Tre Cime di Lavaredo Car Park Rules (2026 Update): What You Need to Know Before You Go
Why Visit Tre Cime di Lavaredo & Cadini di Misurina?
There are few places in the Dolomites that feel as iconic as the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
The moment you see those three towering peaks rising out of the landscape, it almost doesn’t feel real. Jagged, dramatic, and constantly changing with the light, it’s one of those places that genuinely lives up to the hype.
But what makes Tre Cime so special isn’t just how it looks, it’s how accessible it is.
This is a place that caters to both ends of the spectrum. On one hand, it’s a playground for serious adventurers, with countless via ferrata routes, climbing walls, and exposed ridgelines that attract mountaineers from all over the world. On the other hand, it’s surprisingly approachable for everyday travellers.
The main trails are wide, well maintained dirt paths rather than technical terrain, meaning you don’t need any special skills to experience some of the most incredible views in the Alps.
And just nearby, the dramatic peaks of Cadini di Misurina offer a completely different perspective, sharper, more rugged, and equally unforgettable.
It’s this balance between raw alpine adventure and easy accessibility that makes Tre Cime such a unique destination.
But with that popularity has come change, with new rules introduced to reduce traffic and help preserve the landscape. If you’re planning to visit in 2026, there are a few important things you need to know before you go.
What Changed in 2026: Why You Can’t Just Drive Up Anymore
As of 2025 and continuing into 2026, access to Tre Cime by car is now strictly regulated.
You can’t just turn up anymore and advanced planning is required.
The road leading up to Rifugio Auronzo, which is where the main car park is located, now operates on a controlled entry system.
This was introduced to reduce overcrowding, protect the landscape, and manage traffic during peak months.
It may feel restrictive, but it does make the overall experience much more enjoyable once you are there.
Mandatory Online Reservations: How the New System Works (including Where to Book Your Parking Slot)
You MUST book your parking slot online in advance on their official website: booking link here.
No reservation means no entry.
Booking usually opens around 30 days in advance. You will need your travel date and contact details, and you will also need to select a time slot and complete payment during the booking process.
Your license plate number is required for entry.
If you are travelling with a rental car and do not yet know your license plate, you can leave this field blank by deleting the vehicle with the appropriate red “trash can” icon when making the booking. However, you must log back into your reservation and add your license plate number before your visit. It needs to be updated at least the day before so that it appears on your ticket.
When you arrive, your license plate is checked at the toll gate. If your booking is not found or your plate does not match, you will be turned away, even if there appear to be spaces available.
When is the Tre Cime Toll Road Open?
The toll road to Rifugio Auronzo is seasonal and typically only open from late May to late October. However, these dates are never set in stone and are entirely dependent on snow and weather conditions.
The Reality of Spring Openings
The provisional opening date for the 2026 season is May 23rd at 9am.
It is important to emphasize that this date is provisional. High-altitude mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable. For instance, in 2021, lingering snow kept the road closed until June 30th. It is not uncommon for the road to remain shut into mid-June if the winter season was particularly heavy, so always have a backup plan if you are visiting in early spring.
If you are planning a trip in early June, always have a "Plan B" in case the road is still under a few meters of snow! We have written a detailed guide on alternative options to reach Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Cadini di Misurina!
Where to Check the Current Toll Road Status
To get up-to-date information on whether the toll road is open, visit: south-tirol.com – Auronzo Hut Toll Road Info
This official source provides the most accurate updates on road conditions, seasonal opening dates, and current access restrictions.
Tre Cime Parking Time Slots & Entry Rules
The system is designed to spread traffic throughout the day and reduce congestion, especially during peak season.
Here’s what you need to know:
The 12-Hour Fixed Block
Fixed Time Slots: Your booking is for a specific, pre-defined 12-hour window (e.g., 06:00 to 18:00).
Hard Exit Deadline: You must exit the car park before your purchased slot ends. The 12 hours do not "reset" when you arrive - the clock is based strictly on the slot you bought.
Late Arrival: You can enter at any point during your allocated window, but arriving late will not extend your stay. If you enter 2 hours late, you simply have 2 hours less on the mountain!
Entry & Exit Rules
One-Time Entry: Your ticket is valid for a single entry only. You cannot leave and re-enter, even if your time slot is still active.
No Early/Late Access: You cannot enter the toll road before your slot starts or after it ends.
Overstaying & Fees
Automatic Charges: If you remain in the car park after your purchased 12-hour block expires, you will be charged for an additional parking period.
24-Hour Stay: If you plan to stay for both sunset and sunrise, you should book two back-to-back 12-hour slots to ensure you are covered for the full 24 hours.
Because of these rules, it’s important to plan your visit carefully, especially if you are aiming for sunrise, sunset, or a longer hiking route.
2026 Parking Fees & Toll Prices
The parking fee includes access to the toll road and the car park.
2026 Price: €40 for cars | €26 for motorbikes | €60 euros for campervans
Where Is the Car Park?
All visitors driving to Tre Cime di Lavaredo will end up at Rifugio Auronzo.
This is the main car park and the starting point for both the Tre Cime loop hike and the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint.
From here, the Tre Cime trail is a relatively easy circular route, while the Cadini viewpoint is around a 20 to 30 minute walk.
If you are planning to visit both, you will be starting from the same location.
The Overnight Parking Rules
If you are planning to stay overnight for sunrise or astrophotography, it is important to plan ahead.
Standard parking tickets are typically valid for up to 12 hours, so if your stay extends beyond this, you will need to book two consecutive time slots in advance.
Overnight stays inside your vehicle are allowed, but camping is strictly prohibited in the area.
This means you can sleep in your car or campervan, but you must follow the rules to protect the environment and ensure a good experience for everyone:
You are allowed to stay overnight inside your vehicle
Camping is not permitted, which means no setting up tables, chairs, awnings, or any outdoor equipment
The vehicle must remain properly parked within the designated parking spaces
If your stay exceeds 12 hours, you must book two parking slots
Respecting these rules is essential, both to avoid penalties and to help preserve the natural environment around Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
No Reservation? Alternative Ways to Reach the Trailheads
If parking is sold out, which is very common during peak season, you still have options.
You can take a shuttle bus, which also needs to be booked in advance, or hike up from lower such as the Misurina area or Lake Antorno.
I have covered all of these options in detail in a separate guide on visiting Tre Cime without a car, so be sure to check that if you are planning an alternative route.
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