The Dolomites aren't the easiest European mountains to reach - but that's part of the appeal. As the saying goes, if it were easy, everyone would do it. And once you're standing on the shores of Lago di Braies, staring up at those pale, jagged peaks, you'll know every bus and boat was worth it. 

The journey to the trailhead is a mini adventure of its own. Here's exactly how to do it.

Where are the Dolomites? 

The Dolomites sit in north-eastern Italy, stretching across the regions of South Tyrol, Trentino, and Belluno. They're a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for sheer limestone walls, high mountain passes, and a unique blend of Italian and Austrian culture - you'll hear both languages (and eat both cuisines) along the trail. 

The Alta Via 1 Dolomites route runs north to south through the heart of the range, from Lago di Braies to near Belluno. It's around 87 km/54 miles of high-level walking (although Macs do offer shorter sections), and it's widely considered one of the great treks of the Alps. 

How to get to the Dolomites 

The short answer: fly to Venice, then take the bus. There's no airport in the Dolomites themselves, so almost everyone arrives via the Veneto region. 

Closest airport to the Dolomites 

Venice Marco Polo is the closest major airport to the Dolomites and the most practical gateway for the Alta Via 1. Several low-cost airlines fly directly from UK cities to Venice Marco Polo, including London Stansted, Luton, Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, and Birmingham. If your closest airport doesn't fly direct, you can fly via Amsterdam - a piece of cake! 

One thing to watch: Venice actually has two airports. Some budget airlines land at Venice Treviso instead, which sits around 40km inland from the city and has its own separate transfer connections. Both airports work for reaching the Dolomites - just double-check which one your flight arrives at and book your onward transport accordingly, so you're not hunting for a bus that leaves from the other side of the Veneto. 

Flying into Venice has a brilliant side benefit: you can bolt a city break onto your trek. Aa popular spot, but we get why. The labyrinthine waterways are a must-see - and stopping over breaks up the travel nicely before the walking begins. 

Venice tip: skip the pricey gondolas and take the waterbus down the Canal Grande instead. The 30-minute ride costs a fraction of a gondola trip, and gliding past the palazzos from the water is an experience in itself. 

Venice to the Dolomites: the Cortina Express 

The next leg from Venice to the Dolomites is the Cortina Express bus, which you can catch from Venice Marco Polo airport or Venice Mestre station on the mainland. 

If you decide on a city break beforehand and stay in the historic centre, you can take a waterbus to Piazzale Roma - Venice's main bus station - then a frequent 15-minute bus over the bridge to Venice Mestre train station, where the Cortina Express departs. If you're keen beans and arrive early, there are plenty of cafes near the station to fuel up on pasta alfredo. Highly recommended. 

The bus journey to Cortina d'Ampezzo takes around 2.5 hours. It's comfy and smooth, and the scenery keeps getting better as the peaks close in around you. Book your seat in advance - it fills up quickly in peak season. 

How to get to Alta Via 1 from Cortina 

The Alta Via 1 starts at Lago di Braies, and reaching it from Cortina takes two buses: 

• Cortina to Dobbiaco - around 45 mins 
• Dobbiaco to Lago di Braies - a quick connection, then roughly 23 mins to the lake 

The connection at Dobbiaco is a matter of minutes, so the whole journey is easier than it sounds. 

Top tip: Buy your packed lunch the day before and get moving early. Day one of the AV1 is the toughest of the whole route, with over 900m of ascent - and tackling it under the midday sun is a serious test of the legs. Trust us, we learnt this the hard way! 

Is it worth it? Absolutely 

Yes, it takes a few legs of public transport to reach the start of the Dolomites Alta Via 1. But none of it was difficult - it was straightforward, good fun, and a great way to ease into the adventure. And the moment you arrive at Lago di Braies, with its turquoise water mirroring the peaks above, you'll know exactly why you came. 

Ready to walk it yourself? Browse our self-guided Dolomites hiking routes, with accommodation, luggage transfers, and route notes in the app all sorted for you. And if you've any questions about the Alta Via 1, get in touch - we're always happy to talk Dolomites.