Are train strikes common in Italy?


Are train strikes common in Italy? Return to FAQ page. What do I do if there's a train strike? Strikes on Italian trains are infrequent enough that you might travel through the country many times and never have to deal with one. It only takes one instance of having travel plans thwarted by an unexpected strike, however, to ruin a trip.


What are the dates of the Italy rail strikes in 2023?

in NOVEMBER 2023 On Saturday November 11th the workers of the Italo railway company are on strike for 8 hours from 9am to 5pm. Airport handling operators will abstain from work on Friday November 24th. On Sunday 26 November, the Trenord teams are in union agitation for 23 hours from 03 AM until 02 AM on November 27th.


Are Italian trains usually late?

You can always have delayed trains but as rule the Italian trains run on time as well as well as anyone else.


Do they ever check train tickets in Italy?

If the conductor comes to check your ticket and it's not validated, you may have to pay a fine. You will also be charged a fee if you buy your ticket on the train from the conductor so try to do it at the station. Validate your regional train ticket by stamping it in this machine.


How reliable are the trains in Italy?

Trains in Italy are generally good value; frequent, but of mixed reliability. The railway market in Italy has been opened to competition, so on some high speed routes you have the choice between Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori or Italo (privately owned) and Trenitalia (state owned).


Is it easy to book trains in Italy?

The easiest way to book train tickets in advance is by using either trainline.com or trenitalia.com, with both being valid for Italian train tickets.


What happens if you miss the train in Italy?

If you miss your train, simply approach the ticket counter, or Biglietteria, present your original ticket, and ask about your options. The representative will be able to advise you based on your individual ticket.


How far in advance should I get to the train station in Italy?

Arrive at the train station with at least 20 minutes before departure. You don't need to worry about long security lines but you will need enough time to check the electronic boards which display the train numbers and their corresponding track number (or bin./binario in Italian).


Can you bring food on train in Italy?

Budget passengers are advised to visit the local supermarket and stock up before boarding trains, since carrying your own food is perfectly acceptable and expected. Dining car service is provided on international trains in Europe, but only at specific times. Trains equipped with bar cars serve light meals at any time.


Are there toilets on Italian trains?

There is typically one bathroom per train car on Italian trains. On newer trains, and especially high-speed trains, they are more spacious than what you might find on an airplane and offer the same basic features as those of a plane lavatory - a flushable toilet, sink with running water, soap, and paper towels.


Which is better Italo or Trenitalia?

Like I mentioned above, Italo is usually cheaper than Trenitalia but because the cabins on lower-class tickets aren't the most comfortable, I'll usually consider Italo only for trains that are less than 2 or 3 hours long unless the Comfort ticket class is cheaper than Trenitalia.


Can you sit anywhere on Italian trains?

Some trains require seat reservations, and on other trains it's optional. If you're riding a train on which reservations are only recommended or completely optional and you don't have a reservation, you can sit in any available seat in the appropriate class you have booked.


Are rail strikes planned for May 2023?

4 May 2023 A number of strikes on the national rail networks have been announced on dates in May and June 2023. Please keep an eye on the news and be aware that your travel may be disrupted. Rail workers are due to strike on Friday 12 May, Saturday 13 May, Wednesday 31 May and Saturday 3 June.