Train strikes in Italy: what to do and your rights
If you’re travelling in Italy and a train strike is announced, here’s everything you need to know to stay on track and minimise disruption.
What happens during a train strike in Italy?
Train strikes in Italy can affect services operated by:
- Trenitalia
- Italo
- Trenord
During strikes:
- Some trains are cancelled or delayed
- A minimum level of service is guaranteed
- Certain trains continue to run, especially at key times of day
Are any trains guaranteed to run?
Yes. Even during strikes, operators must run a limited number of guaranteed services agreed with unions.
Typically:
- Essential routes still operate
- There are protected time slots (fasce garantite) — usually morning and evening commuter periods
- High-speed and long-distance services may be prioritised
Always check the official list of guaranteed trains before you travel.
What should you do if there’s a strike?
Here’s the steps you can take:
1. Check your train status
- Use the Trainline app or website for live updates
- Monitor emails, SMS, or push notifications for changes
2. Look for alternative trains
- If your train is cancelled, you may be able to:
- Switch to another service
- Travel at a different time
3. Consider other transport
- Coaches and buses can be a good fallback option
4. Contact customer support if needed
- Especially if your journey is complex or international
What happens in the event of a Trenitalia strike?
In the event of a strike, Trenitalia guarantees certain minimum transport services , established through agreements with the unions.
This means that:
- Some trains continue to run (trains guaranteed)
- Others may be delayed or cancelled
When a strike is called, we update this page with the list of guaranteed trains.
Also, remember that trains already running at the start of the strike:
- They arrive at their destination if they can do so within an hour of the start of the agitation.
- They may stop at a station before their final destination if the time exceeds one hour.
What to look out for during a strike
During a rail strike, sudden changes can occur, such as:
- Timetable changes
- Changes of itinerary (especially for long-distance trains)
For this reason, it is important:
- Check for updates before you leave
- Pay attention to announcements at the station
- Follow official communications
When are you entitled to a refund for a Trenitalia strike?
You can request a ticket refund in the following cases:
- You are cancelling your trip because you cannot travel during the times when minimum national train services are guaranteed.
- Your train is cancelled
If you purchased your ticket before the official strike announcement, you can request a refund:
- Until the train's departure time (for Frecce and Intercity trains)
- Until midnight on the day before the strike (for regional trains)
Alternatively, you can change your trip at no additional cost by choosing a new solution compatible with seat availability.
How to request a Trenitalia refund?
You can request a refund directly from the railway company:
- By filling out the dedicated form on the Trenitalia website
- Using the Smart Refund service (available for tickets with Frecce or Intercity)
The methods may vary depending on the type of ticket and the route.
What should you do if there's a Trenord and regional train strike?
In the event of a Trenord or regional train strike, some services will continue to be guaranteed , while others may be cancelled or modified.
Here are the guaranteed time slots (outside these times, trains may be cancelled or changed):
- From 6:00 to 9:00
- From 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
To check which trains run in Lombardy, consult the official list of guaranteed Trenord trains.
Airport connections (Milan - Malpensa) during the strike
If airport trains are cancelled, replacement buses may be activated:
- Between Milan Cadorna and Malpensa Airport T1
- Between Stabio and Malpensa Airport T1 (without intermediate stops)
In Milan Cadorna , buses leave from via Paleocapa 1 (on the right when looking at the station facade).
The train ticket is also valid on the replacement bus.
What happens to trains already in motion?
If the train has already departed at the start of the strike:
- Arrive at your destination if you can do so within an hour
- It can stop at an earlier station if the time exceeds one hour
How can I get a refund for the Trenord and regional train strike?
If you are unable to travel at the guaranteed times and have already purchased your ticket, you can request a refund.
- For Trenitalia regional trains:
- Fill out the online form on the Trenitalia website
- For Trenord trains:
- Submit the form within 30 days of your scheduled departure:
- By email to rimborsi.trenord@legalmail.it
- Or by mail to: TRENORD, Piazza Cadorna 14, 20123 Milan (indicating "Request for refund/compensation")
- Submit the form within 30 days of your scheduled departure:
Alternatively, you can consider changing your ticket according to the conditions provided.
What to look out for during the strike
During a rail strike, sudden changes can occur, such as:
- Timetable changes
- Itinerary changes
For this reason, we recommend that you:
- Check the status of your train on our app
- Pay attention to announcements at the station
Trains always guaranteed (international Eurocity)
Some Eurocity trains to/from Vienna and Munich are guaranteed to run even during strikes – regardless of whether it is a weekday or a holiday.
Timetables during the winter period (Brennero - Bologna route):
- EC83 [Brenner 12:14 - Bologna 16:08]
- EC82 [Bologna 1:52 PM - Brenner 5:48 PM]
Timetables during the summer period (extended route Brennero - Ancona):
- EC83 [Brenner 12:14 - Ancona 19:10]
- EC82 [Ancona 11:30 - Brenner 17:48]
Italo Strike: What's Happening and What to Do
In the event of a strike, Italo also guarantees some minimum transport services. This means:
- Some trains continue to run (trains guaranteed)
- Others can be deleted or modified
When a strike is called, we update this page with the list of guaranteed trains.
How to check if your Italo train is cancelled
To find out if your train is involved in the strike:
- Check the list of guaranteed trains and our app
- Check any communications received (emails or notifications)
- Pay attention to the announcements at the station
Timetables and routes may be subject to change even at the last minute.
What to look out for during an Italian strike
During a strike, sudden changes can occur:
- Cancellations
- Delays
- Route changes
To avoid any inconvenience, we recommend that you:
- Check the status of your train before departure
- Arrive at the station early
- Monitor updates in real time
When are you entitled to a reimbursement from Italo for a strike?
If your train is cancelled and there are no suitable travel alternatives, you can request a refund.
In this case:
- Refunds are generally issued within 30 days
- It is provided in the form of a "Credito Italo" voucher
Conditions may vary depending on the type of ticket purchased.
How to request an Italo refund
The refund can be managed directly by the railway company.
For assistance, you can:
- Contact Italo customer service at 892020 (subject to charges)
- Check the updated information on the official website
In some cases, the refund may be automatic.
On the app you can find all the information on train traffic in real time.
- Check departures and arrivals from the app
- Get information about your departure platform and notifications about your trips
- Get train traffic updates throughout your journey
- Get notified if your train is delayed or cancelled