Italy Train Strike Refund: Here’s What You Need to Know

Is there such a thing as a train strike refund? If you travel to Italy often enough—or even just once—you’ll likely run into the infamous Italian rail strike. It’s a thing. And while they’re usually announced in advance, they can still throw a serious wrench into your plans.

So, what happens if your train is canceled because of a strike? Do you get your money back?

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The short answer is “Yes, in most cases.” However, it depends on the operator, how you booked your ticket, and sometimes even how much your ticket cost.

Let’s break it down by the leading train operators in Italy, so you know exactly what to expect—and what to do—if your ride suddenly disappears from the departure board.

Train Strike Refunds:

If You’re Traveling with Italo

Italo is a private long-distance train company. If you booked your ticket through their website or mobile app and your train gets canceled due to a strike, you’re in luck—your refund is automatic. You’ll get the full ticket price back within 30 days.

Here’s how it works for your train strike refund:

• You’ll either get a voucher for a future trip or, if you’re part of Italo’s loyalty program (Italo Più), the refund will go into your Italo Wallet as travel credit.
• If the voucher or credit is over €4, you can even “cash it out” by following the instructions in their email.
• This applies to all ticket types, even discounted fares like Low-Cost or Flex.

Did you buy your ticket at the station or from a vending machine? You’re still entitled to a refund, but you must request it. You can visit an Italo desk at any major station or contact customer service directly at 892 020 or Italo Assistance at +39 06 8937 1892.

📝 Pro tip: If you haven’t received the refund after a month, you can file a complaint online or in person. Don’t just wait around.

If You’re Traveling with Trenitalia (Including Frecciarossa, Intercity & Regional Trains)

Trenitalia, Italy’s state-owned train service, covers most of the country, including high-speed and regional routes. If your train is canceled due to a strike and your ticket costs more than €4, you’re eligible for a full refund.

Here’s how it works for your train strike refund:

• As of January 2025, refunds for digital tickets are automatic. You’ll get a text or email with instructions on how to receive your money back.
• You can usually choose between a refund to your bank or credit card or a voucher for future travel.

💡 And yes, the €4 rule applies here, too—if your ticket was under that amount, Trenitalia won’t issue a refund. Not ideal, but that’s the policy.

If You’re Traveling with Trenord in Lombardy

Trenord runs the regional trains around Lombardy (think Milan and its connections to Malpensa Airport). Strikes can affect these routes too, but refunds are available only if your ticket is over €4.

Here’s what to know for your train strike refund:

• If your outbound leg is canceled and you have a round-trip ticket, you can refund the whole thing or keep the return trip.
• You’ve got 30 days from the date of the canceled train to file your refund request.

How to get your refund:

• Visit a Trenord desk
• Log into their website (you’ll need an account) or send a completed refund form and a copy of your ID to: Ufficio Rimborsi, Piazzale Cadorna 14, 20123 Milan. Yes, it’s a little more old-school. But they do process the requests.

A Few Extras to Keep in Mind

Final Thoughts on Train Strike Refunds

Italian rail strikes might sound like a travel horror story, but if you know what to expect and what your rights are, they’re much more manageable. Refunds are possible (and often automatic), and with a bit of planning, you can roll with it.

I recall a trip years ago… a strike suddenly occurred while standing on the platform in Monterosso in Cinque Terre. I believe we were headed to Florence. We worked it out and even helped a few other people waiting on the platform, too. Recently, we experienced one while visiting our elderly friends in Sesto Fiorentino. It took a little maneuvering, but we got home—eventually.

So just remember… don’t let a strike ruin your trip. Be informed, stay flexible, and always have a cappuccino while you figure things out. This is Italy, after all.