Dolomites - to train or car ?

Thanks., was hoping to not need a car in Dolomites but sounds like will have more freedom to see more.

One can have a perfectly good time in the Dolomites using the local buses, which are very good. Many hotels will give you a travel card for free rides on the local buses (at least in the Val Gardena). And some areas (like Alpe di Siusi) have restrictions on private cars, to encourage using the buses.

Where in the Dolomites do you wish to go, and what do you want to do. Hiking? Riding lifts up to viewpoints?

We are returning to the Dolomites in June and will not be using a car. Take the train to Bolzano and catch the bus. One you are staying in the Val Gardena they include a bus pass. The bus station is next to the train station. The number 350 takes you to Ortisei and then to the Val Gardena villages. The bus leaves at 28 after the hour. Feel free to message me if you need more information. It’s a beautiful place. We are staying for a week this year.

Hi Lola and Richard. Want to stay in Castelrotto or Bolzano. Looks like we could train to Bolzano, then bus to Caslerotto. We want to see town and go on some hikes and take some lifts. Def want to see the meadow Alpe Di Siusi. Just in starting planning stages.

Yes, Rick’s book explains how to get to Castelrotto. Bus and taxis are available.

We go to Ortisei and the Alpe di Siusi every year and never rent a car. On occasion we use a taxi. A car is complete unnecessary. Your lodging will give you a pass for the buses that serve the area. Castelrotto is a better base than Bolzano as it is closer to a major lift to the Alpe di Siusi but you will be rewarded ten-fold by staying in one of the towns of the Val Gardena. How many nights are you devoting to the area?

Thanks for recommendations, we are thinking about staying 2-3 days in area. Laurel, what are the benefits of Val Gardena vs Casstlerotto?

Ortisei is a great base as it is close to many different hike starting points and lifts. We stayed at the Hotel Gardena and they have a guided hike twice a week and also lend poles and some packs.

The benefit of staying in one of the Val Gardena towns is that there are lifts directly up from town to the Alpe di Siusi on one side and the Puez-Odle croup on the other. You can ride up one, take a hike, and ride back down a different lift if you wish. If it ends in a different town you have your bus pass for a free ride back to your town.

Also, your hotel in Ortesei, Santa Cristina, or Selva may have a jaw-dropping view of the major peaks right from the balcony of your room. Ours certainly have.

This guidebook will explain all the logistics of transport and lifts, and describe some excellent shorter hikes. It is well worth the investment to help you get the most out of this beautiful place.

https://www.amazon.com/Walking-Italys-Val-Gardena-Dolomites/dp/B09SNY2FGM

Thanks everyone, Val Gardena towns sound beautiful.