Rome to the Dolomites — closer than you think, trickier than you'd hope

The Dolomites aren't a single place — they're a mountain range spanning three provinces. Cortina, Val Gardena, Val di Fassa each have different access points. The fast train gets you to gateway cities. After that, mountain roads.

Step 1: Get to the gateway city

Three gateways: Bolzano (Val Gardena, Alpe di Siusi), Trento (Val di Fassa), Venice/Mestre (Cortina). Train to one, then bus or car.

🚄 Train to Bolzano/Verona + bus or car

Best overall

5–6h totalDuration

€30–75Cost

Multiple dailyFrequency

Rome → Bolzano: Frecciarossa to Verona (3h15, from €19), regional to Bolzano (1h20, €9). From Bolzano, SAD buses reach Val Gardena in 40 min. Rome → Cortina: Train to Venice (3h45), then Cortina Express bus (2h, €18).

🚗 Driving

Essential for exploringFlexible

5.5–7hDuration

€40–55 tolls + fuelCost

AnytimeFrequency

A1 north to Bologna, A22 Brenner to Bolzano. A car is essentially required in the Dolomites unless staying in a single resort. The A22 is one of Europe's most scenic motorways.

💡 Pro tip: Get the Mobilcard in South Tyrol — €15/day for unlimited buses + lifts. In summer, you don't need a car if staying in Val Gardena or Seiser Alm.

⚠️ Warning: Winter driving requires snow chains or winter tires (mandatory Nov 15 – Apr 15). Some passes close entirely October–June.

The verdict

Train to Verona or Bolzano, rent a car there. Don't rent in Rome — rent at your gateway city and save 5 hours of driving.

🚆 Book trains 🏨 Dolomites hotels 🚗 Rent at Bolzano 🎫 Dolomites tours

More transport guides

Rome → Milan Venice → Verona

Rome to the Dolomites — closer than you think, trickier than you'd hope

Step 1: Get to the gateway city

🚄 Train to Bolzano/Verona + bus or car

🚗 Driving

The verdict

More transport guides

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