How do I get to the Dolomites?
Getting to the Dolomites is not a challenging feat, but it’s crucial to begin with the understanding that if you intend to reach the Dolomites by car, you’ll be navigating through mountain roads. In some sections, these roads are very narrow and steep, featuring hairpin bends that require careful driving. Getting to the Dolomites is contingent on your specific destination, and various routes are available.
The Dolomites span regions such as Veneto, Trentino-South Tyrol, and Friuli Venezia Giulia. Here, I’ll guide you on how to get to Cortina d’Ampezzo, universally recognized as one of the most beautiful mountain resorts globally.
Getting to the Dolomites is a journey worth taking. Cortina d’Ampezzo, nestled in the southern Alps (Dolomiti) within Veneto, Northern Italy, lies at the heart of the Dolomites. It boasts a reputation for superb winter skiing, and in the summer, it attracts hikers and climbers eager to challenge the rocky faces of nearby mountains.
As you embark on the quest to get to the Dolomites, keep in mind the stunning landscapes, the unique charm of Cortina d’Ampezzo, and the allure that draws travelers to this remarkable destination. Getting to the Dolomites is not just a journey; it’s an exploration of natural wonders and a celebration of breathtaking scenery.
Let’s see how to reach the Dolomites and Cortina d’Ampezzo
By car the town is less than an hour from the A27 motorway (Pian de Vedoia) and an hour and a quarter from the A22 Brennero Bressanone-Val Pusteria exit. As you drive in the direction of Cortina from Venice, past Longarone and the villages of Tai and Valle in Cadore, you enter the valley of the river Boite, with the impressive Mount Pelmo on your left and Mount Antelao on your right. This is the main way to reach Cortina and the only one that does not demand driving through mountain passes (Read more). Distances from Cortina.
Cortina is crossed by route SS 51 in a North-South direction and the SS 48bis of the Dolomites in an East-West direction.
The motorway exits for Cortina are A27-Belluno from the South (44 mi / 72 km) and A22 Bressanone from the North (54 mi / 87 km).
How far is Cortina:
• 162 km from Venice
• 432 km from Milan
• 692 km from Rome
• 165 km from Innsbruck
• 1.320 km from Calais
• 44 km from the Austrian border
• 72 km from A27-Belluno motorway
• 87 km from A22-Bressanone motorway
Cortina is easy to access from several airports. The main international airports closer to the Dolomites are the one in Venice (160km) and the one in Munich (Germany). There also are smaller airports in the region, in Treviso, Verona, and Innsbruck (Austria). I recommend flying to Venice (Marco Polo) as a first choice. Once in Venice, you can take a bus to Cortina.
During the season, there are direct bus connections between Cortina and some Italian cities:
– bus service between Mestre (Venice) railway station and Cortina d’Ampezzo in connection with the Eurostar trains from/to Milan.
– bus service between Bologna railway station and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The bus station is located in the center of Cortina City on Marconi Street.
– bus service between Milano bus station (Lampugnano) and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The bus station is located in the center of Cortina City on Marconi Street.
Links: www.cortinaexpress.it – www.atvo.it – www.flixbus.it
The closer train stations are the one in Calalzo di Cadore in the south, and the one in Dobbiaco (Toblach) in the north. If you prefer to travel by train, the main railway line is Venezia S. Lucia – Calalzo di Cadore, then transfer to Cortina by a connected bus service. Once, many years ago, the little blue train of the Dolomites connected Cortina with the nearby railway stations.
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. From Fortezza to Cortina it takes about 2 hours (train+bus).
For purchasing tickets online, I suggest Trainline, the leader in Europe for traveling by train and bus: www.thetrainline.com/en-us
Hereunder are some images of Cortina d’Ampezzo and its magnificent mountains!
get to the dolomites