Not sure how to get to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo? Whether you’re driving, busing or hiking your way through the Dolomites, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Updated: June 2025
Dreaming of running away from your spreadsheet-ridden reality to the wild beauty of the Dolomites? Yeah, same. And, let me tell you, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo are worth the daydream!
The first time I visited the Dolomites, I’d done months of research (I’m That Girl™), but still ended up wildly confused. How to get there, where to park, whether I’d need cash or a sherpa – it all felt like cracking some kind of encrypted hiker’s code.
Flashback to my first visit to Tre Cime: autumn, closed rifuigi, locked hotels, and me parked overnight in a Russian van at the parking lot of Chalet Lago Antorno. Glamorous? Not remotely. But it was the perfect way to figure out the logistics the hard way — so now you don’t have to.
Since then, I’ve returned to Tre Cime in every season and just about every style: driving, hiking, chauffeur-driven, sleeping in rifugi, and sipping espresso macchiatos in mountain huts with views that would make a grown woman cry. I’ve seen the best (and worst) ways to plan a visit — and I’m here to spill all of it.
This is your no-nonsense guide to getting to Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
Whether you’re hiking in, rolling up in a rental, or catching the shuttle from Misurina, I’ve got you covered with real talk, current prices, and route options — minus the fluff, filters, or passive-aggressive travel forums.
Let’s get you to the top with minimal stress and maximum wow. Here’s everything you need to know.
HOW TO GET TO TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO
Cheapest & Greenest: Hiking
Quickest & Easiest: Self-drive
Best Value: Bus from Misurina with free parking
- How Get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo – the problem
- Getting to Tre Cime di Lavaredo by car or van
- Car Rental in the Dolomites
- Getting to Tre Cime di Lavaredo by public transport
- Getting to Tre Cime di Lavaredo on foot
- How much does the Tre Cime Toll Road Cost? Price vs Time
- Essential Dolomites Travel Information
- How to get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo Final Thoughts
- Planning A Trip To the Dolomites?
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.
How Get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo – the problem
The Dolomites are made for road tripping – dramatic landscapes, tiny villages, mountain passes that practically beg for a Spotify playlist. And let’s be honest, that’s how most of you will be getting around.
The issue with getting to Tre Cime di Lavaredo is that it isn’t just a “pull over and park” kind of deal. Vehicle access is restricted to a toll road, and it’s not cheap. The region’s not really built for the summer traffic chaos, so they’ve introduced the toll to reduce congestion and encourage visitors to use public transport, which, to be fair, is pretty solid during hiking season.
Outside of those golden summer months, though? It’s a different game. In spring and autumn, if you’re not hiking in, driving yourself, or getting a lift from some legend, you’re out of luck.
Getting to Tre Cime di Lavaredo by car or van
I 100% recommend taking a road trip through the Dolomites, especially outside the peak summer months. It’s hands down the easiest way to explore the best that the Dolomites has to offer. However, getting to Tre Cime using your own vehicle is becoming more expensive and time-consuming. Here’s the low-down.
Here’s how far Tre Cime is from nearby towns:
- Cortina d’Ampezzo | 23 km, 40 mins
- Dobbiaco/Toblach | 23.6kms, 45 mins
- Sesto/Sexten | 38.3kms, 50 mins
- Bolzano/Bozen | 152km, 2.5 hours
To get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo/Drei Zinnen by car, follow the SS49 road towards Misurina, then take the toll road towards Rifugio Auronzo just north of Misurina.
After about 1 kilometre, you’ll hit a small toll plaza with limited roadside parking (maybe 10-15 spots). As of 2025, this is where your car number plate will be checked to ensure that you have a valid booking for a parking spot up at Rifugio Auronzo.
Tre Cime Toll Road Cost & Access
DON’T GET CAUGHT OUT | As of summer 2025, a new pre-reservation parking system is in place. Here’s the TL:DR
– you MUST book in advance (a bit shit for last-minute decision-makers)
– your parking fee only covers 12 hours (longer stays require back-to-back reservations)
– parking fees have increased to €40/12h for cars or small campers (I KNOW)
– overstay without a booking and you’ll pay a full 24h penalty ie €80 on top of the €40 you’ve already paid
– online reservations currently appear to open in a staggered fashion around 25 days in advance and can be purchased here.
Parking at Tre Cime di Lavaredo
The car park at Rifugio Auronzo is big — but not that big. In high season (especially weekends in August), it fills up fast. With the new reservation system in place, you’re only able to enter at the time of your booking, so I’m not sure if this will make the queues better or worse, but please let me know if you go this year!
INSIDER TIP | The shuttle buses don’t queue. If you’re not married to self-driving, you’ll skip the line entirely – and save cash while you’re at it!
Tre Cime Toll Road: Opening Hours & Seasonal Access
The opening season and daily hours of the toll road change throughout the year, and this is where things can get confusing if you’re not in the loop.
REMINDER | As of summer 2025, you can only access the parking area at Rifugio Auronzo via the toll road with a valid parking reservation, which you’ll need to purchase online in advance — get yours here.
In summer, the Tre Cime toll road is reliably open, and this is also when you have the largest number of options to get up to Rifugio Auronzo.
Summer (Late June – Late September)
- Access: 24/7
- Booths Staffed: 6 am – 8 pm
- Important: Parking ticket is valid for 12 hours only. Exiting after midnight = full second-day fee.
Shoulder Season (Late May – Mid-June & Mid-October – Late October)
- Access: Restricted to booth hours (usually 8 am – 6 pm)
- No entry before/after – the road is physically closed
- Exit: Theoretically, allowed anytime (things do unexpectedly change in the mountains!)
Spring and autumn are the shoulder seasons here, and access to Rifugio Auronzo and Tre Cime by the toll road is much less predictable. Some years, the road opens in mid-May and some years, not until late June.
TIP | In spring, the Tre Cime toll road doesn’t open until the winter snow has melted, usually in late May. Contact the Auronzo Tourist Office to confirm the road’s open.
When I visited in autumn (mid-October), the toll road was open from 8 am until 6 pm, and a sign was placed at the barriers indicating the opening hours. Sometimes, the opening will be delayed if there’s ice on the road. Once it snows, the road closes.
Winter (Late October – Late May)
- Access: Hiking only (and only if you’re properly prepared)
- Completely closed due to snow and weather conditions
Car Rental in the Dolomites
Visiting the Dolomites without a car is definitely possible, but challenging if you’re visiting outside the summer months. If you’re here for photography and getting away from popular sites (like Tre Cime!), then I definitely think you’re better off driving in the Dolomites.
There are various options for car rental in the Dolomites, but I always recommend using Discover Cars to check for the best rates.
#1 TOP PICK
BEST DOLOMITES CAR RENTAL COMPANY: DISCOVER CARS
For booking your Dolomites car rental online, I recommend and use Discover Cars. They search both world-renowned international companies and local operators, so you’ll get the best deal!
Getting to Tre Cime di Lavaredo by public transport
If you’re visiting in peak season and not keen on mountain driving, public transport to Tre Cime is actually a great option. It’s more budget-friendly than the toll road, skips the traffic queues, and – bonus – you don’t have to worry about parking. Ideal if you’re solo, car-free, or just trying to lower your carbon footprint a bit.
You can take the bus up to Rifugio Auronzo (the main Tre Cime trailhead) from Cortina d’Ampezzo, Dobbiaco/Toblach, or Misurina. The exact routes, prices and frequency vary depending on where you’re starting from and what month it is.
SEASONAL ACCESS | Most of these services run only in summer, typically mid-June to mid-October. In spring and autumn, you’re out of luck unless you’re hiking or driving.
If you’re planning a sunset mission, you’ll miss the bus back down the hill, so you’ll either need to hike or stay the night!
How to get to Tre Cime by bus from Lake Misurina
INSIDER TIP | The shuttle skips the toll booth queues, which means less waiting and more hiking time for you.
How to get to Tre Cime by bus from Cortina d’Ampezzo
If the departure times for the 30/31 don’t work for you, take the 445 bus to Dürrensee/Lago di Landro then switch to the 444 shuttle (details below).
How to get to Tre Cime by bus from Dobbiaco/Toblach
INSIDER KNOWLEDGE | I highly recommend that you book and pay for tickets online in advance here (available from mid-May). Only unsold tickets are now available to purchase at the Dobbiaco bus and train stations.
Getting to Tre Cime di Lavaredo on foot
If you’re thinking, “I came to hike, so why not hike the whole damn thing?” – I like your style.
It’s totally possible to hike up to Tre Cime di Lavaredo without using the toll road, and it’s a brilliant choice if you’re visiting in spring or autumn, when public transport isn’t running and the road is often closed outside of staffed hours.
Just know this: you’ll be adding a solid 1.5 to 2 hours uphill (plus the same coming down), and it’s not a stroll. But if you’re fit, up for a challenge, or want to catch sunrise/sunset without paying the full toll, this is the most wallet-friendly and flexible option.
Option 1: From Misurina
PRO TIP | This is a full-day commitment. Unless you’re part mountain goat, give yourself extra time and don’t plan a tight schedule after – probably best done with an overnight up at one of the rifugi!
Option 2: From Lago Antorno or the Toll Booths
TIP | Note that you can’t park overnight by the toll booths, but it’s a good spot for an early start or sunset finish.
How much does the Tre Cime Toll Road Cost? Price vs Time
Planning your Tre Cime adventure and trying to work out what you’ll actually spend? Welcome to the land of sneaky fees and smug decisions. Let’s break it down by method – time, money, and overall pain factor.
How much does it cost to get to Tre Cime by car?
Cost | €30 per 12 hours, per car
Time | 15 minutes, depending on traffic, with the potential of a 1-2 hour wait at the bottom if you time it wrong. I never have, so either I’m lucky, or all those people leaving reviews on Google just don’t read my blog…
Parking | Included
Worth it? | This is my choice if you’re visiting outside of peak season, arriving late in the day for sunset or want maximum flexibility. But don’t sleep on the price tag (or in the car too long, or you’ll pay for that too). I’ve seen horror stories of people taking the toll road for a 3-night hut-to-hut hike and ending up with a €180 parking bill. Don’t be them.
How much does it cost to get to Tre Cime by bus?
Cost | Anything from €10 to €24 return, depending on your route and connections.
Time | From 30 minutes to 1.5 hours one-way.
Parking | Either free or from €2/h, and I would factor 4-6 hours, to a maximum of €14.
Worth it? | This is the smartest option in peak season. Cheaper, stress-free, and environmentally friendly – just check the schedules and don’t miss the last return! My advice is to park in Misurina and take the DolomitiBus 30/31. No car? This is a day trip best done on the 444 shuttle from Dobbiaco.
How much does it cost to get to Tre Cime on foot?
If you’re a lean, green, hiking machine, then this is far and away the best option: no queues, no time constraints, just you and a 600-metre elevation gain. It’s actually a pretty nice hike in the right weather. Since you’ve read this post, you now know that you can’t access the toll road after 6 pm in autumn.
I, however, was not aware of that when I turned up at 6:30 pm to settle in at the Rifugio Auronzo parking lot for sunrise the next day… So, a hike it was.
Cost | Free. Your payment is in sweat and steps.
Time | From 1.5-2 hours one-way, depending on where you start and how fit you are
Parking | If you’re hiking, you can probably afford to hang around for some free parking. At most, you’ll be paying the €2/h parking fee at Misurina to a maximum of €14.
Worth it? | If you’ve got the stamina or you’re visiting in the off seasons, this is a brilliant way to save cash and earn that Aperol Spritz. Just plan your route and timing wisely – it’s not a casual detour.
Essential Dolomites Travel Information
Where to Stay to Visit Tre Cime di Lavaredo
If you want to spend an entire day or night exploring the Tre Cime di Lavaredo without a risky hike in the dark, then you should definitely consider staying at one of the options below.
Rifugi at Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Rifugio Locatelli/Dreizinnenhütte | This is the ultimate Tre Cime di Lavaredo accommodation. With a view directly over the three peaks, there’s no better place to stay for those sunset and sunrise opportunities. Online booking is essential to guarantee a place, and starts in February. You must have cash to pay at the hut, but you can book online (hurrah!!).
Open | Late June to late September – check website for dates.
Cost | from €75 half board
Rifugio Auronzo | I loved my stay here, but people are very divided about this hut – you definitely can’t beat it for convenience, so it gets crowded as a result. The food can be hit and miss, but the views are undeniably spectacular!
Open | late June – late September for accommodation – check website for dates
Cost | from €60 half board – email or call for the latest price list
Dining | available until October
Rifugio Lavaredo | An easy 20-minute walk from the car park at Auronzo, this hut has been welcoming guests since 1954, and there are multiple hiking options on the doorstep. You must bring cash to pay.
Open | mid-June to late September
Cost | from €75 half board
TIP | Bring enough cash to cover the cost of your room as well as any meals or snacks you might want to have at Tre Cime since there’s no wifi or internet up here. The rifugi don’t take cards.
Hotels for your visit to Tre Cime di Lavaredo
MISURINA – best for DolomitiBus 30/31
Albergo Chalet Lago Antorno **
With beautiful views out over the lake, this is a lovely place to stay right near the bottom of the toll road that heads up to the Tre Cime. The shuttle bus stops right by the hotel to head up to the trails so the location couldn’t be better. Breakfast is highly rated! Check rates and book here.
DOBBIACO – best for public transport and shuttle bus 444
Hotel Rosengarten ***
The rooms are beautiful here, and the food is fantastic. You can get a free shuttle bus from the train station if you’re arriving without a car. It’s family-run, and you actually do get to feel like part of the family when you stay here. Check rates and book here.
When is the Best Time to Visit Tre Cime di Lavaredo?
The short answer? Late June to mid-October.
The long answer? Depends what you’re after:
– Best weather: August, but it’s busy (like, tour bus convoy busy, 11/10 would not recommend)
– Fewer crowds + open rifugi: September (perfect – my #1 choice)
– Golden light + crisp mornings: Early October (also perfect, but closed rifugi and higher chance of snow – #2 choice)
– Spring? Forget it. The road’s closed and the snow’s still hanging around (for the love of God, stop planning an early May visit).
If your only option is to come in August, then, at the very least, I recommend avoiding this hike at the weekend. Alternatively, you could try this 3-day hike instead, which goes off the beaten track!
PRO TIP | Weekdays are always better than weekends, and staying overnight lets you catch sunrise or sunset without the chaos.
Cash or Card in the Dolomites?
Bring cash for your Dolomites visit.
Sure, most towns take cards, but the mountains are another story. No internet = no card machine.
You’ll need cash for:
– Rifugio stays
– Meals and drinks at huts
– Some toll roads and small parking areas
I recommend carrying at least €50–100 in cash per day, just to be safe.
How to get around in the Dolomites
I love a public transport moment, but the Dolomites aren’t always the easiest to navigate without a car, especially in shoulder season.
Here’s the quick breakdown:
– Easiest way to explore: Car rental
– No car? Plan around shuttle timetables and stay close to key towns
– Best rental rates: I always check Discover Cars for deals since they include comprehensive insurance
TIP | You need either a European Driving License or an International Driving Permit to hire a car in Italy.
For those coming from elsewhere in Europe, especially if you’re arriving by train, renting a car in Bolzano is a good option.
Although the roads here are steep and winding, they’re very well maintained, and driving in the Dolomites is a breeze.
NEED MORE DETAIL | Coming soon – my full guide to getting around the Dolomites covering trains, buses, rental tips and more.
Travel Insurance for the Dolomites
Always have travel insurance, wherever you go and whatever you’re doing. Make sure the level of cover is appropriate for the activities you’re doing and the gear that you’re taking. For the Dolomites, ensure that embarking on a via ferrata won’t invalidate your policy!
I’ve had great experiences with WorldNomads, and also use SafetyWing for long trips. If you’re Aussie-based, check out World2Cover (Australia based).
How to get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo Final Thoughts
By now, you’ve got the full download on how to get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo — whether you’re hiking, driving, busing, or being emotionally carried by the promise of alpine espresso and that first glimpse of the peaks.
If this post helped you cut through the chaos of Google reviews, random Reddit threads, and out-of-date travel forums, I’d love it if you’d share it, Pin it, or shout me a virtual thank-you on Instagram. Your support helps keep this blog going – and helps more wild-hearted souls like us plan bold, beautiful adventures without the faff.
Still got questions? Pop them in the comments or shoot me a DM. And hey, if you make it to Tre Cime, tag me in your photos. I’ll be cheering you on from here (and probably planning my own next trip back).
Planning A Trip To the Dolomites?
With world-class hiking in summer, incredible skiing in winter, and a perfect blend of Italian and Austrian culture, the Dolomites is one of my favourite European destinations.
Check out these essential guides, travel tips, and more to help you plan your trip:
PLANNING A TRIP TO THE DOLOMITES | Here’s everything you need to make it perfect!
⤷ For first-timers, my Ultimate Guide to visiting the Dolomites
⤷ My Dolomites Itinerary guide, a week of feral mountain Dolomites energy, my (slightly more chill but not much) 5-Day Dolomites Itinerary and my long weekend 3-day options from Cortina or Ortisei
⤷ Perhaps you’re wondering how to actually get to the Dolomites or the best time to visit
⤷ If you just want some inspiration then build your own adventure with these single day road trips
⤷ Here are my favourite things to do in the Dolomites (there’s wine!)
⤷ And yes, you really do need to rent a car, and maybe read some Dolomites driving tips!
DOLOMITES DAY HIKES | Complete guides for my favourite day hikes in the Dolomites.
Hiking Lago di Sorapis, Croda da Lago, Seceda (including hiking to Seceda when the cable cars stop), Tre Cime di Lavaredo (and how to get there) and Cadini di Misurina.
Bonus: what to wear hiking in the Dolomites.
DOLOMITES PLACES | My favourite places to visit in the Dolomites like Lago di Braies, Alpe di Siusi and Val di Funes and where to stay when you get there (I’ve even made you a map)
ITALY | Plan a perfect first trip to Italy with my Top Tips for Travelers to Italy and Italy Travel Guide
TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t go anywhere without it! I use and recommend Safety Wing.
THOUGHTFUL TRAVEL | No matter where you go, always be aware of the fact that travel impacts the place and people that live there. Being a thoughtful traveller is more critical than ever. Here are my top tips to make your trip a mindful one.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love my photos and want to know how to take better shots on your own trips? Then my photography guide is for you. Here’s all the photography gear I use too. Want to buy one of my images? Head to the Print Store.
ESSENTIAL GEAR | You’ll find my travel essentials here, and a complete guide to all my hiking gear here.
If you found this guide helpful, follow me on Instagram for more travel tips.
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20 Comments on “How to Get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Without Losing Your Mind): A Complete Guide for First-Timers”
Thank you so much ,
Fantastic information on everything Tre Semi De Laverado, I did not see such information anywhere else ,excellent.
Regards,
Mike.
Thanks Mike, and you’re welcome. Super glad you found the info helpful!
So there’s no way I can go to Tre Cime di Lavaredo during winter? I am planning to go this December.
Hi Karen, if you want to go up to Tre Cime in the winter then there are snowshoe tours and I know that people do get up there on snowmobiles but, as I’ve not done it myself, I’m not sure how to arrange that. Otherwise, it’s a winter hike uphill for hours from Lago Antorno as the road doesn’t get cleared and nothing is open up there. If you’re not experienced in hiking deep snow then I wouldn’t recommend this as your first attempt!
Super detailed. Good work.
Fab information! Does the bus drop you off to rifugio auronzo? I’m more interested in seeing cardini di misurini (I’m not an avid hiker).
Hiya, yes it drops you right off at the car park during the season 🙂
Hi, this information is all super helpful, we will be here in early September and either considering going up on a Friday night for sunset or a Saturday morning for Sunrise, is it true we can drive up in the middle of the night during September? I am a photographer and get up early, also wonder which time of day you prefer for lighting.
Hi Isaac, yes, in September you should be able to just take a ticket from the machine and head up at any time. Once the first snow starts they close the road overnight, but that’s usually not until mid-October unless the weather is really unusual. I found the lighting beautiful at sunrise, and it was also much quieter. If there’s going to be cloud it usually rolls in in the afternoon, so golden hour in the evening is a little less predictable. If it looks clear though, I’d recommend trying to do both if it fits into your schedule. Have a great trip! Cat
Thank you for information!
Regards
Danilo from Serbia!
Hey! I’m a little confused about the toll road hours. If it’s open 24 hours, will I be able to arrive before the staff gets there and leave after hours? I want to photograph sunrise and sunset. Is that possible without staying at the Rifugio? If so, how would I pay? I’ve considered staying at the Rifugio, but all they have is dorms with not linens. Thanks so much! The guide has been amazing.
Hi Nick. During the summer you can enter and leave at any time by taking a ticked from the machine, but during shoulder season they actually close the road overnight and you can’t drive up after the staff leave. Definitely possible to do sunrise and sunset in peak season without staying up there. Although you only need a sleeping bag for the rifugio and it’s pretty fun staying up there!
Hi I have a car and staying in Cortina. I’m still not sure what I should do. I have three options: parking at Lago Antorno and hiking up, parking at Misurina and catching the 31 Bus or paying for the toll and risking being in the toll line for hours. The day I am looking to do this hike is 17 Jun which is a Tue. What do you recommend as I want the easiest option?
Thanks
Hi Kathy! I think in early June during the week you should be fine to get a parking spot up at Tre Cime if you aim to be at the toll road by about 8:30am. Even if there’s a queue, I would be fairly sure you’ll be up there by 9:30. I think driving is easiest at that time of year. Let me know how it goes and I hope you have an amazing time! Cat x
Just a reminder, that starting this summer of 2025, arrival to the parking will be only possible for people who have purchased the toll tickets online.
Hi Lukasz, I knew that this was being suggested but last I checked a few weeks ago it hadn’t been confirmed. Thanks for letting me know that they’ve now confirmed it for this season!
Hi there! These guides have been amazing and thank you for providing it for free! So many instagrammers now make you pay for their “special spots and information” guides and I couldn’t appreciate this more! For more clarity, is there any way to see sunrise in August (I know, i would have picked September if my work calendar allowed for it) without hiking? We are avid hikers but i feel like it would not be worth it to waste extra time for our first time here hiking just this and maybe missing out on hitting other spots during that day? I have it marked to buy parking for that first Monday in August but it would be amazing to be there for sunrise while driving. Just not sure if that is possible! Thank you so much!
Hi Lauren, in August the road is usually open 24/7 so I’m pretty sure that you’d be able to drive up there in time for sunrise if you book for the appropriate time slot! Hope that helps and you have an amazing time. So happy to hear that the guides have been helpful!! Cat
Thank you for publishing this updated information. I have searched high and low and there is so little info about the new parking system. I have a reservation for the day I want to go and it covers between 7am-7pm. Do you know if we have to enter right at 7am? Or can we enter at any time during that window? And I’m also curious if long lines waiting to enter are still an issue now that this new system is in place.
Hi Leslie, I’m really happy to hear that this was helpful to you. As to your questions – so far as I know you have 60 minutes to enter the parking area as I think your ticket is for the 7-8am entry slot (with 12 hour validity for parking/visiting from the time on your ticket). Nobody has fed back to me yet about the lines, but I know that this system was implemented in part to manage that. I’d imagine that there will probably be lines approaching the top of the hour since that’s when your ticket becomes valid. Come back and let me know how it was, and I hope you have a wonderful trip! Cat.