Train Strikes in November: How They Affect Your Madrid Visit and Day Trips
This post reflects the situation as of 8 November 2026. Things may have changed since, so please check official sources before your visit.
In 30 seconds
Tuesday 10th: a 24-hour train drivers' strike across the whole Renfe group (AVE, Avant, regional trains and Cercanías commuter trains), with minimum services already set by the Ministry of Transport.
Thursday 12th: partial stoppages at Renfe from 06:20 to 09:20, 14:20 to 17:20 and 21:20 to 23:20.
Ouigo: the stoppages planned for Monday 9th were called off on 5 November, so its trains should run as normal that day.
Also: Wednesday 11th is a general strike, and the Madrid–Andalusia high-speed line is still closed after the Urda accident (Renfe isn't selling tickets until 13 December).
As guides who work in central Madrid every day and take travellers to Toledo, Segovia and El Escorial, we know a week of train strikes can unravel a well-made plan. Next week a lot comes together: Monday 9th is Almudena Day, a local holiday in Madrid; on Tuesday 10th and Thursday 12th Renfe's train drivers are on strike; and in between, on Wednesday 11th, there's a general strike. Here's what we know today and how to plan around it.
What's planned and when
The train drivers' union Semaf is going ahead with two strike days at the Renfe group. Tuesday 10 November is a full-day strike (from 00:01 to 23:59, according to the published calendar). On Thursday 12 November there are three partial stoppages: 06:20–09:20, 14:20–17:20 and 21:20–23:20. The strike follows the rail accident at Urda (Toledo province) on 28 October and several meetings with the government that, according to the Spanish press, ended without agreement.
On Monday 9th, the Almudena holiday, no train strike is planned: Ouigo and Semaf agreed on 5 November to call off that day's stoppages (along with those on 6 November and on 4 and 8 December). If you'd like to join in the celebrations, our post on Almudena Day has all the details.
Wednesday 11th is the general strike. We won't repeat it all here: you'll find everything in our post on the general strike on 11 November.
The press is also reporting another strike called for Tuesday 17 November at Adif (the rail infrastructure manager) and several train operators, including Renfe and Iryo. As of today, no times or minimum services have been published for that date.
Minimum services: which trains will run
Spain's Ministry of Transport published the minimum services for the 10th and 12th on Saturday 7 November:
AVE and long-distance: 72% of trains.
Regional (Media Distancia, including Avant): 65% on average, varying by line and time of day.
Cercanías: 75% at peak times (06:00–09:00, 13:30–15:30 and 18:30–20:30) and 50% the rest of the day.
A word of caution: minimum services don't mean your particular train will run. During the drivers' strike on 29 October, Renfe reported cancellations even among minimum-service trains, especially on Cercanías Madrid. Check your train on renfe.com and keep an eye on the email or text message for your booking – that's how Renfe lets passengers know about changes.
Cercanías and the airport: watch out for the C-1
Cercanías line C-1 links the city centre with Terminal 4 at the airport. During the 29 October strike, lines C-1, C-3 and C-4 were left with no service at times. If you're flying on the 10th or 12th, don't rely on the train alone: the Metro (line 8) and the airport express bus aren't part of this Renfe drivers' strike. Do allow extra time, though, as they're likely to be busier than usual.
Day trips: Toledo, Segovia, El Escorial and the AVE to Barcelona or Valencia
Toledo and Segovia: the fast trains (Avant and AVE) are run by Renfe, so they're affected on the 10th and 12th. There are regular coaches to Toledo from the Plaza Elíptica bus station and to Segovia from the Moncloa bus station. Demand will be higher on those days, so buy your ticket in advance. If Segovia is on your list, have a look at our day trip to Segovia.
El Escorial: the Cercanías train to El Escorial is also affected, but you can take the interurban bus instead: lines 661 and 664 leave from the Moncloa bus station for San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Timetables are on the Madrid Regional Transport Consortium (CRTM) website.
AVE to Barcelona or Valencia: Renfe's AVE trains are affected by the strike (with 72% minimum services). Ouigo and Iryo also run on these routes and have no stoppages called on the 10th or 12th, although their trains are likely to fill up faster. If you already have a Renfe ticket, check whether your train is still running before you buy another one.
Andalusia: strike or no strike, the Madrid–Andalusia high-speed line is still closed after the Urda accident. Renfe has suspended ticket sales until 13 December, although it says it will restart services sooner if Adif reopens the line. A reopening with fewer services in mid-November has been mentioned in the press, but there's no confirmed official date.
Thursday 12th: the strike-free window
Between 09:20 and 14:20 on Thursday there's no stoppage called. But that's the strike calendar, not a guarantee of a train: after each stoppage, trains need to be repositioned, there may be delays and some services could still be cancelled. If you want to use that window for a short day trip, check your specific train the evening before and plan your return carefully, as the second stoppage starts at 14:20 and the third at 21:20.
Your rights if your train is cancelled
Renfe: during the 29 October strike, it offered free changes and cancellations for affected trains and notified passengers by text and email. At the time of writing, it hadn't yet published the specific conditions for the 10th and 12th – check its website.
EU rules: under Regulation (EU) 2021/782 on rail passengers' rights, if your train is cancelled you can choose between a refund and alternative transport.
Ouigo: as the stoppages on the 9th have been called off, your tickets remain valid. If any trains were cancelled anyway, the same EU rights apply.
Our tips
Move your day trip if you can: to Monday 9th (if it fits in with your Almudena plans) or to Friday 13th onwards, when no Renfe stoppages are called.
If you can't, go by coach and book your ticket in advance.
Check your email and phone the evening before: that's where Renfe announces cancellations.
Have a plan B for the airport besides Cercanías: Metro line 8, the express bus or a taxi.
Make the most of Madrid on foot: the historic centre is best explored walking and doesn't depend on any train. Our guide on how to get around Madrid like a local has some ideas.
Keep your tickets and receipts in case you need to claim.
Booked a tour with us?
If you've booked a tour or day trip with us for these dates and you're worried about getting there, message us on WhatsApp at +34 614 500 379 and we'll talk it through. And if you're planning a trip out of the city, have a look at our day trips from Madrid.
Sources consulted: Spain's Ministry of Transport (minimum services, as reported by Europa Press and Qué!), Renfe, Demócrata, El Debate, El Español, Diari de Tarragona, Murcianoticias, Moncloa.com, Zona Retiro and Infobae (EFE). Consulted on 8 November 2026.
Cover photo: JOE Planas on Unsplash
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