Italy
Carciano (Stresa) to Isola Madre Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Carciano (Stresa)
Lake Maggiore
Arrives
Isola Madre
Lake Maggiore
Navigazione LaghiAt a glance
The Carciano (Stresa) to Isola Madre ferry takes about 30m. It is operated by Navigazione Laghi.
- Operator
- Navigazione Laghi
- Crossing
- 30m
Carciano (Stresa) to Isola Madre ferry timetable
Seasonal sailing times
The Carciano (Stresa) to Isola Madre ferry is operated by Navigazione Laghi, and the crossing takes about 30m. Sailings change with the season, and departures are confirmed ahead of each sailing period.
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Carciano (Stresa) – Isola Madre crossing
Thirty minutes from Carciano, on the Stresa waterfront, out to Isola Madre — the largest and quietest of the Borromean islands. Four sailings a day, 08.30 to 17.25.
The furthest of the three
Isola Bella is ten minutes from shore, Isola Superiore a little further; Isola Madre takes half an hour. That distance is why it sees a fraction of the traffic — four departures against the seventeen serving Isola Bella.
A garden rather than a village
Where Isola Superiore has a fishing settlement and Isola Bella a palace, Isola Madre is essentially a botanical garden with a villa in it. The sailing pattern follows: boats arrive through the middle of the day and stop by half past five, because there is nothing to stay for after closing time.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Passenger boats & hydrofoils
- Car ferries
- Historic paddle steamers
- DreamLake app & NaviTap contactless
- Day passes
Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
How long does the crossing take?
About 30m.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (Navigazione Laghi) for current fares.
Who operates this ferry?
Served by Navigazione Laghi.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailing frequency on this route varies by season. Confirm current dates with the operator before travelling.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
Navigazione Laghi does not list vehicle space on this service — plan to travel as a foot passenger. If you need to bring a car, check with the operator for alternative crossings.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with Navigazione Laghi, so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Where can I check live sailing times?
The timetable on this page shows the latest published sailings for this route. Always confirm with the operator before travelling, as schedules change seasonally.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated October 5, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Carciano (Stresa) on the map
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