We are planning a trip in the fall and are wondering how the roads and drivers are in the Dolomite region of Italy in mid-September? We're trying to decide between public transport, car rental and hiring a driver for a day.
You experience and insight would be so appreciated!
Thanks,
Shirley
The roads are pristine in the Dolomite region but italian drivers can be fast and aggressive on the road. If it's not an inconvenience financially, than hire a driver so you can relax and enjoy the scenic views and not have to worry about parking ect... Are you planning to use Bolzano or Ortisei as a base to explore Dolomites?
We drove in the Dolomites. It was fine. Bring a gps. If there is a line of cars behind you because you are going too slow, pull over at a safe place and let them pass. I would suggest renting a car somewhere other than in the Dolomites and then driving it there. We rented a car in Bolzano and it was a bit of a logistical pain in the rear.
It depends on what you want to do. If you plan on a base for a few days of hiking and local exploring, public transportation is the way to go. In the Val Gardena, for example, hotels give you a pass to use the vast bus network for the duration of your stay as they wish to keep individual cars off the road and parking can be a problem at some locations. You also would want a lift pass to support mountain walks and vistas.
If you want to drive the passes, a car is useful if you plan several days of such activity.
If you just want one day of scenic drives, I can recommend a driver in the Val Gardena if you PM me.
A few considerations - From RJean - " Are you planning to use Bolzano or Ortisei as a base to explore Dolomites? " This should be a major consideration . We spent six days last October and stayed in Bolzano . I felt that since weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and changeable , Bolzano offered more diversions during inclement weather. The weather cooperated , and access to the Alpe de Suisi was easy from the bus station ( or rail station ) in Bolzano . The bus up to Castelrotto is about forty five minutes . We actually stayed on the bus and went another twenty minutes to Ortisei , returning to Bolzano at the end of the day . Since a car won't go any faster than the bus to travel up , I only see it as an advantage if you plan to drive around in the area extensively . If you are , however , hard core hikers , staying in Ortisei would make more sense for several days , placing you a short lift trip to the trailheads in the Alpe . As far as rating the driving , as the other posters have said , the roads are good , but winding , and you really can't dawdle with a line of drivers behind you . While not nearly aggressive as those on the Amalfi Drive ( the worst ) , or the Moyenne and Haute Corniches on the Riviera , the mountain air and beauty , only have a moderately tranquilizing effect in the Dolomites . By the way , from Bolzano , you can also take the ropeway ( lift ) near the train station up to SopraBolzano and Ritten for a lovely wander .
As in many scenic locations, you might find less traffic on a weekday than weekend.
Hi everyone,
Thanks so much for your helpful info! I have few questions and responses to your comments. We will be based in Bolzano, having come down from Innsbruck. We'll only have a one or two days to dedicate to the Dolomite region, as this is a leg off our main itinerary. We aren't major hikers; we mostly want to bask in the beautiful scenery, do a few easy walks, and see local towns along the way. We will be there on a Wednesday, so maybe that will help with the traffic.
RJean, I've been trying to leave an email for the link you included, but haven't been able to get it to go thru so far...will continue to try. Any other private driver suggestions?
Mary in Reno, can you explain why it was a logistical challenge to rent a car in Bolzano? We had thought of getting one at the airport...do you have an alternate location you would recommend renting from?
Steven from White Plains, **who would you recommend for 1 day of driving, round trip from Bolzano from sunrise to sunset? I'll look up the lift near the station you mentioned!
Laura from Rick Steves, thanks for your help- we'll be there on a Wednesday.
Shirley , I can't recommend a driver and car for this on two counts . First , I have never considered or used this arrangement on any of my travels . Second , I don't think it would gain you any advantage in the quantity and/or quality of what you would experience . As I wrote , getting to the areas where you are very close to the mountains is the same whether you arrive by car or bus . Once there , a series of lifts and good old shoeleather is what you need to get a hefty fill of the great eye candy in the area. In the event that you locate a private driver , you will spend the day in the confines of a car , and not seeing much at all . Be aware , as well , that private automotive traffic is banned from the Alpe de Suisi during the day , unless your hotel is actually in the park .
Steven,
I'd love to use a bus, if it could be done in a time-effective way. If that were possible, we would spend a bit longer in the area. So far, I've been unable to find bus info in English anywhere. Do you know of an English-speaking webpage that would help me figure this out from Bolzano?
Many thanks,
Shirley
This is in English as are the timetables. I did not dig around for specific routes, but it looks promising.
https://www.suedtirolerland.it/en/service/local-public-transport/public-transport-of-the-south-tyrolean-transport-association/
PS, I did a quick search on Bozen (Bolzano) to Ortisei and it looks like the bus takes about an hour.
Shirley , the bus from Bolzano to Ortisei is #350 - goes from the bus station , and then the rail station two minutes later . Just under one hour to Ortisei . While many transportation queries on this site are simple to figure out ( CDG to Paris , as an example ) this one is a bit more difficult , particularly if you don't read German , Italian , or Ladin ( the third language in the area . I'm sending you a PM with my phone number ,and I can guide you through this over the phone , so your trip will be very simple . Don't despair , going up there is priceless and actually pretty simple , don't feel put off about it .
Almost forgot this - https://youtu.be/gegTMCqF-M0 this is certain to start you drooling !
We drove in the Dolomites without any problems. Such beautiful scenery. I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t drive.
https://www.valgardena.it/dl/stchristina/pdf/350_16062019_14122019.pdf
Bus 350 schedule
I think there are some other routes that connect the villages in the valley.
Steven-The video is amazing. Is the last week of May first week of June too early to see this region?
We visited in early October 2018 , the weather was nice , but this website may help - https://www.valgardena.it/en/weather/
"Last week of May": that is when the first MyWay Alpine is running next year, so fingers crossed, right?
Steven- that video is unbelievable! Thanks for sharing it and your wonderfully helpful info on the phone! You blessed our lives! I'm sure we'll talk again...
Debbie and Jennifer, thanks for the great links! They were just what we needed and Steven helped us navigate them!
Shirley , this site is also quite good , the lift up to the Col Raiser and Seceda , it's on the opposite side of the main road near the church that we spoke of , with the beautiful woodcarvings - location in Ortisei -https://www.google.com/maps/place/Seilbahn+Seceda/@46.5746816,11.6729102,16.39z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x89e74f95191c7b13:0x25a8a4aace7b147d!2sArrowhead+Museum!8m2!3d42.415377!4d-73.248741!3m4!1s0x477812ff7519fd0b:0xe71bdf8dd9f0a5b!8m2!3d46.5764042!4d11.6751248 and this - https://www.valgardena-groeden.com/en/leisure-activities/mountains-and-hiking/from-the-col-raiser-to-the-top-of-mt-seceda/ glad to help , Steve
Great link, Steven! That's magnificent!! Thank you!
