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Northern Italy Gears Up for Milano–Cortina : Rail Europe Sees Increased Bookings to Venice, Verona, and Milan


Published on
December 22, 2025

Europe

As the countdown to the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics intensifies, Rail Europe is reporting a significant rise in rail travel demand across northern Italy, a trend expected to continue as the Games approach. With Milan, Venice, and Verona emerging as key rail-connected destinations for Olympics-related travel, Italy’s railway network is playing an essential role in connecting visitors to the event venues and offering convenient travel options for tourists.

Booking data from Rail Europe indicates that Milan, as the central hub of the Winter Olympics, is reinforcing its status as the main international gateway. Meanwhile, neighboring cities such as Venice and Verona are becoming increasingly popular travel destinations, thanks to their strong rail links to the Olympic sites. This surge in rail travel is a clear indicator of the growing importance of train travel as a preferred mode of transport during major international events, especially for visitors heading to northern Italy.

Milan: The Gateway to the Milano–Cortina Winter Olympics

With the 2026 Winter Olympics scheduled to take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, the city is set to be the focal point of tourism and travel during the event. As the main international gateway to the Games, Milan is seeing a significant increase in rail bookings. The city’s central location in northern Italy makes it the ideal starting point for visitors traveling to the Olympic venues, with direct high-speed train connections available from across Italy and neighboring countries.

Milan’s Central Station (Stazione Centrale) is one of Italy’s busiest railway hubs, offering direct connections to other major cities like Rome, Florence, and Naples. With the influx of visitors for the Winter Olympics, Milan is gearing up to handle the growing demand for train travel. Travelers will be able to easily access Olympic events in Cortina d’Ampezzo – located about 160 kilometers away – as well as other surrounding areas through Italy’s efficient rail network.

Venice and Verona: Key Rail-Connected Destinations for the Olympics

Beyond Milan, Venice and Verona are emerging as key destinations for those attending the Winter Olympics. Both cities, known for their historical and cultural significance, are becoming integral to the Olympics travel experience due to their convenient rail connections to the Olympic venues.

  • Venice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just a short train ride away from Milan, making it an ideal option for travelers looking to explore Italy’s iconic canals, architecture, and art while attending the Olympics. The city’s central railway station, Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia, offers direct high-speed trains to Milan and other major cities, making it easy for visitors to access the Winter Olympics events without the need for extensive travel planning.
  • Verona, located between Milan and Venice, is another popular rail-connected destination that is gaining traction among tourists. Known for its Roman ruins, including the famous Arena di Verona, and its connection to Romeo and Juliet, the city is becoming a key stop for those attending the Winter Olympics. Verona’s Porta Nuova railway station provides direct connections to Milan, Venice, and other cities, making it an ideal base for visitors who want to enjoy the charm of northern Italy while traveling to the Olympic venues.

Rising Demand for Rail Travel Across Northern Italy

As the Winter Olympics draw closer, Rail Europe is witnessing an uptick in demand for rail travel across northern Italy, driven by the ease, comfort, and efficiency of train travel. Rail Europe’s booking data reveals that many tourists are opting for high-speed trains to travel between Milan, Venice, and Verona, capitalizing on Italy’s well-developed rail network.

Rail travel in Italy is highly regarded for its punctuality and convenience, especially with the availability of Frecciarossa, Frecciabianca, and Frecciarossa AV high-speed trains that offer swift travel between major cities. These trains allow visitors to travel comfortably between Olympic locations and explore more of Italy during their stay. The ease of access to and from the Olympic venues is expected to play a significant role in increasing the popularity of train travel, particularly among international visitors.

In addition to providing seamless connections between Milan, Venice, and Verona, Italy’s rail system is helping promote sustainable tourism. Trains offer an environmentally friendly alternative to car travel, contributing to the country’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions during the high-profile global event.

Boosting Tourism and Economic Impact for Northern Italy

The growing demand for rail travel across northern Italy is expected to have a significant impact on the local tourism economy. As visitors flock to Milan and other cities for the Olympics, increased rail travel will contribute to local economies through tourism-related spending in hotels, restaurants, attractions, and shops.

Venice and Verona, with their rich cultural offerings, will also benefit from this influx of visitors, further boosting their appeal as travel destinations beyond the Winter Olympics. Both cities are expected to see an increase in both international and domestic tourists who are eager to explore Italy’s unique heritage and iconic landmarks while also attending the Games.

Travel Tips for Visitors to the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

To help travelers make the most of their visit to northern Italy during the Winter Olympics, Rail Europe offers several tips for efficient travel:

  1. Book train tickets early – With the increase in demand for rail travel, it’s advisable for travelers to secure their tickets well in advance to guarantee availability.
  2. Consider multi-city rail passes – For those planning to visit multiple cities, Rail Europe offers rail passes that can provide savings and flexibility for travel between Milan, Venice, Verona, and other destinations.
  3. Check the schedule for Olympic events – Stay up to date on event schedules and train timetables to ensure seamless connections between the Olympic venues and tourist destinations.
  4. Plan for extra travel time – With the busy travel period around the Olympics, it’s essential to allow for extra time at stations and during transfers to accommodate high traffic volumes.

Conclusion

The upcoming Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are generating significant interest in rail travel across northern Italy, with Milan, Venice, and Verona becoming key destinations for both tourists and Olympic visitors. As Rail Europe reports rising demand, the convenience and efficiency of Italy’s rail network are expected to play a vital role in enhancing the travel experience for those attending the Games. With Italy’s well-connected train services offering access to multiple cities, the country’s rail system is set to make traveling to and within the Olympics a smooth and sustainable experience for all.