Transport Strikes in Italy: When They Happen and How to Prepare

Italy is famous for many things — art, cuisine, fashion — and, unfortunately, frequent transport strikes. One day it’s the airlines, the next it’s the railway workers, and sometimes the buses or metro stop running altogether. Between plane, train, and public transport strikes, travelers can lose valuable vacation time if caught unprepared. But after reading this guide, you’ll know exactly how to check upcoming strikes in advance and how to minimize the impact on your trip.

When Is the Next Transport Strike in Italy?

Before booking any form of transport in Italy, or at least a few days before your trip, check the official website of the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT):
👉 https://scioperi.mit.gov.it/mit2/public/scioperi

This is the country’s official strike calendar, where unions are required by law to publish all planned strikes, including dates, times, and the areas affected — whether it’s a single city, a region, or a nationwide strike.

The website lists strikes chronologically. Clicking on each entry reveals details about the sector involved and the exact duration. For instance, a national rail strike might last a full day, while a local bus strike could be limited to a few hours.

Keep in mind that Italian law guarantees minimum transport services during peak hours, so some trains, buses, and metro lines still operate — just with reduced frequency.

How to Prepare for a Transport Strike in Italy

When a transport strike happens in Italy, both locals and travelers feel the impact. However, a little preparation can help you avoid unnecessary stress.

Here are some practical tips:

• Stay connected: Make sure your smartphone has internet access on the day of the strike so you can check updates in real time. If your battery drains quickly, bring a power bank. For travelers, an international eSIM is an easy way to stay online — you can get 5% off Holafly eSIMs with code TIPS.
• Check official websites: If you already have a train or flight booked, check the operator’s official website for updates, cancellations, or rebooking options.
• Allow extra time: If you need to catch an international flight or attend an important event, leave earlier than usual — or consider staying near the airport the night before.

Transport Strikes in Rome

In Rome, strikes usually affect ATAC services, which include buses, trams, and metro lines. Check the latest updates on the official ATAC website.

During strikes, transport can be very limited, especially outside peak hours. To move around:

• Walk or rent an electric bike: The city center’s main attractions are relatively close to one another.
• Use hop-on hop-off buses: Private tourist buses usually keep operating and can be a good alternative for sightseeing.
• Rent a scooter: Consider renting a motorino if you’re comfortable driving in Rome.
• Take a taxi or Uber: Expect longer wait times and higher demand.
• Rent a car: If you were planning a day trip outside Rome, renting a car might be the most reliable option.

Did you know there’s a hotel inside Rome’s International Airport? You can check availability and book your stay here.

Transport Strikes in Florence

In Florence, strikes mainly affect Autolinee Toscane, which operates local buses and trams.

• Explore on foot: Most of Florence’s landmarks are within walking distance.
• Rent a bike or e-scooter: Perfect for reaching scenic spots like Piazzale Michelangelo.
• Book a taxi or private transfer (NCC): They operate normally and can be reserved in advance.
• Rent a car in Florence: if you’re planning to explore the Tuscan countryside or visit nearby towns like Siena, Pisa, or San Gimignano, renting a car can be a great option for flexibility and comfort.
• Consider day tours: If regional trains are affected, you can join organized day trips departing from Florence — a stress-free way to explore Tuscany.

Transport Strikes in Milan

Milan’s public transport system, managed by ATM, includes metro, buses, and trams — all of which can be affected by strikes.

To get around:

• Use shared bikes or scooters: They’re available all over the city.
• Check regional trains: Sometimes Trenord services continue to run even when city transport is down.
• Stay central: Booking a hotel near the Duomo or Porta Nuova makes it easy to explore on foot.

Plan your stay with our trusted partner: Search hotels in Milan.

Read also: How to Get from Milan Malpensa Airport to Florence

Transport Strikes in Venice

In Venice, public transport is unique — it’s all on water. The ACTV vaporetto boats are the main public service, and they can also be affected by strikes.

• Walk as much as possible: Most of Venice is easily walkable through bridges and canals.
• Water taxis: They are much more expensive but operate independently of public strikes.
• Tourist boats and gondolas: These usually continue operating and can be used for short trips if needed.
• Allow extra time: Especially if you need to reach Mestre or the Marco Polo Airport.

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What If You Already Bought a Train Ticket?

If a train is canceled due to a strike, contact the train company immediately. Each has its own refund policy:

Trenitalia:

During transport strikes, Trenitalia guarantees a limited number of essential services to keep passengers moving, especially during peak travel hours. To see which national and regional trains will still operate and which routes have been suspended or rescheduled, check the dedicated strike information page on the official Trenitalia website.

If your train is canceled due to a strike, you are entitled to a full refund with no penalty, valid for up to one year from the booking date. Refund requests can be made in several ways:

• Online form: available for ticketless fares purchased through the website or app.
• At the ticket office: simply present your booking confirmation and ID.
• By phone: through the Trenitalia Call Center, if your ticket was purchased online, via app, or through the call center itself.
• By mail: sending your request to Trenitalia S.p.A., Ufficio Reclami e Rimborsi, Piazza della Croce Rossa 1, 00161 Rome, Italy.

Refunds can only be requested by the person whose name appears on the ticket or by someone officially authorized by them. Please note that tickets partially paid with a discount voucher (buono sconto) are not refundable.

Trenitalia Tper

You can cancel your trip by 24:00 of the day before the strike through their online form.

Trenord

Requests for refunds must be made within 30 days from the travel date following the procedure on the official site.

Italo

If your train is delayed by 60 minutes or more, a credit or voucher is automatically issued within 30 days. You can also request a full refund to your bank account through the Italo website.

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Transport strikes in Italy can be inconvenient, but they don’t have to ruin your trip. With a bit of planning, flexibility, and real-time updates, you can still enjoy your Italian adventure — even when the trains stop.

If you’ve experienced a transport strike in Italy, share your tips in the comments below — your experience might help other travelers navigate the chaos a little more smoothly.