Olympics 2026 in Milan & Cortina
Olympics 2026 – Travelling by car to the Winter Games in Italy
At a glance
- From 6 to 22 February 2026, the Olympic Winter Games will take place in Northern Italy.
- The competitions will be spread across several venues between Milan and the Dolomites.
- Alongside urban venues in Milan, alpine events in well-known winter sports regions will play a central role.
- During the Games, special traffic and access regulations will apply around the Olympic venues.
- In certain areas, access for motorists will only be permitted with a valid car pass.
Olympics 2026 in Milan & Cortina
From 6 to 22 February 2026, Northern Italy will turn into the heart of the winter sports world.
Milan and the Dolomites’ iconic resort town of Cortina d’Ampezzo will welcome holidaymakers, sports fans and road trip enthusiasts to one of the most extraordinary winter journeys of the year.
The opening ceremony will take place in Milan, while many of the most spectacular events – including alpine skiing – will be held in the Dolomites around Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Additional venues such as Bormio, Livigno and Antholz will be spread across Northern Italy and South Tyrol.
Why the 2026 Olympics are perfect for a road trip
Unlike previous Winter Games, Milano Cortina 2026 is not centred around a single location but spread across several regions. Travelling by car allows visitors to connect different venues and combine the Olympic experience with a more individual, flexible stay.
You can find a selection of particularly popular Italian city break destinations here.
Driving to Italy: Tolls & traffic regulations
Is a vignette required in Italy?
❌ No. Italy does not use a traditional motorway vignette.
➜ Instead, tolls are distance-based and calculated according to the number of kilometres driven.
✅ Payment is made either:
- at toll booths (ticket & barrier), or
- on selected routes via electronic free-flow systems
You can find further information about tolls in Italy here.
Travel stress-free with the vintrica Flow toll box
During the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, increased traffic volumes are expected on the main routes across Northern Italy.
Digital toll solutions such as the vintrica Flow toll box can help reduce waiting times at toll booths and make the journey more relaxed and efficient.
Especially on long journeys towards Milan, South Tyrol or the Dolomites, the vintrica Flow toll box ensures a noticeably more relaxed road trip.
➜ This allows you to focus on the Games while toll payments on longer routes are handled automatically.
The benefits of the vintrica Flow box:
✔️ Automatic toll payment without stopping
✔️ No tickets, no queues, no cash
✔️ Ideal for Italy and other European toll countries
✔️ Especially convenient during major events with high traffic volumes
➤ Buy the vintrica Flow toll box here and save time at toll stations!
Olympics & traffic: What you should know on site
During the Games, special traffic regulations will apply in many host locations:
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ZTL zones (restricted traffic areas), for example in Milan
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Temporary access restrictions around sports venues
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In some cases, access only with a car pass or special permit
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Limited parking availability, especially in mountain regions
💡 Tip: Choose accommodation and parking options outside the main event hotspots where possible, and allow plenty of extra time for travel.
Winter road trip through Northern Italy: Preparation is key
❄️ Winter tyres are mandatory in many regions
🏔️ Snow chains may be required locally
🚧 Weather-related closures of individual Alpine passes are possible
⏱️ Allow extra time on competition days
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Conclusion: Experience the 2026 Olympics – flexible, comfortable and by car
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan & Cortina are more than just a sporting event. They are an invitation to a unique winter road trip through Italy. Between vibrant cities and the Dolomites, a distinctive blend of elite sport, stunning landscapes and travel experience comes together.
With careful route planning and the vintrica Flow toll box, the journey becomes part of the experience rather than a source of stress.