Need a Dolomites car rental for your trip? Well, you’re in the right place, as I’ve driven extensively in Italy and rented cars in the Dolomites several times. Read on for my top tips for renting a car in Bolzano for your visit!
The features in this post were hand-selected by a picky diva (that’s me) and some of them are affiliate links. If you buy via these, I may earn a commission on some of these awesome recommendations at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your wonderful support – Cat.
When you’ve finished reading this article, you’ll feel confident with the entire Bolzano car rental process. I’ll also be sharing my 10 Top Tips for driving a rental car in Italy, so you’ll be cruising those Dolomites curves with a massive grin on your face in no time!
The first thing everyone wants to know is the best place to rent a car in the Dolomites. When I rent a car in Italy (and anywhere else), I recommend and personally use Discover Cars, and I’ll explain why in this blog post.
MY TOP PICK
BEST ITALY CAR RENTAL COMPANY: DISCOVER CARS
For booking your Italy 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!
If you’ve looked for tips for driving in the Dolomites, then you’ve probably noticed a few things.
First, there’s not really a single best location to hire your rental car in the Dolomites. You’re best off deciding where you’re going to start your trip and then taking it from there.
Bolzano is a great public transport hub located on the western side of the Dolomites, so Bolzano train station is a really convenient place to rent your car. Other options are to rent a car in Milan, Innsbruck, Verona or Venice, depending on how you get to the Dolomites.
Second, driving a car in the Dolomites is the easiest way to get around by a million miles. While I’m a huge fan of using public transport in Italy to travel large distances, it’s just not practical in the Dolomites.
Thirdly, I know a lot of you really worry about Italy car rental scams and getting slammed with hidden fees when you get your rental. I’ll cover those, along with Italy car insurance which is mandatory for car rentals in Bolzano.
So, let’s dive into the practicalities of car hire in Bolzano.
After you’ve read about renting a car in Bolzano, don’t miss the Frequently Asked Questions and 10 Tips for Driving in the Dolomites at the end of the article.
Renting a Car in Bolzano with Discover Cars
I grew up in the UK but, now I’ve moved to Australia, I have to rent a car when I visit Italy. A notable exception was when I drove my van through the Dolomites, but driving a UAZ through the Italian Alps is definitely not for the faint-hearted!
Since my van’s now parked up in a field back in England, these days I have to rent. So this is my personal experience of renting a car in several cities throughout Europe.
When I book an Italy car rental online, I both recommend and use Discover Cars.
I use them because they always have the best deals, no matter how many companies and amalgamators I search with, and they offer free cancellations up to 48 hours before your reservation.
Here’s the exact process I’ve used to rent a car in Italy:
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
1. Reserve your car online in advance with Discover Cars
Open up the Discover Cars website (in a new browser window so you can refer back to this article!), and enter your pick-up dates and location. That’s going to be the airport or station that you’re arriving in. So, in this case, you want to rent your car from Bolzano train station.
It’s always a good idea to book your car rental in advance, especially during peak travel season. This ensures that you have a car reserved for your trip and can avoid any last-minute price hikes or availability issues.
ONLY RENT FROM HIGHLY-RATED COMPANIES
I recommend filtering by ratings because while you might get cheaper deals with lower-rated suppliers, it rarely turns out to be the best deal in the long run!
Personally, I don’t rent from locations with less than 7 out of 10 or more. I’ve found that you very much get what you pay for when it comes to car hire. It’s simply not worth the potential drama to me to go with a cheaper company when I’m on holiday.
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
2. Opt for Full Coverage Insurance with Discover Cars
I always opt for full coverage when I rent with Discover Cars. It gives me peace of mind that I don’t always feel with the local agent. According to Discover Cars, 85% of their customers also use their Full Coverage Policy when renting in Italy.
For around €7, you’re covered for up to €3000 of damage to the rental car. The cover includes body repair work, scratches, damage to windows and glass, tyres, towing and more. Obviously, make sure you read the fine print yourself so you know exactly what’s included and what’s not!
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
What’s Covered with Discover Cars (and what’s not)?
WILL ALL CAR RENTAL COMPANIES ACCEPT THIS POLICY?
Legally, they have to! Personally, I’ve not had any issues with companies refusing to accept this third-party policy from Discover Cars. I think that’s likely because I always rent through a highly-rated company.
Of course, car rental companies make money from selling you insurance, so there are some things you should be aware of, as they’ll almost certainly happen!
First off, I’ve always had the car company I rent with try and upsell me on their own insurance, which I simply decline. It’s never an issue, and the Discover Cars policy covers Italy car rental insurance requirements.
Next up, the company will place a hold on your credit card – the amount is set by the rental company and dependent on the car you’re given but is usually around €1000. You’ll receive the information about how much this will be when you finalise your booking with Discover Cars.
If you return the car without damage, the full hold amount will be released when it’s returned. Again, it depends on the car rental company as to how long this release takes.
If the rental car is damaged, then that hold amount will be taken by the rental car company. Then you’ll need to make your claim through Discover Cars, and they state on their website that this is usually processed within 48 hours.
Remember that your policy will cover an excess or deductible of up to €3000 – I’d be kind of impressed if you managed to trash a rental car that much. Please don’t view this as a challenge!
HOW DO I FILE A CLAIM WITH DISCOVER CARS?
Fortunately, this isn’t something I’ve had to do, but the process seems really easy. When you make your booking with Discover Cars, you’ll be sent a very thorough and clear document outlining everything you have to do in the event of an accident or damage to your rental car.
Then, to claim, you simply visit the link from your booking confirmation email or download the Discover Cars app and manage it all there. They’ll tell you what documentation is needed to make your claim in your original booking documentation too!
In my experience, the Full Coverage Policy with Discover Cars is loads cheaper than what you get offered by the car rental companies if you go direct. Discover Cars is usually €5-10 per day, compared to around €25-30 if you go direct.
Obviously, you can opt to use other insurance, such as that offered by the car company or your credit card company, and still rent through Discover Cars. That way, you’ll still get access to their low rates and no-fee cancellation policy up to 48 hours before you’re due to pick up your rental car in Bolzano.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
All of the above is my personal experience with renting cars throughout Italy on several different occasions. Obviously, I can’t guarantee how the car rental process will go for you, but hopefully, the information is helpful for you when planning your Italy trip.
If you want further information on using Discover Cars, then I recommend that you contact the company directly. Also, take a look at Trustpilot, where Discover Cars reviews give them a 4.6 out of 5 star rating with over 110,000 reviews!
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
Where is Bolzano?
Bolzano is the main city in South Tyrol, which is the gateway to the Dolomites region. It’s the location of a central train hub for the area, and so if you’re looking for a place to rent a car in the Dolomites, Bolzano train station is a great place to collect one.
If you’re heading to the Dolomites from elsewhere in Italy, Zurich or certain German cities, then it is actually possible to fly into Bolzano. You can learn more about destinations served by Bolzano Airport (code: BZO) here.
Renting a car in Bolzano: FAQ
What’s the best car rental near Bolzano train station?
Well, if I knew the answer to this, I’d be using them exclusively! There really isn’t an official “best” car rental company in Bolzano.
Because Bolzano isn’t that big, you won’t find the vast choice of recognisable agencies that you’d see in a larger city. That may limit your options, particularly if you’re used to using a specific rental agency on your travels.
When I rented, I used Sicily by Car (I know, I know, why not Dolomites by Car?!) and had a great experience with them. They’re conveniently located about a block from the train station, which is where you’ll likely be arriving if you’ve not had a car until this portion of your Italy trip.
One of the main reasons that I love to rent my car with Discover Cars is because I can see the reviews for each agency from recent customers. It’s a quick way to make sure that I’m getting what I pay for!
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
Is it safe to rent a car in Bolzano, Italy?
Short answer – yes!
Bolzano is a safe town in one of the safest regions of Italy for tourists, so it’s a particularly good place to rent a car if you’re travelling solo in Italy.
ALWAYS CHECK REVIEWS FOR RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
I know I’m harping on about this, but I really don’t think I can emphasise it enough. Chances are, if other customers have had problems, you will too.
One of the main reasons I use and recommend Discover Cars is because of how easy it is to compare rates between local agencies and well-known international companies at a glance. Reviews are also there at the touch of a button, so it’s easy to read them before booking.
I’ve had poor experiences at low-rated car rental locations before I knew about Discover Cars, so it really has been a game-changer for me in that respect! I now religiously read the reviews and am happy to pay a bit extra to rent a car that’s a little more expensive if it gives me peace of mind.
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
Is it safe to drive in the Dolomites?
Driving in the Dolomites is perfectly safe, you just need to be prepared for narrow and winding roads and drive a little more cautiously than you would on roads you know well.
Driving is also, in my opinion, the best way to get around in the Dolomites, especially if you want to get to locations for sunrise and stay after sunset. My experience of driving in the Dolomites was great, even when I was in my van going uphill at a snail’s pace!
Obviously, you will be driving in a foreign country where the laws and road rules will be different, so you might want to check out Italy driving tips for the Dolomites to make sure you have a safe journey.
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
What are the road conditions in the Dolomites?
Most roads in the Dolomites are well-maintained and generally in pretty good condition. If you’re picking up your rental car in any of the other cities providing easy access to the Dolomites, like Milan, Verona or Venice, I don’t recommend driving in the cities themselves as the roads are often narrow and congested.
For driving in the Dolomites, you’ll be absolutely fine with mid-size or economy cars. If you want to make a (tiny) statement, then you could opt for a cute Fiat 500, which is a true Italian classic!
DOLOMITES CAR HIRE TIP | You can easily filter cars by SUV and other filters on the Discover Cars website. Perfect if you’re looking to hire a Tesla for your trip!
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
Should I rent a car in the Dolomites?
Whether you should rent a car in the Dolomites is a personal choice that will depend on your planned itinerary and what you’re planning to do in the Dolomites.
Maybe you want to know the pros and cons? Well, this section is for you!
WHY YOU SHOULD RENT A CAR IN THE DOLOMITES
Renting a car in the Dolomites provides you with the flexibility to discover hidden gems, picturesque villages, and scenic routes that are not easily accessible by public transportation. If you don’t want a car for your whole trip, Bolzano is a great place to pick up a rental for a few days of exploring.
Having a car allows you to explore the Dolomites at your own pace. It’s perfect if you want to get to specific photography locations for sunrise, stay after sunset, or just avoid the crowds at Lago di Braies!
My absolute favourite thing to do is a road trip in the Dolomites in autumn, and it’s just not a time of year when you can easily get around using public transport.
Summer is really the only time of year to visit the Dolomites when it’s feasible to get by without your own wheels.
WHY YOU SHOULD NOT RENT A CAR IN THE DOLOMITES
If you’re just wanting to enjoy some of the best hikes in the Dolomites in the summer months, then you can get by fairly easily without a car.
You won’t have to worry about parking or the toll road to Tre Cime if you opt to use the shuttle bus systems that are put in place for high season. You’ll just need to be a bit more prepared if you want to create a Dolomites trip using only public transport.
You could also opt to take a private tour of the region instead, so you won’t need to worry about doing anything other than enjoy the views!
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
Is it expensive to rent a car in Bolzano, Italy?
The costs of renting a car in Bolzano vary, but you should plan on budgeting €60-100 per day for an economy car with full insurance.
When you’re renting a car in Bolzano, you’ll find that the prices per day decrease if you rent for longer and that the city locations are usually cheaper than the airport ones.
In Italy, Collision Damage Waiver insurance, theft protection and third-party liability are compulsory when you rent a car. They should be included in the basic price of your rental.
However, you’ll find that the excess (deductible for Americans) is likely to be sky high. That’s so that the rental company can upsell you to a zero-excess policy when you pick up the car. That’s just another reason why I use Discover Cars Full Coverage Policy, because it means I’m already covered!
If you think you’ll save money by driving your own car, you might not! Not only do you need to ensure your car insurance is valid for Italy, but also be aware that sometimes paying the motorway tolls and fuel costs will be more expensive than just renting once you arrive in the Dolomites!
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
Can I rent a car in Bolzano?
You’ll need four things for renting a car in Bolzano and the Dolomites: 1) a valid driver’s license, 2) a credit card, 3) to be of age (25 or older to avoid a surcharge) and 4) Italian car insurance.
If you’re asking yourself questions like “How do I rent a car in Italy?” or “What do I need to rent a car in Italy?” I’ve got you covered.
It’s actually pretty simple to rent a car in Bolzano or anywhere in Italy; you just need four things:
1. A VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE
This one’s pretty self-explanatory, but unless you have a UK or EU driving license, you must have an international driving permit (IDP). You can apply through most large automobile associations in all countries, and this is a great site for more information.
For most car rental agencies in Italy, your license needs to have been held for at least 12 months before you’ll be able to rent a car.
2. A CREDIT CARD
It’s essential to have a credit card in the name of the person who will be renting the car, otherwise there can be issues. Also, please make sure it’s a credit card and not a debit card.
When you collect your car, unless you take the rental company’s insurance, they’ll place a hold on your credit card for the amount of the excess (deductible) in case of an accident. When you return the car, that hold will be released.
If you use a debit card, the money will actually be removed from your account and then refunded once you return the car. For situations where the amount is over €1000, that can put a pretty big dent in your holiday fund!
3. DRIVERS MUST BE AT LEAST 21 IN MOST PLACES
In most of Europe, you can’t get your license until you’re 18, so by the time you’ve had your license for a year, that means you’re almost never going to be able to rent a car in Italy if you’re under 19.
Most agencies will also add a surcharge if you’re under 25 years old, and some might even do so up to the age of 30.
It’s vital that you thoroughly check the terms and conditions of the rental company you choose, and this is made really easy on the Discover Cars website too.
4. ITALIAN CAR INSURANCE
I’ve discussed this fairly extensively now, but it’s compulsory to have Collision Damage Waiver, Theft Protection and third-party liability insurance when you rent a car in Italy. This should be included in the basic cost of your rental.
I recommend purchasing zero-excess (zero-deductable) insurance so that you won’t be liable for huge costs in the event of damage to your rental car. This can be done either through a third party, such as Discover Cars, or through the rental agency, which tends to be about three times more expensive!
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
Is it easy to rent a car in Bolzano?
Yes, so long as you book in advance, especially in high season, which is July to September and January to March.
Just make sure that you’ve got all the required documentation and that you’ve read the terms and conditions of your rental.
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
Are most rental cars in Bolzano automatic or manual (stick shift)?
In Bolazno, just like in the rest of Italy and Europe, most cars are manual or stick shift. Make sure that you check carefully before you book your car!
When you book with Discover Cars you’ll see a little graphic in the top right corner indicating what type of car you’re booking.
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
What side of the road do they drive on in Italy?
In Italy, they drive on the right side of the road, just like the rest of mainland Europe, the U.S. and Canada.
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
What’s the cheapest car rental company in Bolzano, Italy?
The answer to this actually varies with supply and demand! There are only about four companies to choose from in Bolzano, so being flexible is usually your key to the best price.
One of the main reasons that I use Discover Cars to book my rental car is that you can instantly compare all the available vehicles and locations. I’ve found that they also tend to offer a better deal than by booking direct with the company, especially once you factor in the insurance.
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
What’s the best place to rent a car in Bolzano?
I think the best value is in renting a car from the city, particularly since most of you will be arriving via public transport. If you’re flying then the airport is the obvious choice, but I recommend comparing prices first!
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
Do you need a car in the Dolomites?
I think that the best way to get around the Dolomites is by car. If you’d prefer to plan a trip to the Dolomites using public transport, you’ll need to come in summer. Travel by car does present issues like congestion, so a lot of the regions in the Dolomites provide free public transport options in the summer season.
Obviously, I love using public transport in general, but when visiting the Dolomites I really do relish the freedom that having my own wheels provide. I do also tend to visit in shoulder season, when it’s just not that practical to rely on public transport to get around.
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
What type of Italian cars can I rent in Bolzano?
In Bolzano, you’ll find the Fiat 500, which is an Italian icon! Those of you from outside Europe may not be so familiar with the brands, but expect to find Renault, Opel, Lancia, Skoda, Citroen, Alfa Romeo and, of course, Volkswagen.
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
Is there Uber in Bolzano?
No – Uber is only available in Rome and Milan. If you’re arriving at Bolzano airport and need to get to Bolzano train station to rent your car, you’ll either need to take a taxi or the shuttle bus, which runs regularly throughout the day.
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
5 Top Tips for Renting a Car in Bolzano
- Rent with a reputable company using Discover Cars, the amalgamator I use myself to find the best deals on car rentals.
- Make sure you can easily locate your emails with all the booking information – it’s preferable to screenshot or download them for offline access too!
- Make sure that you know what rental car insurance you have so you can easily prove you’re covered if asked.
- Have your home country driver’s license along with an international driver’s permit if needed due to your country of residence being outside Europe.
- Take photos and video of both the outside and interior of your rental car when you pick it up to prove any scratches/dings etc. were present before you took possession of the car.
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
Do I need Italy car insurance for the Dolomites?
Yes, you do need Italy car insurance in the Dolomites and anywhere else in Italy for that matter!
It’s mandatory for the following insurances to be included with all rental cars in Italy:
- Collision Damage Waiver
- Theft Protection
- Third Party Liability (TPL)
What you’ll find is that the basic included insurance will have a very high excess (deductible) associated with it, usually €1000-2000. That means if the car is damaged or stolen, you’ll still be liable to pay that amount to the car rental company.
I recommend purchasing zero-excess, also known as zero-deductible, insurance. Because I rent with Discover Cars, I have this through what is known as “third-party insurance”. This is completely legal and will cover all your costs, so don’t believe the car rental agent if they say it won’t!
The worst-case scenario if you’ve purchased third-party insurance is that the car rental agent tries to upsell you. This is really common, and if you just stick to your guns, they usually give up pretty fast!
The more common types of third-party insurance are through your credit card (more on that in a moment) or with the agent you book through. In my case, I’ve never had any issues with the Full Coverage Policy through Discover Cars.
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
How much is Italian car insurance?
Basic compulsory insurance will be included with your rental rate in Italy, but there will be a high excess (deductible) associated with it, usually at least €1000. To bring down that price, you need to purchase zero-excess (zero-deductible) cover. It’s likely to be €15-30 per day for full coverage through the rental company.
When I’m renting a car in Italy, I always use Discover Cars. Their Full Coverage Policies usually cost under €10 per day. ⮕ Book now with Discover Cars.
If you’re still a bit confused about how this insurance thing works, I’ll give you an example.
Let’s say you pick up a hire car and opt for the basic insurance, which has a €1500 excess/deductible.
You return to your vehicle after a lovely day, only to find that some asshole has sideswiped you. The rental company tells you that the damage will cost €2000 to fix. They’re going to take that full €1500 from you, and the insurance will only cover the remaining €500.
If you’ve purchased a full coverage zero-excess/zero-deductible policy, then you’ll get that full amount back.
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
Does my credit card cover car rental insurance in Italy?
Your credit card may give you Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance with zero excess/deductible, but Italy is often specifically excluded from credit card policies.
It’s really important to check with your credit card company what the exact terms and conditions are of their coverage. If they say that you’ll be covered in Italy, then be sure to ask them to send you a “Letter of Coverage” to take with you.
You’ll find that most credit card CDW won’t cover the excess/deductible if you’ve accepted the CDW that includes it through the rental company. With Italy, since CDW is compulsory and almost always has an excess, this can automatically mean you’ll be out of pocket for the excess/deductible even if you use your card.
One more reason I always opt for Full Coverage when I rent with Discover Cars is that it provides me with the peace of mind of knowing that I’ve got the right insurance. Their policy means I’m covered up to €3000 worth of excess/deductible charges without paying out of pocket.
The last time I rented a car in Italy, I paid just €6.40 per day for my Discover Cars Full Coverage insurance policy
#1 TOP PICK
BEST ITALY CAR RENTAL COMPANY: DISCOVER CARS
For booking your Italy 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!
ISSUES WITH USING CREDIT CARD CAR RENTAL COVERAGE IN ITALY
Although it’s entirely possible to use your credit card car rental insurance policy in Italy, I have heard a few horror stories.
Please make sure that you find the terms and conditions, confirm that Italy is covered by your policy and get it in writing.
If anything happens to the car, make sure that you report it to the police and get a copy of the report, as you’ll need that to make a claim.
Also, be aware that many credit cards will take the amount charged by the rental company from your card and then you’ll have to claim a reimbursement. The upside of this is that you’ll be dealing with your credit card company rather than an unknown insurance company.
The downside is that they may never reimburse you.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR ITALY WITH CAR RENTAL ADD-ON
If you’ve already purchased travel insurance or you’re looking to buy, then check to see if there’s an option that includes a zero-excess rental car add-on. Many travel insurance companies offer this in their higher price point offerings.
As with your credit card inclusions, make sure you read the terms and conditions!
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
10 Dolomites Driving Tips
After spending weeks driving through the Dolomites, I’ve picked up a few tips that will definitely help you if you’re planning a road trip in the Dolomites!
1. Be prepared for mountain roads
The roads in the Dolomites can be steep and winding, so if you’re not used to roads like this, please drive more carefully than you usually would.
Use lower gears to go downhill, rather than relying on your brakes – not only is it better for the car, but it gives you more control and is safer.
It’s definitely more tiring to drive on roads like this if you’re not used to them, so factor in extra time for stops to enjoy the stunning mountain scenery and just stretch your legs!
2. Download an offline map
It’s always a good idea to have offline maps downloaded when you’re in mountainous areas because you never know when you might lose signal. I use Google maps for almost everything and Gaia GPS when I’m going off-road.
TIP | I always get an Italy SIM card so that I don’t have to pay outrageous international roaming rates when I travel. I recommend and use an eSIM from Airalo so I don’t even have to worry about a little bit of plastic!
It’s also important that you’ve got the ability to go hands-free while driving in Italy, so if you’re planning a road trip, I highly recommend adding a phone holder to your Dolomites packing list.
3. Familiarise yourself with Italy’s road rules
All the speeds and distances in Italy are in kilometres, so don’t be fooled! Speed limits vary depending on the type of road, with highways allowing speeds up to 130 km/h (80 mph), while urban areas typically have a maximum speed limit of 50 km/h (30 mph).
In the Dolomites, expect that you might be going a lot slower on the mountain roads!
Always carry your driver’s license (and IDP if you need one to drive here), vehicle registration, and insurance documents with you.
Italy has a strict drink-drive limit of 0.5mg of blood alcohol. Basically, you can’t drink more than one glass of wine without risking going over the limit. I recommend you don’t drink anything if you’re the designated driver in the Dolomites!
4. Don’t forget about toll roads
The main toll road in the Dolomites is the one that leads up to Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Usually there’s no issue paying with card here, but I do recommend that you have at least the €30 payment in cash just in case.
Otherwise, you won’t encounter many toll roads in this area unless you start venturing outside the Dolomites region.
I always set my Google route to exclude tolls to avoid any unpleasant surprises. I do recommend that you check the route with tolls also just in case you’re adding hours to your drive!
5. Plan your route to include some of the best drives in the Dolomites
Since you’re taking a road trip in the Dolomites, here are some of the best drives in the Dolomites that you really shouldn’t miss:
THE GREAT DOLOMITES ROAD
This is one of the most famous routes in the Dolomites and since it starts in Bolzano, where you’ll be picking up your car, it’s a great option.
The route runs all the way to Cortina, taking in many of the most beautiful views in the Dolomites. Although you can drive it in a day, I recommend taking a couple of days on this route so that you can enjoy the best of what it has to offer.
PASO PORDOI
This is actually on the Great Dolomites Road, and is one of the most fun drives in the Dolomites – if you love hairpin bends that is! This road takes in 28 of them, and the views are honestly phenomenal.
If you’ve got the time, I thoroughly recommend parking up at the top and taking the cable car to Sass Pordoi at 2950m for amazing panoramas out over the Sella and Marmolada groups.
PASO GARDENA
This is one of my favourite routes in the Dolomites and I’ve driven it a lot. I don’t know if there’s actually a best view in the Dolomites, since the whole area is like a feast for your eyeballs, but this has to be up there.
Again, there are a lot of twists and turns, so take your time.
PASO GIAU
This is not only the location of the Insta-famous snake road but also a stunning photography location for sunrise or sunset. There’s a little rifugio that’s set under the mountain peak in the most idyllic spot, just begging for a photo!
6. Watch out for wildlife
You never know what you’ll find around the next corner in the Dolomites. It might be cows, goats, chickens or humans.
Cyclists love using these roads, and they’re often coming around those hairpin bends at high speed, so always be on the lookout and give them a good amount of space if you’re overtaking.
7. Parking can be problematic
While there’s a decent amount of parking available throughout the Dolomites, you’re going to struggle at some of the tourist hotspots if you don’t plan in advance. Lago di Braies and Alpe di Siusi are particularly problematic.
Your best bet at these places is to arrive early or late in the day in order to be sure of getting a spot.
In certain towns, you may see ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) signs. These are restricted traffic areas that only authorized local vehicles can enter. If you drive your rental car into them, you’ll get a fine, so be on the lookout. Fortunately, you won’t find many in the Dolomites.
8. Pull over to let others pass
As a tourist, no matter how confident a driver you are, you won’t know these roads like the locals do. So you’ll be slower.
When I was driving through the Dolomites in my van, I was lucky to hit 20km/h going uphill around corners, and everyone was incredibly patient. However, I made sure to always pull over at any available opportunity to let traffic past me. Please do the same.
Having lived in places like New Zealand, where people love to hire a camper van, I know how bloody annoying it is to be sitting behind them when there are ample opportunities for them to pull over and let you pass. Also, it encourages risky manoeuvres like overtaking on blind bends.
Just be a considerate human, and you’ll be a great driver in the Dolomites!
9. Check the weather
The weather in the Dolomites is very changeable, so it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before you set off in the morning. Unexpected snow can ruin your drive and make the roads an unpleasantly icy experience.
If you’re visiting the Dolomites in the winter, your car has to have winter tyres (which you may need to pay extra for) and you may not be allowed on certain roads without snow chains. Additionally, some roads may close completely in the winter months.
10. Keep your tank topped up
Ahhh, the joys of filling the tank in a foreign country. Possibly one of my least favourite tasks, and not just because of the cost of fuel!
Smaller petrol stations will close at lunchtime and unless you have a credit card with a PIN you won’t be able to fuel up. This primarily applies to Americans, who will need to contact their credit card providers before travelling to make sure they can use their cards with a PIN.
I also recommend always having cash available to pay to fill up, just in case.
RENTING A CAR IN BOLZANO
Final Thoughts: Renting a Car in Bolzano
Driving in the Dolomites and renting a car in Bolzano is usually an easy process and will mean that you can have a really fun and flexible vacation in the Dolomites.
Always read the reviews before you book your car and rent with a reputable agency via Discover Cars. Make sure that you’ve got the right insurance – I recommend the Full Coverage Policy, which I always take.
If you only want to drive in the Dolomites, then renting a car in Bolzano is a great option. If you’d rather pick up a car at an airport then consider Milan, Verona, Venice or even Innsbruck. These are all larger hubs with more rental options.
Looking to rent a car in other parts of Europe?
Check out my other guides so you know what to expect at car rental agencies throughout Europe and have peace of mind when renting a car in Italy.