Tirano to Bolzano-Are there One-Way Car Rentals or Shuttles Available?

https://daytrip.com/all-routes/it

I just picked a random date in April and I got a quote of $415 in a sedan with driver with limited English and no sight seeing.
Sounds like a reasonable price to me.

Car would be more like 4 hours, as there are a few hairy passes involved. The shortest route goes over the Stelvio pass, which is spectacular, but not quick... What you maybe could do is get a car transfer to Malles, and hop on the train to Bolzano there.

There is also a bus to Mustair (which passes by what is probably the highest bus stop in Switzlerand) where you can hop on another bus to Malles and then on the Bolzano.

Neither will be quick, but the route is scenic and interesting....

Sam and WengenK, Thanks much for your input.
It’s greatly appreciated!
-Ken

I would look into helicopter charters.
The ride will spectacular.

The shortest route car is over the Tonale pass and also over the Mendola (but probably a longer detour through Mezzocorona could be faster). Looks short (only 173 km) but it is quite a lot of road on alpine route. Places in the Alps that look close as the bird fly aren't close at all unless you are a flying bird.

Interestingly, there would be an easier way through public transportation if you do the Bernina route the other way, i.e. starting in Tirano to Pontresina, then Samedan, Zernez, a connecting Swiss bus Zernez to Malles in Italy, regional train down to Merano and Bolzano. A lot of changes, Swiss-style, but a sort of classic itinerary.

The route proposed by WengenK is probably the best in my opinion. Bus 821 and 811 to Mals (change in Müstair) where you can catch a train to Bozen. Some very scenic view from that route.

I don't know where you got the idea that driving would take 2:30 but that won't be possible. Due to the amount of mountains in the way, travelling in the area is not fast.

Google Directions gives 3 hr 22 minutes for Tirano to Bolzano via Edolo, Paso Tonale, and Mezzocorona. 172 km, so averaging 50 kph.

Lachera, Thank you for the detailed information on the route alternatives. Now, I wouldn’t mind if going the scenic route took as long as the train!

Badger, Thanks for your input as well. Driving the mountain roads sounds great. I used to live in the Sierra Nevada mountains in California and love mountain driving.

For anyone looking for a car rental after reaching Tirano. I found AutoEurope referred me to the big car rental agencies in a town 30 minutes from Tirano by train or bus. The town is called SONDRIO and Hertz. Avis, Sixt etc.are all there.

Thanks a million to everyone!