Milan to Cortina Transit: 2026 Winter Olympics Tips

21/02/2026

⬛ QUICK ANSWER (READ FIRST)
Traveling from Milan to Cortina d’Ampezzo for the 2026 Winter Olympics isn’t straightforward — there’s no direct high-speed train.
Plan ahead, leave extra time, and book combined train + bus tickets early to avoid delays and crowds.

1) Be ready for a long journey

Milan and Cortina are about 400 km apart — roughly a 4–5 hour transit by road. There’s no direct rail line connecting the two towns, so you’ll use a combination of train and shuttle, bus, or taxi to complete the trip.

This makes planning crucial — especially in winter conditions and Olympic season when transport is under strain.

2) The most common travel routes

✅ Train + Bus Combo (Recommended)

This is the most reliable public transit method:

Take a train from Milan to Venice Mestre or Calalzo di Cadore
From there, switch to a regional bus or shuttle to Cortina
Many services are timed to connect with trains (e.g., Cortina 2026 Link)
You can buy combined train + bus tickets on Trenitalia’s site — this guarantees your connection and seat.

This setup is common for Olympic spectators and avoids congested roads.

🚌 Direct Long-Distance Bus

Some coach services run direct from Milan to Cortina. These can take longer than train + bus combos (around 7 h), but may be convenient if you want one booked seat and no transfers.

🚗 Car or Private Transfer

Driving between Milan and Cortina takes about 4–5 hours on the motorway and mountain roads. Winter tyres or chains are often required by law. Parking in Cortina can be limited during the Games, so reserve ahead if you go this route.

Private transfer services exist too, offering comfort and reliability during peak Olympic travel times.

3) Book early and expect high demand

Because the 2026 Winter Olympics venues are geographically spread out with multiple clusters, transport demand will be unusually high.

Train segments, buses, and shuttle services (including the official Cortina 2026 Link) can fill up fast — especially around competition days and ceremonies. Booking train, bus, and shuttle tickets early is one of the best ways to avoid last-minute stress.

4) Plan for winter road and weather delays

Winter weather in the Alps can cause delays. Heavy snow or icy conditions may slow buses and cars, so factor in extra time between events.

Also note that during peak Olympics, highways and trains will be busier than usual, so give yourself buffer time — especially if you’re catching an event or performance.

5) Local transit within each city

In Milan, transit is excellent: metro lines operate extended hours during the Games, and trains connect major areas, so you can reach departure stations easily before your journey north.

In the Dalomites region near Cortina, buses and local shuttles will connect from key train stations (like Ponte nelle Alpi) into town.

6) Other practical tips

🧠 Know your connection points

There’s no high-speed rail directly to Cortina, so plan your route via:

Venice Mestre
Calalzo di Cadore
Ponte nelle Alpi
… followed by a bus or shuttle.

📅 Build rest days into your itinerary

The transit itself is part of your trip — don’t squeeze events too tightly back-to-back with long travel days.

📱 Use transit apps & save tickets

Italy’s rail and coach systems let you display mobile tickets and real-time schedules. Download them before your arrival.

Final takeaway from travel experience

The Milan → Cortina route for the 2026 Winter Olympics is entirely doable, but not simple.

There’s no direct train, so your best bet is a train + bus connection or a private transfer. Book early, allow extra time, and prepare for winter road conditions and crowds. With smart planning, you’ll travel comfortably between the city and the Dolomites and make the absolute most of your Olympics experience.

FAQ – Milan → Cortina Transit

Question	Answer
Is there a direct train from Milan to Cortina?	No, train + bus is the usual route.
How long does it take?	About 4–5 hours by train + bus or car.
Are there shuttle buses?	Yes, official links like Cortina 2026 Link.
Should I book tickets early?	Yes, transport fills fast during the Games.
Can I rent a car?	Yes, but winter tyres and parking planning are crucial.
Can weather affect the trip?	Yes, snow and winter roads can slow travel.