The countdown to the Winter Olympics 2026 is on, and for British fans eager to witness the action live in Italy, the big question is: how do you get there? With events spread across Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Bormio, Livigno, Val di Fiemme, and Anterselva, travel planning is key.
The good news is that whether you’re flying, taking the train, or booking through a tour operator, there are plenty of options for UK fans to reach the Games.
Flying from the UK
Flights are the fastest and most straightforward option for most fans:
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Milan Airports (Malpensa & Linate):
Direct flights operate year-round from London (Heathrow, Gatwick, City, Stansted), Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Bristol. From Milan, you can connect by train or car hire to Olympic venues. -
Venice Marco Polo Airport:
Perfect if you’re heading straight for Cortina d’Ampezzo (about 2 hours by car or transfer). Flights from London and Manchester make this an attractive gateway. -
Verona Airport:
Convenient for Val di Fiemme and Bormio, with direct links to London Gatwick and other regional UK airports. -
Innsbruck (Austria):
A left-field choice but often convenient for Cortina and the Dolomites. Some winter charters from UK airports may operate closer to the Games.
Travelling by Train
For fans seeking a more sustainable route, rail is an increasingly attractive option.
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Eurostar from London to Paris: Around 2h 20m.
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TGV / SNCF from Paris to Milan: About 7h, arriving at Milano Centrale.
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Trenitalia high-speed trains connect Milan to Verona, Trento, and Bolzano for onward travel to the mountains.
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Eurotunnel Le Shuttle offers a self-drive option, taking your car from Folkestone to Calais, then onward by road through France and Switzerland into Italy.
Connections to Olympic venues:
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Milan → Bormio: Train to Tirano, then bus to Bormio (approx. 4h).
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Milan → Livigno: Train to Tirano, then bus (approx. 4.5h).
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Milan → Cortina: Train to Calalzo di Cadore, then bus transfer (approx. 5h 30m).
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Verona → Val di Fiemme: Regional train + bus combo (approx. 2.5h).
👉 Expect extra Olympic rail services to be announced closer to 2026.
Transfers & Onward Travel
Once in Italy, fans can choose between:
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Car hire – best for flexibility in the Dolomites, though mountain roads can be busy.
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Shuttle buses & official Olympic transport – expected between key venues.
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Private transfers – especially convenient from Venice to Cortina.
Tour Operators & Packages
Several UK ski tour operators are expected to offer Winter Olympics 2026 travel packages combining Olympic tickets with ski holidays:
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Inghams – one of the biggest UK ski tour operators, offering trips to Livigno and the Dolomites.
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Crystal Ski Holidays – part of TUI, with packages to Bormio, Livigno and Cortina.
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Ski Solutions – specialists in tailor-made packages, likely to offer Olympics + ski holiday combinations.
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Momentum Ski – known for organising ski and sporting event packages, especially in Italy.
Premium operators may also offer luxury stays in Cortina with curated Olympic access closer to the Games.
💡 Keep an eye on official Team GB travel partners and the Milan Cortina 2026 ticketing site for authorised packages.
Why Consider Rail or Packages?
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Sustainability: Train or self-drive via Eurotunnel lowers your carbon footprint.
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Stress-free travel: Packages mean transfers, hotels, and logistics are handled for you.
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Combine with skiing: Extend your trip with skiing in Cortina, Bormio, or Livigno — all world-class resorts in their own right.
Planning Ahead
The Winter Olympics run 6–22 February 2026. Demand for flights and accommodation will rise sharply as the Games approach. If you’re planning to travel from the UK:
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Book flights or train tickets early via Eurostar, SNCF or Trenitalia.
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Consider a self-drive trip with Eurotunnel.
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Watch for package deals from Inghams, Crystal Ski, Ski Solutions, or Momentum Ski.
📌 InTheSnow will continue to update this page with confirmed travel packages, transport details, and insider tips as we get closer to February 2026.
👉 For more on the Games, see our Ultimate Guide to Milano Cortina 2026 and Venues Guide.