Milan and Lombardy Train Strikes Disrupt Travel Ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, What You Need to Know

Spectators traveling to Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics could face travel disruptions due to a train strike that began early on February 2 and will continue until 2am on February 3. This strike, led by the ORSA trade union, will affect train services across Lombardy and Milan, potentially causing changes or cancellations to regional, suburban, long-distance, and airport services operated by Trenord, the Italian railway operator. The strike comes just days before the Winter Olympics are scheduled to begin, raising concerns for tourists and business travellers attending the games.

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will be held from 6 to 22 February, with events taking place across Lombardy and northeastern Italy. With such a major event just around the corner, travel disruptions may impact spectators, athletes, and support teams arriving in Milan and other Olympic host cities, potentially affecting the flow of tourists in the region.

Impacts on Train Services During the Strike

The ongoing strike will have a direct effect on various train services, particularly those running between Milan and nearby Olympic venues in Lombardy. While train services will be limited, Trenord has announced that trains will still operate during “guaranteed” hours, specifically between 6am and 9am and 6pm and 9pm, to allow for some level of normality during the disruption. However, outside of these hours, significant changes to the schedule are expected, with some trains cancelled or running with reduced frequency.

Rail Replacement Services and Alternative Travel Options

For those relying on trains to get to Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and other Olympic cities, replacement bus services will be available, particularly for connections to the Milan airports. These buses will provide an alternative for passengers needing to reach their flights, but they may not be as frequent or direct as train services. Passengers are strongly advised to allow extra travel time when using the bus replacements, as they may take longer than regular train journeys.

This disruption is further compounded by the fact that many international visitors will be arriving for the Winter Olympics, and the limited availability of trains may result in overcrowded bus services and additional delays. Tourists looking to travel in the region should consider planning ahead, especially if attending Olympic events that are scheduled at peak times.

The Role of Unions and the Strikes’ Background

The ORSA trade union has initiated the strike due to several ongoing issues, including concerns about pay, working conditions, safety, and the renewal of collective labour agreements. The union has expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of negotiations with Trenord, and while they continue to advocate for improvements, their actions are putting additional pressure on public transport services ahead of one of Italy’s biggest sporting events in recent years.

In 2025, a similar situation occurred during a test event for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, when workers from Azienda Trasporti Milanesi (ATM), the provider of Milan’s metro, bus, and tram services, went on strike. The disruption caused chaos, forcing emergency buses to transport spectators and workers to the event. This served as a warning for organisers, who then worked to develop emergency plans for the 2026 Winter Olympics. The ongoing train strike further underscores the importance of ensuring effective contingency plans during the games.

Impact on Business Travel and Tourism

The 2026 Winter Olympics will attract thousands of international visitors, including spectators, business travellers, and media personnel, all of whom will be relying on the transport network to move between venues, airports, and hotels. The ongoing train strikes are expected to cause significant inconvenience for both business travellers and tourists, potentially leading to delays, cancellations, and longer-than-expected travel times.

For business travellers attending the Olympics, including sponsors, investors, and suppliers, reliable transportation is crucial for attending meetings and events on time. With train services being unreliable during the strike, some may need to adjust their schedules or seek alternative routes.

Tourists, on the other hand, may face challenges reaching Olympic venues or other popular sites in Milan and Lombardy during the disruption. Although the Olympics will see an increase in the availability of public transport during the event, the early February strike presents an additional challenge for those arriving just before the games.

What Tourists Can Do to Navigate the Disruptions

• Check Transport Updates: Before traveling, always check Trenord and ATM websites for live updates on train services. For tourists and business travellers, staying informed about the status of services will be critical in planning your journey.
• Allow Extra Time: With replacement buses running at different times and possible delays, it’s important to give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination, especially if you’re attending an event or have a flight to catch.
• Consider Alternative Travel Routes: If train services are unreliable, consider alternative methods of transport, such as taxis, private transfers, or car hire. Keep in mind that Milan has extensive metro and bus networks, which can help bridge the gap between destinations.
• Stay Close to Event Venues: For visitors attending the Winter Olympics, booking accommodation near the venues or in central Milan could help reduce your reliance on trains and buses. This will allow you to walk to many of the key events, avoiding transportation issues altogether.

Key Takeaways

• Train Disruption: The ongoing strike by the ORSA union in Milan and Lombardy is expected to cause significant travel disruptions for train services from February 2–3.
• Impact on Olympics: This disruption could affect spectators and tourists traveling to Milan and other Olympic sites during the 2026 Winter Olympics.
• Replacement Bus Services: Trenord has provided bus replacements, but these may take longer than regular train journeys.
• Business and Tourism Impact: Business travellers and tourists should plan for delays and seek alternative transport options if necessary.

Step-by-Step Guide for Affected Passengers

1. Check Train and Bus Timetables: Visit Trenord and ATM websites for up-to-date information on affected routes and replacement services.
2. Plan for Extra Travel Time: Allow additional time for transfers and waiting at bus stops.
3. Consider Alternative Routes: Explore taxi or private transfer options for more direct travel, particularly if you’re heading to the airport.
4. Stay Near Key Locations: If attending Olympic events, booking accommodation near the venues or central areas will reduce reliance on disrupted public transport.
5. Use Local Metro and Buses: In case train services are unavailable, Milan’s metro and buses are useful alternatives for getting around.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated

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