Marco polo airport vs Milan airport and Dolomites..

Venice airport is closer to the Dolomites.

I like to stay in Val Gardena (Ortisei). Cortina is the Aspen of Italy and I don't like their prices.

I've always had my own car, so I don't know how much it would cost to have a driver, but the distance is significant so it would be hundreds of $$. Also I'm not sure about public transportation options in San Candido. Ortisei has plenty, so you could conceivably stay there without a car. The fastest way to Ortisei is a train to Bolzano (via Verona) then a bus. If you prefer Cortina, that is closer to Venice and there are buses from the Venice airport to Cortina.

I have stayed in Ortisei and found it ideal. In fact I am going again in September. I recommend Hotel Grones. The food is fantastic, so get the half board if it’s in your budget. We rarely do this, but for Hotel Grones we make an exception. Roberto outlined how to get there. It is easy without a car. You win not need one when you get there; your hotel will provide a free bus pass that includes transportation to two other towns near Ortisei. You won’t run out of hiking opportunities.

You will need to take a bus from the airport to Venezia Mestre station for trains to Verona where you will change to a train to Bolzano where you then get a bus to Ortisei. Similar to San Candido, just continue on the train to Fortezza, then change to a train to San Candido. I would prefer Ortisei as it is in the mountains and the lifts are right there.

We did a hiking trip to Ortisei for several days and loved it. We did not need the car once there. We are heading to Cortina this year and will have a car as every source I have researched says the bus service in that area is not as convenient.

Thank you all so much for this information.