Generally, the roads in the Dolomites – and indeed, all of the European Alps – are very good. Certainly the main roads are as good as you'd expect in any major European country – well surfaced and with safety barriers at the sides – and this carries on to the minor roads too.

Yes, you can—and many argue you should—drive around the Dolomites, as it is one of the most spectacular road trip destinations in the world. The region is connected by a network of well-maintained but extremely winding mountain passes, such as the Sella Pass, Gardena Pass, and Pordoi Pass. While the roads are paved and safe, they feature hundreds of "hairpin" turns and steep inclines that require a confident driver and a vehicle with good brakes. In the peak summer and winter seasons, certain iconic spots like Lago di Braies or the Tre Cime di Lavaredo have restricted access or require pre-booked parking to manage the heavy tourist traffic. For 2026 travelers, renting a smaller car is highly recommended to navigate the narrow village streets and tight curves more easily. However, you must be aware of ZTL zones (Limited Traffic Zones) in historic towns like Bolzano or Cortina d'Ampezzo, where driving without a permit leads to heavy fines. Driving provides the freedom to reach remote hiking trailheads and hidden Alpine rifugios that are not easily accessible by public buses, making it the preferred way to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site.