How train strikes work in Italy
- They are announced in advance, usually several days before.
- National rail strikes often run from 21:00 one day to 21:00 the next. Regional or company strikes can be shorter, for example a morning or a daytime window.
- A strike can involve Trenitalia, Italo, regional operators such as Trenord, or only some of them. Read which companies are involved.
Where to check strike dates
- The Italian Ministry of Transport’s official strike calendar (scioperi.mit.gov.it).
- The news pages and apps of Trenitalia, Italo and regional operators such as Trenord.
- Your booking emails: operators often contact passengers whose trains may be affected.
Guaranteed trains and time bands
Italian rules require some essential services to run during a strike:
| Service | What runs |
|---|---|
| Regional trains, weekdays | Guaranteed in the bands 06:00 – 09:00 and 18:00 – 21:00. |
| Long-distance trains (Frecce, Intercity, Italo) | Trains on the guaranteed list published by each operator for that strike. |
| Trains already traveling | Usually reach their destination if they are due to arrive within about an hour of the strike start. |
A train that is not on the guaranteed list is not automatically cancelled — many still run — but you cannot count on it.
Refunds and changes
Trenitalia
- Frecce and Intercity: you can ask for a refund up to the scheduled departure of your train, or change to another train subject to availability.
- Regional tickets: refund requests usually must be made by midnight before the strike day.
Italo
If your train is not guaranteed, you can change to a guaranteed train or cancel free of charge before departure, online or through Italo’s customer service.
Rules can be updated for each strike, so always read the operator’s notice for your date.
On the strike day
- Travel inside the guaranteed bands if you depend on regional trains — leave early in the morning or in the evening.
- Move to a guaranteed long-distance train if your own train is not on the list.
- Consider alternatives: long-distance buses, a domestic flight between distant cities, or a rental car for a road day.
- Keep the day flexible. Put museums and walks first and the transfer at a time you know is covered.
- Watch the departure boards. Cancelled trains show soppresso; delays show ritardo.
Italian words to know
When the plan changes, rebuild — don’t restart.
In 687 Italy, Signals lets travelers report and confirm disruptions like strikes, and messages keep you informed. If you lose a train, Rescue focuses on the next practical action, and Smart Route rebuilds the rest of the day around what still fits. On transfer days, Check trains, Check flights and Navigate are one tap away.