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How to get from Dolomites to Innsbruck
From the Dolomites, most travellers go first to Bolzano or Bressanone/Brixen and then take a train over the Brenner Pass to Innsbruck, about 1 h 30 to 2 hours from Bolzano. Driving via the A22 and the Brenner motorway takes about 2 to 2 h 30 from Val Gardena.
Best option: Train. Direct EuroCity trains from Bolzano over the Brenner reach Innsbruck in about 2 hours without the Brenner traffic.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train EuroCity trains (ÖBB/Trenitalia) or regional trains with a change at Brennero/Brenner, from Bolzano or Bressanone to Innsbruck Hbf | about 1 h 30–2 h from Bolzano | several a day | about €15–40 | First take a bus from your valley to Bolzano, Bressanone or Brunico. |
| car A22 Brennero motorway to the Brenner Pass, then the A13 Brenner motorway to Innsbruck | about 2–2 h 30 from Val Gardena | Italian A22 tolls, Austrian vignette and the Brenner section toll | Heavy traffic on summer weekends. | |
| bus FlixBus or other coaches from Bolzano to Innsbruck | about 2 h | a few a day | about €10–30 | Check current schedules. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Allow time for the bus from Val Gardena, Val di Fassa or Cortina to the railway.
- Buy the Austrian motorway vignette before crossing the border.
- The Brenner motorway in Austria has a separate toll on top of the vignette.
- Innsbruck station is central, close to the old town.
Common questions
Is there a direct train?
From Bolzano and Bressanone, yes: EuroCity trains run over the Brenner to Innsbruck, taking about 1 h 30 to 2 hours. Regional trains also run, often with a change at Brennero. From the Dolomite valleys you first need a bus to the railway.
How long is the drive?
About 2 to 2 h 30 from Val Gardena, longer from Cortina or Val di Fassa. You use the A22 to the Brenner Pass and then the A13 Brenner motorway. In Austria you need a vignette plus a separate Brenner toll.
Can I do it as a day trip?
Yes, from Bolzano or Bressanone it is easy. From the Dolomite valleys it is a long day because of the extra bus. Innsbruck's old town and the Nordkette cable car can be seen in a day. The trains are quick and frequent.
What is the cheapest way?
Regional trains and buses are the cheapest. If your hotel gives you a South Tyrol guest pass, it may cover regional trains and buses within South Tyrol as far as Brennero, so you only pay for the Austrian leg. Direct EuroCity tickets cost more but save time and a change.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.