Update 30 October 2026
- Today, 30 October: the general-strike stoppage of Trenitalia, Frecciarossa, Italo and Trenord runs until 8:59 pm tonight; only the official list of guaranteed mid- and long-distance trains runs, and cancelled airport rail links such as the Malpensa Express are replaced by direct buses (QuiFinanza, updated 27 October).
- New dates (ministry list as read on 27 October): Monday 9 November, Italo national strike from 9:01 am to 4:59 pm (FILT-CGIL, FIT-CISL, UGL Ferrovieri, FAST-Confsal, ORSA); the same day a local RFI maintenance strike in Verona, without effect on tourists; 10 to 11 November, SBB Cargo freight only. The 23-hour national strike of 20 to 21 November is confirmed on the list. Press also lists a general strike with trains stopped from 9 pm on 3 December to 9 pm on 4 December: not yet confirmed.
- Guaranteed bands and refunds: regional trains 6 to 9 am and 6 to 9 pm on weekdays (Trenord also on Saturdays). Trenitalia refunds a trip given up because of a strike without deductions (Smart Refund on Frecce and Intercity); Trenord within 30 days.
Rail strike calendar as of 27 October 2026
| Date | Who is striking | Effect on trains | Status on 27 October |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29-30 October | General strike (USB) | Trenitalia from 9 pm on the 29th to 8:59 pm on the 30th; regional trains follow the 6-9 am and 6-9 pm bands | Confirmed: USB kept transport in on 15 October despite the guarantee commission's exemption-period request; check again on 28-29 October |
| 10-11 November | SBB Cargo Italia | Freight trains only, from 9 pm on the 10th to 4:59 am on the 11th | No effect on travellers |
| 13-16 November | Local transport in Milan, Venice, Bari and Naples | Local buses and metros, not national trains | Rome is not involved |
| 20-21 November | CUB Trasporti and SGB Ferrovie | National network, 9 pm Friday to 8 pm Saturday (23 hours) | Filed (ministry register, via Studenti.it, 19 October); guaranteed bands not yet published |
| 17 December to 7 January | No strike found | Christmas exemption period | Rail strikes are banned |
How train strikes work in Italy
- Notice: at least 10 days, under law 146/1990. The official calendar is on scioperi.mit.gov.it and on the guarantee commission's site.
- Guaranteed bands: on weekdays regional trains are guaranteed from 6 to 9 am and from 6 to 9 pm. Trenitalia and Italo publish the list of guaranteed long-distance trains a few days ahead.
- Length: national strikes usually last 8 or 24 hours and start the evening before, at 9 pm.
- Exemption periods: strikes are not allowed during exemption periods, including 30 October to 5 November according to the guarantee commission and 17 December to 7 January.
Refunds and rights on the train
- Cancelled train or delay over 60 minutes: EU regulation 2021/782 gives you the right to a refund of the ticket or to rerouting.
- Trenitalia and Italo: usually offer a free change or a refund for cancelled trains; check the conditions in the strike notice and apply online or at the ticket office.
- Delay compensation (25% of the fare from 60 minutes, 50% from 120): it depends on the cause and the carrier, which can refuse it; ask in writing.
- Long wait: the carrier must offer meals and, if needed, a hotel night. Keep tickets and receipts.
What to do if your train is affected
For Fiumicino, the Leonardo Express is a Trenitalia train and can be cancelled: the fixed-fare taxi (55 euros to the centre, see Rome taxis) or a pre-booked private transfer is safer; the Leonardo Express remains the cheapest option on normal days. Between cities, coaches (FlixBus, Itabus) also run during strikes. For exact dates in Rome read the 30 October general strike and the 20 November one; for the general rules Strikes in Rome, for buses and metro the ATAC strike and for planes air strikes in Italy.
What to do safely during the transport strike
Here is a plan B to keep your trip going without taking risks.
- Outing that does not depend on the strike: Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast, organised trip with transport included, no train or bus to book yourself.
- Airport transfer: transfer from Rome Fiumicino airport, no train, metro or bus to catch.
- For the airport leg, Welcome Pickups offers a private driver booked in advance, so you do not depend on trains, the metro or buses.
- Calm hotel, free cancellation: hotels in Trastevere, quiet area, refundable if your plans change.
FAQ
Is there a train strike today?
As of 27 October 2026 we found no rail strike for the coming days before the one on 29-30 October. Check scioperi.mit.gov.it the day before you travel.
Can I take the Rome-Florence train on 30 October?
Only if your train is on the Trenitalia or Italo guaranteed list, or outside the strike hours (before 9 pm on the 29th or after 8:59 pm on the 30th). If in doubt, pick a time in the 6-9 am or 6-9 pm bands, or a coach.
How do I get a refund for a cancelled train?
Online on the carrier's website or app, or at the ticket office, with the ticket and the date. A refund or change for a cancelled train is always due; delay compensation is not automatic.
Sources consulted on 27 October 2026: Studenti.it (19 October, from the ministry register), Vivereroma (26 October), USB trasporti (15 October), guarantee commission (13 October), Quotidiano Motori (30 September), Roma Servizi per la Mobilità. The ministry calendar was not reachable from our tools: check the dates on scioperi.mit.gov.it.
