Strikes in Venice: What you need to know

Hey traveller, have you planned a trip to Venice but are worried about the strikes in Venice? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Every year Venice becomes the scene not only of gondolas and spritzes, but also of strikes that can ruin your plans.

But don’t worry: with this guide by Venice Insider Guide you’ll have all the tips you need to cope with any unexpected event.

Find out how to get around, what to do and what to do if your trip coincides with a strike in Venice.

Strikes in Venice: again? How about now?

If you’ve heard about strikes in Venice recently you’re not alone. Strikes in Italy, especially in tourist cities like Venice, are quite frequent. They involve public transportation such as trains, buses, taxis and even vaporettos, the main way to get around the lagoon.

Why do they happen? Behind every strike in Venice are reasons ranging from working conditions to rising cost of living to bigger issues related to Italian economic policies. They can be announced well in advance or sometimes at the last minute and leave you stranded.

What to know now about Venice strike:

Check the Italian Ministry of Transport website for updates.
Download apps such as Moovit or Trenitalia for real-time notifications.
Strikes have fixed time slots (usually early morning and late afternoon). Take advantage of them!

Venice Strike in general

Big question: What do you need to know about a strike in Venice in general? Let’s get into the details.

First of all, strikes in Venice can involve different sectors. The most common strikes in Venice are:

Train strike Venice: Rail strikes can block connections to the rest of Italy and Europe.
Taxis and local public transport: Taxi drivers or bus strikes can disrupt travel within the city or to the airport.
Vaporetti: Being the main way to get around Venice, their stop can paralyse the lagoon.
Airlines strike: If your flight departs or arrives in Italy during a strike be prepared for cancellations or delays.

The good news? Strikes in Venice are usually announced days, if not weeks, in advance.

Venice Strikes 2024: The list

For 2024 here are the dates to remember (but remember: they can change!).

January: Rail strikes in some Italian regions.
March: Local public transport workers, including vaporettos, might be on strike.
June: Airport strikes in several Italian cities, including Venice.
November: National mobilization day, with impact on long and short distance transportation.

How to stay updated on a strike in Venice:

Check in advance. Especially for flights and trains.
Follow local news and share with other travelers.

Strikes in Venice: What to do and how to behave?

Here are some practical tips to deal with strikes in Venice without stress:

Prepare in advance:

Check your ticket conditions-many rail or airlines offer refunds or rebooking for free.
Book a hotel near major transportation hubs in case of last minute changes.

Flexibility is key:

Plan B. If you can’t take a train, consider long distance buses or carpooling.
Water taxis, although more expensive, are an emergency option.

Check the fixed time slots:

Strikes in Italy often have minimum service hours. Take advantage of them!

Strike Venice: what to do instead?

A strike in Venice doesn’t have to ruin your holiday. Here are some things to do while you wait for everything to go back to normal:

Walk: Venice is perfect to walk. Get lost in the calli and campielli, off the tourist trail.
Museums and palaces: Strikes don’t affect the main attractions. Visit the Doge’s Palace, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or the Correr Museum.
Osteria: Enjoy a typical one. Cicchetti and a glass of wine. Al Mercà or Cantina Do Spade are great to relax.
Craft shopping: Use the time to buy Murano glass or Burano lace.

Train Strike Venice: What to do with transport?

When a train strike Venice happens, consider:

Bus: Check long distance lines like FlixBus.
Car rental: If you need to go to other cities, consider a car.
Carpooling: Use BlaBlaCar to share a ride.
Ferries and water taxis: To get around the lagoon, water taxis can be an option, although more expensive.

Note: During a train strike, avoid to plan departures or arrivals at night, when transport options are limited.

Strike in Venice: How to plan without stress

Strikes in Venice can be a pain, but with a little planning they don’t have to ruin your holiday. Remember:

Always check in advance. Check official sites for strike dates and plan B.
Be flexible. Venice is a special city and even with strikes it has a thousand things to see.
Share. If you find out about a strike, help other travelers or leave a comment on forums and social media.

How to handle strikes in Venice: between train strikes, airlines and taxis, everything you need to know

Strikes in Venice, whether it’s a train strike, an airline stop or taxi strike can seem like a problem, but with a little planning everything becomes manageable. Whether it’s a flight delay, a train cancellation or bus problems, Venice always has alternatives.

First check in advance for workers and announced strikes. Check the fixed time slots to avoid problems at night or to make sure your departure isn’t compromised. If you’re in November for example, when Italians tend to have more union actions, try to plan ahead.

What to do during a strike in Venice:

Check the official sites for updates on rail and public transport.
Be prepared for delays and book a hotel near the main hubs to be more flexible.
Share: when you find out about a strike, share the info with other travelers to help them reorganize.

Whether it’s a day of checking or improvisation, Venice is worth the effort. With a little attention to workers actions and a plan B, La Serenissima will still be waiting for you with all its charm.

With these tips you’ll be ready to enjoy Venice even during a strike. November or midsummer, La Serenissima will still be magical.

Have a safe trip, traveler.