The big line items in the Dolomites are transport and lodging; food and lifts add on top. Below are 2026 ranges; the exact figure depends on the season (August is pricier) and comfort level.
Transport: car, fuel, roads
You can't really tour the Dolomites without a car — narrow mountain switchbacks between viewpoints, public transport only in the valleys. A compact rental is €40-70/day in high season (book ahead). Fuel is pricey, budget ~€1.9/L. Some passes (Sella Ronda) are free, but individual spots (e.g. Tre Cime) have paid gates — €30/car. Cortina's centre is a ZTL (restricted zone), ~€100 fine; park at edge lots for €10-15/day.
Lodging: rifugi vs guesthouses
Two formats. Mountain huts (rifugi) — €60-90 per person per night half-board (dinner + breakfast), but book 2-3 months ahead, especially for August. Guesthouses and hotels in the valleys (Cortina, Ortisei, Dobbiaco) — €90-160 per room, +30% in August. Cheaper: campsites and apartments just outside the tourist centres.
Food
Lunch at a rifugio is €15-25 (pasta, dumplings, soup). Dinner at a valley restaurant is €25-40 per person. Save with supermarkets (Coop, Despar) and trail snacks; water from mountain springs on the route is free and delicious.
Cable cars and lifts
Many viewpoints are reached by cable car: €15-30 one way. If you plan a lot of them, price a regional multi-pass. This is a noticeable line item if you go up every day.
5-day total (per person)
Budget (~€930): shared car, guesthouses/camping, self-catering and snacks, minimal cable cars. Comfort (~€1730): hotel/rifugi half-board, restaurants, cable cars without cutting back. Flights to Venice/Innsbruck and visa are extra and separate.
Season, budget, packing, safety and photo tips — one printable page. Get it by email.