The mountains are calling, and we’re not talking about those famous ones in Switzerland.
Head just a smidge bit east and you’ll discover the Dolomites: Italy’s not-so-secret getaway for a lavish alpine vacation.
These rocky peaks stretching into the sky are your backdrop for an unforgettable vacation spent hiking, skiing, and getting away from stresses of life. No need to book a separate trip: you can reach the Dolomites within a few hours by train from Milan, Verona, and countless other Italian cities.
Image Credit: Getty Images, saiko3p. Image Location: Bolzano/Bozen, Italy
Need to know: Dolomites by train
What are the Dolomites?
The Dolomites are a mountain range in northeastern Italy near the Austrian border. Some of the closest major cities to the Dolomites are Venice, Milan, and Verona in Italy, and Innsbruck in Austria.
Are the Dolomites the same as the Alps?
The Dolomites are part of the Italian Alps, but they’re certainly not the same mountains as those found in Switzerland and Austria. This section of mountains has over a dozen peaks and are marked by their sharp spires, jagged peaks, and vertical faces. In non-geologic terms, they’re jaw-dropping and a completely different landscape compared to Switzerland’s more manicured mountains.
What are the Dolomites known for?
The Dolomites are known for being an outdoor paradise for virtually every type of traveler. It’s an all-season destination, granting you access to everything from hiking and skiing to paragliding, BASE jumping, and mountain climbing. For those who need to rest their legs, multiple luxury hotels in the Dolomites have après-ski at the ready and make for a great base camp to explore the chill mountain towns.
Can you do the Dolomites without a car?
Yes, it’s possible to explore all of the Dolomites without a car. Depending on what you want to see and do, you’ll need to take railways, buses, and ski lifts to access certain areas. If you’ve got the time and a pair of tied boots, your two feet will take you across trails spoiled with remarkable mountain views that no mode of transport can rival.
Is there a train from Venice to the Dolomites?
Yes, there is a train from Venice to the Dolomites, though it’ll drop you at the foot of the mountains, not the peaks. A two-hour journey with zero connections from Venice to Belluno can cost less than $10. Venice to Bolzano or Calalzo-Pieve di Cadore-Cortina each require a change or two for the three-hour journey but won’t set you back more than $20.
Image Credit: Getty Images, DaLiu. Image Location: Lake Centro Cadore, Italy
Can you get to the Dolomites by train?
Yes, getting to the Dolomites by train is a relaxing way to begin your journey. Like many other areas of the Alps, there’s only so far a train will take you directly from the main cities. You may need to make a connection or take a bus to get to certain towns, both of which are cheaper and more enjoyable than renting a car and navigating the slippery, slopey, and swervy roads of the Dolomites.
Train stations in the Dolomites
There are a few train stations you’ll want to take note of in the Dolomites: Bolzano/Bozen, San Candido/Innichen, Fortezza/Franzensfeste, Calalzo-Pieve di Cadore-Cortina, and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Though you can access all of these towns if you stitch together a route, you’ll save the most time and money by knowing which town is easiest to access from your arrival airport. Here’s a glimpse at a few popular routes:
Milan to Dolomites train
Depart from: Milan Centrale
Arrive at: Bolzano/Bozen
Journey time: ~ 3 to 5h
Connections: Verona Porta Nuova
Cost as low as: $28.18
Venice to Dolomites train
Depart from: Venezia Santa Lucia
Arrive at: Calalzo-Pieve di Cadore-Cortina
Journey time: ~ 3 to 4h 30m
Connections: Ponte Nelle Alpi-Polpet (with bus connection to final destination)
Cost as low as: $13.33
Verona to Dolomites train
Depart from: Verona Porta Nuova
Arrive at: Bolzano/Bozen
Journey time: ~ 90 min to 2h 30m
Connections: Direct trains available
Cost as low as: $16.38
Bologna (from Florence or Rome) to Dolomites train
Depart from: Bologna Centrale
Arrive at: Bolzano/Bozen
Journey time: ~ 2h 30m to 4h 30m
Connections: Direct trains available; connections available at Verona Porta Nuova
Cost as low as: $16.49
Innsbruck to Dolomites train
Depart from: Innsbruck Hbf
Arrive at: Ponte Gardena/Waidbruck
Journey time: ~ 2 to 3h
Connections: Brennero/Brenner
Cost as low as: $21.47
Image Credit: Getty Images, Sebastian Wasek. Image Location: Cortina D'Ampezzo, Italy
How to get to the Dolomites by train in 3 steps
- Download the Trainline app. Train boards are difficult to read, especially in Italy where city names spelt in Italian appear much different from their English equivalents, such as Firenze being the Italian word for Florence. On our app, you can purchase etickets, look at train schedules, and see all of your travel information communicated in easy-to-read English.
- Choose which Dolomites town to stay in. For instance, if you’re taking an overnight or day trip from Verona, Bolzano is a great home base as it has a direct bus to Val Gardena. If you’re staying overnight, spoil yourself with one of the luxury hotels in the Dolomites with an infinity pool.
- Plan your to-dos before you arrive. The Dolomites are a popular destination year-round, so knowing which things to do in the Dolomites on your visit will ensure that you don’t miss a moment of this Italian wonder.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, James O'Neil. Image Location: Dolomites, Italy