Complete guide to reach Cortina d'Ampezzo

Cortina d'Ampezzo is probably one of Italy's most famous alpine destinations. For many years, it was less known internationally. But with the 2026 Winter Olympics, its fame has definitely crossed national borders.

Now, Italy has a world-renowned alpine ski spot, like famous French and Swiss destinations. Yet, the Dolomites have nothing to envy from other places.

In this guide, I'll explain how to get from Milan to Cortina d'Ampezzo. I'll cover the main options and travel time, to help you plan your trip better.

First, the road distance from Milan to Cortina d'Ampezzo is about 400 km. It takes around 5 hours in normal traffic. Most of the journey is on the highway, but the last part is a scenic mountain road. It's slower, especially in winter. So, I always recommend considering all options.

A personal note: it's a shame such a high-profile destination isn't directly connected by train. But trust me, visiting Cortina is worth it, both in summer and winter.

If you prefer not to drive, a practical way from Milan to Cortina is by train and then bus. There's no direct train station in Cortina, but several combined connections make it fairly easy to reach. But switching between transport and waiting for connections isn't fun.

You can start from Milan Centrale or Milan Porta Garibaldi, depending on your chosen route. Head to one of the main stations for transfers to Cortina: Calalzo di Cadore, Dobbiaco, San Candido, or even Bolzano. After reaching the intermediate station, continue by bus or dedicated services directly to Cortina's center.

From Milan, I recommend Dobbiaco. The ticket office is only automatic, and staff are scarce for information. But there's a large parking lot and bus stops outside.

The place is beautiful in summer too: it's famous for the lake and bike path.

A very convenient and sustainable option during the Olympic period is the Cortina 2026 Link by Trenitalia. It's a single train + bus ticket connecting various cities to Ponte nelle Alpi by regional train, then continues with a dedicated Dolomitibus shuttle to Cortina.It's designed for those with tickets for Cortina events. Seats are limited, so book early on trenitalia.com by selecting "Cortina 2026" as your destination.

To drive to Cortina, you have two main routes. Take the A4 highway towards Venice. Continue to the A27 for Belluno. Or, choose the A22 for Brennero and pass through Dobbiaco. After the highway, switch to mountain roads. They're usually well-maintained but slower and scenic. Before leaving, especially in winter, check if winter tires or chains are required.

Depending on the season, direct or semi-direct connections might be available. Companies like Cortina Express or other seasonal operators offer these. Usually, departures are from Milan Lampugnano bus station. It's conveniently near the metro stop, great for public transport users.

I chose Flixbus for its competitive price, starting at about €28.48. The trip from Milan to Cortina d'Ampezzo takes about 7 hours and 4 minutes, covering around 452 km. It's not short, but I liked the direct, simple journey without transfers.

The trip was quite comfortable and well-organized. Not having to drive for hours is a big plus, especially with high-season traffic. Once there, I didn't worry about parking or limited traffic zones.

Overall, for those wanting to save money and avoid driving stress, the bus is practical. Sure, travel time is longer, but with some planning, it's a balanced choice between cost and convenience.

Airports Near Cortina d'Ampezzo

There are several airports to consider, both for international and domestic travelers.

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is convenient with many international connections. It offers bus and transfer services to the Dolomites.

Treviso Canova Airport (TSF) is mainly used by low-cost airlines. It's a good option for bus or rental car travel.

Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN) serves many destinations. It's worth considering, especially with a rental car.

Finally, Milan airports (LIN, MXP, BGY) offer many flights worldwide. The transfer to Cortina takes longer, but it might be good for cheaper fares or direct city connections.