Railway workers in Italy are striking ahead of the 2026 Olympics: passengers are warned of disruptions to services

The transport situation in Italy is becoming more complicated ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Find out how the railway strike could affect train services in Milan and Lombardy and what passengers should bear in mind

Book bus, train, plane tickets to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world

BUY

On the eve of the start of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Italy is experiencing problems with rail service. Due to a strike by ORSA union workers, train service in the Lombardy region, particularly in Milan, is already operating at reduced capacity. This was reported by The Independent.

Italian regional operator Trenord has announced that the protest will last from 3:00 a.m. on Monday, February 2, to 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3. During this period, various categories of trains may be canceled or delayed.

Which trains may be canceled or changed

According to the carrier, the restrictions may affect several types of connections at once. These include regional, suburban, and intercity trains, as well as transfer trains to and from airports. This creates additional difficulties for passengers planning to travel to Milan and other cities in northern Italy, especially during the influx of tourists and fans.

At the same time, Italy has a system of so-called “guaranteed” time slots, during which trains must run even on strike days.

Guaranteed service and replacement buses

Despite the protest, trains will run at specific times — from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Passengers are advised to plan their trips during these hours if they can adjust their schedules.

Replacement buses will also be provided to connect to airports during the strike. They are intended to partially compensate for the reduction in train services, but carriers warn that delays are possible due to increased traffic.

In this situation, passengers traveling in Italy or planning transfers should check alternative routes in advance. In particular, it is convenient to compare available train and bus options and plan your trip using the ticket booking system for all types of transport on Visit Ukraine.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics: what the organizers promise

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will start on Friday and last until February 22. The competitions will take place at venues in Lombardy and northeastern Italy.

The official website of the Games states that during the Olympics, public transport will operate with extended hours and increased frequency. This applies to trains, subways, and local routes, especially in Milan, which will be one of the key transport hubs.

However, the current strike shows that the transport situation on the eve of the Games remains vulnerable to social conflicts. The ORSA union explains the protest with a number of demands. Among the main ones are higher wages, improved working conditions, and the continuation of collective labor agreements.

Union representatives say that without these conditions being met, the stable operation of the railway industry is at risk.

Similar transport problems have arisen in Italy before. In 2025, a strike during an official test event for the Olympics forced organizers to negotiate with unions. And in February last year, public transport in Milan — the metro, buses, and trams — came to a complete standstill after a strike by employees of Azienda Trasporti Milanesi (ATM).

At that time, additional buses had to be urgently brought in to transport spectators. Andrea Varnier, CEO of the Milano Cortina organizing committee, noted that this situation was an important test for the organizers and allowed them to work out emergency scenarios. At the same time, he expressed hope that during the Games themselves, the parties would be able to avoid strikes and ensure stable transport operations.

We remind you! Airlines are tightening hand luggage rules in 2026 due to security and flight delays. Read what has changed, what restrictions are in place, and how to prepare for a smooth journey.

Photo: Getty Images

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.