My only nagging doubt about Gayle's and my recent stay in the South Tyrol is whether I should have…read morerented a car and explored more mountain passes and small villages. Maybe next time!
Instead, Gayle and I took the train from Venice to Bolzano/Bozen and then let our SAD bus do the driving as we traveled to Casterotto/Kastelruth, back and forth each day to Alpe di Suisi/Seiser Alm, and finally returning to Bolzano/Bozen for our next train journey. The SAD system covers transport in the South Tyrol and includes a complete interconnection using buses and trains. SAD also operates several cable cars and a Mobilcard is available for frequent travelers. Gayle and I paid at either the Bus Station in Bolzano/Bozen or on the Bus itself at a fare of 4 Euros each (one way). Our Alpe di Suisi days were paid for as part of our Combi Card which included our daily rides on the Seiseralm Bergbahn Cable Car.
Both Gayle and I were impressed with the comfort or our ride, the friendly local bus drivers, their skill in driving as we curved around in spots, and the fact that the buses ran on time. I'll chalk that up to a German efficiency overlay to the more suggestive nature of Italian time. So even though Gayle and I might be in a car the next time we come to the Dolomites, we will always be aware that SAD will be there as a viable alternative or supplement to our South Tyrol transportation needs.
