Train strike in Italy: how to travel anyway

When trains stop because of a strike, there are three main alternatives: a rental car, a long-distance bus or a ride share. Here is when each one makes sense, how to plan in time and the next train strikes scheduled in Italy.

Next train strikes

Monday, 9 November 2026 Trains · Veneto Personale Manutenzione ed Ingegneria Soc. RFI Doit Verona Unità Territoriale Sud Verona (Veneto) Called by OSR ORSA FERROVIE Monday, 9 November 2026 Trains · Nationwide Italo-ntv All of Italy · 8 hours: from 09:01 to 16:59 Called by FILT-CGIL/FIT-CISL/UGL FERROVIERI/FAST-CONFSAL/ORSA TRASPORTI Monday, 9 November 2026 Trains · Nationwide Personale Operativo Equipaggi Soc. Italo NTV All of Italy · 22 hours: from 02:00 to 23:59 Called by UILT-UIL Friday, 20 November 2026 (until 21 November 2026) Multi-sector · Nationwide Personale Imprese che Svolgono Attività Ferroviaria All of Italy Called by CUB TRASPORTI/SGB FERROVIE

All 8 upcoming train strikes →

First of all: check the guaranteed trains

Some trains run even during a strike. Trenitalia and Italo publish the list of guaranteed trains before each strike; commuter hours, usually 6–9 am and 6–9 pm, are normally protected. Check your train on the operator's website before you travel. If your train is on the list of guaranteed trains, you don't need an alternative: check it on the Trenitalia, Italo or regional operator website before booking anything else.

Renting a car during the strike

A rental car is the most flexible alternative: you leave when you want and reach your destination without changes. It makes sense especially if you travel as a group or family, have luggage or your destination is not well served by buses.

Book as soon as the strike is announced: on strike days more people look for an alternative to the train.
Pick up at the station or airport: the main stations and all major airports have rental offices.
Check the deposit and card: many companies require a credit card in the driver's name for the deposit.
Read the excess and cover: the excess is what you pay in case of damage; consider reducing it.
Watch fuel and drop-off: prefer a "full to full" fuel policy; returning the car in another city may cost extra.

What is DiscoverCars

DiscoverCars is a car rental comparison site: one search compares offers from over 1,000 rental companies in 164 countries, Italy included, with the final price already including taxes and mandatory fees. According to the information it publishes, it offers free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up, 24/7 customer support in several languages and a 4.6 rating on Trustpilot.

Long-distance buses

Long-distance buses connect the main Italian cities and are often the cheapest option for solo travellers. On train strike days they fill up faster than usual: book as soon as the strike is announced. A train strike does not affect private long-distance buses, but check that a general strike has not been called for the same day.

Car sharing

With ride-sharing platforms you can find a lift from someone driving the same route and share the travel costs. It is a cheap option between cities; choose drivers with good reviews and confirm the ride in advance.

Train ticket refund or change

If your train is cancelled because of the strike, railway operators provide a refund or a change of ticket. The conditions and deadlines are set out on the websites of Trenitalia, Italo and the regional operators: apply as soon as possible.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth renting a car during a train strike?

It is worth it especially if you travel with two or more people (the cost is shared), have luggage, your destination is poorly served by buses or you need to leave at a specific time. For one person on a route served by buses, the bus is often the cheapest option.

What is DiscoverCars and is it reliable?

DiscoverCars is a car rental comparison site: in a single search it compares offers from over 1,000 rental companies in 164 countries and lets you book online. According to the information it publishes, it offers free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up, 24/7 customer support and a 4.6 rating on Trustpilot. As with any rental, read the terms on deposit, excess and fuel before you confirm.

Can I pick up a rental car at the station?

The main Italian railway stations and all major Italian airports have car rental offices. In the comparison site you can search directly by station, airport or city and choose the most convenient pick-up point.

How far in advance are train strikes announced?

By Italian law (Law 146/1990), a transport strike must be announced at least 10 days in advance. That gives you time to plan: check the upcoming strikes and book an alternative as soon as you know your train might not run.

Is my train ticket refunded in case of a strike?

Railway operators provide a refund or a change of ticket for trains cancelled because of a strike. The conditions and deadlines are set out on the websites of Trenitalia, Italo and the regional operators.

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