How to get to Bolzano: train, plane, car and bus

How to get to Bolzano

Bolzano (Bozen in German), capital of South Tyrol (Alto Adige - Südtirol), is a city where Italian and Tyrolean cultures blend in a unique way. Nestled in a basin between the Dolomites and the Renon mountains, it is easily reachable from all over Italy and the German-speaking world thanks to its position along the Brenner corridor.

Getting to Bolzano by train

Bolzano station sits on the Brenner line, one of the main trans-Alpine railway routes.

• From Verona Porta Nuova: regional trains and Frecce in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
• From Trento: frequent regional trains in about 35-40 minutes
• From Innsbruck: OBB/Trenitalia trains via the Brenner Pass in approximately 2 hours
• From Munich (Hauptbahnhof): direct EC (EuroCity) trains in approximately 3 hours 30 minutes
• From Milan Centrale: Frecce in approximately 3 hours 15 minutes; EC via Verona
• From Rome: Frecce with a change at Verona, approximately 5 hours
• From Bologna: Frecce and Intercity via Verona, approximately 3 hours
• From Venice: trains with a change at Verona, approximately 3 hours 30 minutes

The station is a 5-minute walk from Piazza Walther, the heart of the city. The Archaeological Museum housing Ötzi is 10 minutes away.

Getting to Bolzano by plane

Bolzano Airport (BZO) is located at San Giacomo, approximately 6 km from the centre. It is a small airport with few commercial flights, so most travellers use larger airports.

• Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN): approximately 155 km, then direct train to Bolzano (about 1 hour 30 minutes)
• Innsbruck Airport (INN): approximately 120 km, then train via the Brenner Pass (about 2 hours)
• Munich Airport (MUC): approximately 280 km, then direct EC train (about 3 hours 30 minutes)
• Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY): approximately 250 km, then train with a change at Verona
• Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE): approximately 230 km, then train with a change at Verona

For those arriving from Germany or Austria, Munich Airport is often the best choice thanks to the convenient direct EuroCity train.

Getting to Bolzano by car

Bolzano sits at the junction of the A22 Brenner motorway and the MeBo expressway to Merano.

• From Verona: A22 Brenner motorway northbound, Bolzano Sud exit, approximately 155 km (1 hour 30 minutes)
• From Trento: A22 northbound, Bolzano Sud exit, approximately 60 km (40 minutes)
• From Innsbruck: A13 Brennerautobahn then A22, Bolzano Nord exit, approximately 120 km (1 hour 20 minutes)
• From Merano: MeBo expressway, approximately 30 km (25 minutes)
• From Milan: A4 to Verona, then A22, approximately 300 km (3 hours)

The historic centre is a restricted traffic zone. Recommended car parks: Parkhaus Mitte, Parcheggio Bolzano Centro, station car park. Also noteworthy is the Park & Ride at Bolzano Sud with bus connection.

Getting to Bolzano by bus

The bus station is on Via Perathoner, near the railway station.

• FlixBus connects Bolzano with Milan, Rome, Florence, Venice, Munich and other cities
• SAD (Südtirol Trasporti) operates provincial connections to all South Tyrolean valleys: Val Gardena, Val Pusteria, Val di Funes, Val Passiria, Sciliar Plateau
• International buses to Innsbruck, Munich and Vienna

Getting around Bolzano

Public transport is managed by SASA.

• High-frequency urban bus network; tickets valid for 75 minutes
• Renon Cable Car (Rittner Seilbahn): from central Bolzano (Via Renon) to the Renon plateau in just 12 minutes, with extraordinary Dolomite views
• Colle Cable Car (Kohlerer Bahn): the world's oldest cable car still in operation, connecting Via Campiglio to Colle above Bolzano
• San Genesio Cable Car: from the Cardano district to San Genesio Atesino
• Cycle paths along the Isarco and Adige rivers: Bolzano is one of Italy's most bicycle-friendly cities
• South Tyrol Mobilcard: daily or weekly pass for all provincial public transport

The historic centre is compact and entirely pedestrianised: Via dei Portici, Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Walther are the hub of city life.

Practical tips

The South Tyrol Mobilcard is an excellent investment for those wanting to explore the region without a car: it covers trains, buses, cable cars and even the Renon narrow-gauge railway. The EuroCity train from Munich is a comfortable and sustainable alternative to flying. In winter, note that snow chains or winter tyres are mandatory on the A22.

To plan your stay, also check our guides on where to stay in Bolzano, what to see in Bolzano in 2 days and where to eat in Bolzano.