Europe Travel Disruptions in November 2026: Train Strikes, Rail Works and Travel Alerts
Europe Travel Disruptions in November 2026: What Travellers Need to Know
Travelling around Europe in November? You may need to make a few adjustments to your plans.
Several European countries are facing announced transport strikes and scheduled railway engineering works during November 2026. These developments could affect train services, airport connections and international rail journeys.
France has a nationwide strike call for November 5, Spain is facing further railway strike action on November 10 and 12, and Italy has a national railway strike scheduled for November 20–21.
Meanwhile, engineering work will affect some international train connections between Switzerland and France.
For tourists, international students, business travellers and people visiting family, checking transport information before departure will be particularly important.
Here is a country-by-country guide to the main developments reported as of October 31, 2026.
1. France: Nationwide Strike Call on November 5
France is preparing for possible transport disruption on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
A nationwide cross-sector strike has been called, with all four representative railway unions also calling on SNCF employees to participate.
Which services could be affected?
Potentially affected services include:
- TGV high-speed trains
- Ouigo services
- Intercités trains
- Regional TER services
- Paris-area RER and Transilien commuter services
Local public transport and air travel could also experience disruption depending on participation.
Are train cancellations confirmed?
Not yet. As of October 31, SNCF Connect says detailed information about possible disruption has not been published.
The operator expects traffic forecasts to become available around 48 hours before the strike.
Advice for travellers: If you are travelling through Paris or taking a train elsewhere in France on November 5, check your train number and departure time before leaving for the station.
2. Spain: Renfe Train Drivers Announce Further Strikes
Spain is facing another period of potential railway disruption in November.
The train drivers’ union SEMAF announced two additional strike dates affecting the Renfe Group.
Important dates
| Date | Planned action |
|---|---|
| November 10 | Full-day strike |
| November 11 | General strike called by CCOO and UGT |
| November 12 | Partial railway strike action |
The three consecutive dates could create difficulties for passengers travelling across Spain.
Which services could be affected?
Renfe operates several types of passenger services, including:
- AVE high-speed trains
- Avlo services
- Alvia and Euromed trains
- Intercity services
- Media Distancia regional trains
- Cercanías commuter services
The extent of disruption will depend on minimum-service arrangements and the final operational notices.
SEMAF says its action relates to outstanding commitments concerning railway safety and working conditions. Renfe has previously disputed the union’s position regarding the implementation of those commitments.
Advice for travellers: Passengers should check Renfe’s official updates before travelling, particularly if they have long-distance connections on November 10 or 12.
3. Italy: National Railway Strike on November 20–21
Italy is also expected to experience railway disruption later in November.
A national railway strike has been announced from:
- Start: Friday, November 20, at 9:00 PM
- End: Saturday, November 21, at 8:00 PM
The action is expected to affect railway services across the country.
Which journeys could be affected?
Potentially affected services include:
- High-speed trains
- Intercity services
- Regional trains
- Some local rail connections
The actual impact will depend on the participating operators and the guaranteed services announced for the strike period.
Passengers should not assume that every train will be cancelled. Some services may continue under legally required minimum-service arrangements.
What about flights?
Separate air-traffic and airport-related strike action has also been announced for November 21 and 22.
The reported schedule includes an ENAV air-traffic-control strike on November 21 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, alongside further airport-related action at Milan Malpensa and Venice Marco Polo on November 22.
Travellers flying to or from Italy should check directly with their airline and airport.
4. Switzerland: Basel–Paris TGV Services Interrupted on November 14–15
Travellers planning international rail journeys between Switzerland and France should pay particular attention to the middle of November.
TGV Lyria has announced engineering work between Basel SBB and Paris.
What is happening?
On November 14 and 15, 2026, engineering work is scheduled to interrupt TGV Lyria services between Basel and Paris.
This may affect passengers travelling between:
- Basel and Paris
- Other Swiss cities connecting through Basel
- Paris and destinations elsewhere in Switzerland
Passengers should check alternative routes and connection arrangements before departure.
The railway operator also warns that selected services on its Paris–Basel/Zurich routes have amended timetables and longer journey times during the wider engineering programme.
5. Switzerland–Italy: Como Train Stops Affected in November
Another railway development concerns the Monte Olimpino 1 Tunnel in Italy.
According to Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), engineering work is scheduled during two November weekends:
- November 13–16
- November 20–23
During these periods, EuroCity trains between Chiasso and Milano Centrale will not stop at Como San Giovanni.
Some TILO services will also be affected, including RE80 connections to and from Milano Centrale and the S10 and S40 lines.
This is particularly relevant to travellers using the Switzerland–Milan corridor.
Advice for travellers: If Como is part of your itinerary, check the updated timetable and alternative transport arrangements before departure.
November 2026: Important European Travel Dates at a Glance
The following table summarises the main developments covered in this guide.
| Date | Country | Disruption |
|---|---|---|
| November 5 | France | Nationwide strike call |
| November 10 | Spain | Renfe train drivers’ full-day strike |
| November 11 | Spain | General strike call |
| November 12 | Spain | Renfe partial strike action |
| November 13–16 | Switzerland/Italy | Como San Giovanni rail-stop changes |
| November 14–15 | Switzerland/France | Basel–Paris TGV interruption |
| November 20–21 | Italy | National railway strike |
| November 20–23 | Switzerland/Italy | Further Como rail-stop changes |
| November 21–22 | Italy | Announced air-traffic and airport-related strikes |
Important: Strike calls and engineering schedules can change. Some disruption is possible rather than guaranteed, and the precise impact may only become clear closer to the travel date.
How Can Travellers Prepare for European Transport Disruptions?
A little preparation can help reduce the risk of missed connections and unexpected travel costs.
1. Check Your Train Before Leaving
Use the official website or application of your railway operator. Search using your train number and departure date rather than relying only on general travel announcements.
2. Allow Extra Time for Connections
If your itinerary includes multiple trains, leave enough time between connections.
This is especially important when changing between international and regional services.
3. Check Airport Transfers
A train strike can affect journeys to and from airports even when your flight itself is operating normally.
Consider alternative transport if your connection is time-sensitive.
4. Review Your Ticket Conditions
If your train is cancelled, your options may depend on the operator’s rules and the applicable passenger-rights framework.
Check whether you can exchange your ticket, request a refund or travel on an alternative service.
5. Monitor Official Announcements
Do not rely on old social media posts or unofficial strike calendars.
Check the latest information shortly before travelling because schedules and minimum-service arrangements can change.
Official Websites to Check Before Travelling
For the most reliable information, use these official transport resources:
- France: SNCF Connect
- Spain: Renfe
- Italy: Trenitalia and Italian Transport Ministry
- Switzerland: Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)
- International Switzerland–France trains: TGV Lyria
- London and international European services: Eurostar Travel Updates
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which European countries have announced transport strikes in November 2026?
France, Spain and Italy have announced strike action affecting transport during November. The dates and affected services differ by country.
2. Will all trains in France stop on November 5?
Not necessarily. A strike has been called, but SNCF had not published detailed traffic forecasts as of October 31. Some services may continue.
3. When are the Renfe strikes in Spain?
SEMAF has announced a full-day strike on November 10 and partial strike action on November 12. A general strike has also been called for November 11.
4. When is Italy’s national railway strike?
The announced railway strike runs from 9:00 PM on November 20 until 8:00 PM on November 21.
5. Are trains between Basel and Paris affected?
Yes. Engineering work is scheduled to interrupt TGV Lyria services between Basel SBB and Paris on November 14 and 15.
6. Will trains stop at Como San Giovanni?
EuroCity trains between Chiasso and Milano Centrale are scheduled not to stop at Como San Giovanni during the November 13–16 and November 20–23 engineering periods.
7. Should I cancel my European trip in November?
Not necessarily. Most announced disruptions affect specific dates, routes or services. Check your individual booking and consider alternative connections before making a decision.
Final Thoughts
November 2026 is shaping up to be a month when European travellers should pay closer attention to transport updates.
France’s November 5 strike call, Spain’s three-day period of potential railway disruption, Italy’s November 20–21 rail strike and scheduled engineering work around Switzerland could affect different parts of a European itinerary.
The most important advice is simple: check your specific service before departure, allow extra time and follow official operator announcements.
A little planning can make the difference between a smooth European holiday and a stressful journey.
Stay updated with TravellerTrek for the latest European travel news, immigration developments and practical travel advice.
Editorial note and sources
Information checked on October 31, 2026. Strike announcements and engineering schedules may change after publication.
Official sources
1. 🇫🇷 France — SNCF November 5 strike information
SNCF Connect – Disruption information
2. 🇪🇸 Spain — Renfe train drivers’ strike, November 10 and 12
SEMAF – Official strike announcement
3. 🇪🇸 Spain — Additional strike coverage
Europa Press – Renfe strike dates
4. 🇮🇹 Italy — November transport strike calendar
Swiss Touring Club – 2026 strike calendar
5. 🇨🇭 Switzerland and Italy — Como railway engineering works
SBB – European engineering works
6. 🇨🇭 Switzerland–France — Basel to Paris TGV disruption
TGV Lyria – Traffic information
