How to Get from Venice to the Dolomites (Without a Car) • Anthony in Italy

If you’re planning a trip to Italy and want to visit both Venice and the Dolomites, you might be wondering how to travel between these two destinations without renting a car. The good news? It’s totally doable, and I’ve done it myself.

I made this journey with friends in the summer of 2023, and we stayed in the great town of Canazei (technically Alba, close by). It’s a perfect base, with great restaurants and easy lift access to awesome hiking trails. Here’s how to get there.

picture of a roundabout at Canazei with the sky and clouds in the background — *Canazei is a great choice as a base for a summer Dolomite trip*

By the way, if you’re still planning your time in Venice, check out my Venice guide for tips on where to stay, eat, and explore!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may receive a commission. I will only recommend products and services that I would [or currently use] myself.

Why Visit the Dolomites in Summer?

Before diving into the logistics, I have to say—if you’re on the fence about visiting the Dolomites in the summer, you should absolutely go for it. Known as a world-class ski destination in winter, the Dolomites transform into a hiker’s paradise in the summer, with breathtaking views, fresh mountain air, and great weather.

a couple in the grass with the italian dolomites in the background — *The Dolomites in the summer make for a great hiking trip*

Getting from Venice to Canazei

Here are two options to get from Venice to the Dolomites without a car:

Option 1 (Best): Direct Bus from Venice to Canazei

The easiest and most direct way to reach Canazei from Venice is by taking a bus operated by Brusutti. This service runs during the warmer months and winter holidays, and it takes about 5 hours. Just note that buses may not be available during shoulder seasons like October.

You can book your tickets directly on the Brusutti website here. Make sure to double-check the schedule, as it can change depending on the season.

Pickup Points:

If you’re staying in central Venice, the bus departs from Venezia Piazzale Roma.
If you’re staying in Mestre (on the mainland), you can catch the bus at Venice Mestre Central Train Station.

Heads up! The bus typically leaves around 7:15 am, so don’t be late! On our trip, we were a bit slow and missed the bus by a minute, which led us to find an alternative route (see Option 2).

Downsides: The bus only runs once per day, so if you miss it, you’ll need to find another way.

On a related note, check out my other article Keeping Your US Phone Number While Moving to Italy

Option 2: Train + Bus Combo

If you miss the direct bus or want more flexible timing, you can opt for a combination of trains and buses. While this takes a little longer and involves more steps, it gives you more schedule options.

Here’s what we did when we missed the direct bus:

Step 1: Take a train from Venice (or Mestre) to Bolzano, with a change in Verona. This journey takes about 3.5 hours, and you can book your tickets via Trainline.

Step 2: Once you arrive in Bolzano, take bus number 120 to Vigo di Fassa. You can buy tickets at the green Infopoint building at the Bolzano bus stop. The stop you’ll get off at is Vigo di Fassa, Carpe Diem.

Step 3: From Vigo di Fassa, hop on bus B101, which will take you directly to Canazei, Via Pareda.

On a related note, check out my other article 12 Italy Train Travel Tips from a Local

Returning to Venice (or Beyond)

For the return trip, simply reverse the steps. If you’re planning to continue your journey north to Austria or explore more of Italy, I suggest navigating back to Bolzano. From there, you can easily connect by train to your next destination.

Final Tips:

Double-check schedules, as public transportation timings can change based on the season.
If you’re planning to hike in the Dolomites, make sure to pack some light layers. Even in summer, it can get chilly at higher altitudes.

This route may take a little longer than driving, but it’s a great way to enjoy the stunning scenery without the stress of navigating mountain roads. Happy travels!