Spain Train Strike Warning as Services Face Thursday Disruption
Spain's Renfe strike on 29 October could disrupt trains in Madrid, Barcelona and beyond. Find out which services are affected and what travellers should do.
British holidaymakers travelling around Spain on Thursday 29 October 2026 could face rail disruption as train drivers prepare for a nationwide 24-hour strike affecting Renfe services.
The walkout is scheduled to run from 12.01am until 11.59pm local time, with commuter, regional and high-speed trains potentially affected. Passengers travelling between major cities or using trains to reach airports are being urged to check their journeys before setting off.
Why are train drivers striking?
The industrial action has been called by the Spanish train drivers’ union Semaf, which is demanding improvements to railway safety.
Its concerns include procedures during severe weather, communication between railway staff during emergencies and the reliability of trains.
Renfe has challenged the strike, arguing that some of the union’s demands concern responsibilities outside the company’s control. However, minimum services have been established to keep part of the railway operating.
Which trains will run during the strike?
Across much of Spain, Renfe commuter services are expected to operate at 75% of their normal frequency during designated peak hours, falling to 50% at other times.
Medium-distance trains have been allocated an average minimum service level of 65%, while high-speed and long-distance services have been allocated 73%.
The percentages do not mean that every route will have the same number of trains. Individual departures may still be cancelled, so passengers should check their booked service.
Different arrangements for Barcelona
Travellers visiting Barcelona and other parts of Catalonia face different arrangements on Rodalies commuter and regional trains.
Services will operate at a minimum of 66% during peak periods, from 6am to 9.30am and 5pm to 8.30pm. Outside those hours, the minimum level falls to 33%.
This could affect passengers travelling between Barcelona and surrounding towns, including those relying on local rail connections during their holiday.
What should holidaymakers do?
Passengers should check the Renfe or Rodalies website before leaving for the station, particularly if their journey involves an airport connection or an onward flight.
Anyone whose train is cancelled should contact the operator about alternative travel or a refund before purchasing a replacement ticket.
The strike remains scheduled for Thursday 29 October, although services and industrial action arrangements can be updated at short notice.
Travellers should therefore check their specific departure on the day rather than assuming the published minimum percentages guarantee their train will operate.
