Key Notes
- Renfe drivers are called to strike on October 29, with minimum services and separate commuter arrangements in Catalonia.
- Italy’s national rail action runs from 21:00 on October 29 to 20:59 on October 30.
- Ouigo has full-day strikes planned for October 30 and November 2, followed by four partial strike dates.
Travelers taking trains in Spain and Italy face separate strikes on October 29–30, with further Ouigo stoppages planned into December. Minimum-service arrangements will keep some trains running, but passengers need to check their specific departure rather than assume the normal timetable applies.
Renfe drivers are called to strike throughout October 29. Italy’s national rail action begins at 21:00 that evening and ends at 20:59 on October 30, while Ouigo’s Spanish drivers have a separate walkout on October 30. All times below are local.
Renfe: Reduced Services on October 29
SEMAF’s Renfe walkout is scheduled from 00:01 to 23:59 on Thursday, October 29. Renfe’s service notice sets out these national minimum levels:
- High-speed and long-distance: 73% of the normal service.
- Medium-distance: an average of 65%.
- Cercanías commuter trains: 75% during peak periods and 50% during the rest of the day, with separate arrangements in Catalonia.
Catalonia’s regional notice specifies 66% for Rodalies and regional services during peak hours, 06:00–09:30 and 17:00–20:30, and 33% at other times. Services may be distributed unevenly, so those percentages do not mean a train will arrive at regular intervals. High-speed and long-distance minimum services remain at 73%.
Ouigo: Two Full-Day Strikes and Four Partial Dates
Ouigo’s Spanish operation faces a different strike calendar. The planned stoppages are:
- October 30 and November 2: full-day action, 00:01–23:59.
- November 6 and 9, and December 4 and 8: partial action, 06:00–12:00 and 18:00–23:59.
The dispute concerns working conditions. SEMAF alleges breaches of the collective agreement; Ouigo says it respects the agreement and remains open to negotiations. The Renfe minimum-service percentages above should not be applied to Ouigo bookings.
Italy: Check Guaranteed Trains for October 29–30
Italy’s transport calendar lists the national rail stoppage from 21:00 on October 29 to 20:59 on October 30 as part of USB’s general strike. It also lists a separate regional Trenitalia staff action in Emilia-Romagna from 21:00 on October 28 to 21:00 on October 29, relevant to travelers using Bologna, Reggio Emilia and Rimini.
For Trenitalia, consult the operator’s guaranteed services. Weekday regional essential-service windows are 06:00–09:00 and 18:00–21:00; that is a reason to check the published list, rather than a guarantee that every scheduled regional train will run.
Italo has also published a train list for October 29–30. Match the train number, date and any notes to your reservation, especially for a journey already underway when the strike begins.
Allow Extra Time for Malpensa Airport Transfers
In Lombardy, Trenord’s strike notice confirms the same national action window. If airport trains are cancelled, replacement buses are planned between Milano Cadorna and Malpensa for the RE54 connection, and between Stabio and Malpensa for the S50 airport link. Check the boarding point and allow extra time before a flight.
Review the operator’s latest notices before leaving, keep booking notifications enabled and check the available rebooking or refund options if your train is affected. Longer trips also need a return-date check: our November strike calendar covers later Italian disruption separately.
These are announced strike plans, and negotiations or official interventions can change them. The most useful check is the latest status of your booked train, including any connecting service or airport transfer.
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