Published on : 29 Oct 2026
Spain’s rail network is facing a double blow today: a 24-hour national drivers’ strike across the Renfe group, one day after a deadly high-speed collision at Urda shut the Madrid–Andalusia line — and Renfe is telling passengers not to travel unless they have to.
The Spanish train drivers’ union SEMAF confirmed it is going ahead with Thursday’s strike despite the tragedy, saying the action is in defence of rail safety. Renfe has separately suspended its Madrid–Andalusia high-speed services for the whole of today, including trains from Barcelona and Valencia to Seville and Málaga, and says even the trains covered by strike minimum services may be affected.
For UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand visitors on half-term and autumn breaks — especially anyone heading for Seville, Málaga, Córdoba or Granada, or using trains to reach airports — this is a day to plan carefully. Our thoughts are with the victims and families affected by the Urda collision.
Published: October 29, 2026 — Thursday Strike date: Thursday, October 29, 2026, 00:00–23:59, called by SEMAF across the Renfe group, nationwide Separate disruption: Madrid–Andalusia high-speed line interrupted after the Urda (Toledo) collision on October 28 Renfe advice: Do not travel unless essential — even minimum-service trains may be affected Minimum services: Cercanías 75% at peak and 50% off-peak; Media Distancia 65%; high-speed/long-distance 73%; Catalonia (Rodalies/Regionales) 66% at peak and 33% off-peak Ouigo: Drivers strike Friday, October 30 and Monday, November 2 (24 hours each); Ouigo has also suspended all Madrid–Andalusia services until at least November 2 Still running: Madrid–Toledo and Málaga–Sevilla services, according to reports Alternative plan: Renfe says an alternative transport plan will be offered from Friday, October 30 Related: Italy’s October 29–30 aviation and rail strikes
The strike. SEMAF called the stoppage for all driving staff in the Renfe group. The union’s stated demands include binding protocols for weather alerts, clear rules for coordinating communications in risk situations, and correct application of driving-time breaks. Renfe says the demands go beyond its remit and are not covered by the collective agreement SEMAF signed in July. After Wednesday’s crash, the union said it was keeping the strike to push for structural safety changes.
The Urda collision. On Wednesday morning, two high-speed trains — a Renfe AVE and an Iryo service heading from Madrid towards Seville — collided near Urda in Toledo province. Officials reported at least 64 deaths, with some outlets reporting 68, and the figure may change. The cause is under investigation. The line between Madrid, Ciudad Real and Andalusia has been interrupted since.
Why it matters for travellers. Madrid–Seville and Madrid–Málaga are among Spain’s busiest tourist corridors. With the line closed and the strike running on top, Thursday is the worst day for Spanish rail travel in some time.
| Service Type | Minimum Service Level | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Cercanías (commuter), outside Catalonia | 75% at peak (06:00–09:00, 13:30–15:30, 18:30–20:30); 50% rest of day | Includes Madrid airport and Málaga airport commuter links |
| Rodalies and Regionales (Catalonia) | 66% at peak; 33% off-peak | Set by the Catalan government; affects Barcelona commuter trains |
| Media Distancia (regional) | 65% on average | Many regional routes reduced |
| High-speed / long-distance (AVE, Avlo, Alvia) | 73% on average | Madrid–Andalusia services suspended separately by the crash |
| Freight | 26% | Not passenger-relevant |
Minimum services are calculated on the scheduled timetable and do not tell you which specific train will run. Renfe says trains inside the minimum-service plan can still be affected today.
| Date | What Happens | Who’s Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Wed, Oct 28 | Urda collision; Madrid–Ciudad Real–Andalusia high-speed line interrupted | AVE and Iryo passengers to Seville, Málaga, Córdoba |
| Thu, Oct 29 | Renfe suspends Madrid–Andalusia high-speed (incl. Barcelona/Valencia to Seville/Málaga); SEMAF strike across Renfe | All Renfe passengers |
| Fri, Oct 30 | Renfe alternative transport plan begins; Ouigo 24-hour drivers’ strike (71% minimum services approved) | Ouigo passengers; Madrid–Andalusia still closed |
| Mon, Nov 2 | Second 24-hour Ouigo strike — extends the All Saints bridge weekend | Ouigo passengers |
| Nov 6, Nov 9, Dec 4, Dec 8 | Further partial Ouigo stoppages announced | Ouigo passengers |
Ouigo’s earlier strike-day list showed some Madrid–Seville, Valencia, Murcia and Málaga trains cancelled while all Barcelona trains ran. Since the crash, Ouigo has suspended all Madrid–Andalusia high-speed services until at least November 2, so the strike will mainly hit its remaining routes.
Rail links that run on Renfe trains may be reduced. These alternatives are generally available but should be checked on the day:
| Airport | Renfe Link (Strike-Affected) | Usual Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Madrid-Barajas | Cercanías commuter line | Metro Line 8 (non-Renfe) |
| Barcelona-El Prat | Rodalies R2 Nord (66%/33% minimums) | Metro L9 Sud, Aerobús |
| Málaga | Cercanías C-1 | Bus Line A, taxi |
| Seville | No rail link | Airport bus, taxi |
| Valencia | Not Renfe | Metrovalencia lines 3 and 5 |
Alternatives are general guidance; confirm operating status with each operator. Allow at least an extra hour.
The Madrid–Andalusia high-speed line has no confirmed reopening date; Renfe says it will resume services as soon as the infrastructure manager Adif restores circulation. Ouigo has already ruled out Andalusia until at least November 2, and its drivers’ strikes run into December. We’ll update this article as Renfe, Adif and Ouigo publish new information.
Posted By : Vinay
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and is based on information available at the time of publication. Travel advisories, airline schedules, airport operations, visa requirements, government regulations, and other travel-related information are subject to change without prior notice. While Travel Tourister makes reasonable efforts to verify information using official announcements, government publications, airline and airport communications, and other reliable sources, we cannot guarantee that all information remains complete, accurate, or up to date at all times. Readers should independently verify any information that may affect their travel plans with the relevant airline, airport authority, government agency, embassy, or other official source before making travel, financial, or other decisions. Travel Tourister shall not be liable for any direct or indirect loss, inconvenience, or damages arising from the use of or reliance on the information contained in this article. Nothing in this publication constitutes legal, immigration, financial, or professional travel advice. If you believe any information in this article is inaccurate or outdated, please contact our editorial team. We review all credible correction requests promptly and update our content whenever appropriate.
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