Train Strikes in Italy
How will I know if there's a train strike in Italy?
Train strikes in Italy are legally required to be announced in advance. You can check the official Commissione di Garanzia Sciopero website or the Ministry of Transport database. If you booked via ItaliaRail, we will notify you via email if your journey is affected.
Because strikes (known as sciopero in Italian) are scheduled ahead of time, you can often adjust your travel plans before you even leave home. However, checking the status of your specific train—whether it is a Frecciarossa, Intercity, or Regional train—is crucial, as not all services stop during a strike.
Strike Terminology
If you are already in Italy, listen for the word "sciopero" (pronounced sho-peh-ro) on station announcements or news broadcasts. This indicates an active or upcoming strike action.
Official Resources for Strike Updates
- Commissione di Garanzia Sciopero: The most authoritative resource is the Commissione di Garanzia Sciopero website (Italian only). It lists all strikes across transportation and other sectors.
- Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT): The MIT strike database provides a calendar of scheduled transport disruptions.
- Trenitalia "In Case of Strike": Visit the official Trenitalia Strike Information page to see lists of guaranteed trains.
Understanding Guaranteed Minimum Services
Even during active strikes, Trenitalia ensures that specific "Guaranteed Trains" continue to run to prevent the country from shutting down completely. This protection varies by train type:
| Train Type | Strike Protection Level | Guaranteed Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Frecce & High-Speed | High. Most long-distance Frecce trains are included in the guaranteed list. | Often run throughout the day (check specific train number). |
| Regional Trains | Moderate. Only specific commuter services are guaranteed. | 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
If Your Train is Cancelled
If you arrive at the station and discover a strike has cancelled your train, be prepared for long lines at the ticket counter. ItaliaRail customers can contact our customer service team for assistance with re-booking or refunds.
What do I do if there's a train strike in Italy?
If your train is canceled due to a strike, you are entitled to a full refund or a rebooking on the next available train. However, guaranteed trains continue to run during peak commuter hours (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Mon-Sat) regardless of strike action.
How can I find out if there is a strike?
Strikes in Italy (sciopero) are scheduled and announced in advance. While they can be inconvenient, you can often avoid disruptions by checking official resources before you travel:
- Commissione di Garanzia Sciopero: The official strike commission website lists all scheduled strikes for the transport sector.
- Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport: The Ministry's strike calendar is another reliable source for official notices.
- Station Announcements: Listen for the word "sciopero" (strike) on PA systems and look for notices on digital boards at the station.
Are any trains guaranteed to run?
Yes. Even during a general rail strike, Trenitalia operates Guaranteed Minimum Transport Services to ensure the country keeps moving. These services are primarily focused on peak commuter times.
| Day of Week | Morning Guaranteed Slot | Evening Guaranteed Slot |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Saturday | 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Sundays & Holidays | Services may be significantly reduced or non-guaranteed. | |
Note: Seats on guaranteed trains sell out very quickly. If you must travel during a strike day, we recommend booking these specific slots as far in advance as possible.
What happens if my train is canceled?
If you arrive at the station and find your train is canceled, you generally have two options:
- Rebook immediately: Speak to Trenitalia staff at the station. They will attempt to rebook you on the next available train (often a guaranteed service).
- Request a refund: If no suitable alternative exists, you can request a cancellation and strike refund directly at the ticket window.
Important Refund Warning
If you do not process your refund at the station and wait until you return home to claim it from Trenitalia directly, the process can take upwards of six months. ItaliaRail has no control over Trenitalia's direct refund timeline.
What if the strike starts while I am on the train?
If a strike officially begins while you are already in transit, the following rules generally apply:
- Within 1 Hour: If your train can reach its final destination within one hour of the strike's start time, it will typically complete the journey.
- Over 1 Hour: If the destination is more than one hour away, the train may terminate at the next available station. In this event, Trenitalia staff will assist you with alternative connections if any are running.
Need assistance? If you booked your tickets through ItaliaRail, our support team can help you navigate strike disruptions.
Email: info@italiarail.com
U.S. Toll-Free: (833) 482-5421
Trains that are traveling when a strike begins and are not canceled in advance at their departure station will normally reach their final destination, provided those stations can be reached within one hour from the strike’s start.
If trains are not able to make the one-hour time limit, then they may terminate at the next station and before your stop is reached. In the event that this happens, Trenitalia will assist you with an alternative connection provided there are still trains available on that day to reach your final destination.
If your train is providing local transport during essential services for the peak times (from 06:00 to 09:00 and from 18:00 to 21:00 Mon-Sat) these will be guaranteed, even during a train strike. Some long-distance trains are also guaranteed on all days, including holidays.