Train drivers belonging to the Renfe Group have called strikes scheduled for November 10 and November 12, 2026, affecting rail services across Madrid and surrounding areas. The full-day strike will run from 00:01 to 23:59 on November 10, while the November 12 strike consists of three separate stoppage periods from 06:20 to 09:20, 14:20 to 17:20, and 21:20 to 23:20. These actions impact suburban Cercanías, regional, intercity, and high-speed trains operating in Spain.
Minimum Service Levels Established for Strike Days
The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has set minimum service levels for the strike days. Renfe has published these rates but cautions that not all scheduled
trains will run. On November 10 and 12, the exact minimum levels vary depending on train type and time period. For comparison, a separate nationwide general strike on November 11 mandates minimum service levels of 75% for Cercanías during peak hours and 50% for the rest of the day, along with 65% for Media Distancia, 73% for high-speed and long-distance trains, and 26% for freight services. The November 10 and 12 strikes have distinct minimum service requirements differing from those of November 11.
Disruptions in Madrid and Transport Coordination
The Consorcio Regional de Transportes de Madrid (CRTM) has warned that Cercanías suburban rail services in the
Community of Madrid will face significant disruptions on strike days. CRTM is coordinating with Metro de Madrid and local bus operators to monitor the network and address increased passenger loads at stations and transit hubs. Renfe announced that the replacement bus service on line C-9, which runs between Cercedilla and Cotos, will be suspended from November 10 through November 12, affecting travel on that route. Passengers should plan for extended travel times and potential connection difficulties reaching Madrid’s main stations and airport links.
Strike Origins Tied to Delayed Rail Safety Measures
The strike action stems from delays in implementing agreed rail safety enhancements between Renfe, infrastructure manager Adif,
and the Ministry of Transport. The SEMAF trade union has demanded structural safety improvements, including clearer protocols for handling adverse weather and failures in train protection systems such as ERTMS and LZB. Recent accidents in Adamuz and Urda have heightened employee safety concerns. SEMAF calls for binding network-wide safety regulations applying to all operators. Meetings with new Transport Minister Carlos Cuerpo have not halted planned strike action.
Passenger Advisories on Travel Planning and Ticket Conditions
Passengers using Renfe services in Madrid during November 10 and 12 should carefully verify train status before travelling, consulting operator announcements for cancellations, changes, or alternatives. Cancellation or modification conditions should also be
checked to understand refund or change entitlements. The November 11 general strike is a separate industrial action with distinct service commitments. Disruptions may affect commuter, regional, intercity, and high-speed trains, complicating transfers and connection to airports. Passengers with essential travel should allow extra time and consider alternate routes where possible.
