Is Dolomites expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
The Dolomites are one of Italy's more expensive regions in summer, comparable to the Swiss or Austrian Alps for hotels and lifts, with a mid-range day at about €260 per person. Cable cars, toll roads, parking and half-board hotels are where the money goes; hiking itself is free.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | €55 | €110 | €250 |
| Food & drink | €35 | €60 | €110 |
| Sights & tickets | €30 | €55 | €80 |
| Local transport | €15 | €35 | €60 |
| Per person, per day | €135 | €260 | €500 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Dolomites day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Espresso at a mountain hut | about €1.50–2.50 |
| Apple strudel at a malga | about €5–7 |
| Canederli (bread dumplings) | about €14–18 |
| Seceda cable car, return | about €50–60 |
| Tre Cime toll road (per car) | roughly €30–45 |
| Lago di Braies parking (summer, prepaid) | roughly €20–40 |
| Local bus ride (SAD / Dolomiti Bus) | about €2–5 |
| Tourist tax | roughly €2–5 per person per night |
| Mid-range double room, Val Gardena | about €170–280 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Hotels are the biggest cost: in Val Gardena and Cortina a mid-range double is about €170–300 in July and August, often on half-board, and a tourist tax is added per person per night. The second big item is getting up the mountains: cable cars such as Seceda cost €50–60 return, the Tre Cime toll road €30–45 per car and summer parking at Lago di Braies must be prebooked. A rental car is almost essential for flexibility. Mountain-hut food is fairly priced and hiking costs nothing.
When it is cheaper
Late June and the second half of September are usually 15–30% cheaper than July–August, with most lifts still running. Many hotels and lifts close from mid-October to early December and in April–May, so there is little to save then.
How to spend less
- Stay in Bolzano or Bressanone and drive up to the valleys; rooms are much cheaper.
- Pick hotels that include a free guest pass for local buses and, in some valleys, lifts.
- Look for multi-day lift passes (such as the Val Gardena or Dolomiti Supersummer cards) if you will ride several lifts.
- Hike up instead of taking every cable car, and ride only one way where possible.
- Book Lago di Braies parking and the Tre Cime road in advance, or take the bus.
- Eat lunch at mountain huts, where prices are fair, and picnic on hiking days.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
How much does a day in the Dolomites cost?
About €135 per person on a budget, €260 mid-range and €500 for comfort, sharing a double and a rental car. Tourist tax is about €2–5 per person per night.
How much is the Seceda cable car?
About €50–60 return from Ortisei via Furnes.
Do you have to pay for Lago di Braies and the Tre Cime?
The lake walk is free, but summer parking must be prebooked; the toll road to the Tre Cime costs roughly €30–45 per car.