Whether you’re starting in romantic Venice or planning a seamless ride to Dolomites slopes, this guide maps your best routes – by train, car, or shuttle – to iconic Alpine destinations.
Use this guide as a jumping-off point for your Dolomites travel, complementing our How to Travel to the Dolomites post as your ultimate route planner.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo – Dolomite Elegance & Olympic Legacy
- Val Gardena – Ladin Culture & Expansive Dolomiti Access
- Cervinia – High-Altitude Skiing with Matterhorn Views
- Courmayeur – Mont Blanc Majesty & Italian Charm
- Trip Planning Tips
Here are some standout Alpine resorts and areas reachable in 2–4 hours from Venice – perfect for skiing, snowshoeing, alpine culture, or a scenic winter escape:
Cortina d’Ampezzo – Dolomite Elegance & Olympic Legacy
Travel Time: ~2.5 – 3 hours by car or train+bus
This Dolomite queen blends upscale Alpine charm with Olympic-ready slopes and cultural flair. Explore epic terrain in the Dolomiti Superski area and the upcoming 2026 Olympic infrastructure.
▶ Read more in our Cortina winter travel guide
Val Gardena – Ladin Culture & Expansive Dolomiti Access
Travel Time: ~3 – 3.5 hours via Bolzano train + local bus
Experience Ladin heritage, iconic peaks like Seceda, and seamless ski links through the Dolomiti Superski network. Ideal for culture, mountain sports, and photo moments in the UNESCO-protected range.
▶ Discover what Val Gardena has to offer in our Selva Val Gardena section.
Cervinia – High-Altitude Skiing with Matterhorn Views
Travel Time: ~3.5 – 4 hours via Turin + shuttle or car
Set beneath the iconic Matterhorn, Cervinia offers high-altitude snow cover, shared slopes with Zermatt, and Italian alpine style. Great value, big verticals, and Swiss-linked adventures.
▶ Peek at our Cervinia section for insider tips.
Courmayeur – Mont Blanc Majesty & Italian Charm
Travel Time: ~4 hours via Aosta Valley drive or shuttle
Nestled at Mont Blanc’s base, Courmayeur blends romantic Italian village streets with world-class skiing and dramatic mountain panoramas. Ideal for gourmet food, spa relaxation, and serious alpine terrain.
▶ Visit our Courmayeur guide for more.
Trip Planning Tips
| Route Option | Pros | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Train + Shuttle | Scenic, stress-free, eco- and budget- savvy | Solo travelers & relaxed arrival |
| Rental Car | Flexible for side trips, scenic routes | Multi-stop, family, adventure |
| Direct Shuttle | Efficient & easy | Groups, winter access |
Insider Tips:
- Book trains early via Trenitalia or ÖBB for best fares and seat choices.
- Combine rail with DolomitiBus or regional shuttles for smooth last-mile transfers.
- Car hire offers flexibility – just budget for tolls, mountain winter gear (studded tires, chains), and parking.
- Consider regional transfers from Venice to Bolzano or Verona, then onward to your resort via bus or shuttle.
Bonjour Alps 