Italy Train Strikes: What to Do If Your Train Is Cancelled
Train strikes are relatively common in Italy and can affect regional, Intercity and high-speed services. If you are traveling during a strike, the most important thing is to check whether your specific train is affected rather than assuming that all trains will be cancelled.
Here is what to do if your journey is affected by an Italian train strike.
1. Check if your train is affected
Railway companies will often send passengers an email if their booked train is cancelled or affected by a strike. Before going to the station, check your email and any notifications from the railway operator or the company where you purchased your ticket.
You should also check the latest information from the railway operator.
During a strike, some trains may continue operating as guaranteed services, while others may be cancelled or modified.
A strike does not necessarily mean that every train on the route will stop running.
2. Check the guaranteed trains
Both Trenitalia and Italo may operate guaranteed trains during a strike.
For Trenitalia, guaranteed services vary depending on the type of train. Regional trains generally have guaranteed services during specific time periods, while some long-distance trains are included in the list of guaranteed services.
Italo also publishes a list of guaranteed trains for each strike. The list includes the train number, route and scheduled departure time, so you can check whether your Italo train is expected to operate.
The exact guaranteed trains depend on the specific strike, so always check the list published for your travel date.
3. If your train is cancelled
If your train is cancelled because of a strike, check the options offered by the railway operator before buying another ticket yourself.
Depending on the situation, you may be able to:
- Take a different train
- Continue your journey using an alternative service
- Cancel your journey and request a refund
For Italo, if a train is cancelled before departure, passengers can choose between a full refund or continuing their journey to the final destination using available replacement services or the first available Italo train, under the applicable conditions.
Do not assume that you can simply board another train with the same ticket. Before boarding an alternative train, always confirm with railway staff.
4. Can you get a refund?
If you decide not to travel because of a strike, a refund may be available without the normal cancellation fee.
This is different from cancelling a ticket simply because you have changed your plans. Normal fare conditions may include a cancellation fee or may not allow refunds at all.
5. What if you are already at the station?
If you are already at the station when the strike affects your train:
- Check the departure boards for the latest information.
- Look for announcements about cancelled or guaranteed trains.
- Ask station staff about alternative services.
- Before boarding an alternative train, confirm with railway staff that your ticket can be used.
- Keep your original ticket and any cancellation or strike notification.
6. What if a strike makes you miss a connecting train?
If you have a connection, do not immediately buy a new ticket.
First check whether the railway operator provides an alternative connection or allows you to continue your journey on another train. This is particularly important when your journey involves different railway companies or separately booked tickets.
If you have separate tickets for separate journeys, the second ticket may have its own conditions, even if the first train was cancelled because of a strike.
Quick checklist
If you are traveling in Italy during a train strike:
Check your email → Check your train status → Check guaranteed trains → Confirm your options → Change or refund your ticket if necessary.
Most importantly, do not assume that a train strike means your entire journey has to be cancelled. Check the status of your specific train and confirm with railway staff before boarding an alternative service.
