Milan Cortina 2026: Cheap Transport Between Olympic Venues

⬛ QUICK ANSWER (READ FIRST)
Getting around the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on a budget is possible — but it takes planning.
Your best cheap transport options are regional trains, budget buses, and shared shuttles connecting Milan, Bergamo, Verona, Venice, and the mountain venues.
Planning ahead and booking early will save you money, time, and stress.

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Why cheap transport matters in 2026

The 2026 Winter Olympics span several regions in northern Italy — including Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and nearby mountain venues. That means travel distances are longer than in compact Olympic cities. Plus, winter conditions and heavy event demand can raise prices fast.

If you want to save money between Olympic venues, you’ll need to choose smart routes and book early — especially for trains and intercity buses.

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How the Olympic transport network is structured

Milan is the main entry point with big airports, high-speed trains, and good budget connections. From Milan, you’ll reach venues mainly by:

• Regional trains (slow but affordable)

• Intercity buses / coaches (often cheaper than trains)

• Shuttles (event-linked transport deals)

• Car shares / ride shares in shoulder trips

There is no single cheap high-speed train direct from Milan to Cortina (you’ll use a mix of trains and buses).

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1) Regional Trains + Local Buses (Budget Classic)

This is usually the cheapest way to travel between cities.

Example Route:

• Milan → Verona (regional or intercity train)

• Verona → Venice Mestre (regional train)

• Venice Mestre → Cortina (regional bus or shuttle)

Regional trains cost much less than high-speed trains — especially if booked in advance.

Pros

• Cheapest regular option

• Tickets often refundable with notice

• Frequent regional departures

Cons

• More changes

• Longer travel time

Budget tip: Check Trenitalia’s regional timetables early. Booking 2–4 weeks ahead usually gets you the best prices.

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2) Intercity Buses & Coaches (Best Low-Cost Choice)

Italy has several long-distance bus companies that connect major cities with mountain towns:

• FlixBus (budget coach network)

• Itabus (Italian low-cost buses)

• Local mountain coaches linking Veneto and Dolomites

How to use them:

• Milan → Venice or Padua by coach (often cheaper than trains)

• Venice/P.D. → Cortina coaches

• Add smaller mountain routes if needed

Pros

• Often cheaper than trains

• Direct routes possible

• Comfortable seats with Wi-Fi

Cons

• Travel times can be long

• Winter weather may slow the journey

Budget tip: Book coaches online early — prices get higher closer to event dates.

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3) Official Olympics Shuttles & Seat Deals

During the Games, local organizers usually offer event shuttles between transport hubs and venue clusters. These are not always free, but they’re often cheaper than taxis or car rentals.

Typical shuttle links:

• Venice / Treviso → Cortina

• Verona / Brescia → mountain venues

• Milan → Newarest hub stations

You’ll need your Olympic ticket number or event pass for some shuttle deals.

Pros

• Designed for spectators

• Often timed around event schedules

• Includes ski venue drop-offs

Cons

• Must reserve ahead

• Fixed timetables

Budget tip: Check official Milan Cortina 2026 transport pages for “Spectator Shuttle Deals” when tickets release.

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4) Ride Sharing & Car Shares (Cheap Group Option)

If you travel in a group of 3–4, splitting a rental or ride share can be cost-effective.

Options:

• BlaBlaCar (popular ride share in Italy)

• Split rental cars with toll + fuel sharing

• Shuttle shares between villages

Pros

• Flexible timing

• Potentially cheap for groups

• Direct travel

Cons

• Not as cheap for solo travelers

• Winter driving requires experience and gear

Budget tip: Always check winter tyre requirements and confirm shared rides ahead.

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5) Airport to Venue Low-Cost Links

Getting to Italy cheaply is the first step.

Milan Airports to City & Hubs:

• Milan Malpensa → Milan Centrale (budget train/bus)

• Milan Bergamo (Orio al Serio) → Milan city/Verona stop (intercity buses)

Venice Airport → Cortina:

• Budget bus lines often run direct or with one change

Budget tip: Compare bus vs train prices — bus is almost always cheaper by €10–€30 per trip.

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How to plan your itinerary on a budget

Step 1 – Choose your hubs

• Milan for flights and fast connections

• Verona / Brescia for train/bus links

• Venice Mestre for mountain shuttles

Step 2 – Mix and match transport

• Use regional trains for main legs

• Book buses for long intercity stretches

• Reserve official shuttles for venue hops

Step 3 – Book early

• Regional tickets and buses both rise closer to travel dates

• Winter weather can reduce available seats

Step 4 – Pack smart

• Winter delays happen — bring snacks, warm layers, and essentials

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Price comparison (typical budget ranges)

Prices are estimates — book early for best deals.

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Practical tips for cheap travel

• Book early — regional and coach tickets rise fast near the Games

• Check timetables before booking — many routes change in winter

• Travel on “shoulder” days (e.g., later evenings) — cheaper fares

• Keep buffer times — winter weather and event crowds slow travel

• Use apps like Trainline or Omio to compare prices easily

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Final takeaway from real travel experience

Cheap transport between Milan and Cortina Olympic venues exists — but it’s about planning, flexibility, and mixing options instead of relying on one ticket type.

If you:

• Choose regional trains over high-speed ones

• Use budget buses for long legs

• Book official shuttles early

• Consider shared rides in groups

…you’ll keep transport affordable and enjoy the Winter Games without breaking the bank.

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FAQ – Cheap Transport for Milan Cortina 2026