Brescia Travel Guide: Airport Transfers, Hotels, Day Trips and Private Tours

Brescia is one of northern Italy’s most interesting cities for travellers who want to experience more than the usual tourist destinations. Located in Lombardy between Milan and Verona, Brescia combines Roman history, Italian culture, food, wine and easy access to some of the most beautiful destinations in northern Italy.
For international visitors, Brescia can also be a convenient base for exploring places such as Lake Garda, Franciacorta, Verona, Milan and the surrounding countryside.
If you are planning a trip to Brescia, one of the first things to consider is how you will travel between the airport, your hotel and the destinations you want to visit. This guide explains the main options and gives you some ideas for making the most of your stay.
Where Is Brescia?
Brescia is in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, roughly between Milan and Verona. The city is well connected to several major airports and is close to popular destinations in Lombardy and the Veneto region.
Its location makes it particularly useful for travellers who want to combine a city break with day trips.
Depending on your itinerary, you can use Brescia as a base for visiting:
- Lake Garda
- Verona
- Milan
- Franciacorta
- Bergamo
- Sirmione
- Desenzano del Garda
- Salò
- Lake Iseo
The best choice of transportation depends on your arrival airport, hotel location and the number of places you want to visit.
How to Get to Brescia from the Airport
International visitors have several airport options when travelling to Brescia.

Milan Bergamo Airport
Milan Bergamo Airport, also known as Orio al Serio Airport, is one of the most practical airports for travellers visiting Brescia.
The airport serves many European destinations and is popular with travellers looking for affordable flights to northern Italy.
From Bergamo Airport, you can continue your journey to Brescia by public transport, rental car or private transfer.
For families, groups and travellers carrying several bags, a pre-booked private airport transfer can be a convenient option because the driver can meet you at the airport and take you directly to your hotel.
Milan Malpensa Airport
Milan Malpensa is another important international airport serving northern Italy.
It is farther from Brescia than Bergamo Airport, but it can be a useful choice if your flight arrives there or if you are combining Brescia with a trip to Milan.
A private transfer can be particularly useful when travelling with children, large luggage or a group because it avoids changing between several forms of public transportation.
Verona Airport
Verona Villafranca Airport can also be considered when planning a trip to Brescia.
It is especially interesting for visitors who want to combine Brescia with Verona and Lake Garda.
Before booking your flight, it is worth comparing airport locations, flight schedules and your complete travel itinerary rather than choosing an airport based only on the flight price.
Should You Book a Private Airport Transfer?
There is no single best transportation option for every traveller.
Public transport can be a good choice for visitors travelling alone with light luggage and a flexible schedule. However, a private transfer may be more convenient when you want a direct journey from the airport to your hotel.
A private driver can be useful when:
- You are travelling with family or children
- You have several pieces of luggage
- You arrive late at night
- You are travelling as a group
- Your hotel is outside the city centre
- You want a direct airport-to-hotel journey
- You plan to visit several destinations during your stay
If you are looking for a private driver in Brescia, it is worth checking the vehicle type, passenger capacity, airport pickup arrangements and whether the service covers your planned destinations before booking.
Where to Stay in Brescia
Brescia offers different types of accommodation, from hotels in the historic centre to properties outside the city.
Brescia City Centre
Staying in the historic centre is a good option if you want to explore the city’s main attractions on foot.
The centre gives you easy access to restaurants, cafés, shops and historical landmarks.
Near Brescia Train Station
The area around Brescia railway station can be convenient for travellers planning to use trains during their holiday.
It can also be useful if Brescia is only one stop on a longer Italian itinerary.
Outside the City
Travellers looking for a quieter experience may prefer accommodation outside central Brescia.
This can be particularly convenient if you are travelling by car or planning day trips around Lombardy and Lake Garda.
When choosing a hotel, consider your complete itinerary. A hotel that looks inexpensive may not be the most convenient choice if you spend a lot of time travelling to and from your planned destinations.
Best Day Trips from Brescia
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Brescia is its location.
You can use the city as a starting point for several day trips around northern Italy.
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is one of the most popular destinations in northern Italy.
Depending on where you visit, you can enjoy lakeside villages, restaurants, walking areas and beautiful views.
Popular places around Lake Garda include:
- Sirmione
- Desenzano del Garda
- Salò
- Gardone Riviera
- Limone sul Garda
- Riva del Garda
A private driver can be useful if you want to visit several towns in one day without worrying about parking, connections or driving yourself.
Verona
Verona is famous for its historic centre, Roman heritage and association with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
The city works well as a day trip from Brescia, especially for travellers who want to combine historical sightseeing with Italian food and shopping.
Franciacorta

Wine lovers should consider visiting Franciacorta, an area in the province of Brescia known for its sparkling wine.
A day in Franciacorta can include vineyards, wineries, restaurants and countryside views.
If wine tasting is part of your itinerary, arranging private transportation can be a sensible choice so that everyone in your group can enjoy the experience without having to drive.
Lake Iseo
Lake Iseo offers a quieter alternative to some of the more heavily visited areas around Lake Garda.
The lake is surrounded by mountains and small towns, making it an attractive destination for travellers who prefer nature, food and a slower pace.
Milan
Milan is one of Italy’s major international cities and can be included in a longer northern Italy itinerary.
Visitors can explore attractions such as the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, museums and shopping districts.
Whether Milan works as a day trip depends on your schedule. If you have several days available, staying overnight in Milan may give you more time to explore the city.
Private Tours Around Brescia
A private tour can make sense when you want to visit several places in one day or create an itinerary around your interests.
For example, an international visitor could plan a day that combines:
Brescia → Franciacorta → Lake Iseo → Brescia
Another option could be:
Brescia → Sirmione → Desenzano del Garda → Salò
A private driver can make these itineraries more flexible because you are not tied to a fixed group-tour schedule.
However, it is always worth discussing the itinerary in advance. Travel times, traffic, opening hours and seasonal conditions can affect how many places you can realistically visit in one day.
How to Plan Your Brescia Trip
Before arriving in Brescia, make a simple list of the places you want to visit.
Start with your arrival airport and hotel, then decide which destinations are most important to you.
For example:
Day 1: Arrive at the airport and transfer to Brescia
Day 2: Explore Brescia
Day 3: Lake Garda
Day 4: Franciacorta and Lake Iseo
Day 5: Verona
Day 6: Milan or another nearby destination
You do not need to follow this exact itinerary. The best plan depends on your interests, travel dates and how much time you have.
It is also a good idea to leave some flexibility in your schedule. Weather, traffic and unexpected delays can change your plans.
Choosing a Private Driver in Brescia
If you decide to use a private driver, compare services before booking.
Look for clear information about:
- Airport pickup
- Vehicle size
- Number of passengers
- Luggage capacity
- Available destinations
- Day-trip options
- Booking arrangements
- Availability during your travel dates
For international visitors, communication is also important. A company that can communicate clearly in English or other commonly spoken languages can make the booking process easier.
If you are arranging an airport transfer, provide your flight number, arrival time, number of passengers and luggage requirements when making the reservation.
For travellers who want a dedicated vehicle rather than shared transportation, a local Brescia NCC and private driver service can be an option for airport transfers, hotel transfers and customised day trips.
Is Brescia Worth Visiting?
For travellers who want to explore northern Italy beyond the most famous tourist cities, Brescia is certainly worth considering.
Its historic centre, location between Milan and Verona, access to Lake Garda and proximity to Franciacorta make it a practical destination for a wider northern Italy itinerary.
The city can work well for a short city break or as a base for exploring the surrounding region.
The key is to plan your transportation around your itinerary rather than treating each journey separately.
Final Tips for International Visitors
Before travelling to Brescia, check your airport arrival details, hotel location and transportation options.
If you plan to take several day trips, calculate the total travel time before booking activities. Some destinations may look close on a map but take longer to reach because of traffic and road conditions.
For airport transfers and private tours, booking ahead is generally a good idea, particularly during busy travel periods.
Most importantly, leave enough time to enjoy the places you visit. Northern Italy is not only about ticking destinations off a list. The food, historic streets, lakes, vineyards and small towns are part of the experience.
Brescia can be an excellent starting point for discovering all of this.
Plan Your Brescia Journey
Whether you are arriving from another European country or travelling from further abroad, planning your airport transfer, accommodation and day trips in advance can make your holiday much easier.
If you are looking for private transportation during your stay, consider a local Best Brescia NCC Private Driver Service and choose a provider that clearly explains its airport transfers, private tours and available destinations.