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.

Rifugio Auronzo – Tre Cime di Lavaredo Toll Road Guide 

Quick Summary

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• Location: Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore, Belluno, Italy
• Toll Road Seasonal Opening Times: Late May/Early June – Late October/Early November, depending on snow/ice conditions. 
• Summer 2023: The Rifugio Auronzo Toll Road is open starting on May 27, 2023.
• Toll Road Operating Times: The operating times change throughout the season. In high season, the gate is open 24 hours. In Fall, the gate may only be open during the day (if there’s a risk of snow/ice). Email [email protected] for current times. 
• Best Time to Drive: We recommend driving the toll road as early as possible (8 am latest). In high season, the Rifugio Auronzo parking lot reaches full capacity by late morning/early afternoon.
• Payment: Cash or Credit Card 
• Cost: 30 EUR for cars, 20 EUR for motorcycles, 45 EUR for campervans/caravans 
• Public Toilets: There are public toilets outside Rifugio Auronzo.
• Transit: Between mid-June and early October, you can take a bus to Rifugio Auronzo from Cortina d’Ampezzo (Bus 30/31), Dobbiaco/Toblach (Bus 444), and Lake Misurina (Bus 31).
• Where to Eat: Malga Rin Bianco Ristorante or Rifugio Auronzo
• Sexten Dolomites Trail Map: Tabacco 010: Sextener Dolomiten/Dolomiti di Sesto 1:25.000

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Rifugio Auronzo – Tre Cime di Lavaredo Toll Road Map

When is the Rifugio Auronzo Toll Road Open 

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.

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 – [email protected] – 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

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 210 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 

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

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.

• Bus 445: 3 EUR one-way
• Bus 444: 5.50 EUR one-way

Related: Cortina d’Ampezzo Travel Guide

Foot

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 toAlbergo 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

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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More Hikes around Cortina d’Ampezzo

Ampezzo Dolomites:

• Cortina d’Ampezzo Hiking Guide
• Croda da Lago Circuit
• Tofana di Roses Circuit
• Passo Giau to Mondeval
• Lago Federa
• Lago delle Baste
• Rifugio Nuvolau and Cinque Torri
• Lago di Sorapis Hike

Sesto / Sexten Dolomites:

• Sentiero Bonacossa North Circuit Trail
• Torre dei Scarperi Circuit Trail
• Val Fiscalina

Braies / Prags Dolomites:

• Monte Specie
• Gaisl High Trail
• Hochalpenkopf