How to get to Ortisei: complete transport guide

How to get to Ortisei

Ortisei (St. Ulrich in German), the main town of Val Gardena in the heart of the Dolomites, is one of South Tyrol's most renowned mountain resorts. Situated at 1,236 metres above sea level, it has no railway station of its own, but is well connected thanks to an efficient bus system and proximity to the Brenner motorway.

By air: reference airports

There is no major airport in the immediate vicinity. Options are:

**Bolzano Airport (BZO)**: the closest as the crow flies, about 35 km, but with very few flights. Only useful for specific routes
**Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN)**: about 180 km, a good choice with domestic and international flights. From Verona you reach Val Gardena in about 2 and a half hours
**Innsbruck Airport (INN)**: about 130 km, across the Austrian border, well connected with European cities. About 2 hours of travel
**Munich Airport (MUC)**: about 280 km, the largest international hub in the area. About 3 and a half hours
**Bergamo (BGY)** or **Venice Marco Polo (VCE)** airports: about 250 and 280 km respectively, useful for low-cost flights

From all airports the most practical option is car rental. Some operators offer private transfers from Verona or Innsbruck airports.

By train: Chiusa or Bolzano

Ortisei does not have a railway station. The reference stations are:

**Chiusa/Klausen**: the nearest, about 18 km away, on the Brenner line (Verona-Bolzano-Innsbruck). From Chiusa the **SAD bus 350** departs for Val Gardena
**Bolzano/Bozen**: about 35 km away, on the same Brenner line. A larger hub with more connections

Trains to Chiusa/Bolzano

**From Verona**: regional train or Eurocity, about 1 hour and 30 minutes to Bolzano, 1 hour and 45 minutes to Chiusa
**From Munich**: Eurocity, about 3 hours and 30 minutes to Bolzano
**From Innsbruck**: Eurocity or regional, about 2 hours to Bolzano
**From Rome**: Frecciargento to Bolzano, about 4 hours and 30 minutes
**From Milan**: Eurocity, about 3 hours and 30 minutes to Bolzano

From Chiusa to Ortisei

The **SAD bus line 350** connects Chiusa station to Val Gardena via Ortisei. About **30 minutes**, with frequent services (every 30-60 minutes). The route climbs the valley with beautiful Dolomite panoramas.

From Bolzano to Ortisei

Direct SAD bus, about **50 minutes**. Frequent services, especially during tourist season.

By car: routes and parking

The car is the most commonly used way to reach Val Gardena.

From Verona (about 180 km)

**A22 Brenner** motorway to the **Chiusa/Val Gardena** exit. Then the **SS242** climbing Val Gardena to Ortisei. About 2 hours and 15 minutes.

From Bolzano (about 35 km)

**MeBo** expressway eastward, then **SS242** for Val Gardena. About 40 minutes.

From Innsbruck (about 130 km)

**A13** Brenner motorway (Austria), then **A22** on the Italian side to Chiusa, then **SS242**. About 1 hour and 45 minutes.

From Munich (about 280 km)

Motorway to Innsbruck, then Brenner Pass and A22 as above. About 3 and a half hours.

Parking

Ortisei has a pedestrian centre with restricted access. Main car parks:

**Municipal garage (Garage Mar)**: underground, paid, the most central and spacious
**Pra da Daut car park**: large covered car park in the lower part of town
**Alpe di Siusi cable car car park**: near the lifts

In high season (winter and July-August) car parks fill up, especially at weekends. The Val Gardena Card (included with many accommodations) covers public transport.

By bus

The **SAD** bus system is the backbone of public transport in Val Gardena.

**Line 350**: Bolzano - Chiusa - Ponte Gardena - Ortisei - S. Cristina - Selva. Frequent and punctual
**Val Gardena Express**: direct Bolzano-Ortisei service in certain periods
**Ski bus**: in winter, free shuttles between villages and ski lifts
**Mobilcard South Tyrol**: daily or weekly pass for all public transport in the province

From Bolzano: the main connection

Bolzano is the reference point for reaching Ortisei.

**SAD bus**: 50 minutes, frequent, convenient. The stop in Bolzano is at the bus station next to the railway station
**Car**: 40 minutes, scenic road
**Private transfer**: about 60-80 euros

Practical tips

**Car or SAD bus**: both work well. A car is useful for excursions in the surroundings, the SAD bus is convenient and punctual
**Chiusa vs Bolzano**: from Chiusa the bus is shorter (30 minutes vs 50), but Bolzano has more trains
**Val Gardena Card**: if staying in the valley, it includes public transport and summer ski lifts
**Winter**: snow chains compulsory or winter tyres on the SS242. The road can be snowy
**Pedestrian centre**: Ortisei has a traffic-free centre, beautifully maintained, perfect for strolling. The ski lifts depart from the centre of the village
**Dolomite passes**: from Ortisei you can reach the Gardena Pass and Sella Pass, gateways to the Sellaronda and some of the most spectacular Dolomite views