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, with 4 sailings a day between 08:30 and 17:25. It is operated by Navigazione Laghi.
- First sailing
- 08:30
- Last sailing
- 17:25
- Sailings / day
- 4
- Crossing
- 30m
Carciano (Stresa) to Isola Madre ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30 | 09:00 | 30m | Navigazione Laghi | Daily |
| 12:15 | 12:45 | 30m | Navigazione Laghi | Daily |
| 13:20 | 13:50 | 30m | Navigazione Laghi | Daily |
| 17:25 | 17:55 | 30m | Navigazione Laghi | Daily |
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.
How many ferries run each day?
There are 4 daily departures, with the first at 08:30 and the last at 17:25.
What time are the first and last sailings?
The first sailing currently departs at 08:30 and the last leaves at 17:25. Departure times vary by day and season — check the timetable above for the exact sailing you need.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A day trip is often possible: with a crossing of about 30m and several sailings a day (first 08:30, last 17:25), you can return the same day. Always check the return timetable before you go.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings run daily, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
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.
Continue your journey
Onward sailings from Isola Madre
Plan a multi-leg trip — these ferries depart Isola Madre.
Same departure port
More ferries from Carciano (Stresa)
Everything else that sails from the same quay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Carciano (Stresa) or Isola Madre
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid Mar 29, 2026 – Oct 4, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 12, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Carciano (Stresa) on the map
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