3 Days in the Dolomites Without a Car — A Bus & Cable Car Journey
There’s a certain freedom in exploring the Dolomites without a car. With a carefully planned public transport route, even a three-day itinerary can cover jaw-dropping alpine views, mountain lakes, and iconic cable cars — no rental needed. All you really need is a good pair of shoes and a 20L expandable backpack to keep things light and flexible.
📍 Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Bolzano → Ortisei → Val di Funes (Church of St. Johann)
Day 2: Seceda → Alpe di Siusi → Ortisei
Day 3: Lake Carezza → Return to Milan
🚌 Day 1 | Val di Funes & the St. Johann Church
Take a morning train from Milan and arrive in Bolzano by 10:39 AM. From there, transfer to Ortisei via public bus. The scenic road curves through forests and valleys — an early taste of the Dolomites' dramatic landscape.
Your afternoon is all about the Val di Funes valley. Grab a transit card, hop another bus, and head to the famous Church of St. Johann. Even in light rain and fog, the backdrop of the Odle peaks feels cinematic. Having a lightweight expandable backpack made it easy to adjust layers and keep hands free for spontaneous photo stops.
🚠 Day 2 | Seceda, Alpe di Siusi & Cable Car Hopping
Time to ride some gondolas! We started with the Seceda cable car — the view from the top is unreal, with layers of greenery giving way to jagged rock spires. Afterwards, we hopped on the popular No.18 "wooden box" gondola and explored Alpe di Siusi.
The scenery felt like transitioning from summer to early autumn in one day. Using a supersummer pass (€62 for unlimited cable rides), we easily jumped between lifts without stress. This is where the 20L backpack came in handy again — water, a rain shell, and even lunch tucked in without bulk.
🌄 Day 3 | Lake Carezza & Back to Milan
After checking out, we headed to Lake Carezza — a turquoise gem nestled in the mountains. On a sunny day, it reflects like a mirror. The lake was smaller than expected but full of charm, like a scene from a fairy tale.
We ended the trip with a bus back to Bolzano, and then a train back to Milan by evening. It was a whirlwind, but the pace felt just right.
💡 Tips for Non-Drivers in the Dolomites
-Always check Südtirolmobil for bus and cable car schedules.
-Transit pass must have your name and travel dates written.
-Pack light — a 20L expandable backpack is perfect for buses, lifts, and quick hikes.
-Weather shifts fast — bring layers and a windbreaker even in summer.
-Buy cable car passes early to plan your route.
