To avoid a lengthy bus ride my travel partner and I decided it'd be more fun to rent a car in Milan and drive to Badia in the Dolomites. We'll be in the area for 10 days. First, what's driving in the Italian mountains like? I'm a competent, confident driver but it'd be a first time for me. Secondly, are there any "tricks" to car rentals in Italy I should be aware of.
thanks all.
Posted by
New England
12041 posts
Just make sure you return the car in Italy. We didn’t have any problems driving in the Dolomites. It is beautiful and having a rental car will give you the chance to explore more of the Dolomites.
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1926 posts
The easiest and quickest route (via Bolzano, Bressanone and almost getting to Brunico) is almost flat and hardly mountain; probably the most worrying place is the long highway section between Bolzano and Chiusa, where the valley is so narrow that they had to build the highway as an almost uninterrupted bridge, you better not look down. Doing the Dolomites passes (for example, the Gardena pass between Badia and Ortisei) is real mountain driving, with hairpin curves and the road is not too wide. Probably you will have to tackle mountains if you drive around, not to get there.
When are you going? If you are going in late July or August, remember that the Brenner highway, north of Verona, may get completely clogged on weekend. Talking about queues 20 km long, but 40 km is not unheard. Time your trip during the week.
Posted by
Bay Area, California
1775 posts
Great to hear that you are a competent driver.
Mountain roads in the region are often windy and narrow. Be prepared for that.
Also, budget more time than suggested by Google Maps because of traffic jams during high and shoulder seasons. For dinner in town, look up parking locations ahead of time as many restaurants don't offer private parking. Sometimes, private or shared lots are offered but the number of space is limited.