How to Travel to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy (Milano–Cortina): Airports, Trains, Shuttles, Tips

Planning to catch some of the action of the Olympic Games 2026 live and in person? “IT’s Your Vibe” at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games! This bold and elegant motto is all about the synergy between you, the athletes, the scintillating Games, and the spirit of Italy.

Come February-March and make the experience your own, with Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo co-hosting the Winter Sports events differently this year.

Italy has a word for beauty (bella), but it’s also a lifestyle. Italians celebrate all things bella — it’s bellezza (beauty in perfect proportion, straight out of the Renaissance), la bella figura (the quintessential Italian ethos of making everything as beautiful as it possibly can be), and la bella vita (the art of beautiful living and savoring every moment), of course.

If beauty had a homeland, it would be Italy. And the beauty of the Italian spirit, dynamic, vibrant, warm, and creative is transformed into shape, color, and vibes at Milano–Cortina 2026. You’ll discover it in the logo that feels sketched by a finger on a foggy window, pictograms drawn in single, fluid lines echoing the athletes’ every jump, spin, and glide, and the “IT’s Your Vibe” motto pulsing across venues and streets. Then there are the playful mascots zipping across everything from signage to souvenirs, banners, tickets, and screens, impossible not to smile at: Tina (from Cortina), the bright white stoat, and her younger brother Milo (from Milan), darker and full of mischief.

So mark your calendars for the Olympic Games 2026 taking place from February 6–22, with the Paralympic Games 2026 following a month later, from March 6-15. Milan will come alive with skaters and hockey players, while Cortina d’Ampezzo will buzz with skiing and the thrilling curling events. Not sure where to venture first and how to plan your 2026 Winter Olympics Italy travel without missing a moment of la bella vita?

Here’s your Milano Cortina 2026 travel guide for all the very best the Winter Olympics has to offer, including what to see, how to get there, where to stay, and where to catch some IT vibes just in time to celebrate the Olympic Games 2026.

The Olympic Games 2026 will be spread across 22,000 square kilometers of Northern Italy, with events staged across several Milano Cortina 2026 host cities / venue clusters. As the games unfold, discover vibrant Italian cities and charming valleys, and enjoy the fine Italian powder, sunshine and scenery on the legendary slopes of Cortina d’Ampezzo. From Milan to Cortina, Valtellina, and beyond, save the Milan Cortina 2026 venues map to plan your route, choose your base, and make the most of your Olympic experience.

Milan

Milan is the main urban hub, and it only makes sense that the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympics commences here, in a city as fashionable and classical as Milan, at San Siro Stadium. Milan hosts ice sport events such as figure skating and short track speed skating at the Unipol Forum di Assago, speed skating at Fiera Milano Rho, and ice hockey split between Rho Fiera and the new Arena Santa Giulia. Fan zones and medal celebrations are set in central Milan, at Piazza del Duomo and the main Olympic Village in the Porta Romana district. Don’t Miss: Fondazione Prada & Bar Luce. To experience la bella vita between hockey matches, grab a coffee at Bar Luce, the kitschy, 1950s-style café designed by Wes Anderson. Plus, visiting Fondazione Prada, a renowned art and film center and base for athletes striving for medals in the Winter Games is a must.

Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cortina d’Ampezzo exudes classic Alpine elegance and glitz, providing a dazzling setting for the women’s skiing events at the iconic Olympia delle Tofane slope, along with bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge at the newly rebuilt Eugenio Monti Sliding Center. Curling takes place at the historic Olympic Ice Stadium, and the town also stages the grand finale of the Paralympic Games 2026. Don’t Miss: A stroll along Corso Italia for all that glamour followed by an aperitivo with Dolomite views. Plus, you haven’t truly experienced the Olympic Games 2026 until you’ve seen enrosadira, the Dolomites’ pink-glow. Where to watch it: Claim a terrace table at Rifugio Faloria, order a glass of local Prosecco, and watch the peaks glow in a slow-motion spectrum of blush pink, molten orange, and deep violet as if they’re on fire.

Valtellina (Bormio & Livigno)

Valtellina delivers the Games’ speediest and most expressive moments. Bormio hosts men’s alpine skiing and ski mountaineering on the iconic Stelvio slope, one of the world’s most technically demanding downhill courses. Livigno becomes the freestyle hub, hosting snowboarding and freeski events at high altitude, such as the Big Air, ski cross, moguls and aerials across the Livigno Snowpark and the Moguls Park, with a vibrant ambience throughout the town.

Don’t Miss: Soaking in Bormio’s historic thermal baths after a race day, or indulging in Livigno’s bustling après-ski scene.

Val di Fiemme

Val di Fiemme hosts all Nordic ski events, such as ski jumping in Predazzo and cross-country skiing at Lago di Tesero. Plus, it’s set to host the Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing a month later. Surrounded by forests and peaks, it offers stunning views of the Dolomites and a calmer and more traditional Olympic experience, focused on endurance, precision, and long-standing winter sports culture. Don’t Miss: Hiking and skiing along the valley’s cross-country trails, then refueling with hearty Trentino cuisine in a local rifugio.

Anterselva (Antholz)

Anterselva in South Tyrol is dedicated entirely to biathlon, cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Set in a dramatic alpine setting, the venue is known for its vibrant ambience, passionate crowds, and challenging course that tests both skiing stamina and shooting accuracy. Don’t Miss: Local South Tyrolean specialties like speck and canederli, paired with a glass of Lagrein wine and spectacular mountain views.

Verona

Verona hosts the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games 2026 and the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games 2026 at the Arena di Verona. The 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater is a clish-clash mix of medieval charm and contemporary sport. The city’s romantic appeal and ancient history make it an interesting place to visit any time of the year, but especially so for the Winter Olympics. Don’t Miss: An evening scroll along Verona’s historic center, ending with a visit to Juliet’s House from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet — an unforgettable way to close your Olympic journey.

Choosing your gateway for 2026 Winter Olympics Italy travel sets the tone for your entire trip. With events spread out across northern Italy, selecting the best airport for Milano Cortina 2026 depends entirely on your base and the events you want to attend. Pick a starting point that makes sense and you’ll glide from ceremonies to slopes with ease; get it wrong and you’ll end up spending most of your time on transport. If you’re traveling internationally, flights to Milan for Winter Olympics 2026 are the obvious choice. After all, Milan is the city where fashion, culture, and the Games converge, offering experiences you don’t want to miss in between the games.

Milan Malpensa (MXP) is the city’s intercontinental gateway and official supporter of the Games, welcoming most long-haul arrivals and taking you straight into the heart of the Olympic Games 2026.

Deciding between Milan Malpensa vs Linate vs Bergamo Airport comes down to your priorities: Malpensa for global reach, Linate (LIN) for short-hop European flights with an effortless city access, or Bergamo (BGY) for budget-friendly low-cost carriers. If you’d rather arrive refreshed and in style, book a reliable Kiwitaxi airport transfer from Milan Linate to your home base, with a professional driver waiting on arrival.

Heading out to discover the sun, powder, and glamour along with the sporting events at Dolomites? Flights to Venice for Cortina 2026 put you on the fastest track for your Alpine adventure, with Cortina just a scenic ride away. Booking a seamless Kiwitaxi transfer from Venice Marco Polo Airport to Cortina is the most direct, stylish, and comfortable route to the snow sports, typically taking about two hours.

And if you want to experience the Nordic events or the grand finale, Verona Villafranca (VRN) is the perfect gateway. Kiwitaxi’s private airport transfer whisks you straight from Verona airport to Val di Fiemme in comfort and style. With space for families, groups, bulky winter luggage and ski gear, plus scenic stops or quick breaks along the way, it’s a flexible and stress-free way to arrive for your favorite sporting events or the Closing Ceremony.

Wondering how to get to Cortina d’Ampezzo for the 2026 Winter Olympics? Even if you’re not competing at the Olympic Games 2026 or Paralympic Games 2026, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the Italian sunshine and fine powder, stunning views on the slopes and the glamorous après-ski scene.

What is the Cortina d’Ampezzo nearest airport?

It really comes down to where you depart from: Venice Marco Polo (VCE): Your main international gateway, 145 km from Cortina, with express buses ready to take you straight to the mountains. Book a Kiwitaxi transfer for a seamless, stress-free ride from the airport to your Dolomites base.

Treviso (TSF): Perfect for low-cost European flights, 135 km away. Skip the hassle and reserve a private Kiwitaxi transfer to reach Cortina in comfort and style.

Bolzano (BZO): The closest regional option, just 130 km, ideal for domestic hops. Secure a Kiwitaxi transfer now and let your professional driver handle the mountain roads.

Innsbruck (INN): Craving a scenic alpine entry from Austria? Innsbruck Airport is just 165 km away. Book a Kiwitaxi airport transfer to glide directly from the airport to the heart of the Dolomites.

Looking for a sustainable and scenic way to get from Milan to the Dolomites?

The train is an efficient option to get to Cortina if you don’t mind a few stops along the way. While there is no direct high-speed line into the mountains, the journey from Milan is well-supported by integrated services.

You’ll start on a sleek high-speed train from Milano Centrale and transfer at Venice Mestre. Since the Dolomites train line was discontinued in 1964, the last leg of your journey is covered by road. Use Cortina d’Ampezzo train station (Calalzo / Dobbiaco) around 30 km away and hop on a dedicated shuttle like the Cortina Link or a Dolomitibus service for the final stretch into Cortina d’Ampezzo. Arriving from the north, like Austria or Val Pusteria? Catch the train to Dobbiaco/Toblach. From here, a paid shuttle takes you to the Cortina Sud Spectator Bus Terminal.

Coming from the south, whether Venice, Treviso, or Padua? Hop on a train to Calalzo-Pieve di Cadore-Cortina station. From Calalzo, catch a Dolomiti Bus (Line 30 or similar) for the ~1-hour ride to Cortina.

Tip: Look for the Cortina 2026 combined ticket on the Trenitalia website for a seamless rail-to-shuttle transfer.

Pro-tip: For the ultimate hassle-free experience, pair your rail trip with a Kiwitaxi transfer from Venice Mestre right to your mountain base—arrive rested and ready for the fine Italian powder and the exciting events.

Taking the Venice to Cortina bus is a budget-friendly and convenient way to get to Dolomites. Organized bus services (Fan Clubs): Arriving as part of an organized group or fan club? Buses stop at the Acquabona bus parking area. From here, a dedicated shuttle takes you directly to the Cortina Sud Spectator Bus Terminal. Once you arrive, expect a lively 20-minute (1.5 km) walk through Cortina’s streets and Fan Village areas before reaching the venue.

Local Buses: Staying in or near Cortina? Local buses are the easiest option. Enhanced services—including Line 30 Calalzo–Cortina and Cortina’s urban lines—will run extended hours to match competition schedules. Even better? Cortina’s urban lines will be free of charge for all users, making it effortless to hop between your hotel, dining on Corso Italia, and the competition venues.

Driving to Cortina: Winter (Tires, Road Conditions)

Driving into the Dolomites during the Games can feel cinematic, but only if you play by Olympic rules. To keep Cortina’s historic center livable and car-free, traffic will be tightly restricted, and private vehicles won’t be allowed near competition venues or main spectator areas. Instead, you must use the official park and ride Cortina 2026 / shuttle to venues system by pre-booking a spot at one of the official parking lots, such as San Vito, Dobbiaco, or Son dei Prade. From these lots, frequent shuttles take you straight to the Cortina Sud Spectator Bus Terminal, with easy connections to venues, fan zones, and medal plazas.

If you choose to drive, be sure to comply with the strict driving regulations enforced in the Alpine regions. Your car must have winter tires or snow chains—no exceptions. The roads into Cortina are stunning but narrow and winding, and weather conditions can change quickly, especially after snowfall or during early mornings and evenings. Expect mountain passes, reduced visibility at times, and occasional traffic controls on busy competition days, and allow extra time so the journey stays as enjoyable as the destination.

That’s why most Olympic travelers choose a private, stress-free transfer to Cortina as the gold standard. With a professional driver, it’s a seamless door-to-door service from Venice or Milan straight to your hotel or the sporting event so you arrive relaxed, in style, and perfectly on time for the Winter games and Cortina’s glamorous après-ski scene.

Italy takes the Olympic Games 2026 and Paralympic Games 2026 seriously, making transport upgrades specifically for the Olympics to ease getting around different venues. With that in mind, public transportation will run with extended hours and increased frequency across trains, subways, and local networks, especially in Milan, where late nights and medal celebrations know no bounds.

In the magical Italian mountains, dedicated shuttles will glide between train stations, park-and-ride hubs, and competition venues, inviting you to soak in the stunning views of the Dolomites along the way. Cars must be left at designated park-and-ride Cortina 2026 zones outside town centers, with shuttles running in sync with competition schedules. So you don’t have to rush or wait, but can focus on appreciating the moment and slipping effortlessly into la bella vita. From sleek Frecciarossa high-speed trains to private transfers, here’s your 2026 Winter Olympics Italy travel done with style.

Milan → Cortina

Debating whether to travel from Milan to Cortina by rail, bus, or private transfer is all too common in the Milano Cortina 2026 travel guide. Actually, the Milan to Cortina travel time is not a casual commute and shouldn’t be treated as one. Milan and Cortina are approximately 400 km apart, so expect roughly 5.5 to 7 hours door to door, depending on your route and transfers. Whether you choose to travel from Milan to Venice or Treviso by high-speed rail, followed by a shuttle or want to reward yourself with a Kiwitaxi private transfer into Cortina, Milan and Cortina should be treated as two separate legs of your trip rather than a day trip. Tip: During the Games, special Olympic Express bus services will supplement the traditional train-to-bus routes via Calalzo and Dobbiaco to help bridge this gap.

Milan to Verona: Travel for Closing Ceremony

If you’re timing your trip around the awe-inspiring grand finale, the travel from Milan to Verona is quick and effortless. High-speed trains connect Milano Centrale to Verona Porta Nuova in just 1 hour and 12 minutes. Once you arrive in Verona, the ancient Arena (the venue for the ceremony) is a pleasant 1.5 km stroll from the station across the elegant historic city center. The chic and elegant way to travel from Milan to Verona for the Closing Ceremony is by booking a private Kiwitaxi transfer. Skip crowded platforms and slip into the comfort of a chauffeured car for a seamless door-to-door service from Milan to Verona. Fancy a glass of Amarone, prosecco, or Valpolicella Classico? Ask your driver to pull over in Valpolicella or Lake Garda, with as many spontaneous, unscheduled stops along the way as you please, because the journey is just as important as the destination. Arrive relaxed, on time, and ready for a grand finale at the Arena di Verona.

Milan → Livigno & Bormio

Looking for a budget-friendly way to reach the Valtellina valley? The Milan to Livigno / Bormio transport typically involves regional trains from Milan to Tirano (approx. 2.5 hours). From Tirano, dedicated Olympic shuttles will climb the high-altitude mountain passes to reach Bormio (for Alpine Skiing) and Livigno (for Snowboarding). For the Olympic Games 2026 and Paralympic Games 2026, a new direct Olympic Bus service will also run from Milano Centrale directly to the heart of Livigno. Once there, reward yourself with thermal baths in Bormio and soak in all the après-ski glitz in Livigno, along with some of the most dramatic scenery of the Games. For a comfortable and stress-free journey to Livigno, book your private transfer here; and for Bormio, book it here.

Italy High-Speed Trains: Milan Verona Venice

High-speed trains are an efficient and speedy way for linking the Golden Triangle of the Games, Milan-Verona-Venice. Operated by Trenitalia (Frecciarossa) and Italo their speeds reach up to 300 km/h. Milan to Verona: ~1h 15m Verona to Venice: ~1h 10m Milan to Venice: ~2h 15m Note: During the Olympics, service hours will be extended, with some trains running until 2:00 or 3:00 AM for late-night medals and celebrations.

Last-Mile Shuttles to Olympic Venues

No matter how you arrive or which events you’re coming for, your journey ends the same way: with last-mile shuttles to Olympic Venues. These dedicated shuttles link train stations, park-and-ride hubs, and city terminals directly to competition areas. With private cars off-limits, these shuttles are the only way to access the gates. They’re frequent, timed to competition schedules, well-signposted, and designed to keep private traffic out of restricted Green Zones surrounding the stadiums. Tip: With a valid event ticket for the day, access to many of the MiCo Shuttle (TS System) routes is free of charge.

Chauffeur Hire Service

Enjoy the finer things in life by booking a Kiwitaxi Chauffeur Hire Service during the Winter Olympics—perfect for navigating Olympic venues, elegant hotels, gorgeous spas, and gourmet restaurants. Whether you’re attending sporting events, exploring the region’s rugged terrain, or looking for off-piste adventures, your private dedicated chauffeur is always on standby, offering seamless, door-to-door travel without the stress of schedules, crowds, or lugging around heavy luggage.

From navigating Milan’s traffic and Olympic road restrictions to mastering alpine routes toward Cortina, Livigno, or Verona, your professional Italian chauffeur handles every detail, so you arrive relaxed, in style, and exactly on time.

Hiring a private chauffeur service is the most flexible and elegant way to move between venues and celebrations while keeping the focus on the Games, the spectacular views, and la bella vita. You’re in Italy, after all soak in!

As the top athletes and fans descend on Italy for the Winter Olympics 2026, the one question on everyone’s mind is where to stay for Milano Cortina 2026.

Since the Olympic venues stretch across over 400 kilometers of northern Italy, finding your perfect home base to decompress after a long day of events, skiing, or exploring the sites is essential.

Here’s how to choose your home base in Milan vs Cortina for Olympics.

Milan is an obvious choice for the grand Opening Ceremony, ice hockey, and figure skating events along with all that fashion, unparalleled art and design scene, culture, nightlife, and decadent Italian cuisine. If that’s the case, the best areas to stay in Milan for Olympics include the historic center for luxury and convenience, or the Porta Romana and San Siro districts if you want to be near competition sites. Think a rich suite of boutique hotels, rooftop bars, and effortless access to transport hubs. From the glamorous Hotel Principe di Savoia featuring spectacular views, mouthwatering cuisine, and Pompeii-style spa to the timeless elegance of Bulgari Hotel Milano and the charming Hotel Spadari al Duomo offering the perfect blend of location and character at a more approachable price, and much more, you’re spoilt for choices.

Whether it’s the snow-capped Dolomite peaks framing world-class ski slopes, snuggling up by the fire to gorge on creamy Casunziei or aged mountain cheese paired with a glass of local Amarone, it’s no surprise if Cortina d’Ampezzo is your go-to destination during the 2026 Winter Olympics. Hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo during Olympics often require booking years in advance, and it’s easy to see why. From the legendary Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, with its sweeping mountain views and old-world glamour, to the welcoming Hotel de la Poste, a charming mid-range favorite renowned for its warmth and classic Tyrolean character, what better place to unwind after a day of high-altitude competition and alpine adventure. And if you’re looking for more affordable accommodation near Olympic venues Italy 2026, consider staying in nearby villages like San Vito di Cadore or the city of Belluno, which are well-connected by shuttle services.

Whether you’re looking for specific sporting events or want to take part in the Closing or Opening celebrations, you’re bound to find the Milano Cortina 2026 tickets that suit you.

Tickets for the 2026 Winter Olympics can only be purchased through the official Milano Cortina 2026 website, with tickets released on a first-come, first-served basis. Simply create an account, browse seating categories, and lock in your spots. And if your preferred event is sold out, it pays to check back often, as new sessions are added over time. Plus, you’re not totally out of luck as the official Winter Olympics 2026 ticket resale platform offers you another chance to score seats for your first choice. Manage your tickets easily on a dedicated mobile app with just a few taps. Buy tickets for yourself or others, with generous limits (up to 25 tickets total and up to 10 per session, or 4 for high-demand events like ceremonies). Change of plans? No problem, pass your tickets on to fellow fans on the Winter Olympics 2026 ticket resale platform safely and at face value.

Prefer a premium experience? There’s plenty to make you happy. Milano Cortina 2026 hospitality packages offer upgraded seating paired with exclusive lounge access and gourmet dining for ultimate comfort. While comprehensive Olympics travel packages Milan Cortina bundle all the above perks with comfortable accommodation and seamless transportation—perfect for a fabulous 2026 Winter Olympics Italy travel.

How many days do you need for Milano Cortina 2026?

Short trips of 5-7 days usually are enough to enjoy specific Olympic events and surrounding attractions. The sweet spot is 7 days, giving you time for multiple events in Cortina plus key Milan highlights without rushing.

What is the budget for Milano Cortina 2026 trip?

A typical budget for a Milano Cortina 2026 trip ranges from $1,500–$3,500 per person, depending on accommodation, transport, and event tickets.

Which itinerary Milan Cortina 5 days / 7 days / 10 days is best for the Winter Games?

Depending on your pace, an itinerary can range from a 5-day event sprint in one hub, a 7-day trip split between Milan and Cortina, or a 10-day full experience that allows for travel time between the city and the Dolomites plus scenic rest days.

What are the traffic restrictions: Cortina Olympics (limited access)?

During the Cortina Olympics, certain roads have limited access. Only authorized vehicles, like official Olympic transport and approved private transfers, can enter restricted areas such as Olympic Limited Traffic Zones. A mandatory Territorial Vehicle Pass is required for entry.

Rental car vs public transport for Dolomites in winter?

While a rental car offers flexibility to explore remote spots, public transport is safer and stress-free in snowy conditions and due to high parking costs and strict driving and traffic restrictions.

What to pack for Italy in February (Milan vs Dolomites)?

For Italy in February (Milan vs Dolomites), “dress like an onion,” pack warm layers: stylish wool coats, elegant accessories like fashionable hats and gloves, and leather boots for Milan, and full winter gear, like heavy-duty thermals, waterproof insulated parkas, high-traction snow boots for the Dolomites.

What is the accessibility / wheelchair transport Olympics Italy 2026?

For the Olympics Italy 2026, fully accessible venues, barrier-free routes, and inclusive transport options—including wheelchair-friendly shuttles and public transit with low-floor vehicles and ramps are being built, so spectators with mobility needs can travel between cities and event sites with dignity and autonomy.

What are the best day trips from Milan during Olympics (Lake Como, Verona, Venice)?

The best day trips from Milan during the Olympics include Lake Como, Verona, and Venice. All of them are highly accessible by high-speed train, with Lake Como taking just 40–60 minutes, Verona 1 hour 10 minutes, and Venice about 2.5 hours.

Tip: Book rail tickets well in advance to avoid Olympic sell-outs and surge pricing.

Pro-tip: Booking a Kiwitaxi Chauffeur Hire Service will make your journey as spectacular as the destinations.