Rail passengers across Spain are being urged to check their journeys after Renfe cancelled 320 trains ahead of a nationwide strike taking place on Monday (June 29).
The industrial action, called by the Railway Union (Sindicato Ferroviario), will affect AVE high-speed, long-distance and regional services, with a second strike already planned for July 15.
Which trains are affected?
According to the Ministry of Transport, minimum service levels will remain in place, but significant disruption is expected.
A total of 98 AVE and long-distance trains have been cancelled, meaning around 73% of normal services will continue to operate.
Regional Media Distancia services have been hit even harder, with 222 trains cancelled out of 642 scheduled, leaving around 65% of the usual timetable running.
Commuters using Cercanias suburban trains can also expect delays and overcrowding.
During peak periods (6am-9am, 1.30pm-4pm and 6.30pm-8.30pm), Renfe will operate 75% of normal services, dropping to 50% for the remainder of the day.
What should passengers do?
Renfe says customers whose trains have been cancelled can transfer to the nearest available service at no extra cost, change their ticket for another date or cancel their booking and receive a full refund.
Passengers are advised to check the status of their train before travelling.
Why are workers striking?
The dispute centres on the future of Renfe Mercancias, the company’s freight division.
The Railway Union accuses Renfe of abandoning the business and breaking agreements that previously led to strikes being called off in November 2023 and March 2025.
Union leaders oppose plans for Renfe to create a joint venture with Medway, the freight operator owned by shipping giant MSC, arguing that it would reduce workloads, threaten jobs and weaken Spain’s public freight rail network.
The union says the situation is having ‘serious consequences’ for railway workers and is demanding Renfe reverse its current strategy.
