How to get to the Dolomites – Travel by region with routes & transfer planning

Plan your journey to the Dolomites in northern Italy by region, comparing air travel with the closest airports for each region, and the best travel options by car, train and flight. This guide explains the final transfer to your destination in South Tyrol, Trentino or Belluno.

Dolomites travel planning – Start with your destination

To choose the best way to get to the Dolomites, start with your destination region. Travel times, routes and transfer options vary significantly depending on whether you are heading to Val Gardena, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Alta Badia or other valleys.

This guide helps you identify the most efficient route by combining three key elements:

  • the main travel option (car, train or flight) 
  • the closest transport hub 
  • and the final transfer (“last mile”) to your accommodation

Choose your region → Get the best travel option

Val Gardena

  • Nearest hub: Bolzano / Chiusa 
  • Best option: Car via the Brennero motorway 
  • Alternative: Train to Bolzano + regional bus 
  • Last mile: 30-45 minutes by bus or hotel transfer 

Alta Badia

  • Nearest hub: Brunico / Bressanone 
  • Best option: Car via Val Pusteria 
  • Alternative: Train + bus connection 
  • Last mile: 40-60 minutes 

Cortina d’Ampezzo

  • Nearest hub: Dobbiaco / Belluno 
  • Best option: Car via A27 from Venice 
  • Alternative: Train to Dobbiaco + bus 
  • Last mile: 40-60 minutes 

Val di Fassa

  • Nearest hub: Trento / Bolzano 
  • Best option: Car via Brennero or Trentino valleys 
  • Alternative: Train + bus 
  • Last mile: 45-75 minutes 

Kronplatz / Val Pusteria

  • Nearest hub: Brunico 
  • Best option: Train or car via Austria or South Tyrol 
  • Alternative: Direct rail access 
  • Last mile: Minimal (local transport available)

Getting to the Dolomites by car – Routes & key considerations

Driving to the Dolomites offers flexibility and the chance to explore at your own pace, especially if you plan to explore multiple valleys.

Main access routes:

  • Brenner motorway (A22): Ideal for South Tyrol regions 
  • Via Lienz (Austria): Best for eastern Dolomites 
  • From Venice (A27): Direct route to Cortina and Belluno 

What to consider:

  • Winter tyres are mandatory in colder months (from 15 November to 15 April)
  • Mountain passes may be affected by weather 
  • Weekend traffic can increase travel time 
  • Parking availability varies by resort

Getting to the Dolomites by train – Connections & transfers

Major train routes to the Dolomites

Travelling by train to the Dolomites is a scenic and convenient option. Major train routes include the Brenner Pass route from Munich to Verona, with stops in Trento, Bolzano and Bressanone, close to the Dolomites.

Connecting trains and stations

From major cities like Milan, Venice, and Rome, you can catch high-speed trains to Bolzano, Trento, or Belluno, which are gateways to the Dolomites. Regional trains connect these cities to smaller towns in the Dolomites, like the train route in Val Pusteria.

Getting to the Dolomites by plane – Best airports by region

Closest airports to the Dolomites

When comparing airports, Bolzano Airport is the closest to the Dolomites and ideal for reaching central valleys in South Tyrol quickly, though it offers limited international routes. Venice Marco Polo provides the best access to the eastern Dolomites and Cortina d’Ampezzo in Belluno with excellent long-haul connections. Verona Airport is convenient for western areas such as Val di Fassa and Trentino, while Innsbruck offers the fastest northern entry via the Brennero Pass. For wide global flight availability, Munich Airport is the most comprehensive option, supported by reliable rail links into South Tyrol.

Bolzano Airport | BZO

Best for: Closest access to central Dolomites (Val Gardena, Alpe di Siusi, Alta Badia)

Approx. travel time: 20-45 min

Venice Marco Polo Airport | VCE

Best for: Cortina d’Ampezzo, Tre Cime, eastern Dolomites

Approx. travel time: 2-2.5 hrs

Verona Airport | VRN

Best for: Val di Fassa, Val di Fiemme, Trentino region

Approx. travel time: 2-2.5 hrs

Innsbruck Airport | INN

Best for: Northern Dolomites (Ortisei, Selva, Alta Pusteria)

Approx. travel time: 2-2.5 hrs

Munich Airport | MUC

Best for: Wide international connections, good for long-haul travellers

Approx. travel time: 3-4 hrs

Airlines and flight routes

Many airlines operate flights to these airports from various European cities and beyond. Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet provide affordable options, while larger carriers like Lufthansa and British Airways offer more frequent flights. Late arrivals may require overnight stays near the airport or transport hub.

The last mile – Getting to your final destination

Reaching your accommodation in the Dolomites often requires a final transfer from a transport hub. Buses are a cost-effective way to reach the Dolomites. Companies like FlixBus and regional services connect major cities to the Dolomites. Services run frequently during the peak tourist seasons.

Available options:

  • Regional buses 
  • Airport shuttles 
  • Private transfers or taxis 
  • Car hire 
  • Hotel pick-up services 

How to choose:

  • Travelling with ski equipment: Private transfer or car hire 
  • Late arrival: Car hire or taxi 
  • Budget travel: Public buses 
  • Families: Shuttle or hotel transfer 

Planning the last mile in advance is essential, especially in remote valleys or during peak seasons. Check the latest bus schedules online for the most accurate information. Buses often run from Venice, Verona, and Milan to destinations like Cortina d'Ampezzo and Bolzano.

Plan your next step – Travel & stay in the Dolomites

Once your arrival is planned, the next step is choosing the right base and organising local mobility.

Use this travel guide to explore:

  • accommodation options by region 
  • transport within the Dolomites 
  • seasonal travel conditions 
  • nearby activities and destinations

Selected accommodations in the Dolomites

Hotel Alpenrose Dolomites - Alta Badia in South Tyrol

Hotel Alpenrose Dolomites

Alta Badia in South Tyrol
4.4 Very good
285 Reviews
  • Immersed in the beauty of the alpine scenery of the Dolomites
  • Rooms furnished in wood
  • Wellness centre with sauna, Turkish bath and spring water
  • Excellent Ladin cuisine
  • Many activities for every season
from 85.00 € per night
Hotel Royal Cortina - Cortina d'Ampezzo in Belluno

Hotel Royal Cortina

Cortina d'Ampezzo in Belluno

An antique Venetian style building dating back to 1700, owned by the Menardi Demai family, was transformed into a modern family run hotel in the forties.

EDEN apartments - Castelrotto in South Tyrol

EDEN apartments

Castelrotto in South Tyrol
4.7 Excellent
140 Reviews
  • Central location
  • Modern & comfortable apartments
  • Wellness area for relaxation
  • Wide range of leisure activities
  • Ideal for active guests & nature lovers
from 132.00 € per night
Hotel - B&B Boutique - Apartment Oberwiesen - Brunico in South Tyrol

Hotel - B&B Boutique - Apartment Oberwiesen

Brunico in South Tyrol
4.9 Excellent
313 Reviews
  • Modern alpine architecture with a feel-good ambience
  • Versatile accommodation for different needs
  • Vital gourmet breakfast with regional specialities
  • Panoramic saunas, sunbathing lawn & outdoor pool
  • Ideal location for an active summer or winter holiday
from 50.00 € per night
Browse & request

Frequently asked questions

What is the closest airport to the Dolomites?

The closest airport is Bolzano Airport (BZO) in South Tyrol, offering the shortest access to central Dolomite valleys such as Val Gardena and Alpe di Siusi. Innsbruck, Verona, Venice and Munich are the main gateways depending on your destination valley.

How do I get to the Dolomites from major airports?

From Venice, Verona, Innsbruck or Munich, you can reach the Dolomites by car hire, airport shuttle or regional train connections to Bolzano, Bressanone or Brunico.

Which airport is best for Cortina d’Ampezzo and the eastern Dolomites?

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is the best option, with direct motorway links and regular shuttle transfers to Cortina and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo area.

How do I reach my hotel without a car?

Most destinations are accessible via train and bus, followed by a short transfer by taxi, shuttle or hotel pick-up.

Do I need a car to get to the Dolomites?

A car offers the most flexibility, especially for smaller valleys, but trains and buses provide reliable access to major hubs such as Bolzano, Brunico and Trento.

Which option is the most reliable?

Train travel is typically the most predictable, especially when combined with pre-planned local transfers.