Italy's National Transport Strike: 17–18 May Travel Guide

A 24-hour national transport strike called by the Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) began at 21:00 on Sunday 17 May and runs until 20:59 on Monday 18 May 2026. The action targets Trenitalia regional services and Ferrovie dello Stato’s long-distance network, with knock-on effects across metro lines, commuter rail, and airport rail links in the country’s largest cities. Air services are exempt.

Cities most affected today

Rome, Milan, Naples, Florence, and Turin are all experiencing significant service reductions. In Rome, metro lines A and B — the main connections from Termini station to tourist areas, business districts, and Fiumicino airport — are operating on reduced frequency. The Leonardo Express airport train to Fiumicino may not run normally; travelers heading to the airport should allow additional time and consider taxis or pre-booked transfers. In Milan, Trenord suburban rail and metro are disrupted, affecting connections across the city and to Linate and Malpensa airports. Florence, Naples, and Turin face similar reductions on both local and regional lines.

Guaranteed service windows

Italian law requires minimum transport services during industrial action. Trains on the guaranteed services list will run during two protected windows: 06:00–09:00 and 18:00–21:00. Outside these windows, service is significantly reduced and some lines may not run at all. Road traffic across all affected cities is heavier than normal as commuters and travelers switch to private cars and taxis.

If we are traveling today

Check the status of specific trains on the Trenitalia app or at station information desks before leaving accommodation. If we are heading to an airport, treat any airport rail link as potentially unavailable and have a taxi or rideshare booking as a fallback. Long-distance Frecciarossa and Intercity services are among those affected, so travelers with onward connections across cities should build buffer time into their plans.

The next strike: 28–29 May

May 2026 has been a turbulent month for Italy’s transport network. A further national rail strike is scheduled from 21:00 on 28 May until 21:00 on 29 May. Travelers booking train tickets in Italy this month should check the Trenitalia website for the latest strike calendar before purchasing.

Our guide to getting around Italy covers train booking, regional passes, and alternatives to rail travel for each part of the country. For navigating today in Rome, our Rome city guide includes walking routes between central sites for days when metro service is disrupted. We also have city guides for Milan and Florence with local transport alternatives.