Wondering how to get to your adventure with us? We’ve put together some more information and tips for getting your destination. If you have any specific questions then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Most people fly in to Venice the gateway to the Dolomites – which for those that haven’t been gives you the opportunity to explore the area.
Venice – Cortina
Once in Venice you would need to get a bus, that takes roughly 2-2.5 hours and runs 4 times a day. It costs around €15-25 for a single and during the summer reservations must be made in advance. All buses depart from both Mestre (mainland Venice) and the airport.
Tip if staying in Venice pre-trek: Venice Airport Water Bus – The water bus is the easiest and most affordable way to reach central Venice from the airport. It costs €18 one way (adult fare) and departs regularly from the airport dock, just a 10-minute walk from arrivals.
Bus options:
ATVO buses (Price €20.00 one way adult ticket – Linea 29 – Leaves from Place le Roma then stops at Mestre train station then stops at Marco Polo Airport)
Getting to Passo Giau:
The Giau Pass is easily accessible year-round by car.
- From Cortina d’Ampezzo: 15 km (approx. 20 minutes)
- From Val Fiorentina: 12 km (approx. 20 minutes)
Driving times from nearby destinations:
- Venice – 2 hours
- Belluno – 1 hour
- Bolzano – 2 hours
- Innsbruck – 3 hours
- Lake Braies – 2 hours
By Public Transport
During the summer season, the Giau Pass is served by Dolomitibus, with regular connections between:
- Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Passo Giau
Bus options:
Dolomiti Bus (Linea 53 Cortina – Passo Giau – Pescul Runs from 8/06/2026 – 09/09/2026)
Taxi options:
Taxi Cortina / +39 3384889793
Taxi Afo / +39 347 94 20 530
DC Tranfers / booking@dctransfers.it
Cab Unterhofer / +39 348 672 08 63
Cab Rizzo / +39 329 460 61 90
Taxi Badia / +39 335 737 3981
Getting Back After the Trek
This 5 day Souther Route of the AV1 trek wraps up at the legendary… roadside bus stop of La Pissa. Not the most glamorous finish, but after several days of mountains, it’s practically a red carpet.
- Finish the hike at La Pissa Bus Stop – bus to Belluno. Timetable here – you can purchase the tickets onboard.
- Catch a train to Belluno – the nearest town with major transport links.
- From Belluno, catch a train or long-distance bus to Venice.
- From Venice, continue to onward destinations.
Important: Bus service from La Pissa is limited on Sundays. Plan accordingly.
- You cannot purchase bus tickets at Rifugio Bianchet (despite what older guidebooks may say).
Going straight to Venice?
It’s possible to return to Venice the same day if everything aligns:
- 20 min bus to Belluno
- 2-hour train or bus to Venice
However, any delay could cause a knock-on effect. If unsure, consider staying overnight in Belluno and continuing your journey the next day.
Bonus: Visit the tourist office in Belluno with your stamped AV1 passport to receive a free AV1 badge pin.
EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and ETIAS: Important Travel Updates
Europe is introducing two new border systems that will affect non-EU travellers. The Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace manual passport stamping from October 2025, while the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), expected in 2026, will work like a pre-travel authorisation. It’s worth knowing about these changes before your trip. Read more here.
