How to get to the Dolomites (plan your trip without stress)

Figuring out how to get to the Dolomites can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re visiting other cities like Milan, Venice, Rome, or Florence along the way. But don’t worry, this guide has you covered!

I’ve been visiting this stunning region since I was a kid and still go back regularly. Since I live in Milan and have a car, I usually drive there—it’s super convenient for exploring the area.

If driving isn’t your thing, no problem! There are plenty of other options, from trains and buses to private transfers or even day trips from cities like Venice or Verona.

In this guide, I’ll break down all the options so you can choose the best way to reach the Dolomites without any stress.

How to get to the Dolomites by plane

Depending where you are, flying might be the fastest way to start your journey to the Dolomites and the closest airport depends on where you’re headed, since the Dolomites are quite a vast region. 

Here are the best options with distances to Selva di Val Gardena and Cortina d’Ampezzo (two of my favorite places to use as a base for exploring the Dolomites): 

Airport	Distance to Val Gardena	Distance to Cortina
Bolzano (BZO)	1 hour	2 hours 15 min
Innsbruck (INN)	2 hours	2 hours 40 min
Verona (VRN)	2 hours 20 min	3 hours
Venice Marco Polo (VCE)	3 hours 10 min	2 hours

You might also consider Milan airports, even though they’re a bit farther: about 4 hours.

Once you land, it’s time to decide how to get around: you can rent a car or use public transport. I recommend renting a car—it’s the easiest way to explore the Dolomites and ideal if you’re planning a road trip. But if you’re sticking to one place, like Val Gardena, buses are a convenient alternative.

Apps and tools for flights

To find and book the cheapest flights, use Omio or WayAway. Both platforms are super easy to use and let you compare prices from your location to airports near the Dolomites so you can book the best (and possibly cheapest) flights.

How to get to the Dolomites by car 

Driving is one of the most convenient ways to get to the Dolomites and probably the best way to explore them once you’re there. 

The roads are always well-maintained and it’s easy to drive around. Plus, having a car means total freedom to go and stop wherever and whenever you want (and trust me, you’ll want to stop a lot for pictures if you’re anything like me).

We usually drive when visiting the Dolomites because we live in Milan, have a car, and travel with our dog. It’s faster, easier, and so much more flexible than public transport. With a car, you won’t have to deal with train or bus schedules, it just gives you so much more freedom to explore at your own pace – for example, starting your hikes as early as you want to avoid the crowds. 

Most importantly, a road trip is an absolute must if it’s your first visit!

Renting a car and useful info about driving in Italy

If you’re flying or taking the train, renting a car is a great option to finish your journey to reach the Dolomites.  It’s best to rent one in the last city you visit before heading to the mountains, like Milan, Verona, Venice, or Bolzano.

I always use Rentalcars.com—it’s super easy to find the best deals and I use it for all our trips.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when driving in Italy:

• Toll Roads (autostrade)
  You’ll likely use toll roads to get to the Dolomites. At the toll barriers, take a ticket when you enter and pay when you exit using cash or card (contactless works too).
• ZTL Zones (limited traffic zones)
  These restricted traffic zones are usually in city centers, even in smaller towns. You can’t drive into them unless you have permission. If your hotel is inside a ZTL, make sure to contact them beforehand for instructions. In most cases, you won’t be able to drive there at all, so it’s best to check in advance.
• Navigation apps
  Google Maps and Waze are your best friends for planning routes. Both apps work well in Italy and provide real-time traffic updates. They’ll automatically adjust your route to avoid delays, so you’ll always take the fastest option.

If you’re planning a summer trip to the Dolomites, driving is a breeze.

In winter, though, you’ll need to be better prepared. Snowy roads and shorter daylight hours can be tricky if you’re not used to them, so here’s what you’ll need:

• Winter tires and chains
  These are required by law in winter (it doesn’t have to be snowy), so make sure your car is equipped. If you’re renting a car, they’ll make sure everything’s ok, don’t worry. 
• Winter diesel (gasolio alpino)
  If your car runs on diesel, you’ll need to fill up with winter diesel in alpine areas. I learned this the hard way when my car froze overnight at -16°C… not exactly the relaxing holiday ending I had in mind! We had to call a tow truck, and let’s just say it wasn’t cheap.
  Most gas stations in the mountains switch to winter diesel starting in late autumn, so you won’t have problems finding it (just avoid any DIY solutions). If you’re driving from other cities at lower altitudes in Italy, it’s a good idea to refuel as soon as you get close to the Dolomites.

How to get to the Dolomites by public transport (train and bus)

Getting to the Dolomites by train alone can be tricky—most places don’t have a train station right next to them. Even so, with a combination of trains and buses, it’s totally possible to reach your destination without much hassle.

If you’re starting your trip from another part of Italy, Venice Mestre train station is a great hub to consider because it’s super easy to reach by train from almost all major cities in Italy.  From there, there are direct buses like the Cortina Express that take you directly to Cortina d’Ampezzo in about 2.5 hours. 

Not heading to Cortina or starting from Venice? No worries! Here are some train stations close to popular spots in the Dolomites:

• For Val Gardena or Alpe di Siusi: Ponte Gardena (30-minute direct bus) or Bressanone (1-hour direct bus).
• For Lake Braies, San Candido, and Dobbiaco: San Candido or Dobbiaco train stations.
• For Cortina d’Ampezzo and Tre Cime: Calalzo-Pieve di Cadore-Cortina (1-hour direct bus to Cortina).

These are small stations, so you’ll probably need to change trains along the way. Don’t worry, though—it’s easy!

Just make sure to leave a little buffer time between connections because Italian trains can sometimes run late. Trust me, as someone who takes them almost daily, it’s better to play it safe ☺️

Apps and tools for train and bus travel 

Traveling without a car takes a bit of extra planning, but it’s absolutely manageable—and the scenery along the way is worth it!

Here are the best tools to help you plan your trip:

• Google Maps: The easiest way to figure out train and bus routes. Just enter your starting point and destination, select public transport, and it’ll do the rest.
• Trainline: My favorite website for booking train tickets, I use it all the time. It combines Trenitalia and Italo schedules (Italy’s national and private train services, including regional and high-speed routes), making it simple to compare prices and times without checking each website. You will also have the tickets directly on the app, so it’s super convenient.
• FlixBus: Perfect for long-distance buses between cities like Rome, Venice, or Bolzano. Booking in advance gets you the best deals.
• Südtirol Mobil: The go-to for local buses in South Tyrol. You can book tickets or passes online here to get to places like Val Gardena from nearby train stations.

How to get to the Dolomites from major cities in Italy

Getting to the Dolomites is easier than you think. Here’s an overview on how to get there from Venice, Milan, Verona, Florence, and Rome.

I always recommend using Google Maps to plan the fastest route—whether by car or public transport—and Trainline to book train tickets. It’s an easy way to make the whole process smoother.

From Venice 

• Driving
  The drive takes about 2–3 hours, depending on where you’re headed in the Dolomites. You can rent a car at the airport or in Mestre near the train station.
  
  Be sure to stop in the Prosecco region around Conegliano! The hills and vineyards are stunning, and as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they’re a must-see. Part of my family lives nearby so I’ve visited every year since I was a kid and I swear, this place never ceases to amaze me!
• Public transport
  Depending on your destination, you might be able to use direct buses or a combination of trains and a bus. 
  For example, if you’re going to Cortina d’Ampezzo, there are several direct buses like this that get you there in about 2.5 hours. If your destination is Val Gardena, you’ll have to take a train to a nearby station like Ponte Gardena and then a bus.
• Private transfers
  This is the most comfortable but also the most expensive option. If you’re looking for convenience and a direct trip without driving yourself, this is a great choice.

From Milan 

• Driving
  Driving from Milan takes about 4–5 hours, depending on your destination. I recommend renting a car at the airport because it’s often cheaper than in the city center. 
  The drive is lovely, and you’ll pass right by Trento and Lake Garda, so plan a stop if you have time, they’re both so worth it! My favorite spots on Lake Garda are Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda, especially in spring and summer.
• Public transport
  Milan has direct trains to Trento, Bolzano, Venice and Belluno, with bus connections to Dolomite towns. It’s slower than driving but can be more budget-friendly. 

From Verona 

• Driving
  A short 2–3-hour drive, depending where you’re going. You can rent a car at Verona Airport or in the city center.  The route takes you near Lake Garda and Trento, both worth a stop if you have time to explore!
• Public transport
  Take a direct train from Verona to Bolzano or Trento, then switch to a bus for Dolomite towns like Selva di Val Gardena. It usually takes around 3–4 hours, including connections. 

From Florence 

• Driving
  Driving takes about 4.5–6 hours. Rent a car at Florence Airport or in the city center. The route passes through Bologna and Verona, so plan a stop if you have time and you have never been there—it’s a fantastic way to break up the trip.
• Public transport
  Trains from Florence connect to Bolzano, Venice, or Trento (via Bologna or Verona), with buses to Dolomite towns. Travel time is around 5–6 hours, including transfers.

From Rome

• Driving
  The drive from Rome is quite long—7 to 9 hours, depending on where you’re going. Rent a car from Rome Fiumicino or Ciampino airports, and plan stops in Florence, Bologna, or Verona along the way. Honestly, unless you’ve already rented a car for your whole trip, I’d recommend taking a train to Bolzano or Venice and renting a car from there instead.
• Public transport
  If you plan to visit the area around Cortina, you can take a direct train from Rome to Venice (3.5 hours), then switch to a bus to the Dolomites (about 2.5 hours). If your destination is Val Gardena or other areas, you can also take a train to Bolzano or Trento via Verona, then connect to a bus.

Visiting the Dolomites as a day trip

Short on time? No problem! You can still experience the magic of the Dolomites with a day trip from Venice, Lake Garda or Verona. 

There are countless guided tours online, but I think these are my top picks. You’ll find options if you love hiking or just explore cute alpine towns. 

All these tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the date and the option to book and pay later, so you can keep your plans flexible. I love Get Your Guide for this feature because it makes budgeting so much easier when I’m planning my trips—you can basically lock in your spot without committing your entire budget upfront.

Dolomites and Lake Braies Day Trip by Minivan

This tour is perfect for hitting some of the Dolomites’ most iconic spots in just one day. You’ll visit Cortina d’Ampezzo, Lake Braies, and stop at Rifugio Auronzo to photograph the famous 3 Cime di Lavaredo. If you’re into photography or just love incredible views without hiking too much, this tour is a dream come true.

Dolomites and Prosecco Hills Day Trip with Wine

If you love combining breathtaking landscapes with a glass of wine, this tour is for you. You’ll stop at Santa Croce Lake (Alpago) for photos, take a break in Pieve di Cadore, and then visit Auronzo Lake and Lake Misurina. The tour also includes a scenic drive through the Prosecco region near Vittorio Veneto and Valdobbiadene.

I visit the Prosecco Hills every year, and they never disappoint. It’s honestly one of my absolute favorite areas in Italy. The rolling vineyards are stunning, especially at sunset, and the wine tasting included in this tour is just the cherry on top! 

The Best of Dolomites 3Cime and Refuges

This tour is for the hikers!  You’ll get to trek the 3 Cime di Lavaredo, and visit 3 rifugio in one day. 

It’s one of the most famous and beautiful hikes in the Dolomites. I’ve done the hike myself, and while it’s not too difficult, you’ll need a reasonable level of fitness. 

The views are jaw-dropping, and it’s 100% worth the effort. If you love being active and outdoors, this tour is a must.

Dolomites Full-Day Tour from Lake Garda or from Verona 

Dolomites Full-Day Tour from Lake Garda or from Verona 

If you’re starting from Lake Garda (there are several starting points like Sirmione, Desenzano del Garda, Lazise…) or from Verona, this tour has you covered. 

You’ll visit charming towns like Moena or Cavalese, drive through the breathtaking Pordoi Pass, and take in views of the Marmolada, Sella, and Catinaccio peaks.

In the afternoon, you’ll stop at Ortisei, a cute alpine town in Val Gardena, famous for its beautiful wooden buildings and traditional wood carvings. 

This tour is the perfect balance of stunning scenery, nature and local culture.

FAQs

In conclusion

So, if you’ve made it this far, you now know there are plenty of ways to get to the Dolomites. The best option depends on your travel style and where you’re staying. 

Driving offers the most flexibility for exploring at your own pace, while trains and buses work well if you prefer not to drive—just keep in mind you’ll likely need to combine both.

Still planning? Check out my other posts about the Dolomites, like the best time to visit, the top things to do and best places to stay in the Dolomites.  

And if you’re unsure about the best way to reach the Dolomites, I’d love to help with a custom travel plan to make your adventure stress-free and unforgettable. Feel free to reach out!