts, but nothing stressful and certainly not a lot of traffic this morning. Head towards Grandate, following signs for Chiasso (blue coloured). You will pass a bus depot and also a campsite called Camping Internazionale. Join the A9 motorway here, the junction is called “Como Centro” and this short section of a few miles is free of charge. This short stretch of motorway takes you to the Swiss border.
Google maps suggestion a mileage of 99 miles and a running time of just under three hours. I confirm to be an accurate assessment of the route!
The other advantage with this toll-free route from Lake Garda is the opportunity to call at supermarkets en route – you pass plenty. There is a large Coop supermarket close to the border. This has the advantage of a fuel forecourt. Furthermore the A8 & A9 both have the toll booths to contend. The queues can be quite time-consuming.
Due to the number of roundabouts on the toll free route from Lake Garda , it’s probably not the best option for caravanners and motorhomes pulling a trailer.
A map for the toll free route from Lake Garda
We carry this AA Italy map. It’s fairly detailed but not too clumbersome.
Hi Russ, just followed your route with the caravan. No problem. Arrived today. Brilliant, thank you.
Excellent – good to hear, especially as you are towing. Nice for other caravanners to know.