Three Southern European Countries Plan to Stall Their Trains This Week

Rail travelers in southern Europe face a cluster of strikes at the end of this week. According to SafeAbroad’s weekly outlook, a nationwide Renfe strike on October 29 may disrupt Cercanías commuter trains, Media Distancia, long-distance and high-speed services across Spain. A day later, on October 30, drivers at the high-speed operator Ouigo plan a 24-hour strike affecting routes that serve Madrid, Barcelona and Seville. Anyone with onward connections should check their operator’s app before heading to the station.

Italy is affected as well. Airport and transport staff are due to strike on October 29 and 30, with rail and highway operations halting from 9:00 PM on October 29 until 9:00 PM on October 30. Taxis plan to postpone services throughout October 30, and city bus services are expected to be hit. Travelers flying into or out of Italian airports on those days should confirm flight status directly with their airline rather than assuming normal operations.

Portugal completes the picture. Rail workers at Comboios de Portugal plan a 24-hour nationwide strike on October 30, and Alfa Pendular, Intercidades, international, interregional and regional services may be disrupted from October 29 to 31. Minimum service levels had not been announced when SafeAbroad published its report, and passengers may seek refunds or rebook without fees, so it is worth keeping tickets flexible where possible.

Barcelona adds a further complication on the ground. Plaça Catalunya, Plaça de l’Universitat and Plaça d’Urquinaona remained closed after protests on October 24 that led to 128 arrests, and police presence is heightened across the city. The practical advice is to build slack into any itinerary that crosses these three countries between October 29 and 31, and to have a road or air alternative in mind if a key connection is cancelled.

Sources: SafeAbroad