⛰️ DOLOMITES TRIP: The Ultimate Guide on How to Get There from Lake Garda (The Stress-Free Way!)
Dreaming of an adventure among the majestic peaks of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site? These mountains are one of Europe’s most spectacular destinations, but how do you actually reach the heart of this alpine paradise?
Phase 1: Your Flight Arrival (The Starting Point)
Since there are no large international airports directly within the mountains, your trip will start by landing in one of the nearby major cities. Choosing the right one depends on where you are flying from and where you want to go, but these are the main hubs:
| Airport | Code | Great for… |
| Venice Marco Polo (Italy) | VCE | A scenic and very well-connected arrival. |
| Verona Villafranca (Italy) | VRN | A good central location for Northern Italy access. |
Phase 2: Reaching the Mountains from lake garda area (self Choice)
If you travel independently, you may need to rent a car (requiring mountain driving and stressful parking) or rely on local trains and buses (requiring multiple transfers).
For those driving, feel free to check out our Dolomites Trip itinerary! It’s the perfect route, even if you choose to explore on your own. click here
If you choose to undertake a one-day Dolomites trip by renting a car, here are several key planning factors you should be prepared to manage:
- Cost Management: Factor in the necessary expenses for highway tolls, gasoline costs, and finding/paying for parking upon arrival at popular mountain locations.
- Rent car cost: of course if you don’t own a car
- Time Allocation: Be aware that a day trip involves significant driving time, which will consume a large portion of your limited day. Prioritize your stops wisely to maximize time spent enjoying the scenery.
- Local Knowledge Required: Independent planning demands upfront research to determine optimal route timings, locating authentic local restaurants for meals, and identifying the best scenic photo spots to ensure a fulfilling experience.
- Focus on the Road: To ensure safety, a lot of your attention must be dedicated to navigation and driving. This means you might need to limit your sightseeing while moving.
- Mountain Road Conditions: Be comfortable driving on narrow, winding mountain roads that require patience and extreme caution. (Safety is paramount—please drive carefully!)
- Context and Insight: If you travel without a guide, remember that you will be relying solely on your own research for historical context, geological facts, and local stories that deepen the appreciation of the sights.
Final Tip for Independent Travelers: If you choose to embark on a self-guided trip, be sure to research thoroughly and be well-equipped (including appropriate clothing) for the unpredictable mountain conditions!
Please Note: As we previously mentioned, this is a very long and demanding drive for a single day trip. The total driving time does not include stops, lunch breaks, or time spent visiting the towns. Maps route link
Driving Directions for the Autonomous Dolomites Tour
Estimated Start and End Point: Garda, VR (Lake Garda)
Total Distance (Round Trip): 394 km
Estimated Total Driving Time (without stops): 5 hours and 42 minutes
Route Step-by-Step:
From Garda (VR) to Lago di Soraga:
Take the A22 motorway (Autostrada A22) heading North (towards Brenner).
Exit at Egna/Ora (Neumarkt/Auer) and continue on the SS48 state road (della Dolomiti) or SS12 toward Val di Fassa/Moena.
Stop Point: Short photo stop at Lago di Soraga (Soraga Lake), near Moena.
From Lago di Soraga to Pordoi Pass:
Continue on the road ascending through the Val di Fassa (SS48) toward Canazei.
Follow signs for Pordoi Pass (Passo Pordoi – 2,239 meters). This is the main stop for enjoying the panorama (and the cable car option).
From Pordoi Pass to Ortisei (Val Gardena):
Descend from Pordoi Pass, crossing either Sella Pass or Gardena Pass (depending on your chosen route to Ortisei).
Continue to the village of Ortisei in Val Gardena. This is the designated stop for the afternoon visit to the town.
From Ortisei to Garda (VR) (Return):
Rejoin the A22 motorway heading South.
Follow the road from Ortisei to Ponte Gardena/Chiusa and get back onto the A22 motorway toward Verona/Modena.
Exit and return to Garda.
Navigating the Dolomites from lake garda: Self-Drive vs. Guided Tour
The easiest, most comfortable, and most efficient way to begin your Dolomite adventure is by booking one of our organized tours.
The Benefits of Traveling with LikeGarda:
- Hassle-Free Transportation: Forget planning buses, trains, shuttles, or driving on unfamiliar mountain roads. Our tours include private, comfortable transportation from your designated base or meeting points, taking you directly to the most iconic locations.
- Expert Logistics Handled: Whether you’re heading to the majesty of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo or the serene Lago di Braies, we manage all the logistics—road access, tolls, and timing—allowing you to focus only on immersing yourself in the scenery.
- Exclusive Access: Our drivers and guides know the quickest routes, how to avoid crowds, and will take you to those “hidden gems” that public transport often misses.
- Guided Experience: Beyond just transportation, you get expert guides who enrich your journey with local stories, history, and tips, transforming a simple drive into a complete cultural experience.
- A tour with us starts from just €77 per person, whereas renting a car from the Garda area costs approximately €100 per day
If your goal is to soak in the views and relax without worrying about the bureaucracy of travel, a LikeGarda tour is the superior choice.
Our Final Advice: Book your flight, let us handle the planning, and prepare to enjoy the Dolomites stress-free.
Ready to book your seamless journey? Check out our Dolomite tour packages today at LikeGarda.com and start the countdown to your adventure!