Expect Delays: Italian Rail Strike Set to Disrupt Journeys

Italy’s train network is set for a full-day pause on Friday, 23 May 2025, as railway workers across the country prepare to walk off the job. Trains across Italy are expected to stop running between 1:00 in the morning and midnight, as workers from big railway companies like FS Group, Trenitalia, Trenord, and Tper join the strike. Train services across much of Italy are likely to be thrown off course, with many regional and long-distance lines facing slower schedules, unexpected changes, or being scrapped altogether as the strike unfolds.

Only a limited number of long-distance trains will be guaranteed, specifically during weekday commuter periods between 6:00–9:00 in the morning and 18:00–21:00 in the evening. A separate directive issued by the Prefect of Naples ensures that some metropolitan services will operate between 16:00 and 23:59 in that region. Details about guaranteed trains are available on Trenitalia’s official timetable and website.

Travelers planning rail journeys through hubs such as Milan, Florence, Rome, and Naples may be most affected. Routes that connect with major airports like Fiumicino or Malpensa could also experience reduced frequency. Passengers with early departures or late arrivals should explore alternative routes or shift travel to adjacent days to avoid potential disruptions and overcrowded trains during protected timeframes.

The strike is expected to affect rail traffic across almost all Italian regions, including Lombardy, Lazio, Tuscany, and Campania. Travelers can request refunds up to departure for Intercity and Frecce trains, or until midnight the day before for regional services. Although the strike does not include service upgrades, it may lead to stronger pressure on rail operators to enhance reliability and contingency planning.

For anyone planning a trip, this is a loud reminder: sudden strikes can completely mess up tight schedules, especially when everyone’s trying to travel. Keep your plans loose and check for train news often so you don’t get stuck or caught off guard with no way to move. Since trains are the go-to way to move around Italy, it makes sense to expect a few bumps along the way. Planning ahead can help you avoid missed trains and last-minute travel stress.