Bolzano, Appiano and the little villages of the Wine Road… Ready to open the door of the Dolomites?

Bolzano, the door of the Dolomites

Looking for the perfect place to start your Dolomites Safari adventure? Bolzano, the capital of South Tyrol, is one of the easiest places to reach, especially if you are travelling by train or arriving by airplane. It offers a combination of easy access, comfort, culture and the lively atmosphere of a historic city in the Alps.

If, however, you are looking for a quieter village atmosphere surrounded by vineyards, I recommend Eppan (Appiano) instead. Just a 15 minute private transfer from Bolzano, Eppan is among vineyards and hills, offering a more peaceful setting and a slightly cooler atmosphere in summer! With climate change it’s not bad!

It is also a wonderful base if you enjoy cycling, walking and exploring the woods. The nearby Monticolo Lakes are perfect for an easy walk, a swim or simply a relaxing afternoon surrounded by nature.

How to Reach Bolzano

Getting to Bolzano is simple and convenient. The city is well connected to major international airports:

Venice (2.5 hours by car, ~3 hours by train)
Milan (3 hours by car, ~3.5–4 hours by train)
Munich (4 hours by car, ~3.5–4 hours by train)

From any of these airports, you can easily reach Bolzano by train, long-distance bus, or private transfer.

The Bolzano train station is located in the heart of the city, within walking distance of most hotels and accommodations.

Below you’ll find the easiest and most reliable ways to reach Bolzano from each airport. From Bolzano, you can reach your starting point with a private transfer that we can organise or by a short trip by bus… whether it is in Nova Levante/Carezza, along the South Tyrolean Wine Road around Appiano, or in one of the nearby villages!

✈️ From Venice Airport (VCE): very smooth connection

Step 1: Airport → Venezia Mestre Train Station

  • ATVO express bus

  • ~20 minutes

  • Departs right outside Arrivals

Bus timetable:https://www.atvo.it/assets/bus_routes/035b_06.10.25-25.04.26(v.2).pdf

Step 2: Train Venezia Mestre → Bolzano Train Station

  • Direct trains or 1 easy change in Verona

  • ~2h30 – 3h

Check train times (Eng): https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html

Frequent connections throughout the day

✈️ From Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)

From Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Milano Central Train Station

  • Train Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale

Check Malpensa Express timetable (English):https://www.malpensaexpress.it/en/

From Milano centrale to Bolzano Train Station

Train to Bolzano. Check train times (English): https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html

  • ~3h30 – 4h

✈️ From Verona Airport (VRN): easies connection to Bolzano, but less flights

Step 1: Airport → Verona Porta Nuova

  • Shuttle Verona Airlink (line 199)

  • ~15 minutes

  • Every 20 minutes

  • Departs right outside Arrivals

Step 2: Train to Bolzano

Tip: buy online or at the station; if you buy online and miss the train, you need to adjust the ticket at the station

✈️ From Bergamo Airport (BGY - Orio al Serio)

Flexible options depending on your arrival time

Option 1:

  • Bus from airport to Bergamo train station (~15 min)

ATB bus timetable (English): https://www.atb.bergamo.it/en/atb-network/airport-bus

  • Train Bergamo → Bolzano (usually 1 change in Verona Porta Nuova)

Train times (English):https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html

Option 2: Direct bus to Bolzano Sud

  • Some Flixbus connections go directly from Bergamo Airport to Bolzano Sud

Check Flixbus (English):https://www.flixbus.com

  • This is a convenient direct option, but:

    • needs to be booked in advance (limited seats)

    • you are tied to fixed departure times

  • Arrival is in Bolzano Sud (industrial area) From there: 5–10 min taxi to the city center (easy and reasonable price)

⏱️ Total travel time: ~3h – 4h

✈️ From Munich Airport (MUC)

Great option from Central/Northern Europe

Step 1: Train to Bolzano

  • Train from Munich Airport to Munich main station (Hauptbahnhof)

  • Then direct train to Bolzano (EuroCity)

Check train times (English): https://int.bahn.de/en

  • ⏱️ ~3h30 – 4h total

One of the most scenic train journeys through the Alps

Good to know

  • Bolzano has two train stops:

    • Bolzano Sud → industrial area (convenient for hotels like Sheraton)

    • Bolzano/Bozen (main station) → city center

For most trips, you should get off at Bolzano city center

  • Connections are frequent and reliable

  • No need to rent a car

We help you get here

Once your trip is confirmed, we will personally help you choose the best connection based on your flight arrival.

In most cases, you can easily reach us using public transport, avoiding the need to rent a car and making your journey smoother and more relaxed.

Day Trips & Nearby Destinations

From the Bolzano area, you’re perfectly situated to explore even more:

Lake Garda (1.5 hours by car, south) – Best enjoyed in spring and autumn, it offers spectacular panoramic via ferratas, scenic lakeside trekking, and excellent conditions for kitesurfing, all set within a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.

Val Senales (1 hour northwest) – A true alpine paradise, ideal for beautiful high-mountain hikes in summer, with wide-open landscapes, dramatic peaks, and trails leading deep into the Ötztal Alps along the Austria–Italy border.

Val Martello (1 hour west) – Perfect for ski touring in winter or snowshoeing through pristine snowy landscapes. In summer, the valley reveals the fascinating Glaciological Trail, and you’ll be exploring the heart of Stelvio National Park, home to a rich variety of protected wildlife, including marmots, ibex, and golden eagles.

Val Venosta (Vinschgau) – A valley rich in nature and culture: visit one of the Messner Mountain Museums, dedicated to the life and mountaineering legacy of Reinhold Messner, or reach the iconic Lake Resia, famous for its church steeple rising from the water. The area also offers endless cycling opportunities, thanks to the scenic Vinschgau cycle path, winding through rivers, apple orchards, and unspoiled alpine nature.

Looking to unwind? Just 30 minutes from Bolzano, Merano is ideal for relaxation at the luxurious Terme di Merano, or for a leisurely stroll through the renowned Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, once beloved by Empress Sissi.

All year round, local traditions are alive and vibrant: from wine festivals and typical summer village celebrations, to the fascinating Krampus parades, Törggelen (autumn chestnut feasts), and cozy village chestnut gatherings. There’s always a wonderful tradition to enjoy, no matter the season.

Appiano on The Wine Road

Do you prefer a vineyard-lined village over the city? Just 10 minutes from Bolzano, the historic village of Appiano (Eppan) is surrounded by vineyards and castles, making it an ideal place to relax and recharge. It's perfect for:

What to Do in and Around Bolzano

Bolzano is more than just a gateway to the Dolomites; it’s a beautiful, culturally rich destination in itself. On your rest days, you can:

  • Visit the world-famous Ötzi Museum and meet the 5,300-year-old ice mummy.

  • Wander through the medieval old town, with its charming arcades and open-air markets.

  • Hop on a cable car from the city center to the scenic plateaus of Renon, perfect for a leisurely hike or simply enjoying a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains.

  • Immerse in the South Tyrolean cuisine, discover the best pizza in town, or savor a gourmet Italian meal at a local restaurant.

  • Unwind in a sunny piazza with a glass of local wine, or embark on a scenic bike ride through the vineyards!

GREAT LOCAL BUS NETWORK

Once you're in South Tyrol & in the Dolomites in general, you'll quickly appreciate the excellent local bus network, which connects Bolzano to nearby mountain valleys, trailheads, and charming alpine villages. It's a fantastic option for those who want to explore the Dolomites in a sustainable and eco-friendly way: no car required! We always recommend this option wherever possible for a slower, more respectful approach to travel.

For those seeking a more personalized or flexible experience, we also arrange private transfers on request, perfect for early starts, reaching remote trailheads, or carrying heavy gear for your Ski Safari adventures.

Start Your Dolomitesafari Here

I believe your adventure begins the moment you arrive in South Tyrol. Even if you're here to climb Via Ferratas… enjoy the slower rhythm, rest and recharge before and after mountain days! Bolzano and the little villages in the area of the Wine road are the perfect starting point to immerse yourself in the region or to have a break from the mountains!

Let us show you the best places to explore, relax, and make memories…

Ready to start your Dolomites Safari? Let’s go!