Is there public transportation to the Dolomites?

Bus services are readily available for both getting to the Dolomites, and getting around the region. The bus from Venice to Cortina is probably the fastest option if you are taking public transportation.



Yes, the Dolomites in Northern Italy are surprisingly accessible via an extensive and efficient public transportation network. Most travelers arrive by train at major hubs like Bolzano (Bozen), Bressanone (Brixen), or Belluno. From these cities, a comprehensive system of regional buses (operated by companies like SAD and DolomitiBus) connects almost every valley and mountain village. During the peak summer and winter seasons, additional "Ski Buses" and "Hiking Shuttles" are deployed to move visitors between popular trailheads and cable car stations. Many regions, such as the Val Gardena or the Alpe di Siusi, offer a "Mobilcard" or "Guest Pass" to tourists staying in local hotels, providing free and unlimited use of all public transport in the area. While a car is helpful for reaching the most remote mountain passes at sunrise, the bus system is reliable enough that thousands of travelers navigate the UNESCO World Heritage site every year without one. Just be sure to check the seasonal timetables, as service can be significantly reduced during the "shoulder" months of May and November.

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If you're wondering how to get to the Dolomites then you first need to understand that the area is best explored by car. It can be reached by car from Venice in 2 hours, and from Milan in 4 hours. I recommend renting a car and planning a road trip through the Dolomites for the best experience.

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Yes, there is a train from Venice to the Dolomites, though it'll drop you at the foot of the mountains, not the peaks. A two-hour journey with zero connections from Venice to Belluno can cost less than $10.

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The easiest and most direct route to the Dolomites is by car. We recommend renting a car as you'll have the convenience of going wherever you'd like, whenever you'd like. If you don't wish to drive in Italy, taxis are always available from the Venice area and also within the Dolomites to get you where you need to go.

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THE DOLOMITES ARE EXPENSIVE BUT ALSO AFFORDABLE WITH THESE TIPS. We're not going to lie, the Dolomites can be very expensive, and for many travellers, prohibitively so. Accommodation, especially in popular areas, can exceed €200 per night and will likely be your largest cost.

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Nowadays, the nearest railway station is at Calalzo di Cadore, 35 km away. The through journey from Venice to Cortina takes about 3,5 hours (train+bus). On the north there is the Fortezza-Dobbiaco railway line. Transfer to Cortina by bus.

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Venice is one of the closest major cities in Italy to the Dolomites. If you're flying in, I suggest Venice's Marco Polo or Treviso Airports. And you can reach the popular Cortina d'Ampezzo ski area in less than 2 hours by train from Venice.

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The winter skiing season runs from mid-December until early April. We've personally visited the Dolomites in May, June, July, August, September, and October. The best time of year to visit the Dolomites is mid/late June, early July, and September.

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Cortina d'Ampezzo This town makes an excellent home base to explore the Dolomites, with a great location near Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Sorapis, the Croda da Lago Circuit, and Lagazuoi. While in Cortina d'Ampezzo, take a stroll along Corso Italia, the pedestrian street that runs through the city center.

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The closest train stations are Ponte Gardena, Chiusa, Bressanone and Bolzano. From there, you can travel by bus or taxi.

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If you simply want to drive through the Dolomites and visit a few highlights, two to three days is all you need. If you love hiking, spend as much time here as you can. I recommend five days at a minimum. So far, we spent 12 very busy days in the Dolomites and still have more that we want to come back and do.

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The easiest and most direct route to the Dolomites is by car. We recommend renting a car as you'll have the convenience of going wherever you'd like, whenever you'd like. If you don't wish to drive in Italy, taxis are always available from the Venice area and also within the Dolomites to get you where you need to go.

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It is the perfect tour for those who have only one day to visit the splendid Dolomites: you will travel in full “The Great Dolomites Road” from Bolzano to Cortina d'Ampezzo, with the best of the Western and Eastern Dolomites and all the most beautiful alpine lakes.

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There are 3 ways to get from Lago di Garda to Dolomiti by car ferry, train, taxi or car
  1. Take the car ferry from Maderno to Torri.
  2. Take the train from Domegliara-S.Ambrog. to Ponte Gardena Laion/Waidbruck Lajen.
  3. Take a taxi from Ponte Gardena Laion/Waidbruck Lajen to Dolomiti.


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PRO TIP: Hiking is NOT all difficult in the Dolomites. There are plenty of trails that are rated easy and medium on the challenge scale, and everything is very well marked. In fact, some of the most iconic views from the Dolomites can be accessed by an easy hike!

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A lifetime experience in just one memorable day. Meet your local guide and expert driver and get ready for a Dolomites Day Tour from Verona. Marvel at the majestic peaks and picturesque villages of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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The little villages in the bernese oberland valley are charming and certainly worth experiencing. We found the Dolomites to be less touristy as compared to BO/swiss alps. You will find tons of tourists in July Switzerland. And the Dolomites will be cheaper as compared to BO.

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