All About the Rifugio Auronzo Toll Road: Gateway to Tre Cime

ByKristine
A picturesque mountainous landscape unfolds at the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint, where a winding road cuts through green meadows. Snow-capped peaks and rocky cliffs rise under a cloudy sky, with patches of greenery and distant lush forests adding to the stunning backdrop.

The easiest way to access Tre Cime di Lavaredo (or Drei Zinnen in German) – one of the most iconic landmarks in the Dolomites and a UNESCO World Heritage site – is by driving up the Rifugio Auronzo toll road.

The toll gate is located close to the Lago d’Antorno (Lake Antorno), a small alpine lake not too far from Lake Misurina. From the toll gate, it’s a 5-km drive to Rifugio Auronzo. Other than driving there, you can reach the base of Tre Cime by doing a strenuous hike or using one of the shuttle services from Dobbiaco or Cortina d’Ampezzo.

From Rifugio Auronzo, you can start some of the most incredible hikes in the Dolomiti di Sesto and the Tre Cime Nature Park – including Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop (obviously) and the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint hike.

So, let’s see what you need to know about the toll road to Rifugio Auronzo.

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What is the Rifugio Auronzo Toll Road?

A winding mountain road curves sharply with rugged rock formations and green vegetation lining the route. The overcast sky adds a moody ambiance to the scenic landscape. A wooden guardrail follows the road's edge.

The Rifugio Auronzo toll road connects lake Misurina (1750m asl) to the Rifugio Auronzo mountain hut, which is located approximately at 2330m above sea level at the base of the Tre Cime. It’s also known as the Tre Cime di Lavaredo toll road, Three Peaks toll road, and Misurina–Auronzo toll road.

Although it might seem expensive to pay the toll to get up the road, there are a few benefits to it. First and foremost, you don’t need to hike up the road, which is not that easy. Second, the toll fee contributes to the environmental preservation and infrastructure maintenance of the area.

And luckily, if you pay the toll, you at least don’t have to pay a parking fee by the Rifugio. And the amount of people and cars is limited.

Seasonal Opening Times

cadini di misurina mountains and rifugio alfonso parking lot in the dolomites

The road usually opens in late May or early June, depending on the snow conditions. It again closes for the season in late October or early November. Again, it depends on snow and ice conditions.

In the summer, the road is open 24 hours a day. In autumn the hours can get restricted due to safety conditions, for example, if freezing temperatures are forecasted.

For example, in 2024, the road closed on the 10th November. The working times of the Tre Cime toll road really does depend a lot on the weather conditions.

Current Rifugio Auronzo Toll Road Pricing

A metallic ticket machine with a keypad and screen displays a sign for Tre Cime di Lavaredo 2024. It lists various vehicle entry fees. A car window is in the foreground. There are Italian labels for credit, ticket, and change.

Currently, the tolls are as follows:

  • Cars: €30
  • Motorcycles: €20
  • Caravans and Campervans (max height 2,10m): € 45,00
  • Buses (up to 30 people): €60; buses (over 30 people): €120

The ticket is valid for 12 hours, so if you stay parked for longer, you’ll have to pay an additional toll on exit.

People with disabilities carrying an EU parking card and the disabled person on board have free access.

Check the current tariffs right here.

News – a booking system will be opened in the near future

A serene mountainous landscape features rugged peaks partially shrouded in clouds, reminiscent of the views from the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. A small, isolated building sits prominently on a grassy slope, while rocky terrain and patches of vegetation complete the scene under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Starting from next summer, there are two changes to the Rifugio Auronzo toll road.

First, you will need a reservation to go up the toll road. The reservation system hasn’t been made public yet, but it’s supposed to be activated before the summer season. If you have your vacation booked, make sure to check regularly to ensure you can follow your plans.

Second, the price will increase from 30 to 40 euro for the 12 hours for a private car.

In some places, it says next summer, in others – this summer, so it’s not really clear if it will be 2025 or 2026.

There are still many questions, though. How will it be enforced? And most importantly – what to do if you have a reservation, but the weather doesn’t cooperate? Will we just lose the 40 euro?

I’ll update you as soon as I have any answers.

Different ways to Access Rifugio Auronzo

A scenic mountain landscape with a winding road leading to a building nestled against rocky cliffs. Clouds partially cover the mountain peaks, while patches of green grass and rocky terrain dominate the foreground. A few cars are visible on the road, offering a glimpse of the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint hike nearby.
View towards rifugio Auronzo

So, have to access the toll road?

There are three ways how you can get up the toll road – drive yourself, hike, or use one of the shuttles.

Driving Up the Toll Road

Mountain road with sharp curves winding through rocky terrain and sparse greenery under a cloudy sky. Rugged cliffs rise in the background. Red and white painted guardrails line the road, providing protection on the sharp turns.

Let’s go step by step in how to use the Rifugio Auronzo toll road – at least for now!

Arriving

A serene mountain lake is surrounded by a dense forest of evergreen trees. Snowy peaks rise majestically in the background under a partly cloudy sky. The foreground features a gravel path and grassy area with yellow wildflowers along the lake's edge.
Lake Antorno – view towards Cadini di Misurina

From Lake Misurina, you need to drive on the SS49 road.

From Dobbiaco, you need to take the road to the Three Peaks (SS51) and then turn left at Schluderbach/Carbonin onto the road nr. SS48.

The toll booths are located near Lake Auronzo, where you can also leave your car if you want to hike up (pack water!)

Paying for the road

A scenic mountain road with a bus station. A bus is parked to the left, and a car is on the right. Flags line the road, with lush green trees and rugged mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Choose a toll booth and line up by the barrier. There’s a machine where you can pay the toll by card or by cash.

A person or a camera chooses what type of car you have and based on that, the toll is calculated. Yes, you pay by car, not by the amount of people in the car.

When you’ve paid, pick up the ticket and the barrier opens. Do not lose the ticket!

If the parking lot above is full, the barrier will be locked. There’s a small parking lot by the toll booths or by lago Antorno, so if you don’t wish to wait (it might take even 2 hours), you can hike up.

Or you can come back later – generally, the afternoon, maybe not early afternoon, is the time when places free up again.

Driving up

A picturesque mountainous landscape unfolds at the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint, where a winding road cuts through green meadows. Snow-capped peaks and rocky cliffs rise under a cloudy sky, with patches of greenery and distant lush forests adding to the stunning backdrop.

Driving up the road is quite easy, and by that I mean, of course, driving your car. A bicycle ride up is not that easy, as the road has an average gradient of approximately 8% and at points, can reach even 18%.

The road is winding and scenic, which is actually really nice. It’s approximately 5km long and takes 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how much you’d like to enjoy the views. Or if you get stuck behind someone.

The elevation change is almost 600m, which, let me say, is quite impressive.

There’s a big chance that you’ll meet a bus on the way – one of those huge ones. Our luck is, of course, meeting the bus at the narrowest of turns.

Anyways, the drive up to Rifugio Auronzo is approximately 5km and lasts 10 minutes.

Parking at Rifugio Auronzo

A parking area next to a mountain road with several cars parked. A green bus drives along the road. Snow-capped mountains and a cloudy sky form the background, with patches of green grass on the slopes.

At the base of Tre Cime, there is a large parking lot with a capacity for up to 700 vehicles. But don’t let the number of spaces give you peace – the lot fills up quickly, especially in the main summer season.

One great thing is that there is no additional fee to pay for the parking lot – the only thing you pay is the road toll.

There is also parking available for campervans, so you can actually stay the night in near Tre Cime and enjoy the sunset, stars, and sunrise in one of the most iconic locations in the Dolomites.

Leaving

Cars are lined up at a toll booth in a mountain setting with trees and cloudy sky, reminiscent of the scenery you'd encounter on a cadini di misurina viewpoint hike. A sign in Italian and English directs drivers to pay tickets or pass with pre-paid tickets. Flags are visible, and a barrier arm is raised to let a car through.

If you don’t go over the allotted 12 hours of the ticket, you can just drive down the road and exit at a toll booth.

If you go over, you’ll have to pay once more for another 12 hours. Choose the lane which says “Biglietto da Pagare” which means – Ticket to Pay. There, you’ll have an option to pay by card or cash.

Alternative Transportation Options

A green tourist bus is parked on a mountain road near several other cars, likely at the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. A person is walking beside the bus. The rocky mountain landscape in the background is partially covered by clouds, with a clear blue sky above.

During the main season, when the toll road is open, you can take public transport from Dobbiaco to Rifugio Auronzo. It’s bus 444.

For some reason the bus doesn’t stop at Lake Misurina and Lake Antorno, so be mindful when planning your trip.

Mind that the tickets for the shuttle bus nr 444 need to be bought online through this website – and you must reserve a specific time to go from Dobbiaco to Rifugio Auronzo (but not back).

There is no direct bus from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Rifugio Auronzo. You can either take bus 445 from Cortina to Dobbiaco and change there for bus 444 or take bus 30 from Cortina to Misurina and change there for bus 31 to Rifugio Auronzo.

The buses run very infrequently and, unlike most of the public transport in South Tyrol, you need to pay for them.

Snowmobile

a kid sitting on a toboggan and a michal standing next to a toboggan before riding down the snowing mountain
Tobogganing at the Carezza ski resort

In the winter season, when there’s snow, you can use snowmobile services to get up to the Tre Cime.

You can rent snowmobiles or have the whole service – they’d pick you up at lake Misurina or lake Antorno and take you up to the base of Tre Cime. For the way down, you can use the snowmobile again, hike, or toboggan!

Tips for Visiting the Toll Road

A scenic mountainous landscape featuring a winding road leading to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint hike, where several people are gathered. Towering rocky cliffs dominate the background, partially obscured by clouds. A building sits on the left side of the road near the cliffs.
Road towards the Tre Cime loop trailhead

So, let me give you some tips now to make your trip towards Rifugio Auronzo and Tre Cime as seamless as possible.

Best Time of Day To Visit

tre cime di lavaredo in august in the dolomites with a little church, cloudy mountains, and lots of people on the trail

The safest time to go to the Rifugio Auronzo during the peak summer season is the early, early morning. The parking lot really does fill up quickly, so you need to ensure that you get a spot for visiting. I’ve seen pictures of there being lines by the toll gate as early as 7am.

Or then, if you don’t feel like waking up at the crack of dawn on your vacation, go in the afternoon after some of the people have left already.

Of course, if the reservation system comes in place, it’s going to be easier – or harder, depending on how you look at it.

To be fair, on our trip to the Tre Cime in August some time ago, we did get a spot at around 9:30 in the morning.

Bring cash

Generally, it’s possible to pay with cards, especially at the toll gates. But in the mountain huts, the signal sometimes gets spotty, so it’s safer to have cash on you.

Safety Considerations on the road

A scenic view of a mountainous landscape under dramatic clouds. Snow-capped peaks are partially covered by fog, with a winding road and several vehicles in the foreground. Green hills contrast with the rugged, rocky terrain.

The road to Rifugio Auronzo is steep, narrow, and winding – and with many great views. So make sure that you pay attention to the road and drive carefully.

Stay safe at the parking lot

Do not leave valuables in the car, especially not visible. Italy and the Dolomites are generally safe, but still, there are thieves everywhere.

We wouldn’t want your vacation to be spoiled by a burglary.

Activities and things to do near Rifugio Auronzo

A hiker stands on a rocky, narrow mountain trail at the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint, surrounded by jagged peaks and cliffs. The sky above is partly cloudy, revealing patches of blue. In the distance, lush valleys and distant mountains are visible. The scene is one of rugged, natural beauty.

Rifugio Auronzo is located in the Dolomiti Bellunesi, so there are many great things you can do. Hiking, of course, but also paragliding, overnight stays in incredible locations, and so much more!

The best things to do in the Dolomites overall

Overnight Parking for Campervans

A scenic mountain road with multiple cars parked along its side, winding through rocky terrain. The sky is overcast, with dramatic clouds, and distant mountain peaks are visible in the background, partly covered in snow.

If you have a campervan, no that there are designated motorhome parking areas with overnight stay allowed at the Rifugio Auronzo parking lot! Stay the night and enjoy the place practically to yourself.

There’s very little light pollution up at the mountain so you are going to enjoy as many stars as you possible can.

Staying in one of the huts

Hikers traverse a rocky, mountainous landscape under a cloudy sky, with jagged peaks in the background. The scene is dominated by gray and brown tones, with sparse vegetation. A wooden railing and viewing platform are visible on the right side.
At Rifugio Locatelli

If you don’t have a camper and still would like to enjoy the views at night or very early morning, stay in one of the rifugios up there – Auronzo, Lavaredo, or Locatelli. Just know that they book out quickly.

Cadini di Misurina viewpoint hike

A hiker in a red jacket walks along a narrow mountain trail, surrounded by rugged rocky peaks partially covered in snow. The sky is cloudy, creating a dramatic backdrop for the towering mountains.

An easy hike that takes up to 2 hours, depending on how many pictures you take. Just like the Tre Cime loop, it starts at Rifugio Auronzo. Go on an edgy (pun intended) trail to an outcrop with incredible views of the Cadini peaks!

Learn all you need to know about hiking the Cadini di Misurina

Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop

A rugged mountain landscape featuring three towering peaks known as Tre Cime di Lavaredo, set against a clear blue sky with a few clouds. The rock formations are steep and jagged, and the surrounding area is rocky with some green patches.

One of the most popular hikes in the Dolomites that leads you around the epic Tre Cime. Enjoy the fauna, and the flora, as well as the views of the Tre Cime nature park.

All about the Tre Cime loop

Sentiero Alberto Bonacossa Trail

A breathtaking view of the mountain range from the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint, featuring jagged, snow-capped peaks under a partly cloudy sky. The foreground shows a rugged mountainside with patches of green vegetation, leading down to a lush, forested valley contrasted with rocky terrain.
Bonacossa trail is on the side

This is the hardest way to reach the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. Only experienced hikers should attempt the Bonacossa trail, though, because not only is it difficult, but there are some via ferrata parts, too. Which means that appropriate equipment is recommended.

It takes you from rifugio Col de Varda through Fonda Savio and on to rifugio Auronzo – and you’ll pass the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint, too.

Paragliding

A person paraglides with a red paraglider over a lush green meadow, surrounded by tall, rugged mountains under a partly cloudy sky. The scene captures a sense of adventure and natural beauty.

There are quite a few places in the area near Rifugio Auronzo that you can go paragliding. I went at Kronplatz, but there’s also closer ones to the Tre Cime, such as Tandem Fly 3 Zinnen.

What you should know about paragliding in the Dolomites

Lakes

People are scattered around a scenic mountainous landscape with rugged peaks. Some are sitting, and others are walking along a dirt path. In the background, there's a small lake reflecting the cloudy sky. Patches of grass and rocky terrain dominate the foreground.
Laghi dei Piani

So, so, SO many beautiful lakes in the Dolomites. The closest ones to the Tre Cime are Laghi dei Piani (literally on the Tre Cime loop trail), Antorno, Misurina, Landro, Dobbiaco, and Braies!

The most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites

Where to stay in the area

A wooden walkway with rustic railings leads to a calm lake surrounded by tall pine trees. In the background, jagged mountain peaks rise against a partly cloudy sky, creating a serene and picturesque landscape.
Lake Antorno

The best place to stay, if you can manage a booking, is one of the mountain huts up by Tre Cime.

If you can’t get there and would like something really close, then check out Albergo Chalet Lago Antorno.

My recommendation, though, is to stay in one of the towns nearby.

Misurina

A serene lake bordered by dense forests and overlooked by towering mountains. In the distance, a few buildings, including a prominent large yellow structure, sit near the water’s edge. Small boats are visible on the calm water, enhancing the tranquil ambiance.
Lake Misurina

Misurina is a town just by lake Misurina. It’s not that big, but it certainly is cute and has great views.

Search for hotels in Misurina

Cortina d’Ampezzo

I guess Cortina is one of the most famous places to stay in the Dolomites.

📍Budget Option: Hotel Oasi – located just by the Faloria Cable Car. We stayed there on a fall trip, and loved the central location.
📍Mid-Range Option: Hotel Lajadira&Spa – on the edge of Cortina, a hotel with a nice spa. We really loved the quiet-er area.
📍Luxury Option: Grand Hotel Savoia (a Radisson group hotel) in the very center of Cortina. It offers amazing views, too.

Dobbiaco or San Candido

One of the less known places in the area, thus, a lot more budget friendly. Dobbiaco is conveniently located and has everything a traveller needs – places to eat, shops, and views.

San Candido is a cute little town with an incredible old town just next to Dobbiaco.

📍Budget Option: Aparthotel Haus Greg in Dobbiaco – an apartment with free parking in the center of Dobbiaco. It felt like home!
📍Mid-Range Option: Hotel Garni LIVING in San Candido – a 3* hotel in a great location with great food.
📍Luxury Option: Romantik Hotel Santer in Dobbiaco – a 4* very beautiful spa hotel with incredible views of the Landro Valley.

Conclusion

A woman in a pink jacket and a man in a black jacket smile while taking a selfie in front of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, three prominent mountain peaks in the Dolomites. The backdrop features rocky terrain and cloudy skies. Other hikers can be seen in the distance.

The Rifugio Auronzo toll road is the best way to reach the Tre Cime di Lavaredo so it’s essential that you know how to use it.

I hope I’ve given you all the information that you need, but be sure to contact me if you still have questions! Leave a comment here, write a message in our Facebook group, or send me an e-mail – I’ll be happy to help.

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Rifugio Auronzo Toll Road | Prepare for a journey like no other through the awe-inspiring Rifugio Auronzo Toll Road. This captivating route boasts breathtaking scenery and leads you to some of the most incredible places in the Dolomites - Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint.
The journey to the breathtaking Tre Cime di Lavaredo starts with a drive along the Rifugio Auronzo toll road. With its dramatic hairpin turns and panoramic views, it's like an exhilarating roller coaster ride into the heart of the majestic Dolomites. The road is not just a passage, but a gateway, a doorway to a world of stunning natural beauty and adventure.

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