Strike in Italy: What to do if you run into one
Strikes are so common in Italy that it’s not unusual for locals to have the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport’s strike schedule saved as a browser favourite. Strikes happen across different service sectors, but the ones that affect travellers most are transport strikes.
If you know in advance that a strike is scheduled, you can plan around it. And even if you find out at the last minute, there are still ways to manage the situation.
Having once run into an unexpected strike myself, I can confidently say this: checking the strike schedule beforehand saves a lot of stress and wasted time.
About strikes
Strikes can be very short (around ten minutes) or last an entire day.
- Short strikes may only delay your journey.
- Longer strikes – several hours or a full day – can force you to change your plans completely.
The good news? Most planned strikes are announced in advance.
Strike schedule
All planned strikes in the public transport sector are listed on the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport website.
You can also check strike times on:
How strikes affect public transport
On strike days, public transport typically runs only during “guaranteed hours”:
6–9 AM and 6–9 PM, Monday to Saturday.
Trains that are already running when a strike starts – and haven’t been cancelled at the station – will usually reach their final destination if it’s possible within one hour of the strike beginning. If not, the train may stop at the nearest reachable station.
Rail companies may also add extra services during strikes. These are usually announced at stations, in the press and on company websites.
Strikes can also cause other unexpected changes, such as adjustments to long-distance routes, so it’s important to stay updated both at the station and online.
What to do if you didn’t know about a strike
- If you didn’t know about the strike and you have accommodation booked elsewhere, inform your accommodation that you’ll be checking in late.
- Watch the information boards at the station – another train or bus may still be running.
- Consider waiting for the last train of the day, as evening services often guarantee some routes.
- Check online – sometimes only train or bus staff are striking, so you might still reach your destination using another transport option.
Final thoughts
Strikes can be frustrating, but they don’t have to ruin your trip. With a little planning and by staying informed, you can keep your journey smooth and stress-free.
The key is flexibility – sometimes the unexpected moments become the best stories.
So don’t let a strike stop you from exploring. Check the schedule, follow the updates and enjoy Italy at your own pace. Every little adventure counts, even when things don’t go exactly as planned.
