Alta Via Access Guide: The Easiest Ways to Reach the Dolomites Trails

Getting to the Alta Via starting point can feel confusing at first. Italian mountain villages aren't exactly international transportation hubs, and between airports, trains, buses, and winding alpine roads, the logistics can seem overwhelming.

Here's the good news: with smart planning, reaching Alta Via trailheads is straightforward from any major European city. Venice, Innsbruck, and Verona airports all connect efficiently to the Dolomites via trains and buses, and the journey itself—through alpine valleys and past turquoise lakes—becomes part of the adventure.

This guide covers everything: which airports to fly into, how to navigate Italy's train system, which buses actually go to trailheads, and the fastest routes to each major Alta Via starting point. By the end, you'll know exactly which transport combination works best for your trip, complete with links to schedules, and insider tips.

Understanding Alta Via Starting Points

Before booking any transport, you need to know where you're actually going. Each Alta Via has different start and end points, and some are easier to reach than others.

Alta Via 1:

• Northern start: Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee)

• Southern end: Belluno

• Most common access towns: Dobbiaco/Toblach (near northern start), Cortina d'Ampezzo (mid-route access)

What to do once you arrive? See our ultimate Alta Via 1 guide!

Alta Via 2:

• Northern start: Brixen/Bressanone

• Southern end: Feltre

• Most common access towns: Brixen (excellent train connections), Corvara, Arabba

What next? Everything is in our Alta Via 2 guide.

Other Alta Vias (3-10): Each has its own starting point, but transport principles remain similar—fly to one of the three main airports, then combine trains and buses to reach your trailhead.

Key insight: Most international hikers fly into Venice, Innsbruck, or Verona, then use Italy's efficient train and bus network to reach mountain towns. Car rentals offer flexibility but aren't necessary—public transport works brilliantly if you know the routes.

Top 3 Closest Airports

1. Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) — Most Popular

• Distance to Dolomites: 150-180 km (depending on destination)

• Travel time to trailheads: 2.5-3.5 hours

• Why choose it: Best international connections, most flight options from across Europe and beyond, competitive pricing

• Best for: Alta Via 1 (northern start), Alta Via 2, and most southern approaches

Venice is the gateway most international hikers use, and for good reason. The airport is well-connected, and direct bus services run straight to Cortina d'Ampezzo throughout the hiking season.

Direct Transport Options

Bus: Cortina Express — The easiest option

Direct service from Venice Airport → Cortina d'Ampezzo

• Website: Cortina Express

• Frequency: Multiple daily departures (June-September)

• Duration: ~2.5 hours

• Cost: ~€25-35 one way

• Luggage included, reservations required in peak season

Train + Bus combo:
Venice → Calalzo di Cadore (train) → Cortina or Dobbiaco (local bus)

• Train schedule: Trenitalia

• Duration: 2.5 hours by train + 30-60 min by bus

• Cost: ~€15-25 train + ~€5-10 bus

• More connections but requires a transfer

Car rental:
Available at the airport; drive via A27 → SR51 through the Cadore Valley

• Duration: 2-2.5 hours to Cortina area

• Parking available in major towns (pre-booking recommended)

2. Innsbruck Airport (INN) — Nearest

• Distance to Dolomites: 100-130 km

• Travel time: 1.5-2.5 hours

• Why choose it: Shortest distance to northern trailheads, spectacular alpine approach through Brenner Pass

• Best for: Northern Alta Via 1 start at Lago di Braies, hikers coming from Germany or Austria

Innsbruck is the fastest way to reach the northern Dolomites, especially if you're already in Central Europe. The train connections through the Brenner Pass are frequent, scenic, and efficient.

Direct Transport Options

Train: Best option

• Innsbruck → Brixen/Bressanone (for Alta Via 2): Direct trains via Brenner Pass

  • Austrian Railways: ÖBB

  • Italian Railways: Trenitalia

  • Duration: 1.5 hours

  • Frequency: Hourly connections

• Innsbruck → Fortezza → Dobbiaco (for Alta Via 1): Two-train journey

  • Duration: 1.5 hours to Fortezza + 45 min to Dobbiaco

  • Well-coordinated connections

Bus: Limited direct options; train is strongly preferred

Car rental:
Drive via Brenner Pass (A13 Austria/A22 Italy)

• Duration: 1.5-2 hours depending on destination

• Tolls: Austrian motorway vignette required (~€12) + Italian tolls (~€15-20)

3. Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN) — Budget Option

• Distance to Dolomites: 180-220 km

• Travel time: 3-4 hours

• Why choose it: Budget airlines (Ryanair, Wizz Air), southern access point for routes ending in Belluno/Feltre

• Best for: Southern Alta Via approaches, budget-conscious travelers, those starting/ending in Verona

Verona works well if you're on a budget or planning to explore northern Italy before or after your hike. The train connections require more changes but are straightforward.

Direct Transport Options

Train:

• Verona Porta Nuova → Belluno/Feltre (southern Alta Via end points)

  • Schedule: Trenitalia

  • Duration: 2.5-3 hours with one connection

  • Frequency: Several daily trains

• Verona → Bolzano → onward connections (for northern access)

  • Duration: 2 hours to Bolzano + connections

  • Requires planning but very doable

Car rental:
Drive via A22 Brenner motorway north

• Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours depending on final destination

• Tolls: ~€12-18

• Most flexible for southern approaches

Airport Comparison at a Glance

Other Regional Airports (Brief Mentions)

• Bolzano Airport (BZO): Very small with limited international flights, but extremely close if you can get there

• Treviso Airport (TSF): Budget alternative to Venice (Ryanair hub), slightly farther but similar bus/train connections

• Munich Airport (MUC): Major international hub, 3.5-4 hours by car or train—good option for northern European connections

Getting to Alta Via by Train

Italy's train system is efficient, affordable, and remarkably scenic—but trains don't go directly to most Alta Via trailheads. Mountain villages are reached by bus from the nearest train station, which means you'll typically use a train + bus combination.

Here are the main routes:

To Northern Alta Via 1 (Lago di Braies):

The journey breaks into clear steps:

1. Any major city → Fortezza/Franzensfeste (main junction station in South Tyrol)

2. Fortezza → Dobbiaco/Toblach (regional train, ~45 minutes)

3. Dobbiaco → Lago di Braies (local bus #442, ~30 minutes)

Bus schedule: SAD Südtirol

Frequency: Hourly during summer season (June-September)

Cost: ~€5 for the bus segment

To Cortina d'Ampezzo (mid-route access):

Cortina is the Dolomites' most famous resort town and a common access point for Alta Via 1.

1. Venice or Verona → Calalzo di Cadore (regional train, end of the line)

   • Schedule: Trenitalia

   • Duration: 2.5 hours from Venice

   • Scenic route through Cadore Valley

2. Calalzo → Cortina d'Ampezzo (bus lines 30/31)

   • Schedule: Dolomiti Bus

   • Duration: 45 minutes

   • Frequency: Every 1-2 hours in season

To Brixen/Bressanone (Alta Via 2 northern start):

This is the easiest trailhead to reach by train—Brixen is a major South Tyrol town with excellent connections.

1. Any major Italian city → Bolzano/Bozen (frequent direct trains)

2. Bolzano → Brixen/Bressanone (regional train, 30-40 minutes)

   • Frequency: Every 30 minutes throughout the day

   • Very well connected—no advance booking needed for regional segments

Key Train Booking Sites:

• Trenitalia — Italian national railways

• ÖBB — Austrian railways (for routes through Innsbruck and Brenner Pass)

• Trainline — Multi-country booking platform (easier interface for international travelers)

Pro Tips for Train Travel:

• Book long-distance trains 1-2 weeks ahead for better prices (though regional trains often can't be reserved far in advance)

• Large hiking backpacks are allowed on trains at no extra charge

• Check for strikes ("sciopero") during your travel dates—Italian transport workers occasionally strike with advance notice

• Download the Trenitalia app for real-time updates and mobile tickets

Getting to Alta Via by Bus

Buses are often more direct than trains for reaching actual trailheads—they go where trains can't. Here are the key operators and routes you need to know:

1. Cortina Express — Direct from Venice Airport

• Route: Venice Marco Polo Airport → Cortina d'Ampezzo (direct)

• Website: Cortina Express

• Season: June-September (peak summer season)

• Duration: ~2.5 hours

• Cost: €25-35 one way

• Luggage: Included (hiking backpacks no problem)

This is the easiest single-ticket option from Venice Airport to the heart of the Dolomites. Book ahead in July-August as buses fill up.

2. Dolomiti Bus — Regional Dolomites Coverage

• Coverage area: Belluno province, Cortina, Valle di Cadore, Agordo

• Website: Dolomiti Bus

• Key routes: Connects train stations (like Calalzo) to mountain towns

• Frequency: Varies by route; more frequent in summer

• Payment: Cash onboard or prepaid tickets at tobacco shops ("tabacchi")

Dolomiti Bus fills the gaps between train stations and villages. Essential for reaching places like Cortina from Calalzo, or moving between valleys.

3. SAD Südtirol — South Tyrol (Northern Dolomites)

Coverage area: Northern Dolomites—Bolzano, Brixen, Val Gardena, Val Badia, Lago di Braies

• Website: SAD

• Mobile tickets: Available via the mobile app

• Timetables: Seasonal—always check current summer schedules before your trip

Key routes for Alta Via hikers:

• Line 442: Dobbiaco → Lago di Braies (Alta Via 1 start)—this is the crucial connection

• Multiple lines throughout Val Gardena, Val Badia, and Pustertal Valley

• Extensive network makes South Tyrol very accessible

4. FlixBus — Long-Distance International

• Coverage: International connections to Bolzano, Trento, Verona from across Europe

• Website: FlixBus

• Useful for: Budget long-distance travel from other European cities (Munich, Vienna, Milan, etc.)

• Then connect to: Local buses or trains to reach Dolomites villages

FlixBus won't get you directly to Alta Via trailheads, but it's an affordable way to reach northern Italian hubs if you're already in Europe.

Pro Tips for Bus Travel:

• Download timetables and tickets as PDFs before your trip—mountain areas have spotty cell service and you don't want to be stranded without info

• Buy bus tickets in advance when possible—some popular routes sell out in peak season (especially Cortina Express)

• Have small bills and coins ready for drivers who sell tickets onboard

• Check seasonal schedules—many mountain bus routes run reduced service (or not at all) outside June-September

Driving to the Alta Via (Car Rental)

When a Car Makes Sense

Renting a car offers maximum flexibility but isn't necessary for most Alta Via hikers. Here's an honest look at when it makes sense—and when it doesn't.

Pros of Renting a Car:

• Direct access to remote trailheads (no waiting for buses)

• Complete flexibility with timing and routes

• Easier if traveling with lots of luggage or gear

• Ability to stop for photos, supplies, or spontaneous detours

• Better for pre- or post-hike exploration of the region

Cons of Renting a Car:

• Parking fees in mountain towns (€10-20/day adds up fast)

• Expensive one-way drop-off fees if starting and ending in different locations

• Mountain driving requires confidence—narrow roads, hairpin turns, steep grades

• Car sits unused while you're hiking for days

• Tolls on Italian motorways

• Need to arrange parking security for multi-day periods

Bottom line: Cars work best for groups of 3-4 sharing costs, or if you're combining the Alta Via with broader Dolomites exploration. Solo hikers and couples usually find public transport easier and cheaper.

Best Car Rental Options

All three major airports have rental car desks:

• Providers: Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, Avis

• Book in advance: Summer rates in the Dolomites increase significantly

• Insurance: Check if your credit card covers CDW (collision damage waiver)—otherwise, rental insurance adds €15-25/day

Driving Routes from Airports

From Venice (VCE) → Northern Dolomites (Cortina/Dobbiaco):

• Route: A27 north → SR51 via Pieve di Cadore

• Duration: 2-2.5 hours to Cortina area

• Tolls: ~€8-12

• Scenic highlights: Passes through Cadore Valley with views of alpine peaks and Lago di Centro Cadore

From Innsbruck (INN) → Lago di Braies:

• Route: A13 Brenner Pass → A22 into Italy → exit Brixen → SS49 to Dobbiaco → local road to Braies

• Duration: 1.5-2 hours

• Tolls: Austrian motorway vignette required (€10 for 10 days) + Italian A22 tolls (€6-10)

• Note: Brenner Pass is spectacular but very busy in summer; expect traffic on weekends

From Verona (VRN) → Brixen/Bolzano:

• Route: A22 Brenner motorway north

• Duration: 2-2.5 hours

• Tolls: ~€12-18 depending on exit

Parking Information at Trailheads:

• Lago di Braies: Very limited parking, ~€15-20/day, must be pre-booked in peak season (July-August). Without a reservation, you may be turned away. Reserve at Lago di Braies Parking

• Cortina d'Ampezzo: Several public parking lots near town center, ~€12-18/day. More availability than Braies but still busy in summer.

• Brixen/Bressanone: Town has parking garages, €10-15/day. Relatively easy to find spots.

• Belluno/Feltre (southern end points): Street parking often free in residential outskirts; paid lots in town centers €8-12/day.

Security tip: Never leave valuables visible in parked cars—break-ins at trailhead parking areas do happen.

Step-by-Step: The 3 Fastest Routes

Let's get specific. Here are the three fastest, most reliable ways to reach Lago di Braies—the northern starting point of Alta Via 1—from major airports.

Option 1: Venice Airport → Lago di Braies (Most Popular)

• Total time: 3-3.5 hours

• Total cost (approx.): €30-40

• Difficulty: Easy—mostly direct connections

Step-by-step:

1. Land at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

2. Bus: Venice Airport → Cortina d'Ampezzo (Cortina Express)

   • Duration: 2.5 hours

   • Book online: Cortina Express

   • Cost: €25-35

   • Departures: Multiple daily in summer

3. Bus: Cortina → Dobbiaco (Dolomiti Bus)

   • Duration: 30 minutes

   • Schedule: Dolomiti Bus

   • Cost: €5-8

   • Check timetable for connections

4. Bus: Dobbiaco → Lago di Braies (SAD Line 442)

   • Duration: 25 minutes

   • Schedule: SAD

   • Cost: ~€5

   • Runs hourly June-September

Best for: International travelers, most comprehensive flight options, straightforward routing

Option 2: Innsbruck Airport → Lago di Braies (Fastest)

• Total time: 2-2.5 hours

• Total cost (approx.): €20-30

• Difficulty: Easy—well-connected trains

Step-by-step:

1. Land at Innsbruck Airport (INN)

2. Train: Innsbruck → Fortezza/Franzensfeste (ÖBB/Trenitalia)

   • Duration: 1.5 hours

   • Book: OBB

   • Cost: €15-20

   • Frequency: Hourly

3. Train: Fortezza → Dobbiaco

   • Duration: 45 minutes

   • Regional train, well-coordinated connections

   • Cost: €5-8

4. Bus: Dobbiaco → Lago di Braies (SAD Line 442)

   • Duration: 25 minutes

   • Same as Route 1 above

Best for: Travelers coming from Germany, Austria, or Central Europe; shortest overall journey time

Option 3: Car Rental from Venice (Most Flexible)

• Total time: 2.5 hours direct

• Total cost (approx.): €50-80 (rental + fuel + tolls)

• Difficulty: Moderate—requires confident driving on mountain roads

Step-by-step:

1. Rent car at Venice Marco Polo Airport

   • Book in advance for best rates

   • Expect €40-60/day for a compact car

2. Drive: Venice → A27 → SR51 → Dobbiaco → Lago di Braies

   • Duration: 2.5 hours

   • Route: Scenic drive through Cadore Valley

   • Tolls: ~€10

   • Fuel: ~€20-25

3. Park at Lago di Braies

   • Must pre-book parking in summer

   • Cost: €15-20/day

   • Without reservation, you may be turned away (parking lot fills early)

Best for: Groups of 3-4 people splitting costs, families, or those wanting to explore multiple valleys before/after the hike

Alta Via 2 Starting Point Access (Brixen)

The good news: Brixen/Bressanone is far easier to reach than Lago di Braies.

Shortest route:

Innsbruck or Verona → Bolzano → Brixen (all by train)

Total duration: 1.5-2.5 hours depending on origin

Brixen is a major South Tyrol town with frequent train service from both directions. Trains from Bolzano run every 30 minutes, and the town itself is charming—worth arriving a day early to explore.

Your Journey to the Mountains Starts Now

Planning your Alta Via trek? First, decide on one of our Alta Via tours here—each includes detailed transport instructions, pickup coordination, and local support at every step.

Need personalized help? Want us to handle all the booking and schedules? Contact us and we'll make getting to the trailhead effortless and your hike hasslefree.