Greece Railway Strike Halts All Trains: What Travellers Need to Know for Saturday, Athens Airport and Ferries

A 24-hour railway strike brought Greece’s rail network to a standstill on Friday, October 30. The Panhellenic Federation of Railway Employees called it in support of train drivers, and it suspended trains and suburban railway services. Hellenic Train has since issued another update covering services scheduled for Saturday, October 31. If you’re travelling in Greece this weekend, check your train before you leave.

The strike happened alongside a ferry strike, which makes it a bigger problem for tourists moving between Athens, Thessaloniki and the islands.

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Key facts

• Strike: 24 hours on Friday, October 30, 2026.
• Called by: the Panhellenic Federation of Railway Workers (POS), in support of train drivers.
• Services hit: All train and suburban rail (Proastiakos) services across Greece.
• Athens airport: Travel and Tour World reports Athens airport train connections were disrupted.
• Ferries: Ferry services at Greece’s major ports were also interrupted by a seafarers’ strike.
• Saturday: Hellenic Train has published an update on Saturday services. Check its list for your train.
• Replacement buses: Hellenic Train arranged buses on at least one disrupted line, serving all intermediate stops. Others may not have had any.

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What happened

The dispute began with the drivers’ union. The Panhellenic Union of Traction Personnel (PEPE) decided on October 22 to strike on October 30. Hellenic Train challenged it in court, and the Piraeus court ruled PEPE’s strike illegal. Hellenic Train says the court also barred further strike action on the same subject, and that POS then called a new 24-hour strike for the same day without following the legal procedures and deadlines.

The two sides present it very differently.

• Hellenic Train: It says it respects the right to strike but that this action circumvents a court ruling.
• The unions: They cite railway safety, deteriorating rolling stock, staff shortages and working conditions. PEPE says it has sought meaningful dialogue with Hellenic Train for 17 months.

Whether the strike was lawful is a question for the courts. For travellers, the practical effect was the same.

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What was affected

To Vima reported the entire rail network would be interrupted. That covers intercity routes (including Athens–Thessaloniki) as well as suburban lines. Hellenic Train published a list of cancelled services covering both suburban and intercity routes. Use that list to check your specific train rather than relying on a route name.

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Getting around today

If your train is cancelled:

• Check Hellenic Train’s website for the cancelled-services list and any replacement buses.
• Intercity coaches (KTEL), domestic flights and taxis are the usual alternatives. Expect high demand.

Athens airport: The suburban rail link to the airport was disrupted on Friday. Metro Line 3 and the X95 bus are separate services, and the sources I found don’t report them as part of this action. Check with the operators before you travel.

Ferries: The seafarers’ and port strikes were 24-hour actions on Friday. If you have a sailing today, confirm it with your ferry operator.

Driving: Car hire is a practical alternative on most mainland routes. Book ahead.

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Your rights

• Cancelled train: You can claim a refund or rerouting under EU rail passenger rights. Ask Hellenic Train directly, and keep your ticket and booking confirmation.
• Delays: Rail operators may argue strikes limit compensation for delays, so a refund for a cancelled service is the stronger claim.
• Flights or ferries you missed: If a missed train caused you to miss a flight or ferry, contact the operator and your travel insurer. Strike cover varies by policy.
• Package trips: If rail was part of a package, your tour operator is responsible for an alternative or a refund.

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What to do now

1. Check your train on Hellenic Train’s list for Saturday.
2. If it’s cancelled, request a refund and choose an alternative.
3. If you must reach the airport, confirm your route with the operator first.
4. Leave extra time. Roads and alternatives will be busy.
5. Check for further strike announcements before booking onward travel.

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Why this keeps happening

Greek rail strikes are frequent. A risk-analysis firm noted similar nationwide actions several times in 2025. Until the dispute is resolved, travellers should expect further disruption and check status ahead of any rail journey in Greece.

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Bottom line

Greece’s rail network was shut by a 24-hour strike on Friday, October 30, with ferries also hit. Hellenic Train has issued a further update on Saturday services, so check your train before you leave. If it’s cancelled, you can claim a refund or rerouting.

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Related articles

• Italy October 30 Strike: easyJet and Ryanair Cancellations
• Belgium Transport Strike October 12, 2026

Posted By : Vinay

As a lead contributor for Travel Tourister, Vinay is dedicated to serving our Tier 1 audience (US, UK, Canada, Australia). His mission is to deliver precise, fact-checked news and actionable, data-driven articles that empower readers to make informed decisions, minimize travel risks, and maximize their adventure without compromising safety or budget.