Tre Cime from Venice and Cortina: Day Trips, Seasons and How to Plan

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo are the most famous peaks in the Dolomites, and many of the people who want to see them are staying somewhere else entirely — most often Venice, a few hours away on the Adriatic coast. Others base themselves in Cortina d’Ampezzo or the valleys around Dobbiaco. How you see the Tre Cime depends a great deal on where you start, and on when you go: the season is short, and the road and shuttle open only for a few months a year.

This guide covers the guided day trips from Venice, the case for staying in the mountains instead, the season and its dates, and how to plan a visit that fits your trip.

The peaks in brief

The Tre Cime — the Drei Zinnen in German — are three rock towers: the Cima Grande in the middle at 2,999 m, the Cima Ovest at 2,973 m and the Cima Piccola at 2,857 m. The Cima Grande was first climbed on 21 August 1869 by Paul Grohmann with Franz Innerkofler and Peter Salcher. Most visitors start at Rifugio Auronzo, at 2,333 m, reached by a toll road, and walk the loop around the towers.

Day trips from Venice

For visitors based in Venice, a guided day trip is the simplest way to see the Tre Cime. The options differ in group size and in the lakes they visit.

Dolomites, Lake Braies and the Tre Cime (about 9 hours)

A day trip from Venice to Lake Braies, with free time in Cortina d’Ampezzo and photo stops for the Tre Cime. Lake Braies is a well-known mountain lake, and the combination with the peaks and Cortina makes a full, varied day.

Misurina, Cortina and the lakes (about 10 hours)

A small-group day by minivan — eight guests at most — from Venice to Cortina and the lakes of Misurina, Antorno and Auronzo, with viewpoint stops for the Tre Cime. The smaller group and the focus on the lakes around the peaks make it a more intimate day.

Choosing between the two day trips

For the most variety in one day: the Lake Braies trip — a famous lake, Cortina and the Tre Cime viewpoints, in about 9 hours.
For a smaller group and more lakes around the peaks: the Misurina trip — eight guests at most, the lakes of Misurina, Antorno and Auronzo, and Cortina, in about 10 hours.
For the closest look at the Tre Cime from a day trip: the Misurina trip, whose lakes lie at the foot of the road up to the peaks.

Both involve a long drive from Venice, so a comfortable minivan or coach matters more than usual; both are best on a clear day, which you cannot choose in advance.

What the journey is like

The drive from Venice leaves the flat lagoon country behind and climbs into the mountains, and much of a day trip is spent on the road. That is not wasted time: the approach into the Dolomites, with the valleys narrowing and the pale peaks rising ahead, is part of the experience. But it does mean that your time at each stop is limited. Choose a day trip for the overview; stay in the mountains for depth.

What the day trips include — and what they do not

Both day trips show you the Tre Cime from viewpoints, together with the lakes and Cortina. They do not walk the loop around the peaks. They are the right choice if you want to see the Dolomites and the famous towers in a day from Venice; if walking the loop is your goal, you need to stay nearer the mountains.

The tours page lists both with live prices.

Staying in the mountains instead

If you have more than a day, staying in the Dolomites changes everything. You can walk the loop, see the peaks in morning and evening light, and choose the clearest day.

On the southern side: Misurina, Auronzo and Cortina

The toll road to Rifugio Auronzo starts near Lago d’Antorno, close to Lake Misurina, in the municipality of Auronzo di Cadore. Staying on this side puts you close to the road and to the guided walks that start from Misurina. Dolomitibus runs public buses up to Rifugio Auronzo.

On the northern side: Dobbiaco and Sesto

Shuttle line 444 runs from Dobbiaco to Rifugio Auronzo, and walking routes start from Sesto (Val Fiscalina) and Landro. Staying on this side suits visitors who prefer the shuttle and the walking approaches.

Getting there under your own steam

If you want to reach the Tre Cime independently, the options are the same whether you start in Venice or in the mountains — the difference is only the journey to the start.

The toll road — about 6 kilometres from near Lago d’Antorno to Rifugio Auronzo, booked in advance, €40 for a car in 2026.
Shuttle line 444 — from Dobbiaco, 31 May to 11 October 2026, €22 return for adults, booked online.
Dolomitibus — public buses up to Rifugio Auronzo.
By bike — cyclists ride the road free of charge.
On foot from the valleys — from Sesto or Landro on path 102 (about 3½ hours) or from Val Campo di Dentro on path 105 (about 4½ hours).

Our guide to getting to the Tre Cime covers each option in detail.

The season: short and precious

The Tre Cime are a summer and early-autumn destination.

The toll road is open only in summer and early autumn — usually from late May to late October, weather permitting — and the dates vary each year. It is open with compulsory booking.
Shuttle line 444 runs from 31 May to 11 October 2026.
The huts on the loop open seasonally.

Outside that window, the road and shuttle are closed, and the peaks are a winter mountain environment rather than a walking destination.

Early season (late May to June)

The road and shuttle open, and the mountains are fresh and green below, with snow often lingering high up. Check trail conditions, especially on the northern side.

High summer (July and August)

The busiest time, with the longest days and all services running. Book the road or the shuttle early, and start your walk early.

Late season (September to October)

Quieter trails and softer light, with services winding down. The shuttle’s 2026 season ends on 11 October, and the road usually closes by late October.

The lakes around the peaks

The Tre Cime are surrounded by mountain lakes, and they are an essential part of any visit.

Lake Misurina lies close to the start of the toll road and is the base for the guided walks. The day trip from Venice stops there, and it is a natural place to end a walking day.
Lake Antorno, smaller and quieter, is where the toll road begins.
Lake Auronzo lies further down the valley, included in the Misurina day trip.
Lake Braies is included in the other Venice day trip, together with Cortina.

A three-day Dolomites itinerary

If you can give the Dolomites three days, this plan puts the Tre Cime at the centre:

Day one: travel from Venice to Cortina or Misurina. In the afternoon, a gentle walk by Lake Misurina and an early night.
Day two: the Tre Cime loop. Drive up the toll road at your booked slot, or join a guided walk from Misurina with the transfer included. Walk the loop on paths 101 and 105 (about 4 hours by the tourist board’s figure), lunch at the Locatelli hut, and return in the afternoon.
Day three: the lakes — Braies, or Antorno and Auronzo — and Cortina, before heading back to Venice or on through the mountains.

If the weather is poor on day two, swap it with day three and keep the loop for the clearest day.

Mistakes to avoid

Expecting a Venice day trip to walk the loop. The day trips stop at viewpoints; the loop needs a stay in the mountains or a guided walk from Misurina.
Visiting out of season. The road and the shuttle run only in summer and early autumn.
Driving up without a booking. The toll road requires advance booking.
Buying shuttle tickets on the bus. Online fares are lower, and bookings can be cancelled free up to 72 hours before.
Planning the loop for a fixed day. Mountain weather decides the view; keep your walking day flexible.

Costs to plan for

What	2026 price
Toll road, car	€40
Toll road, motorcycle	€26
Shuttle 444, adult return	€22
Shuttle 444, junior (6–13) return	€12
Shuttle 444, children under 6	Free
Cycling up the road	Free

Shuttle fares are higher if bought on the bus or at the stop, and bookings can be cancelled free up to 72 hours before departure.

How to plan your visit

If you have one day and are in Venice

Take a guided day trip. You will see the Tre Cime from viewpoints, together with Lake Braies or the lakes around Misurina and time in Cortina. It is a long day — 9 to 10 hours — but it is the only practical way to see the peaks in a day without a car.

If you have two or three days

Stay in the Dolomites. Book the toll road or the shuttle for the clearest morning, walk the loop (the tourist board gives 4 hours on paths 101 and 105), and use the other days for the lakes, Cortina or other walks.

If you are driving through the Dolomites

Book the toll road for your date and plan the rest of the day around your slot. Combine the walk with Lake Misurina, which is close to the start of the road.

If you prefer not to drive

Use shuttle 444 from Dobbiaco or Dolomitibus, or join a guided walk from Misurina, which includes the transfer to the hut.

Day trip or overnight: the trade-offs

A day trip from Venice gives you the Dolomites and a view of the Tre Cime without organising anything — the transport, the route and the timing are handled for you. The trade-offs are the long day, the fixed schedule and the fact that you see the peaks from viewpoints rather than walking around them.

An overnight stay asks more of you — accommodation in the mountains, and your own plan for the road or the shuttle — but it gives you the loop, the freedom to wait for the clearest day, and the peaks in morning and evening light. For most people who can spare the time, it is the better choice.

Guided walks from Misurina

If you are staying in the mountains and want company, two guided walks start at Misurina:

Guided loop walk: a 10 km loop with about 400 m of ascent, via Forcella Lavaredo and the Locatelli hut, in about 5 hours, with the toll-road transfer from Misurina included.
Small-group hike: up to 4 people, past the south and north faces, with huts for lunch on the way, in about 5 hours.

With children

Day trips from Venice are long for young children — 9 to 10 hours, much of it in a vehicle — so they suit older children best.
Staying in the mountains is far more relaxed for families: short walks from Rifugio Auronzo, lakes to play by and huts for lunch.
The shuttle is family-friendly: children under 6 travel free, and juniors aged 6 to 13 pay €12 return.
Dress everyone warmly for the altitude, even in summer.

Photographs

From Rifugio Auronzo, the southern faces rise above the car park.
From Forcella Lavaredo and the Locatelli hut, the classic view of the three north faces.
From Lake Misurina, the mountains reflected in the water on a still day.
From the viewpoints on the Venice day trips, the peaks above the lakes and valleys.

Accessibility

The Tre Cime can be enjoyed without a long walk. The toll road, the shuttle and Dolomitibus all reach Rifugio Auronzo, where the southern faces tower above the car park, and the Venice day trips stop at viewpoints. The loop itself is a mountain walk on rough paths and is not suitable for visitors who cannot walk on uneven ground.

Weather

The Tre Cime make their own weather, and the view depends on it. On a clear day the towers are sharp against the sky; in cloud they can disappear entirely. A few rules:

Check the forecast before you book a road slot or a shuttle.
Build in flexibility if you are staying in the mountains; move your walk to the clearest day.
On a day trip, you cannot choose the weather — the viewpoints may be clear or in cloud.
Be ready to turn back if storms build on the walk.

What to bring

Warm layers and a waterproof, even in summer.
Walking shoes or boots if you plan to walk.
Sun protection; the light is strong at altitude.
Your booking confirmation for the road or the shuttle.
Your passport or ID, as always when travelling.

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit the Tre Cime on a day trip from Venice?

Yes. Guided day trips take 9 to 10 hours and include viewpoint stops for the Tre Cime, with Lake Braies or the lakes around Misurina and time in Cortina. They do not walk the loop.

When is the best time to visit the Tre Cime?

In summer and early autumn, when the toll road (usually late May to late October) and shuttle line 444 (31 May to 11 October 2026) run. High summer is busiest; early and late season are quieter.

Do I need to book to drive to the Tre Cime?

Yes. The toll road is open with compulsory booking; in 2026 the toll is €40 for a car.

Should I stay in Cortina or Dobbiaco?

Cortina, Misurina and Auronzo put you near the toll road and the guided walks from Misurina; Dobbiaco puts you at the start of shuttle 444. Both work.

How high are the Tre Cime?

The Cima Grande is 2,999 m, the Cima Ovest 2,973 m and the Cima Piccola 2,857 m.

Is the Tre Cime shuttle suitable for families?

Yes. Shuttle line 444 from Dobbiaco is booked online; children under 6 travel free and juniors aged 6 to 13 pay €12 return.