How to Get to Bolzano. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Bolzano

While Bolzano has its own small airport, most international travelers fly into larger nearby airports.

Airport Options

Bolzano Airport (BZO): Small regional airport with limited direct flights.
Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN): Approx. 1.5-2 hours away, good connections.
Innsbruck Airport (INN), Austria: Approx. 2 hours away, good Northern European connections.

Additional Airport Hubs

These airports offer more extensive routes and flight choices, requiring onward connections.

Connecting Airports

Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY): Approx. 2.5-3 hours away, major hub for low-cost airlines.
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE): Approx. 2.5-3 hours away, major European airport.
Munich Airport (MUC), Germany: Approx. 3.5-4 hours away, major international hub.

Price Fluctuations

Prices typically increase during peak summer (July-August) and winter ski season (Dec-March). Shoulder seasons (April-June, Sept-Oct) often offer better deals. Some routes to BZO are seasonal.

Airport Facilities

Major airports offer standard facilities including car rental, duty-free, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange, and ATMs. Bolzano Airport (BZO) has limited facilities due to its small size.

Direct Flight Availability

Most global travelers will connect through a major European hub like Munich, Frankfurt, Rome, Milan, or Vienna. From these hubs, regional flights, trains, or buses connect to Bolzano.

Transfer Options from Airports to Bolzano

Popular Airport Transfers

From Verona (VRN): Shuttle bus to Verona Porta Nuova train station, then direct train to Bolzano.
From Innsbruck (INN): Bus F to Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof, then direct train to Bolzano.
From Milan Bergamo (BGY): Bus to Milan Centrale, then train to Bolzano, or direct FlixBus.
From Venice (VCE): Airport bus to Venezia Mestre train station, then direct train to Bolzano.

Further Connections & Tips

From Munich (MUC): S-Bahn to Munich Hauptbahnhof, then a direct train to Bolzano.
From Bolzano Airport (BZO): Local bus (Line 10A/10B) to Bolzano city center or train station. Taxis also available.
Check official websites of airports and public transport providers for current schedules and prices before your trip.
Timetables can change seasonally.

Airlines and Routes

Bolzano Airport BZO

SkyAlps operates flights, mainly to Rome Fiumicino, with some seasonal European routes.

Verona VRN & Milan Bergamo BGY

Ryanair, Wizz Air, Volotea, Lufthansa, British Airways, and others serve routes across Europe from Verona. BGY is a hub for low-cost carriers.

Innsbruck INN & Munich MUC

Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, easyJet, and Transavia serve Innsbruck. Lufthansa and Star Alliance airlines offer global connections from Munich.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Bolzano serves as a major railway hub on the Brenner line, connecting Italy to Austria and Germany.

Railway Services

Trenitalia operates regional, intercity, and high-speed trains within Italy.
ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) operates EuroCity (EC) trains directly to Innsbruck and Munich.
Book tickets online via Trenitalia.com, ÖBB.at, or DB Bahn, or at train stations.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Buses can be a budget-friendly option for intercity travel to Bolzano.

Bus Services

FlixBus offers connections to Bolzano from various Italian and European cities.
SAD Nahverkehr is a local bus company handling regional and intercity routes within South Tyrol.
These services connect Bolzano to surrounding towns and valleys.

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving Rules & Car Rental

Road Network: Excellent and well-maintained. A22 (Brenner Autobahn) is the main artery.
Vignettes/Tolls: A vignette is for Austrian motorways. Italian motorways have tolls.
ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato): Limited Traffic Zones exist in city centers, including Bolzano's.

Driving Requirements & Safety

Be aware of specific seasonal requirements and general road safety.

Reminders

Winter Driving: Winter tires or Snow chains are required on many roads from Nov 15 to Apr 15.
International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for non-EU license holders.
Road conditions: Generally excellent. Mountain roads can be winding; drive with care.

Important Driving Laws and Companies

Mobile Phones: Handheld use is illegal while driving.
Alcohol Limit: Legal BAC limit is 0.05%.
Parking: Limited and expensive in the city center. Avoid ZTL areas to prevent fines.

Rental Companies: Major companies like Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Sixt, Budget, and Enterprise.
Book your car in advance, especially during high season, for better rates.
Road Safety: Watch for cyclists, especially on dedicated bike paths or shared roads.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures & Timing

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied on travelers departing Italy, as these costs are typically included in your ticket price.

Departure Advice

Air Travel: Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before international flights, 1.5-2 hours for domestic/Schengen flights.
Train Travel: Arrive at the train station 15-30 minutes before departure.
Bus Travel: Arrive 15-20 minutes before departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

Bolzano train station has basic facilities, while major airports offer more extensive services.

Amenities for Departing Travelers

Bolzano Train Station: Ticket office, waiting area, restrooms, a few shops or cafes.
Major Airports: Wider range of facilities, lounges, various dining options, extensive shopping.
Check flight/train status the day before departure for any delays or changes.

Seamless Border Crossings

Border crossings from other Schengen countries are generally seamless, with no passport checks when traveling by land.

Affiliate Resources

Dollar Flight Club for flight deals. Skyscanner for flight comparisons. DiscoverCars.com for car rentals.

Further Information

Timetables are subject to seasonal changes. Check ahead for the most accurate information regarding all travel services.

Pre-Departure Check

Verify your flight or train status the day before your departure.

How to Get to Bolzano