Calendar and minimum services as of 26 October 2026
| Date | Strike | Minimum services | Status on 26 October |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday 29 October | Semaf (drivers), 24 hours, 00:01 to 23:59, whole Renfe group | Cercanías 75% at peak and 50% otherwise; Media Distancia 65%; AVE and Long Distance 73%; freight 26% | Set by the Transport Ministry; Catalonia sets its own for Rodalies |
| Wednesday 11 November | General strike by CCOO and UGT | Not published | See the general strike page |
| November and December | No other Renfe strike found | Not applicable | Nothing announced on 26 October |
| 9-11 February 2026 (past) | Previous Renfe strike | AVE 73%, Cercanías between 50% and 75% | Shows the usual pattern of minimums |
| Every strike | 10 days' notice in public services | Set by the ministry a few days before | Published in the BOE and on renfe.com |
Which trains run on 29 October
- Cercanías Madrid: 75% in peak bands (6-9 am, 1:30-3:30 pm and 6:30-8:30 pm) and 50% for the rest of the day. Line C-1 to Barajas T4 follows this rule.
- Media Distancia and AVANT: 65% of trains; Renfe trains to Toledo or Segovia may be affected.
- AVE and Long Distance: 73%. Renfe publishes the exact trains that run on renfe.com and in its app.
- Rodalies in Catalonia: the Generalitat sets its own minimums (66% at peak and 33% off-peak according to Merca2; a single source, check it).
- For the airport leg, Welcome Pickups offers a private driver booked in advance, so you do not depend on trains, the metro or buses.
Refund and rights
- Cancelled train: EU regulation 2021/782 gives you the right to a ticket refund or to rerouting.
- Renfe: usually offers a free change or cancellation on affected trains; check the conditions in its notice and apply on renfe.com, in the app or at the ticket office.
- Delay compensation: depends on the cause; ask in writing and keep your ticket and receipts.
- Long wait: the carrier must offer a meal and, if needed, accommodation.
What to do in Madrid if your train does not run
Many excursions go by bus, which does not depend on Renfe: to Toledo with Alsa from Plaza Elíptica (about 1 hour) and to Segovia with Avanza from Moncloa (about 1 hour 15 minutes). A guided coach excursion solves the day's transport. To compare, read Toledo from Madrid: which excursion to choose and Segovia and Ávila from Madrid. For the 11 November date, the general strike; to get around town, Getting around Madrid; for the general rules, Strikes and protests in Madrid; and for flights, airline and airport strikes in Spain.
What to do safely during the transport strike
Here is a plan B to keep your trip going without taking risks.
- Outing that does not depend on the strike: Toledo and Segovia, organised trip with transport included, no train or bus to book yourself.
- Airport transfer: transfer from Madrid-Barajas airport, no train, metro or bus to catch.
- Calm hotel, free cancellation: hotels in Salamanca, quiet area, refundable if your plans change.
FAQ
Is there a Renfe strike today?
As of 26 October 2026 there is no Renfe strike today. The next is Thursday 29 October, for 24 hours.
Will my AVE run on 29 October?
The minimum set is 73% on AVE and Long Distance, so most run but not all. Check your exact train on renfe.com or in the app the day before.
How do I ask for a ticket refund?
On renfe.com, in the app or at the ticket office, naming the cancelled train. A refund or change for a cancelled train is always due; delay compensation is not automatic.
Sources consulted on 26 October 2026: Moncloa (16 October), Artículo 14 (16 October), Hosteltur and El Diario de Madrid (26 October, Transport Ministry minimum services), Merca2 (23 October), Xataka (February 2026). This page will be updated with Renfe's list of trains.
