How to get to Dolomites: your complete travel guide to the Dolomites

Nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, Cadore is a lesser-known gem in Northern Italy, offering breathtaking landscapes, alpine villages, and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you're planning a hiking holiday, a ski trip, or a peaceful mountain retreat, here’s how to get to Cadore—by plane, by car, and by train.

Getting to Dolomites by plane ✈️

The nearest airports to Cadore are all within 2.5–3.5 hours' drive and are well-connected with major European cities:

• Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) – 150 km / approx. 1.5 hours by car

  The most convenient airport for international travelers. Rental cars and shuttle services are available directly at the terminal.

  
  

• Treviso Antonio Canova Airport (TSF) – 135 km / approx. 1.5 hours by car

  Serves mainly low-cost airlines like Ryanair. Ideal for budget travelers.

  
  

• Innsbruck Airport (INN), Austria – 170 km / approx. 3 hours by car

  A great option for those arriving from Germany or Austria.

  
  

• Verona Airport (VRN) – 230 km / approx. 3.5 hours by car

  Well connected with both domestic and international destinations.

  
  

From any of these airports, you can rent a car or use public transport to reach Cadore (see sections below).

Getting to Dolomites by car 🚗

Traveling to Cadore by car is the most flexible and scenic option, especially if you plan to explore multiple villages or go hiking.

Main access roads:

• From Venice / Treviso: take the A27 highway north until the Pian di Vedoia exit (near Ponte nelle Alpi), then follow the SS51 and SS52 toward Pieve di Cadore or Auronzo di Cadore.

• From Austria (Lienz): cross the border at Passo Monte Croce Comelico or Passo Cimabanche, depending on your destination (Comelico, Misurina, Cortina, etc.).

• From Verona or Milan: use the A4 and A27 motorways, then follow the same directions as above. Plan for around 4–5 hours depending on traffic.

  
  

Parking:

Most towns (like Pieve, Auronzo, and San Vito) offer free or paid public parking, and hotels often provide their own spaces.

Getting to Cadore by train 🚆

Cadore does not have a direct railway station, but you can arrive very close by train and then continue by bus or taxi.

Closest train stations:

• Calalzo di Cadore (CAD) – the final stop of the Venice–Calalzo regional line.

  From here, local buses connect to Auronzo, San Vito, and other villages.

• Ponte nelle Alpi (PNA) – another option, with more frequent connections. From here, take a Dolomitibus or Cortina Express bus.

Train route from Venice:

1. Venice Santa Lucia/Mestre → Ponte nelle Alpi

2. Venice Santa Lucia/Mestre → Calalzo

   
   

Tickets are available via Trenitalia.com.

Local transportation in Cadore 🚌

• Dolomitibus, Cortina Express, ATVO and Flixbus run regular services between towns, especially in summer and winter seasons.

• Taxis and shuttles are available, but pre-booking is recommended.

• Uber is also available, but it’s very expensive.

• Many hotels offer transfer services from Calalzo Station or from airports.

Final Travel Tips

• Renting a car gives you the most freedom to explore hidden valleys, mountain passes, and alpine lakes.

  It’s a good idea to rent a car near the airports, where prices are usually more convenient. Once you reach Cadore, finding a rental car can be quite difficult.

• Public transport is reliable but limited on weekends and holidays—check timetables in advance.

• Avoid winter travel without snow chains or winter tires, especially if coming by car.

Ready to explore Dolomites?

Whether you're flying in from abroad or arriving from Venice by train, getting to Cadore is part of the adventure. Once you’re here, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular mountain views, traditional cuisine, and unforgettable alpine charm.