How to Get to Val Gardena: The Complete Arrival Guide (2025)

Getting to Val Gardena is easier than it looks on a map, but choosing the wrong airport or train station can add hours to your trip.

Located in the heart of the Dolomites (South Tyrol), we are tucked away in a side valley off the main Brenner axis connecting Italy and Austria. This means you have excellent highway and train access, followed by a short 30-minute climb into the mountains.

Here is the definitive guide on how to reach us.

The Short Answer (Cheat Sheet)

1. By Train + Bus (The Smart Choice)

This is often the most stress-free way to arrive. The train ride through the Alps is spectacular, and the connecting bus is reliable.

Step 1: The Train

Val Gardena does not have its own train station. You must book your ticket to one of these two stations:

1. Bolzano (Bozen): The main hub. All high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, EuroCity) stop here.
2. Bressanone (Brixen): Slightly closer to the valley, but fewer fast trains stop here.

Connections:

• From North (Munich/Innsbruck): Take the DB/ÖBB EuroCity (EC). It runs direct every 2 hours.
• From South (Milan/Rome/Verona): Take the Trenitalia Frecciarossa or Italo.

Step 2: The Last Mile

You have three options to get from the station to your hotel:

Option A: Public Bus (Cheapest)

• Line: Bus 350 (The “Val Gardena Express”).
• Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes.
• Cost: ~€5-10 per person (pay on board or via app).
• Route: Stops in Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva.
• Pro Tip: If you have the Südtirol Guest Pass (sent by your hotel), this bus is FREE. You must scan the QR code upon boarding.

Option B: Südtirol Transfer (Most Convenient)

• What is it? A shared shuttle that picks you up at the station and drops you directly at your hotel door.
• Booking: Must be booked online in advance.
• Best for: Travelers with heavy luggage who don’t want to walk from the bus stop.

Option C: FrecciaLink (The Seamless Connector)

• What is it? If you book via Trenitalia, you can sometimes add the “FrecciaLink” bus service to your train ticket. It’s a dedicated luxury coach waiting for you at Bolzano station.

2. By Plane (The “Fly & Ride”)

Option A: The “VIP” Shortcut (Bolzano Airport - BZO)

Bolzano now has its own boutique airline, SkyAlps. They fly modern Dash 8-Q400 turboprops directly into the mountains.

• Destinations: London (Gatwick), Berlin, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Copenhagen, Antwerp.
• The Perk: You land 45 minutes from the ski slopes. Small airport, zero queues.
• Transfer: A quick taxi or bus ride up the valley.

Option B: The Winter Hub (Innsbruck - INN)

Innsbruck is the “Capital of the Alps” and a major hub for winter charters (especially from the UK and Netherlands).

• Drive Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes.
• Transfer: Shared shuttles (like Südtirol Bus) run frequently in winter.

Option C: The International Gateways

If you are flying from the US or Asia, you will likely land here:

• Verona (VRN): The closest major Italian airport (2 hours).
• Venice (VCE): ~3 hours.
• Milan (MXP/LIN): ~3.5 to 4 hours.
• Munich (MUC): ~3.5 hours.

3. By Car (The Freedom Choice)

Driving gives you flexibility, but be aware of the mountain rules.

The Route

You will take the A22 Brenner Motorway (Autostrada del Brennero).

• The Exit: You MUST exit at Chiusa/Val Gardena (Klausen/Gröden).
• The Climb: From the exit, follow the signs for “Val Gardena”. It is a 20-30 minute drive up the SS242 state road.

Critical Driving Rules

1. Winter Tires: From Nov 15 to Apr 15, winter tires or chains on board are mandatory by law. Police checks are frequent at the highway exit. Read the full Winter Tire Rules
2. ZTL (Traffic Zones): Ortisei has a restricted traffic zone in the center. Ensure your hotel provides you with a transit permit if they are located inside it.
3. Mountain Passes: If your GPS tries to route you via “Passo Gardena” or “Passo Sella” during a snowstorm—IGNORE IT. Stick to the valley entrance via Chiusa. Passes can close on short notice.

Summary: Which should you choose?

• Choose Train + Bus if: You want a relaxed, eco-friendly trip and are coming from a major European city (Munich, Milan, Rome).
• Choose SkyAlps (BZO) if: You value time over money and live near one of their hubs (London, Berlin, etc.).
• Choose Car if: You are on a road trip or staying in an apartment far from the bus stops.