The Dolomites are a breathtaking mountain range located in northeastern Italy and are a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Getting from Venice to Dolomites can be done in several ways, each with its own pros and cons.
If you’re planning a trip to the Dolomites and you’re starting in Venice, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get to the Dolomites. In this blog, we’ll explore the different modes of transportation and the best options for travelers. Lastly, we’ll discuss the best places to see and things to do in the Dolomites.
Maybe you are planning a European honeymoon of your dreams, or you’re simply trying to decide where to go next on your Europe trip. This blog will help you plan the best way to get to the Dolomites and what to do once you arrive.
If you’re planning a trip to Europe, we have lots of destination guides to check out! Berlin, Barcelona, Florence, London and more!
How to get to the Dolomites
By Car
Traveling from Venice to the Dolomites by car is the quickest option. This is a great option for travelers who want the independence to explore the area at their own pace. The journey takes only about 2-3 hours, depending on where your first stop in the Dolomites is.
Our first stop was Cortina d’Ampezzo which took us just over 2 hours.
The pros of traveling by car is that it is very quick and it is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the region up close. Additionally, having a car gives you the freedom to visit remote areas that are not accessible by public transportation.
The cons of traveling by car is that driving in the Dolomites can be a bit challenging due to the steep and winding roads. Additionally, automatic transmissions are much more expensive than manuals. If you aren’t comfortable driving a manual transmission be prepared for the rental car to cost you double.
Traveling to the Dolomites by car has so many awesome benefits, but it’s important to honestly gauge your comfort level before you decide on going with this option.
By Bus
Another option for how to get to the Dolomites is by bus. There are several bus companies that offer direct buses from Venice’s main bus station to the Dolomites.
There are 2 options when traveling by bus. From Venice, you can plan to arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo to the east or Bolzano to the west.
The entire journey will take about 2.5 – 3 hours if you are going to Cortina d’Ampezzo. When you are booking your ticket, make sure you book the direct ticket so you don’t have to stop and worry about transferring. This will also save you time. The direct bus from Venice to Bolzano will take almost 5 hours.
Which ever route you decide to take, the bus is a convenient option for travelers who don’t want to deal with multiple transfers or driving in a foreign country. The buses are comfortable and offer an affordable way to get to the Dolomites. Lastly, it doesn’t take that much longer than driving yourself!
By Train
The next best option for how to get from Venice to the Dolomites is by train. This is a great option for those that aren’t comfortable driving and are confident in navigating the train system. Unfortunately, this option requires 1 – 2 transfers and some routes even require a transfer from train to bus for the final leg of the trip.
Overall, the trip by train should take about 4 hours. The best part about this option is you’ll have the opportunity to relax and take in the stunning views of the Venetian countryside along the way.
Like the bus, you’ll have 2 options from Venice to the Dolomites by train. From Venice you can catch a train to Calalzo di Cadore or Bolzano.
The train journey from Venice to the Dolomites is very comfortable. The trains are well-equipped with all the necessary amenities, including air conditioning, food, beverage service, and free Wi-Fi.
By Plane
While traveling from Venice to Dolomites by plane is possible, it really isn’t a great option. It is by far the most expensive option. Additionally, it won’t save you much time, if any!
The nearest airport to the Dolomites is the Treviso Airport, which is located about 2 hours from Venice. From Treviso, you’ll have to catch a train or bus to finish your journey to the Dolomites.
While flying by plane is typically the fastest option, by the time you factor in an early arrival to the airport and the final train or bus to the Dolomites, traveling by plane isn’t going to be much faster than train, car or bus for this journey.
Best Places to go in the Dolomites
Three places we stop and explored on our Dolomites road trip were Cortina d’Ampezzo, Lago di Braies and Seceda. Each stop was incredible in their own way and we recommend all 3 if your itinerary allows!
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Cortina d’Ampezzo is a popular and convenient stop in the Dolomites because it is easy to get to via car, bus or train. This charming town is a great destination year round. In the winter, it’s a paradise for skiers and snowboarders, and in the summer, it’s a hub for hiking and mountain biking.
The town itself is beautiful, with charming shops, restaurants, and cafes that offer a taste of the local culture. The surrounding mountains provide stunning views and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
We spent our time here wandering around the town, tasting the delicious local cuisine, drinking wine and hiking. Our favorite hike in the area was Pocol – Lago Federa. We did it early in the morning and the reflection was incredible!!
Lake Braies
Lake Braies, also known as Lago di Braies, is a stunning lake located in the heart of the Dolomites. Its emerald-green waters are surrounded by towering peaks, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the region. Chances are when you picture the Dolomites, you picture Lago di Braies, as it has become a very instagram famous location.
Visitors can rent rowboats and explore the lake if you’d like. We decided to take a leisurely hike around the perimeter. This hike was very easy and a great way to see the many spectacular views this lake and the surrounding mountains have to offer.
Seceda
The Seceda area in the Dolomites is stunning! The hiking and trekking in this area was some of the best we’ve ever done! The Seceda area offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and towns. The view of the Dolomites from Seceda is one of the most iconic and recognizable in the region.
To add to the excitement, Seceda has multiple cable cars that bring you further up and into the mountain range. Ride the cable car whichever direction you’d like and continue your hike from there. Or simply relax at one of the restaurants up there and take in the views that way.
Overall, Seceda in the Dolomites is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in outdoor activities, stunning natural beauty, culture, history, and delicious food and wine.
Best Things to do in the Dolomites
Now that you know the different options for getting from Venice to Dolomites and the best places to visit in the Dolomites, let’s explore what you can expect once you arrive. With its stunning alpine scenery, pristine lakes, and towering peaks, the Dolomites offer an endless array of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests.
Here are some of the best things to do in the Dolomites:
Hiking
The Dolomites are a hiker’s paradise! Experience a vast network of trails that wind through the mountains. The trails offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, you’ll find a trail that suits your level of experience.
Some of the most popular hikes in the Dolomites include the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the Sella Ronda, and the Alta Via 1. Each of these trails offers a unique and unforgettable hiking experience, with breathtaking views and an abundance of wildlife.
Climbing
For thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies, climbing in the Dolomites is an experience not to be missed. The Dolomites offer some of the best climbing routes in the world, with routes ranging from beginner to expert levels.
Whether you’re a seasoned climber or just starting out, you’ll find a route that suits your level of experience. Some of the most popular climbing destinations in the Dolomites include the Marmolada, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and the Sella Group.
Mountain Biking
The Dolomites are a fantastic destination for mountain biking, with a vast network of trails that wind through the mountains and offer breathtaking views.
Some of the best mountain biking trails in the Dolomites include the Sella Ronda, the Alta Via 1, and the Alpe di Siusi. Each of these trails offers a unique and unforgettable mountain biking experience. You’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views and an abundance of wildlife the entire time.
Skiing and Snowboarding
The Dolomites are also a popular winter sports destination. The mountain range offers a variety of ski resorts that offer a range of ski and snowboarding experiences.
Some of the most popular ski resorts in the Dolomites include the Marmolada, the Alta Badia, and the Val Gardena. Each of these resorts offers a unique ski experience, with stunning views, diverse terrain, and an abundance of ski runs.
Scenic Drives
The Dolomites offer some of the most stunning drives in the world! Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and winding roads that lead through the mountains. Whether you’re driving a car or taking a bus, the scenic drives in the Dolomites are an experience not to be missed.
Some of the best scenic drives in the Dolomites include the Sella Ronda, the Great War Road, and the Gardena Pass.
Enjoy your trip to the Dolomites
No matter what your interests or level of experience, the Dolomites offer an abundance of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. So whether you’re a hiker, climber, mountain biker, skier, or simply a lover of nature and stunning scenery, the Dolomites are a must-visit destination.
