How to Get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo in 2026 (The Best Attraction of the Dolomites)

Planning to visit Tre Cime di Lavaredo in the Italian Dolomites? The parking and access rules changed in 2025, so arriving without a plan could leave you stuck at the bottom.

I’ve visited the Three Peaks National Park several times, including recently to test the new system firsthand. Car access now requires an online parking reservation, spaces are limited, and fees have increased. Bus travelers, however, do not need to pre-register.

In this guide, I’ll explain how to visit Tre Cime di Lavaredo, how to reserve parking, how to access without a car, and the best towns to stay in before your Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop hike.

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How to get to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo in 2026

Step 1: Decide where you base yourself (Hotels are Very Limited!)

Step 2: Plan How to Reach the Tre Cime Car Park (= Rifugio Auronzo)

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Where to Stay Before Visiting Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Having stayed in all three closest locations to the Drei Zinnen – Auronzo di Cadore, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Misurina – let me help you decide where to base yourself on your Dolomites trip.

Cortina d’Ampezzo – Best for Style, Dining and Location

Cortina d`Ampezzo is a well-known option, often referred to as the capital of the Dolomites. It´s a beloved place among American tourists as well.

Last time I stayed at Hotel Menardi in Cortina, and I´d gladly stay there again! We had the best views of the Dolomites from our room, it`s a family owned hotel with lovely people, and they offer such a high-quality and great breakfast! Highly recommended.

Cortina is a great base overall for visiting the Dolomites. Also, it has plenty of shops (you`ll find all the best sportswear brands), plenty of bars, restaurants, and places to stay at.

Good to know: there is no direct bus to Tre Cime from Cortina, so you’ll need to drive from Cortina to Rif. Auronzo, or at least until the bus stop at Misurina.

Auronzo di Cadore – Best for Local Atmosphere and Direct Access

Auronzo is a great option if you’re looking for an authentic Italian town with a warmer climate.

It has a scenic lake and sunset views of Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The town has some great pizza places (I loved AL RIO!) and a relaxed vibe.

A major advantage is the direct bus to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, which makes visiting the area hassle-free without needing to drive.

In July 2025, we stayed in Auronzo and took the bus to Tre Cime — no registration needed. It was nearly empty until Misurina, so it was also very convenient.

Best hotel for price/quality: [Camina Suite and Spa]

Misurina – Best for Proximity to Tre Cime and Scenic Views

If visiting Tre Cime di Lavaredo is your main goal, Misurina is the most convenient choice. It’s closest to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and has several restaurants and tourist shops along the lake.

Misurina`s climate is cooler, and the setting is scenic with the Misurina lake and the dramatic Dolomites backdrop. However, it is the most touristy (and therefore crowded) option.

For van travellers, there`s a large campervan car park to stay the night at.

Best hotel for price/quality: Quinz-Locanda al Lago

Options to Reach Tre Cime di Lavaredo

To visit the Three Peaks, you will head to Rifugio d’Auronzo— it`s where the main car park and the bus stop are located. To reach it, you can:

• Drive to Rifugio Auronzo (online reservation needed for parking!)
• Take the Bus from Misurina / Auronzo to Rifugio Auronzo (Dolomitibus Timetable)
• Hike from Misurina

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1. Self‑Drive to Tre Cime Parking Lot

Before you can drive up to the Rifugio Auronzo, you must pre‑register online at the local tourist office`s website.

Register at least a few days in advance to ensure you have a spot.

• Parking Lot at Tre Cime: Parcheggio Auronzo
• Entrance Gate to Tre Cime: Casello Parcheggio Tre Cime (be on time!)
• Weekend tip: Parking fills 3–5 days out. Book early.
• Cost (12 h max):
  • Scooter €26 • Car €40 • Van €60
  • Other Changes: Until May 2025, you could sleep in your van at the Tre Cime Parking Lot. While it is still possible, it is only allowed to stay for 12 hours maximum. Otherwise, you can count on a big penalty.
• Road note: The road leading to the Rif. Auronzo is very steep, with plenty of curves.

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2. Take the Bus from Auronzo or Misurina

Shuttle buses run every 30 minutes from Misurina. During the day, there are also several direct departures from Auronzo village.

• Board at: Misurina parking lot or Auronzo bus station
• If you arrive with a car, you can leave it at the Parcheggio Misurina, parking costs 14 EUR for a day. Or, if you stay in Auronzo village, you can park there for free.
• Round‑trip bus ticket: €10
• 2026 timetable: From Misurina, buses leave for the Tre Cime every 30 minutes between 8 am-3.50 pm. On the way back, buses operate between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm.
  (see timetable below)
  

The best option: Base yourself in Auronzo (lovely Italian town), and take the direct bus from Auronzo village to Tre Cime.

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3. Hike from Misurina Car Park

A 6 km trail (≈ 2 h uphill) brings you up to the Three Peaks. I`d personally not recommend this option, as there are some of the most beautiful hiking trails around the Tre Cime, but it`s definitely a possibility.

Insider Tips to Visit the Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Weather: Weather can change quickly around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo at 2400m. When the sun is not shining, the weather becomes chilly.
Check the weather forecast in advance. I personally find Accuweather to be the most punctual.

Via Ferrata: I did my very first via Ferrata at the Tre Cime. This via ferrata trail has one of the best views of the Tre Cime. It is a beginner-friendly trail, but only with proper via ferrata gear.

Hiking: Around the Tre Cime, there is a 14km long hiking trail that most people choose. (Read the latest Tre Cime Lavaredo Hiking Info)

If you want to avoid the crowds, before the Tre Cime viewpoint, you will see another trail on your right. Choose this if you want to experience the Dolomites without any people.

This Hiking Packing List can help you be prepared.

Mountain Huts & Services: There are 3 mountain huts serving food around the Tre Cime, and the is also a public toilet available at the parking lot as you arrive.

Tre Cime with a Dog: Italy is known to be very dog-friendly, and I had the same experience. My dog was allowed on the bus without a problem, and also on the trail.

FAQs about Reaching Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Conclusion

I still remember the first time I visited the Tre Cime. At that moment, I was convinced it was the most beautiful place I had ever been to. One thing`s for sure: you need to see the Drei Zinnen at least once in your life.

Despite the changes and the high fees, visiting the Tre Cime di Lavaredo is worth it. I hope my travel guide helped you plan your trip to the Dolomites.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.