How to Get to the Dolomites: A Complete Guide
The Dolomites, known for their stunning jagged peaks, scenic alpine meadows, and charming villages, are one of Europe’s most picturesque mountain ranges. Whether you’re coming for skiing, hiking, or simply to soak in the views, planning your trip starts with figuring out the best way to get there. Here’s everything you need to know, from the closest airports to transportation options, main towns to stay in, and nearby attractions.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Closest Airports to the Dolomites
The Dolomites don’t have a major airport of their own, so travelers typically fly into one of the nearby airports in northern Italy or southern Austria. Here are the most convenient options:
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Italy: Approximately a 2-3 hour drive from the Dolomites, Venice is a popular starting point with good international connections.
Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN), Italy: A bit farther from the Dolomites, but still within a 2-3 hour drive, this airport is a good alternative, especially if you’re traveling from other parts of Europe.
Treviso Airport (TSF), Italy: A smaller airport near Venice, mostly for budget airlines, and around a 2.5-hour drive from the Dolomites.
Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), Italy: If you're finding better connections or prices here, note it’s a 4-5 hour drive to the Dolomites, making it suitable for longer trips or extended itineraries.
Innsbruck Airport (INN), Austria: About a 2-hour drive from the northern Dolomites, Innsbruck is especially convenient if you plan to stay in areas like Val Gardena or the Sesto Dolomites.
We recommend renting a car from the airport and driving to your base in the Dolomites. To find and book car rentals in Italy or Austria, we recommend using Discovercars.com reservation platform. This user-friendly tool compares offers from over 500 trusted providers, helping you choose the best option for your trip. Explore car rental rates here.
Getting to the Dolomites: Public Transportation Options
Once you’ve arrived at one of the airports, there are several public transportation options to reach the Dolomites. Here’s a breakdown for each airport:
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
Train
From Venice Marco Polo Airport: Take the bus (ACTV or ATVO) to Venezia Mestre train station (about 20-30 minutes). Then, take a train to Belluno (2-2.5 hours by train), then a Dolomiti Bus to Cortina d’Ampezzo (1-1.5 hours). If heading to other destinations like Val Gardena, Ortisei, or Selva, take a train from Mestre to Bolzano (about 3 hours) and then catch a bus from Bolzano to these towns.
Direct Shuttle from Venice
From Venice, take the Cortina Express Shuttle bus or FlixBus to Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Direct Shuttle from the airport
In peak seasons, Cortina Express 101 and FlixBus offer direct shuttles from Venice Marco Polo to Cortina d’Ampezzo. You can also book a single or round trip coach that runs daily from 6am to 1am with GetYourGuide.
Book a private transfer
Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN)
Train
From Verona Airport, take the Aerobus to Verona Porta Nuova train station (about 15 minutes). From there, take a train to Bolzano (1.5-2 hours), then a regional bus to Ortisei, Selva, or Val Gardena. For Cortina d’Ampezzo, take a train to Calalzo di Cadore via Padua, then a Dolomiti Bus to Cortina.
Direct Shuttle
FlixBus offers direct connections from Verona to Dolomite towns during winter and summer.
Treviso Airport (TSF)
Train
Take the ACTT No. 6 bus to Treviso Centrale train station (10-15 minutes). Then, take a train to Belluno (1-1.5 hours), then a Dolomiti Bus to Cortina (about 1.5 hours). Alternatively, take a train from Treviso to Bolzano or Bressanone for other Dolomite destinations.
Direct Shuttle: Seasonal shuttles like Cortina Express run from Treviso to Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Train
Take the Orio Shuttle bus to Milano Centrale train station (about 1 hour). Then, take a train to Bolzano or Bressanone (3-4 hours). Once in Bolzano or Brixen, take a bus to Val Gardena, Ortisei, or Selva.
Direct Shuttle: FlixBus operates direct routes from Bergamo to Bolzano during peak travel times.
Train
Take a bus from Innsbruck Airport to Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof (main train station) (about 20 minutes). From Innsbruck, take an ÖBB train to Fortezza/Franzensfeste in Italy (about 1.5 hours). From Fortezza, take a train to Bressanone/Brixen or Bolzano, then a bus to Ortisei, Selva, or Val Gardena.
Direct Shuttle
Südtirol Transfer and seasonal shuttle services connect Innsbruck Airport to Dolomite towns, which is ideal for peak seasons.
Using public transport requires some planning and connections but provides a scenic and enjoyable way to reach the Dolomites.
Main Towns to Stay in the Dolomites
The Dolomites are made up of several valleys and regions, each with its own distinct charm and attractions. Here are some of the best towns and villages to consider as your base:
1. Cortina d’Ampezzo
Known as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” Cortina is one of the most famous and luxurious towns, with high-end shopping, top ski resorts, and breathtaking surroundings. It’s a great base for skiing in winter and hiking or climbing in the summer. Nearby attractions include the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, a stunning set of three limestone peaks, and Lago di Sorapis, a mesmerizing turquoise lake.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks): About 30 minutes by car or accessible via a shuttle in summer. These iconic peaks offer a memorable hike and incredible views, making them one of the most famous landmarks in the Dolomites. Checkout my Tre Cime guide for more planning tips.
Lago di Sorapis: A turquoise lake reached by a challenging yet rewarding hike. Known for its striking color and glacial origins, it’s a must-see for those up for a 2-hour trek.
Cinque Torri (Five Towers): This rock formation, ideal for climbers, offers numerous hiking trails and World War I historical sites, with trenches and tunnels to explore.
Faloria Cable Car: Take this lift from the center of Cortina for panoramic views and access to hiking trails in the summer or skiing slopes in winter.
2. Ortisei (St. Ulrich) in Val Gardena
Seceda Ridge: Accessible by cable car from Ortisei, this ridge provides some of the most dramatic cliffside views in the Dolomites, ideal for hiking and photography.
Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm): A short drive or bus ride from Ortisei, Alpe di Siusi is Europe’s largest alpine meadow, perfect for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.
Church of St. Jacob: A picturesque 12th-century church above Ortisei, known for its beautiful views and traditional frescoes, accessible by a short hike.
Val Gardena Woodcarving Museum: A great place to learn about the region’s historic woodcarving tradition, with exhibits showcasing local craftsmanship.
3. Selva di Val Gardena
Sella Pass and Passo Gardena: Two stunning mountain passes near Selva with sweeping views and scenic drives, ideal for cycling and photography in summer or skiing access in winter.
Sassolungo and Sasso Piatto: These impressive mountain formations are accessible via hiking trails from Selva, with beautiful views and moderate to challenging hikes.
Puez-Odle Nature Park: This nearby nature reserve offers breathtaking landscapes, especially the Odle peaks, and a network of trails ideal for day hikes.
4. Bolzano
South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology: Home to the famous Ötzi the Iceman, this museum offers fascinating insights into prehistoric life in the Alps.
Runkelstein Castle: A beautifully preserved medieval castle with historic frescoes and panoramic views, located a short bus ride or drive from Bolzano.
Mendel Pass: This scenic mountain pass is accessible by cable car from nearby Caldaro and offers great hiking opportunities and views over Bolzano and beyond.
Lago di Caldaro (Lake Kaltern): A warm alpine lake with beaches, picnic spots, and water activities, perfect for a relaxing day trip from Bolzano.
5. San Martino di Castrozza
Pale di San Martino Range: Known for its jagged peaks, this mountain range offers hiking trails in summer and is part of the Dolomiti Superski area in winter.
Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino Natural Park: A protected area famous for its scenic trails, wildlife (including deer), and the Violin Forest, known for its high-quality resonance wood.
Passo Rolle: A scenic mountain pass with incredible views of the Pale di San Martino peaks, especially during sunset, and great for winter sports or summer hiking.
Rosetta Cable Car: This cable car takes visitors to the Rosetta Plateau, providing easy access to high-altitude hikes and impressive views over the Dolomites.
6. Alleghe
Lago di Alleghe: A beautiful lake surrounded by mountains, ideal for relaxing by the water, renting boats, or enjoying scenic lakeside trails.
Monte Civetta: One of the most famous mountains in the Dolomites, offering excellent climbing routes, hiking trails, and skiing in the Civetta Ski Area.
Civetta Adventure Park: A family-friendly park near Alleghe with treetop courses, zip lines, and other outdoor activities for children and adults.
Serrai di Sottoguda: A nearby gorge with waterfalls and towering rock walls, accessible via a scenic trail and popular for ice climbing in winter.
Please note that some links on Indescribable Moments are affiliate links.
