Rifugio Auronzo Toll Road: Everything You Need to Know (original) (raw)

Rifugio Auronzo (Auronzo Hütte) is a high-alpine mountain hut situated beneath the towering Tre Cime di Lavaredo/Drei Zinnen in the Sesto/Sexten Dolomites in Northern Italy.

In summer and early fall, you can drive all the way up to Rifugio Auronzo via a paved toll road, which connects Lake Misurina to the south side of Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks).

This Rifugio Auronzo toll road has a few names: Tre Cime di Lavaredo toll road, Three Peaks toll road, and Misurina – Auronzo toll road.

The toll gate is located just north of Lago d’Antorno (Lake Antorno), a small alpine lake 1.9 km north of Lake Misurina. From the toll gate, it’s a 5-km drive to Rifugio Auronzo.

Given its accessibility, Rifugio Auronzo (2320 m) is a popular starting point for many high-elevation hikes and via ferrata climbs in the region.

From the Auronzo hut, you can hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit Trail, walk to the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint, and embark on the strenuous Sentiero Bonacossa Trail.

If you’re planning a hiking trip to the Dolomites, it’s likely that you’ll find yourself on the toll road to the Three Peaks. Here’s what you need to know.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Rifugio Auronzo, Dolomites

Rifugio Auronzo – Tre Cime di Lavaredo Toll Road Map

When is the Rifugio Auronzo Toll Road Open

Rifugio Auronzo Toll Road Gate, Dolomites

Auronzo Toll Road Gate

The toll road to Rifugio Auronzo is open seasonally. It’s typically open from the end of May, or early June until the end of October, or early November.

In Summer 2023, the toll road was officially open starting on May 27, 2023 (2024: TBD).

These dates shift each year depending on snow and ice conditions. For example, in June 2021, the toll road didn’t open until June 30th because of the heavy amount of snowfall. In June 2022, the toll road opened up much earlier: June 1, 2022.

If there are bad weather conditions, or risk of snow and/or ice, the Auronzo toll road will be closed.

If you’re not sure whether the Tre Cime di Lavaredo toll road is open, you can contact the Auronzo tourist office – iat@comune.auronzo.bl.it – for up-to-date info.

You can also monitor current conditions on the Rifugio Auronzo facebook page. Also, this Auronzo Toll Road page tends to be regularly updated.

Auronzo Toll Road Operating Times

Tre Cime di Lavaredo Toll Road Opening Times October, Dolomites

Late October Operating Times

In the high summer season, the Rifugio Auronzo toll road is open 24 hours.

However, the operating times change throughout the season.

In Autumn, the toll road is only open during the day. Access is restricted for safety reasons as low temperatures increase the possibility of ice on the road.

When we visited in late October, the road was only open from 8 am until 6 pm.

Rifugio Auronzo – Tre Cime di Lavaredo Toll Road Pricing

Cars: 30 EUR

Motorcycles: 20 EUR

Campervans and Vehicles longer than 2.10 m: 45 EUR

Bus (30 people or less): 60 EUR

Bus (more than 30 people): 120 EUR

The toll ticket is only valid on the day of purchase until midnight (24:00), regardless of entry time. The daily price is added for each subsequent day.

Rifugio Auronzo Toll Road Payment Options

Misurina - Rifugio Auronzo Toll Road, Dolomites

Rifugio Auronzo Toll Road

You can pay either in cash, or by credit card.

After paying the toll, don’t forget to collect your ticket, which is dispensed from the machine.

During high season, the staff responsible for collecting the parking fee is present at the toll booth from 6 am until 8 pm.

If you pass through the gate outside of those times, you can pick up your ticket (by pressing a clearly visible button) and pay the fare upon return.

During low season (Fall), the staff is present at the toll booth during the scheduled operating times. They’ll post the current times at the gate.

For safety reasons, you won’t be able to pass through the gate before the official operating time.

How to Get to Rifugio Auronzo

Tre Cime di Lavaredo Toll Road, Dolomites

Toll Gate

Car

The easiest way to get to Rifugio Auronzo is by driving your own vehicle. We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals.

After passing through the toll gate, it’s a 5-km (10-minute) drive to Rifugio Auronzo.

There is a large parking lot next to the Auronzo hut with a 700-vehicle capacity. There’s no additional parking fee.

As soon as the parking lot reaches capacity (late morning/early afternoon), the staff closes the toll gate. In high season, you can wait up to 2 hours to drive the toll road.

If you’re planning on driving to Rifugio Auronzo anytime between mid-June and mid-September, we recommend getting an extra-early start (8 am latest) to beat the crowds. Drive up for sunrise, and you’ll never forget it.

Here are the approximate driving times from nearby destinations:

Lake Misurina to Rifugio Auronzo | 7.5 km, 20 minutes

Cortina d’Ampezzo to Rifugio Auronzo | 22.4 km, 40 minutes

Dobbiaco/Toblach to Rifugio Auronzo | 27.2 km, 40-50 minutes

Bus

Lake Misurina to Rifugio Auronzo

DolomitiBus line 31 connects Lake Misurina (bus stop: Misurina Genzianella) with Rifugio Auronzo.

This bus ride takes 20 minutes and runs about 20 times per day during high season: mid June to early September.

During shoulder season, early September to early October, this bus runs only 11 times per day.

This bus ticket costs 4 EUR per person one-way.

Dobbiaco/Toblach to Rifugio Auronzo

Bus 444 connects the town of Dobbiaco/Toblach in Alta Pusteria/HochPustertal to Rifugio Auronzo. It usually runs between mid June and early October.

There are 14 connections per day in high season (July 10 – September 10), starting at 7:45 am from Dobbiaco/Toblach. The last return bus from Rifugio Auronzo leaves at 5:45 pm.

The bus ride between Dobbiaco/Toblach and Rifugio Auronzo takes about 50 minutes and costs 16 EUR/person round trip.

Check timetables here.

If you’re visiting between July 10th and September 10th, Bus 444 needs to be booked and paid online in advance on the tre-cime.bz/ticket website. Unsold tickets can be purchased at the Toblach bus and train station.

Outside high season (before July 10th, after September 10th), tickets are only available from the Toblach bus and train station, or on the shuttle bus (not online).

Cortina d’Ampezzo to Rifugio Auronzo

From the Cortina Autostazione bus stop in Cortina d’Ampezzo, take DolomitiBus 30/31 (PASSO FALZAREGO – CORTINA – MISURINA ALB. MISURINA – TRE CIME) to Misurina and onwards to Tre Cime di Lavaredo. This bus ride takes 1 hour and costs 9.50 EUR one-way.

During high season, mid June – mid September, DolomitiBus 30/31 leaves 4 times per day.

Another option is to take Bus 445 (direction: Dobbiaco, Autostazione) from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Dürrensee/Lago di Landro. From here, take Bus 444 to get to Rifugio Auronzo. This transit journey takes 1:30 hours. Use the südtirolmobil journey planner to find the best connection.

In high season, you will need to purchase your bus ticket for bus 444 in advance.

Related: Cortina d’Ampezzo Travel Guide

Rifugio Auronzo Trail 101, Dolomites

Trail 101

Lake Antorno to Rifugio Auronzo

Another way to approach Rifugio Auronzo is by foot.

Just before the toll station, trail 101 branches off to the right and leads all the way to Rifugio Auronzo. This hike takes 1:30-1:45 hours one-way.

You can park your car at the free parking lot next to Albergo Chalet Lago Antorno, across from Lake Antorno. There are also a few parking spots directly at the toll gate.

Val Fiscalina to Rifugio Auronzo

If you’re interested in approaching Rifugio Auronzo on a multi-day hiking tour from Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal in South Tyrol, check out our 3-Day Tre Cime di Lavaredo Trek.

Where to Stay near the Rifugio Auronzo Toll Road

Lago Antorno

If you want to deeply explore the southern Sesto/Sexten Dolomites, we recommend staying near Lake Antorno or Lake Misurina. From Lago d’Antorno, it’s a mere 10 minute drive to Rifugio Auronzo.

Midrange |Albergo Chalet Lago Antorno is situated along the Tre Cime di Lavaredo panoramic road, directly across from Lake Antorno. With its unbeatable location, you can embark on a variety of hikes directly from the hotel’s doorstep: Rifugio Fonda Savio, Rifugio Auronzo, Monte Piana. As a guest, you’ll love the views of the Cadini di Misurina peaks, the cozy rooms, and the on-site à la carte restaurant. Breakfast is included.

Look for accommodation near Lake Misurina.

Cortina d’Ampezzo

Camina Suite and Spa balconies, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy

Camina Suite & Spa

Ringed by the Ampezzo Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo boasts a central and stunning location in the Ampezzo Valley in Veneto. You can stay here for a few days or for several weeks and never run out of things to see and do.

Budget | Hotel Meuble Oasi is a guesthouse set in the town center of Cortina d’Ampezzo, walking distance to the pedestrian zone and bus station. Book this 2-star hotel for the unbeatable price, location, spotless rooms, and on-site parking.

Midrange | Baita Fraina is a charming B&B with six rooms with balconies, 3km from Cortina’s town center (5 minute drive). This guesthouse is also home to a Michelin recommended à la carte restaurant, which serves regional cuisine. Stay here for the mountain views, the affordability, and the food.

Midrange | Hotel Villa Alpina is a centrally-located 3-star-superior hotel housed in a historic villa. Rooms are comfortable and feature parquet floors and alpine furnishings. The room rate includes breakfast and outdoor parking.

Midrange | Ambra Cortina Luxury&Fashion Hotel is a lovely boutique hotel with 24 thematic rooms and a bar in the very center of Cortina. Guests are treated to free on-site parking and an excellent breakfast.

Top Choice – Luxury | Camina Suite & Spa is a 4-star boutique hotel, 1 km north of Cortina’ town center. This intimate hotel with 12 rooms offers alpine-style suites with comfy beds and ample closet space. Rooms are equipped with nespresso machines, air-conditioning, and soundproofing. We loved the high-quality breakfast and complimentary spa (3 saunas, relaxation zone, and showers). Read our Camina Suite & Spa hotel review.

Top Choice – Luxury | HOTEL de LËN is a fresh-faced luxury hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo’s town center. Interiors blend natural and sustainable materials with fine furnishings to create a relaxing, yet refined atmosphere. The hotel restaurant showcases local Ampezzo flavors in unique and exciting ways. We loved the charming, enthusiastic staff, the rooftop spa (1 complimentary hour), and communal areas (living room, cocktail bar, and restaurant). Breakfast is included in the room rate. Parking is off-site and an extra charge. Read our Hotel de Len review.

Luxury | Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d’Ampezzo, A Radisson Collection Hotel is a top-rated, 5-star hotel in the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Although housed in a historic building, the entire interior has been renovated. Rooms are delightfully modern. Stay here for the superb on-site restaurant, impeccable staff and concierge, top-notch facilities (spa, indoor pool, bar, and lobby area).

More Luxury Hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo: Dolomiti Lodge Alverà, Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d’Ampezzo, Rosapetra SPA Resort, and Faloria Mountain Spa Resort

Look for accommodation in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

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Dolomites Trip Planning Essentials

Use our Dolomites Travel Guide to plan an unforgettable trip to Northern Italy.

When to Hike in the Dolomites

The best time to hike in the Dolomites is between mid-June and mid-September. If the weather is stable, the hiking season can extend until late October.

How to Get to the Dolomites

Read How to Get to the Dolomites to find out how to travel to the Dolomites from the closest airports, train stations, and bus terminals.

If you’re traveling without a car, also check out How to Visit the Dolomites without a Car.

Car Rental

The easiest way to travel between hiking destinations in the Italian Dolomites is with your own car. Check out our itineraries for trip inspiration:

We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.

Tip: If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your car rental as early as possible.

Check car rental rates here.

Best Places to Stay

Figuring out where to stay in the Dolomites is probably the biggest hurdle to planning a trip to the Dolomites. We’ve created three guides to help you decide where to stay:

We suggest choosing 2-4 bases for your Dolomites trip and spending 2-4 nights in each base.

What to See & Do

During your trip to the Dolomites, you can go via ferrata climbing, culinary hiking, hut to hut hiking, cycling, paragliding, and so much more. We’ve highlighted our favorite experiences in Best Things to Do in the Dolomites.

Wherever you decide to stay, you’ll be surrounded by glorious mountain scenery and incredible natural landmarks.

In Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites, we’ve outlined the most iconic attractions as well as lesser-known destinations across the Dolomites, including Alpe di Siusi, Lago di Braies, Prato Piazza, and Seceda.

Dolomites Packing List

Hiking Gear

Outdoor Photography Gear

Dolomites Hiking Guides

Hiking in the Dolomites is our passion. Year after year, we love discovering new trails and expanding our knowledge of the area. For day hiking, check out Best Day Hikes in the Dolomites. For trekking, take a look at our guide to Hut to Hut Hiking in the Dolomites and Alta Via 1.

For region-specific hiking trails, check out:

Recommended Hiking Guidebook: Cicerone Guide: Shorter Walks in the Dolomites

More Hikes around Cortina d’Ampezzo

Ampezzo Dolomites:

Sesto / Sexten Dolomites:

Braies / Prags Dolomites:

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