How to Get from Venice Marco Polo Airport to Cortina d’Ampezzo (2026 Guide)

When your plane lands at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), you’re already closer to the Dolomites than you might think. This is the main international gateway for travelers headed to the mountains, and more often than not, Cortina d’Ampezzo is where people are aiming.

I know the feeling: you step off the plane, ready for jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and those picture-perfect trails you’ve been dreaming about. But then comes the logistics.

How do you actually get from the airport to Cortina, sitting 140 kilometers away in the heart of the Dolomites?

The good news: there are solid, well-established options, buses timed with flight arrivals, rental cars right at the airport, and even private transfers if you want a no-hassle start to your trip. In this guide, I’ll walk you through each choice for 2025, with real travel times, costs, and my own tips so you can make the best decision for your itinerary.

This guide is straightforward, so you can figure out how to get to Cortina from Venice!

This Post Pairs Well With

• Hiking Guides: Dolomites and Beyond
• How to Book a Rifugio or Mountain Hut in the Dolomites
• Your Guide to Dolomites Rifugios: What’s it like to Stay in a Rifugio
• Five Hikes Near Cortina That Are Less Crowded

At a Glance: Venice Marco Polo to Cortina Travel Times

Option	Time	Cost	Best For
Direct Bus (Cortina Express / FlixBus)	2.5 hrs	€15–30	Easy, budget-friendly
Car Rental	2 hrs	€50+ per day	Flexibility, Dolomite road trips
Private Transfer	2 hrs	€250–350	Groups, ski gear, no hassle
Train + Bus (via Calalzo di Cadore)	4 hrs	€20–40	Scenic detours, rail travelers

👉 Short on time? Take the direct bus.
👉 Want freedom to stop along the way? Rent a car.

Option 1: Direct Bus from Marco Polo to Cortina (Best for Most Travelers)

For most travelers, the direct bus is the simplest, most cost-effective, and least stressful option. I’ll be honest I prefer ATVO over Flixbus, but I have provided both booking options.

• Companies: Cortina Express and FlixBus.
• Travel Time: ~2.5 hours.
• Cost: €15–30 depending on booking time and season.
• Departure Point: Just outside the arrivals terminal at Marco Polo (bus stands are well marked).

These buses run multiple times per day in high season (July–August and December–February) and connect directly to Cortina’s bus station, right in town. From there, you can walk or take a short taxi ride to most hotels.

👉 Pro Tip: Buy your ticket online in advance, especially if you’re traveling during hiking season or ski holidays. It’s not uncommon for buses to sell out.

Check Marco Polo to Cortina bus tickets

What It’s Really Like

I’ve taken this bus myself, and honestly, it’s painless. I had to take it one time because our car was in the shop, and it was the only feasible solution. Essentially, you roll your luggage a few steps outside the terminal, you can choose to pay for your tickets ahead of time or you can easily buy your tickets from the vending machine outside the terminal near the bus pickup and car park, find your bus, load your bags in the hold, and you’re on your way.

The ride takes you out of the flat Veneto plain and into the mountains, with the scenery shifting dramatically about halfway through. By the time you’re winding up into Cortina, you’re already catching your first Dolomite views.

Option 2: Renting a Car at Marco Polo (Best for Flexibility)

If you’re the type of traveler who likes freedom — maybe you want to stop at Lago di Misurina, Belluno, or small Dolomite villages along the way — then renting a car at Marco Polo is a fantastic option. Honestly, this isn’t feasible for those on a budget, but it guarantees freedom on the open road.

• Travel Time: ~2 hours (140 km).
• Route: Marco Polo → Mestre → A27 → SS51 straight into Cortina.
• Cost: From €50/day + fuel + tolls (expect €15–20 in tolls one way).
• Parking in Cortina: Limited and often paid (especially in summer and ski season).

Compare Venice Marco Polo car rentals below

Why I’d Choose a Car for my trip to the Dolomites

Driving lets you set your own pace and make detours — something buses can’t do. For example:

• Stop in Belluno, a historic town with mountain views.
• Drive up to Lago di Misurina before reaching Cortina.
• Explore hidden trailheads and valleys that buses never reach.

The only con is the Autostrada Tolls, and if you need assistance with that, I have the perfect guide to prepare you for driving in Italy!

Pro Tip: If you’re visiting the Dolomites in winter, request winter tires or snow chains when renting. They’re required on certain roads, and conditions can change fast. I detail this in my Driving in Italy post

Option 3: Private Transfer (Best for Groups or Ski Season)

For those who don’t want to think about logistics, private transfers are the most comfortable option. You’ll have a driver waiting for you at arrivals, help with luggage, and a direct ride straight to your hotel in Cortina.

• Travel Time: ~2 hours.
• Cost: €250–350 one way (varies by group size and season).
• Perks: Door-to-door service, no waiting, luggage help.

This is especially popular with ski travelers hauling gear, families with kids, or anyone arriving on a late-night flight when buses are less frequent.

Book private transfers from Marco Polo to Cortina via GetYourGuide

Seasonal Notes: Summer vs. Winter

• Summer (June–September): Buses run more frequently for hikers and tourists. Roads can get busy on weekends — especially Sundays when locals head to the mountains.
• Winter (December–February): Buses add extra departures for ski season. Snow tires are required if you’re driving. Private transfers are in high demand.
• Shoulder Seasons (April–May, October–November): Fewer buses, so check schedules carefully. Some services run only once daily or not at all.

Insider Tips for Smooth Travel

The biggest and most important tip for smooth travel from Venice Marco Polo to Cortina di Ampezzo is to BUY TICKETS EARLY. If you are an anxiety ridden traveler like I am, this is the best thing to remember.

• Buy tickets early: Direct buses often sell out in July–August and ski holiday weeks.
• Travel light if you can: Buses have luggage holds, but ski gear can fill them fast.
• Snacks and water: Grab something at the airport — there aren’t always stops en route.
• Check the weather: Mountain storms can slow travel times, especially in winter.
• Stay near the bus station in Cortina if you’re relying on public transport — it makes life easier.

FAQ: Venice Marco Polo to Cortina

How far is Cortina from Marco Polo Airport?
About 140 km (87 miles) north — 2 hours by car, 2.5 hours by bus.

Is there a direct train from Venice to Cortina?
No. The closest train station is Calalzo di Cadore, then you need a bus.

Can I go straight from Marco Polo to Cortina without going into Venice?
Yes — buses and transfers run directly from the airport. No need to detour into Venice unless you want to.

Which option is cheapest?
The direct bus (FlixBus or Cortina Express), starting at ~€15.

Which option is fastest?
Driving or private transfer (~2 hours).

Conclusion: Choose What Fits Your Trip

Getting from Venice Marco Polo Airport to Cortina d’Ampezzo isn’t complicated, but the best option depends on your style of travel.

• On a budget or traveling light? → Take the direct bus.
• Want to road trip and stop along the way? → Rent a car.
• Arriving late, in a group, or with ski gear? → Book a private transfer.
• Love scenic train rides? → Try the train + bus combo.

Whichever you choose, you’ll be standing in Cortina’s alpine center in just a few hours — ready to lace up your boots, sip a spritz in the piazza, or ride the lifts into the jagged peaks of the Dolomites.

Next Read for Your Dolomites Trip:

• [Hiking Lago di Sorapis from Passo Tre Croci]
• [Tre Cime di Lavaredo Day Hike Guide]
• [Staying in a Rifugio in the Dolomites]