You’re ready to plan your dream trip — soaring peaks, Alpine meadows, a suitcase packed with fleece and fantasy. But before the mountain magic begins, there’s one tiny detail standing between you and your golden larch moment: how in the actual hell do you get to the Dolomites?

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Italy’s most iconic mountain region is also one of its most confusing to reach — as you’ll know if you’ve got tabs open for Milan, Venice, Bolzano, and some random German airport that’s allegedly “only” a four-hour drive away.

The Dolomites are not exactly “fly in, grab a spritz, stroll to your hotel” travel. They’re a little wild, a little remote, and frustratingly lacking in direct routes — but absolutely worth the effort. Whether you’re dreaming of road tripping through jagged peaks, hiking past storybook rifugi, or just taking photos that scream I peaked here, getting there is the first (and surprisingly confusing) step.

And if you’ve ever looked up flights to Bolzano and thought, “€900 return?? Surely not” — you’re not alone.

This guide is for the mildly panicked woman in hour two of travel research, wondering if she needs a rental car, what airport won’t ruin her soul, and whether she’s about to book the wrong end of the mountains entirely.

In this post, I’ll walk you through:

➔ The best airport for Dolomites access (spoiler: not actually Venice)
➔ Train + bus routes – riddles decoded
➔ When to hire a car (and when to absolutely not)
➔ How to choose your base depending on how you arrive
➔ And a special shout-out for my Aussie folk wondering why the fuck it costs 2 grand just to get to Milan

Let’s get you to the good stuff — without needing a spreadsheet, a prayer, and a PhD in European transport logistics.

The features in this post were hand-selected by an obsessive travel nerd with strong opinions who doesn’t gatekeep good shit (hi, that’s me). Some of them are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my work and the occasional wine along the way – Cat.

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Where Are the Dolomites (And Why Does Everyone Pretend That’s Obvious)?

The Dolomites are not a single destination. They’re a sprawling mountain range in the northeast of Italy, stretching across two main provinces — South Tyrol (Alto Adige) and Trentino — with a little overlap into Belluno in the Veneto region.

They’re about 2–3 hours north of Venice by car, a similar distance from Innsbruck (Austria), and roughly four hours from Milan. But because they’re mountains, not cities, you’re not heading to “The Dolomites” so much as picking a valley, a town, or a hiking trail and using that as your home base.

Think of it like this:
➤ Want iconic views like Seceda and Alpe di Siusi? You’ll want Val Gardena
➤ Chasing Croda da Lago or Lago di Sorapis? That’s Cortina d’Ampezzo
➤ Dreaming of church steeples and larch forests? Welcome to Val di Funes
➤ Planning a hut-to-hut hike or a road trip? You’ll want to move between regions

Where the hell should you stay?
⤷ Here’s my guide to Dolomites regions and my top hotel picks!

This is why so many first-timers get stuck — “the Dolomites” is shorthand for 15+ possible destinations, and Google Maps isn’t great at deciphering “vibes-led decision making.” So I’m here to help you not start your trip crying in a rental car line.

Still overwhelmed? Here’s a visual guide to help you see where everything actually is. I’ve pinned the best airports, main towns, and public transport hubs.

Best Airports for the Dolomites (And Which Ones to Avoid Unless You Hate Yourself)

There’s no such thing as a “Dolomites Airport.” I know. Rude.

What you’ll find instead are a handful of airports that put you within striking distance of the mountains — from there you’ll drive, take a train, or board what feels like a bus organised by a sentient crossword puzzle.

Some airports make this easy. Others? About as smooth as hiking in stilettos.

Here’s how it breaks down:

➤ Venice Marco Polo (VCE) – the best all-rounder.
It’s a major international airport, with loads of connections and decent rental car options. Close-ish (2–3 hrs by car to Cortina or Val Gardena), trains run frequently to Belluno or Bolzano, and the drive into the Dolomites is chef’s kiss.
→ Great option if you’re combining Venice with the mountains

➔ If you’re arriving late or need a night to reset before hitting the mountains, this Venice airport hotel is actually nice — clean, quiet, and only 5 minutes from arrivals

➤ Innsbruck (INN)
Tiny Austrian airport that punches well above its weight. Perfect if you’re heading to the northern Dolomites – Val Gardena, Val di Funes or the Puster Valley. The drive is stunning, the airport is small but efficient, and you can be on a hiking trail in 1.5–2 hours.
→ Great option for a cheeky detour via Olpererhuette

➔ Innsbruck’s so efficient that if your flight lands early, you can be in the mountains before lunch. But if you’re jetlagged or travelling long-haul, I’d crash at this airport hotel and start fresh in the morning.

➤ Verona (VRN)
A bit further (3–4 hrs), but still very doable. You’ll get fewer crowds and might snag better car hire rates than Venice or Milan. Great if you’re adding in Lake Garda or want a slightly less touristy gateway.
→ The low-key MVP for central access and road tripping south to north.

➤ Milan (MXP/LIN/BGY)
Feasible, but not ideal unless you’re already in Milan or adding it to your Italy itinerary. Expect 4–5 hours of driving, and yes — parts of the autostrada will make you question your life choices.
→ Book only if the flights are wildly cheaper or you’ve got time to spare.

➤ Rome, Bologna, Florence
Only if you hate joy. Yes, they’re major hubs. No, they’re not even close. You’ll be looking at full-day journeys with multiple connections or very long drives.
→ Trust me: save them for your “Roman Holiday” fantasy, not your hiking one.

➤ Bolzano (BZO) technically exists, but you’ll often pay double (or triple) for the convenience — and flights are limited. It’s amazing if you live in Munich or happen to be royalty (honoured you’re reading this tbh). Otherwise, skip it.

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A Quick Note for My Aussie Ladies (or Anyone Booking from Down Under)

If you’re reading this from Sydney, Melbourne, or anywhere else that involves 24+ hours on a plane, a layover, and an existential crisis — breathe. I’ve been there. I am you. I, too, have cried into my fourth espresso at Dubai airport wondering how this trip turned into a mortgage application.

Here’s what helps:
➔ Stop looking for flights to Bolzano. It’s tiny. It hates you. Let it go.
➔ Look for the best deal into Europe overall — Rome, Milan, Munich, Zurich, Frankfurt, even Heathrow. Then book a separate Euro flight into Venice, Verona, or Innsbruck, depending on your final destination.
➔ Doing a stopover in Singapore, Dubai or Doha? You don’t have to fly straight into Venice. It’s often cheaper to fly into another major hub like Munich, Zurich or Rome, then book a separate short flight to Venice, Verona or Innsbruck — whichever lines up best with your first Dolomites base.

Yes, it’s fiddly. No, it’s not always logical. But the Dolomites are 100% worth the multi-tab routing madness.

Still overwhelmed? Start with my Dolomites guide — it’ll help you choose your base so you can work backwards.

Do You Really Need a Car to Visit the Dolomites?

Need? No. Want? Yes. Unless you’re doing a guided tour, staying in one place, or possess the patience of a saint.

The Dolomites are wild and wonderful, but they are not built for seamless public transport between valleys. Want to visit Seceda and Lago di Braies and Croda da Lago in one trip? Without a car, that’s three apps, two PDFs, and a meltdown at a bus station later.

A rental car gives you the flexibility to chase light, chase weather, or chase cheese-laden mountain huts at your own pace. And if you’re a photographer, trust me — being able to pull over when the mist hits a meadow just right is non-negotiable.

➔ I use Discover Cars for almost every trip, wherever I am in the world. It’s the least painful rental experience I’ve found, and yes, I check 17 tabs before booking anything.

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The Pros of Having a Car in the Dolomites

✔️ Total freedom: Detour down that scenic road. Hit that sunrise trailhead. Stay somewhere quiet and wild.
✔️ Better access to off-the-beaten-path towns, trailheads, and lakes
✔️ No dragging bags onto crowded buses or trying to decipher train announcements in three languages
✔️ You control the playlist. And the snack stops.

The Cons (Because Let’s Be Honest)

✖️ Toll roads and mountain passes can be disconcerting if you’re not used to them
✖️ Some towns have ZTL zones (aka restricted access + guaranteed fine)
✖️ Parking at some locations requires spreadsheets, apps and a PhD (or just my blog)
✖️ Petrol stations are often closed at random times (and on Sundays). I’m not joking. Plan accordingly.

If you’re still unsure, ask yourself: Do I want to explore multiple valleys, hit sunrise hikes, and avoid getting stranded in a tiny town with no taxis? If yes, get the car.

If you’re doing the Dolomites as part of a longer European trip and don’t want the hassle of having a rental car for the rest of it, a great option is public transport to Bolzano and renting a car there for your Dolomites stint.

Getting to the Dolomites on Public Transport

Yes! It can be done. Whether you’ll enjoy it is another matter entirely.

So, you’re skipping the car. Maybe you’re a nervous driver, travelling solo, or just not vibing with €90/day rental quotes and Italian parking anxiety. Valid. Deeply valid.

So, the good news? You can reach the Dolomites by public transport. The less-good news? It takes longer, requires a bit more planning, and some routes feel like they were designed by a committee that hates convenience.

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TOP TIP | Unless you’ve got a rental car or a thing for multi-transfer days, I’d stick to one base from each airport. Venice? Cortina. Innsbruck? Val Gardena. Your mental health will thank you.

If you’re planning to base yourself in Val Gardena, Cortina d’Ampezzo, or around Bolzano, then buses and/or trains will absolutely work (with a little patience and a few transfers).

Here’s how to make it not suck:

How to Get From Venice to the Dolomites

Venice to Cortina d’Ampezzo (The Sensible Option)

Best for:
→ Hiking Lago di Sorapis, Tre Cime, or Croda da Lago.
→ Staying in Cortina d’Ampezzo as a single base
→ Ski trips or summer wellness escapes

Travel time: 2.5-3.5 hours

Options:
➤ From the airport: Cortina Express is your best friend
➤ From Venice city: Bus from Piazzale Roma
➤ Train? Only if you’re collecting travel hiccups like Pokémon

From Venice Marco Polo Airport:
The easiest, most chaos-free option is to jump on the Cortina Express. It runs daily in peak season, takes around 2.5 hours, and drops you right in the heart of Cortina. Just book ahead, especially in summer.

From Venice Piazzale Roma:
If you’re staying a night or two in Venice proper, you’ve also got solid options with ATVO or FlixBus — expect a 2.5 to 3-hour trip depending on the day and traffic. Bring snacks. Maybe a podcast. Definitely not a full bladder.

Can you take the train? Technically, yes — you’ll ride up to Calalzo di Cadore, then transfer to a bus for the final leg. But unless you have a thing for unnecessarily complicated travel days, I’d skip it. It takes longer, costs more, and requires psychic-level coordination with bus timetables.

Venice to Ortisei (For Masochists)

Best for:
→ Accessing Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, Col Raiser, or Rasciesa
→ Staying in Ortisei, Selva di Val Gardena, or Santa Cristina
→ Photography + short day hikes from a home base

Travel time: 5-6+ hours (not a typo)

Look, I’m not saying it’s impossible. I’m just saying it’s a logistical hellscape. If you’re flying into Venice and want to go to Ortisei via public transport, brace yourself for three different connections, 4 to 6 hours of travel time, and a slow, creeping sense of “maybe I should’ve just flown into Innsbruck.”

But fine. Here’s how you do it:
➤ From Venice Airport, take a bus or taxi to Mestre station (20–30 mins)
➤ Catch a train from Mestre to Bolzano — expect at least one or two changes (usually Verona or Trento)
➤ In Bolzano, hop on the SAD 350 bus to Ortisei (runs hourly-ish, takes around 1 hour)

If all connections align perfectly, you might get away with 5 hours. If they don’t? Welcome to your entire day.

To reiterate: This is only recommended if you’re staying in Ortisei for multiple nights and truly allergic to renting a car. Otherwise, fly into Innsbruck or consider basing yourself in Cortina instead.

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How to Get from Innsbruck to the Dolomites

Innsbruck to Val Gardena (The Correct Choice)

Best for:
→ Accessing Val di Funes, Seceda, or Alta Badia
→ Staying in Ortisei, Selva di Val Gardena, or Santa Cristina
→ A base with great bus access and endless day hikes

Travel time: 2.5-3.5 hours

This is hands-down the best public transport option for reaching Val Gardena, and my top pick if you’re not hiring a car.

Here’s how to do it:
➤ From Innsbruck Airport, take the F bus to the main train station — it runs every 10–15 minutes and takes about 20 minutes
➤ Hop on a train from Innsbruck to Waidbruck / Ponte Gardena or Chiusa / Klausen — both options take about 1.5 hours
➤ Take the SAD bus from either station to Ortisei — buses run fairly often and take about 30–40 minutes

Want to skip the stress? You can also book a private transfer from Innsbruck Airport straight to your hotel — especially worth it if you’re arriving late or just can’t be bothered wrangling train timetables after a long-haul flight.

Innsbruck to Cortina d’Ampezzo (For the Truly Committed)

Best for:
→ Chasing Tre Cime, Lago di Sorapis, or Croda da Lago from the wrong side
→ Crossing Austria and Italy in one swoop
→ Absolute fools legends with time, patience, and ironclad bladder control

Travel time: 5+ hours (and that’s if you don’t get stuck behind a tractor on a mountain pass)

Let’s be clear: this is not a sensible route. Innsbruck is ideal for Val Gardena, Val di Funes and Alta Pusteria. Cortina is… not that. It’s on the opposite side of the mountains, and while the journey can be stunning, it’s also a total circus.

Anyway, here you are, so here’s how to make it happen:
➤ From Innsbruck Airport, take the F bus to the main train station — it runs every 10–15 minutes and takes about 20 minutes
➤ Either take a combination of buses (3-4) or trains and buses (4-5) via Fortezza/Franzensfeste or Bressanone/Brixen, changing again at Dobbiaco/Toblach before finally rolling into Cortina in dire need of a stiff drink.

It’s doable. In the same way that hiking in Birkenstocks is doable. I just don’t recommend either.

Starting to rethink your no-car strategy? You’re not alone
⤷ Book your rental car here (the only site I actually trust)

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How to Get from Munich to the Dolomites (Random, but not Impossible)

This is a really beautiful way of experiencing German train efficiency followed immediately by Italian “good luck!” energy.

In essence, you’ll take a short 30 minute train ride from the International Airport to Munich Ost train station. From there you’ll board the same train that heads through Innsbruck. So, if you read that section (above), you’ll be in full possession of the knowledge that Ortesei = good, Cortina = bad. For this route. Not in general.

The train from Munich to Innsbruck is 2 hours, so you’re looking at about 4.5-5.5 hours total from Munich to Ortesei.

How to Get from Milan to the Dolomites

If you’re flying into Milan and thinking, “It can’t be that far, right?” — I need you to pour a wine, zoom out on the map, and sit with that thought for a moment.

This is one of the longest and least sensible routes into the Dolomites — unless you’re combining it with other parts of Italy (Verona, Lake Garda, etc.) or flights were dirt cheap and you’re already committed. It’s an even worse idea than that Venice to Cortina idea I mocked you for earlier. And that’s saying something.

Here’s what you’re in for:
➤ From Milan Malpensa, take the train to Milano (Porta Garibaldi or Centrale) (about 50 mins).
➤ Then board a train to Bolzano — you’ll often transfer in Verona. Expect around 4.5 to 5.5 hours.
➤ At Bolzano, grab a local SAD bus to Ortisei (roughly 1 more hour).

Total travel time? Anywhere from 6 to 8 hours, depending on your luck, connections, and tolerance for regional train chaos. It’s a long day.

You can do it — but I wouldn’t. Unless you’re stopping in Verona overnight or have the stoic patience of a mountain goat.

What works best?
✔️ If you’re going just to one region like Val Gardena or Cortina, public transport works.
✖️ If you want to move around the mountains, hit lots of trailheads, or chase sunrises? Rent the car.

Routes to the Dolomites from Major Cities

aka: a reality check for every dream itinerary

Whether you’re flying into a hub city, tacking on the Dolomites to a bigger Italy trip, or just making peace with the fact that your budget flight dropped you in the wrong place, here’s how to actually get to the mountains from some of the most common starting points.

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From Innsbruck

Time:
→ 2 hours to Ortesei by car
→ 3 hours to Cortina by car
→ 2.5–5+ hours by train/bus

Real talk: Tiny airport, tidy roads, and the chance to drink Austrian wine with your mountain views. What’s not to love? Innsbruck is actually the best entry point for the Dolomites, especially Val Gardena, Val di Funes, and Alta Pusteria — and perfect for a Northern Dolomites based trip.

From Venice

Time:
→ 2 hours to Cortina by car
→ 3.5 hours to Ortesei by car
→ 2.5–6+ hours by train/bus

Real talk: Venice is a very sensible entry point for most Dolomites adventures — scenic drives, easy onward travel, and Aperol access at both ends. Best for a Cortina-based itinerary or a classic east-to-west road trip.

From Milan (MXP, LIN or BGY)

Time:
→ 3.5-4.5 hours to Ortesei by car
→ 4.5-5.5 hours to Cortina by car
→ 6+ hours by train/bus

Real talk: You can do it. But unless you’re tacking on Lake Como, it’s a slog. Milan is where travel dreams go to spend 2 hours at a rental desk waiting for your name to be mispronounced. Speaking of which, here’s how I rent a car in Italy without losing my mind.

From Munich

Time:
→ 4–5 hours by car
→ 4.5+ hours by train/bus

Real talk: Surprisingly doable. Also kind of a vibe if you want to combine Bavarian castles and Italian peaks in the same trip. Watch out for traffic in summer and ski season weekends. It’s best for starting your Dolomites trip in Val di Funes or Ortisei.

From Rome

Time: 7+ hours by train/car
Best for: People with time, determination, and a playlist of mountain-themed Italian bangers

Real talk: I love Rome. I do. But don’t let your ancient ruins moment derail your hiking plans. This isn’t the jump-off point you want unless you’re on a 3-month cross-country epic. In which case, I’ll just quietly seethe with jealousy.

What No One Tells You About Getting to the Dolomites

Getting to the Dolomites might look easy on Google Maps — just a few hours’ drive from Venice or Innsbruck, right? What those maps don’t show is the real-life terrain: winding passes, seasonal closures, baffling toll booths, and petrol stations that apparently hate Sundays.

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Here’s what most travel blogs gloss over:

➔ Mountain passes aren’t open all year.
Some of the most scenic routes — like Passo Giau, Passo Sella, or Passo Gardena — are closed in winter (roughly November to April). Even in early summer, snow can linger and roads may reopen later than expected. Always check road status before relying on a shortcut.

➔ Tolls add up — and they’re not always obvious.
Italian highways (the autostrade) charge tolls via tickets or auto-pay machines. Expect to pay €15–25 between major cities and mountain towns — bring cash or a card that actually works at the machine, which is not a guarantee (hello, card decline panic at the gate). Bonus: some passes like the Tre Cime toll road or Val di Funes entry road also charge access fees, and they’re steep. Plan ahead.

➔ Petrol stations close. Yes, really.
If you’re arriving late in the day — or on a Sunday — many rural petrol stations shut completely or only accept local payment cards. Don’t push your fuel gauge in the mountains. Fill up before heading into the smaller towns.

➔ Parking isn’t always a given.
Especially in Cortina, Ortisei, or Santa Maddalena, parking is limited and often requires cash, an app, or divine intervention. If you’re renting a car, double-check whether your accommodation offers free parking — or whether you’re about to add €20/day to your “quiet mountain escape.”

➔ Shoulder season = empty valleys.
We’re talking late October, November, April, early May — the infamous dead zones. Cable cars? Closed. Rifugi? Shuttered. Bus timetables? What bus timetables? If you’re travelling in these months, check my Best Time to Visit the Dolomites guide and prepare to plan carefully — or rethink your timing.

➔ Winter? Beautiful, but bring snow chains.
If you’re renting a car in December–March, check whether it’s equipped with winter tyres and snow chains (Italian law may require them on certain roads). You don’t want to be the reason traffic backs up on a pass — or the one stuck behind someone else who is.

Want to Road Trip the Dolomites?

The Dolomites aren’t just somewhere you go — they’re something you drive through, slowly, with the windows down, screaming “LOOK AT THAT” every three minutes and pulling over more than is strictly sensible. And the best way to do that? Build your own road trip.

If you want sunrise hikes in Val Gardena, autumn gold in Val di Funes, dreamy lakes near Cortina, and a spa night in San Cassiano — yep, you’re gonna need a car.

➔ The classic east-to-west loop: Venice ➝ Cortina ➝ Alta Badia ➝ Val Gardena ➝ Alpe di Siusi ➝ Bolzano (Perfect for a weeklong trip with killer photo stops, epic hikes, and the occasional strudel.)

➔ Start with this guide: Build Your Own Dolomites Road Trip — it breaks down the regions, where to base yourself, and how to string it all together like the overachieving travel genius you are.

FAQ: How to Get to the Dolomites

Final Thoughts: How to Get to the Dolomites

Getting to the Dolomites isn’t always straightforward — but that’s kind of the point. These aren’t drive-up, wander-around, “oh cute” mountains. They’re wild and rugged and frustrating and glorious. The kind of place that makes you earn your adventure.

Whether you’re flying, training, busing, or bribing your travel partner to do all the driving — I promise, the effort is worth it. Those jagged peaks? The golden larch valleys? The strudel at sunrise after a panic-routed road-closure adventure? Pure magic.

Take a deep breath, pick your base, and book the flight (even if it’s not the perfect one). You’ll figure out the rest — and I’ve got a whole blog full of help when you do.

Cat x

Love this guide?
➔ Save it for later so you don’t end up panic-Googling “how the fuck do I get to the Dolomites” in an airport queue
➔ Share it with your planning-obsessed bestie or that friend who keeps saying “Let’s go to Italy!”
➔ Comment below or DM me on Instagram if you’ve got a question, a hot tip, or just want to scream about Italian transport together