How to get to Cortina from any Italian city without using a car
Arriving in Cortina d'Ampezzo without using a car is possible, convenient and often more enjoyable than you might think. Whether you are leaving from Milan, Rome, Naples or any other Italian city, there are efficient public transport solutions that can take you directly into the heart of the Dolomites, one of the most spectacular natural settings in Europe.
The secret lies in combining train and bus in the right way, making the most of the connections that link Italy’s main railway stations with Venice and Mestre, and from there boarding a comfortable panoramic bus to Cortina. Not only will you avoid the stress of driving in the mountains, but you will also be able to enjoy the scenery throughout the journey, letting yourself be amazed by the breathtaking views of the Dolomite valleys.
From train to bus: the ideal route to reach Cortina without a car
Have you ever thought that reaching Cortina d'Ampezzo without a car could turn the journey itself into part of the experience? The good news is that, starting from any Italian city, the route is simpler than you might imagine. The key transport hub is Venice: whether you are leaving from Rome, Milan, Florence, Naples or Turin, the first step is always to take a direct train to Venice Santa Lucia or Venice Mestre station. Rail connections to the Veneto region are widespread and frequent, with high-speed trains significantly reducing travel times from the major cities of central and southern Italy.
Once you arrive in Venice, the second part of the journey begins: the bus. The transport service connecting Venice to Cortina d'Ampezzo is operated by ATVO, a transport company from Veneto that offers regular services along a scenic route through Cadore and the Dolomites. The departure stop is in Piazzale Roma if you arrive at Venice Santa Lucia, or directly outside the station if you choose Venice Mestre as your railway destination. In both cases, the connection is straightforward and does not require complicated transfers.
The ATVO bus is comfortable, punctual and equipped with enough space for luggage, a detail that is far from secondary if you are travelling with ski or trekking equipment. The journey takes about two and a half hours, a time that passes quickly once the first Dolomite peaks begin to appear outside the window.
If, on the other hand, you arrive by plane at Venice Marco Polo Airport, you are even luckier: the ATVO line also stops there, which means you can get off the plane and board the bus to Cortina directly without going through the centre of Venice. This is an especially convenient option for those travelling from abroad or from destinations not directly connected by train.
The stages of the journey: what to see along the way to the Dolomites
One of the most fascinating aspects of this route is that the journey is not just a means of getting to your destination, but a visual experience that becomes richer with every stop. The ATVO line passes through a series of places that tell the story, culture and natural beauty of Veneto and Cadore, a mountain region that preserves some of the most authentic traditions of the Eastern Alps.
Leaving from Venice or Mestre, the bus crosses the Veneto plain before gradually climbing towards the mountains. After the stop at Marco Polo Airport, it reaches Treviso Sud, the gateway to a province rich in medieval villages and hilly landscapes. Continuing north, you arrive in Vittorio Veneto, a town with great historical significance, set in a green valley at the foot of the Prealps.
As the bus gains altitude, the landscape changes completely. You pass through Longarone, Tai di Cadore, Valle di Cadore and a series of small villages such as Venas, Peaio, Vodo and Borca di Cadore, where houses with sloping roofs and stone bell towers seem to come straight out of an old postcard.
San Vito di Cadore is the final stop before Cortina and already offers a glimpse of the vertical rock walls of the Dolomites surrounding the Ampezzo basin. From here, only a few minutes remain, and arrival in Cortina d'Ampezzo comes with that sense of anticipation that only journeys through nature can give.
Practical tips for organising your trip easily and without stress
Organising a trip to Cortina without a car only requires a little attention during the planning stage. Here are the main points to consider in order to avoid unexpected problems and enjoy every moment of the journey:
Buy your train tickets in advance, especially during the high winter or summer season.
Check the ATVO bus timetables before booking your train, so you can coordinate the two means of transport.
Verify the permitted weight and size of luggage on the bus.
Consider the airport option if you are travelling from far away.
Plan your return journey with the same advance care.
For those travelling in a group, the bus is often more economical than private train options or car rental, especially when considering parking costs in Cortina, which can be far from negligible during the high season. In this case, travelling by public transport is not only an environmentally friendly choice, but also an economically convenient one.
Finally, keep in mind that Cortina is a destination active all year round: in winter for skiing and snowshoeing, and in summer for trekking, mountain biking and climbing. Whatever season you choose to leave, the train-and-bus route remains the most relaxing and scenic way to get there.
Cortina is waiting for you: leave the car behind and enjoy every kilometre
Reaching Cortina d'Ampezzo without a car is not a compromise, but a conscious choice that makes the journey more pleasant, more affordable and free from stress. With a train to Venice or Mestre and an ATVO bus taking you directly into the heart of the Dolomites, you have everything you need to enjoy an authentic experience from the very first moment. Now that you know how to get there, you just need to choose your date and pack your bag. Cortina is ready to welcome you with its mountains, its trails and its unique atmosphere.
