Europe · Practical

Strikes in Europe: your rights when trains, flights and schools stop

By Leonard Chioveanu · Updated 26 October 2026 · 6 min read

Strikes are a normal part of life in much of Europe, and autumn 2026 has brought more than usual. Knowing your rights helps you get your money back and plan ahead. In short: you can usually get a refund or a new route, sometimes compensation, and you are not paid for time you spend on strike.

Train strikes

The EU rail passenger rights regulation (2021/782) applies to most train journeys in the EU:

• If your train is cancelled or will be at least 60 minutes late, you can choose a full refund, or rerouting to your destination at the earliest opportunity or at a later date of your choice.
• If you still travel and arrive late, you get compensation of 25% of the ticket price for a 60 to 119 minute delay and 50% for two hours or more.
• Strikes by the rail company’s own staff do not release it from paying compensation.
• Season ticket holders who face repeated delays can claim under the operator’s own rules.
• Local buses, trams and metros follow national and city rules, which are often less generous. Keep your ticket or payment record.

Flight strikes

Compensation is due for cancellations announced less than 14 days before departure, and for arrival delays of three hours or more. It applies to flights departing from the EU, and to flights arriving in the EU on an EU airline. Claim directly from the airline first; you do not need a paid claims service.

Getting to work on strike days

• If you join a strike, you are normally not paid for that time, but you cannot be dismissed for a lawful strike.
• If transport stops and you cannot get to work, most countries do not oblige your employer to pay you for missed hours. Many employers allow remote work, using holiday or making up the time. Ask in advance.
• If your employer closes the office because of a strike, you are usually still paid.
• Collective agreements and contracts can give you more rights, so check yours.

When schools close

Teacher strikes can close schools at short notice. In France, primary schools must offer a minimum childcare service on strike days if enough teachers strike. Elsewhere, ask the school about care arrangements, and check whether your employer allows emergency leave for childcare. See our full guide to what to do when schools close.

How to plan ahead

• Follow the transport operator’s app: SNCF Connect and RATP in France, SNCB/NMBS in Belgium, NS and 9292 in the Netherlands, Trenitalia in Italy, Renfe in Spain.
• Strikes in Italy and Belgium are announced in advance, and guaranteed minimum services usually run at peak times.
• Book flexible tickets on strike-heavy weeks, and leave extra time for airport transfers.
• Have a backup: bike-share, car-share or a colleague to ride with.

Check what a money transfer really costs →

This guide is general information based on the tax rules we could verify for 2026, not tax or financial advice. Rules change and personal situations differ, so check with the tax authority or a qualified adviser before you act. Spotted a mistake? Email [email protected].