Although nationwide transport strikes are relatively rare in Italy, they do happen occasionally. A nationwide train strike could impact your pre-booked rail travel by causing delays and/or cancellations.
Labor strikes are announced in advance, so you should be able to plan ahead for any potential inconveniences due to a transport strike.
National strikes generally take place for a 24-hour period and are often held on a Friday.
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding train strikes in Italy:
How can I find out if a train strike is happening?
The Italian Transport Ministry hosts a webpage that lists upcoming strikes; however, the page is only available in Italian.
To search for upcoming Italy train strikes, go to this page and in the drop-down menus on the upper right, select Filtra per settore "Ferroviario" and Filtra per rilevanza "Nazionale." This filters all the currently listed strikes to look specifically for nationwide train strikes.
Are there any trains guaranteed to run in the event of a strike?
The Leonardo Express train service that connects Rome's Fiumicino Airport with Rome Termini train station is guaranteed to run during a strike. If the trains aren't running, the service will still run with replacement buses during the hours of the strike.
Trains that provide intraregional transport during peak commuter times have guaranteed service during a strike, from 6-9 am and 6-9 pm Monday through Saturday.
Is my train service guaranteed?
If your train is providing local transport during essential services for peak times (from 06:00 to 09:00 and from 18:00 to 21:00 Mon-Sat), these will be guaranteed. Some long-distance trains are also guaranteed on all days, including holidays.
Specific national trains are guaranteed in the event of a strike.
View the list of guaranteed trains during a 24-hr. nationwide strike (through June 8, 2024) here
View the list of guaranteed trains during a strike of less than 24 hrs. on a holiday (through June 8, 2024) here
What happens if the strike start time is when I'm already on my train?
Generally speaking if you're already traveling on your train when a strike begins and you're within one hour of your final destination at the time the strike begins, the train will normally continue to the final destination.
Trains that are unable to reach the final station within one hour of the start of the strike may terminate at a station prior to the final station. If there are other trains available, you can contact a Trenitalia agent in the station to ask for help finding a connection to your original destination.
Could my train be canceled?
Trains may be canceled during the hours a strike takes place. If this happens, train station personnel should be able to help you book the next available train.
Can I get a refund if my train is canceled due to a strike?
If no replacement train is available, you may be able to request a strike refund for your ticket directly at the train station. You can check the fare rules on your ticket to see if it is eligible for a strike refund.
If you purchased your ticket from ItaliaRail, you can contact an ItaliaRail Traveler Experience Specialist after you return from your trip to receive assistance in claiming a strike refund. However, if you wait until you return from your trip it could take upwards of six months to receive your refund, as Trenitalia will be in contact with you directly. ItaliaRail can assist you with filling out a claim but has no influence on whether or not Trenitalia issues a refund.
Can I get travel protection in advance in case I'm affected by a strike?
ItaliaPass Primo members get RailAid travel protection as part of their exclusive benefits. RailAid coverage includes a benefit for travel delay and disruption expenses. For delays in excess of four hours, this benefit pays up to USD $50 per member, and for delays in excess of 12 hours, the benefit pays up to USD $200 towards the cost of a replacement ticket/incremental costs for alternative ticket (same class as original travel); or overnight accommodation if no alternative service is departing the same day (max 3-star, room-only costs).
To learn more about the ItaliaPass Primo Membership and to become a member, visit our ItaliaPass Primo page.
If you have any further questions, please contact an ItaliaRail Traveler Experience Specialist at [email protected] or toll-free in the US at 1-877-375-7245. Our direct local number in Italy is (+39) 06 9763 2451.