Which TILO routes are affected by the strike in Italy?

The affected routes are RE80, S10, S30, S40 and S50. These services will not operate in Italian territory, but TILO trains operating exclusively in Switzerland will not be disrupted. Check your journey on the official TILO or Trenord website.

Do I need to pay an extra fee if I take the replacement bus for the S50 line?

No, the replacement bus service between Stabio and Malpensa Airport is included in the TILO ticket. There is no additional cost. However, seats may be limited, so it is advisable to arrive early at Stabio station.

Can I get a refund if my TILO train was cancelled due to the strike?

The possibility of a refund depends on Trenord and TILO policies. We recommend checking their official websites for refund conditions. Always keep your ticket and document any inconvenience.

What should I do if I arrive late for work because of the strike?

Inform your employer promptly about the situation, explaining the reasons for the delay. In some cases, delays caused by strikes may be considered force majeure. However, it is always advisable to notify in advance to avoid contractual issues.

Are there alternatives to TILO trains during the strike?

Alternatives include private car (keeping in mind possible delays at border crossings), carpooling, or teleworking, if your job allows it. For the S50 line, there is a direct bus service between Stabio and Malpensa Airport.

What exactly do the guaranteed time slots entail?

During the strike, guaranteed time slots will be in place from 6:00 to 9:00 and from 18:00 to 21:00. Within these intervals, only trains listed in the Guaranteed Minimum Services will operate. The list is available on the Trenord website.

Who should I contact to report an issue or request support?

You can contact the TILO customer service (+41 91 850 11 11 or 091 850 11 11 from abroad), Trenord (892021 in Italy or +39 02 7249 4949 from abroad), or the Ticino Cantonal Transport Office via their official website.

Italy train strike: TILO services affected (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 26 May 2026

Lugano train station platform with a TILO train at dusk, passengers waiting

From 9:00 PM on May 28 to 9:00 PM on May 29, train strikes will hit Italy. RE80, S10, S30, S40, and S50 services will be suspended. Replacement buses will operate for S50 routes to/from Malpensa.

Context

In brief - National strike in Italy from 21:00 on 28 May to 21:00 on 29 May 2025 - The TILO RE80, S10, S30, S40 and S50 trains will not run in Italy - TILO connections in Switzerland are not affected - For the S50 line, replacement with direct Stabio-Malpensa Airport buses (without intermediate stops) - Guarantee bands in force from 6:00 to 9:00 and from 18:00 to 21:00

Key Facts - What: National strike in Italy with blockade of TILO trains in Italian territory - When: 21:00 on 28 May 2025 – 21:00 on 29 May 2025 - Where: TILO RE80, S10, S30, S40, S50 lines in Italy - Who: Trenord, TILO, cross-border transport users - Amount: Minimum guaranteed services active in the time slots 6:00–9:00 and 18:00–21:00 - Replacement service: Bus without intermediate stops for S50 between Stabio and Malpensa Airport

What changes for cross-border commuters The national strike called in Italy for 28 and 29 May 2025 directly affects the TILO connections that cross the border. The RE80, S10, S30, S40 and S50 routes will be paralyzed on Italian territory, forcing commuters to review their movements. TILO trains running exclusively in Switzerland will not be interrupted.

The routes involved According to Trenord's official announcement, the lines affected by the strike are: - RE80: Express regional connection - S10: suburban service - S30: suburban service - S40: suburban service - S50: suburban service

These routes will not run in Italy, but TILO connections operating in Switzerland remain regular. It is therefore essential for cross-border commuters to check whether their journey involves crossing the border.

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Operational details

Why the strike affects cross-border commuters

The strike called in Italy has a direct impact on Ticino‑Lombardy cross-border commuters, especially those who use TILO trains as their main means of transport to get to work or for personal trips. The S50 line, for example, is often chosen by commuters who work in Lombardy and live in Ticino, particularly because of its convenient connection to Malpensa Airport. The cancellation of this service will force many to revise their plans.

Alternative routes for cross-border commuters

Private car: Depart from Ticino and cross the border via the A2/A9 highways or smaller crossings such as Gaggiolo or Ponte Tresa. However, this entails additional costs (fuel, tolls, parking) and travel times that are not always predictable.
Substitute TILO buses: Only for the S50, departing from Stabio and arriving directly at Malpensa Airport. This solution is limited and does not cover other routes.
Alternative trains: Some TILO routes could be replaced by services from other operators, but no specific options have been announced yet.
Remote work: For those who can work from home, this could be a temporary solution to avoid travel.

Comparative tables: before vs after the strike

Aspect	Before the strike	During the strike
Route coverage	All TILO lines in Italy active	RE80, S10, S30, S40, S50 suspended in Italy
Swiss connections	Regular	Not affected
Substitutions	None	Bus for S50 (Stabio–Malpensa)
Guarantee periods	Not active	6:00–9:00 and 18:00–21:00 with Minimum Service
Crossing impact	Minimal queues	Possible delays at Brogeda/Chiasso crossings

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Key points

What to do today to prepare for the strike The first step is to check if your route is among those affected by the strike. Cross-border commuters using lines RE80, S10, S30, S40 or S50 in Italian territory must in fact expect cancellations or delays. Here is an operational checklist to act without surprises:

1. Check your itinerary Access the TILO or Trenord website and enter your route to check if it is affected by the strike. If yes, book an alternative as soon as possible.

2. Download the TILO app The official TILO app sends real-time notifications about cancellations, delays or changes to trains. It is available for iOS and Android.

3. Evaluate replacement service for your S50 If you use the S50 line to reach Malpensa Airport, remember that in case of cancellation a direct Stabio-Malpensa bus will be active without intermediate stops. Check the departure and arrival times on the TILO website.

4. Plan an alternative by car If you have the possibility, organize a carpooling ride or consider the use of the private car. Keep in mind that: - The Brogeda and Chiasso crossings may be subject to queues. - The A2/A9 motorway towards Milan can be congested during rush hour. - It is advisable to leave 30-45 minutes earlier than usual.

5. Check your insurance coverage Although the strike does not affect LAMal or other health insurance, it is useful to check that your travel insurance (if any) covers any delays or cancellations. In case of a refund, keep the ticket receipt and document the inconvenience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which TILO routes are affected by the strike in Italy?: The affected routes are RE80, S10, S30, S40 and S50. These services will not operate in Italian territory, but TILO trains operating exclusively in Switzerland will not be disrupted. Check your journey on the official TILO or Trenord website.
Do I need to pay an extra fee if I take the replacement bus for the S50 line?: No, the replacement bus service between Stabio and Malpensa Airport is included in the TILO ticket. There is no additional cost. However, seats may be limited, so it is advisable to arrive early at Stabio station.
Can I get a refund if my TILO train was cancelled due to the strike?: The possibility of a refund depends on Trenord and TILO policies. We recommend checking their official websites for refund conditions. Always keep your ticket and document any inconvenience.
What should I do if I arrive late for work because of the strike?: Inform your employer promptly about the situation, explaining the reasons for the delay. In some cases, delays caused by strikes may be considered force majeure. However, it is always advisable to notify in advance to avoid contractual issues.
Are there alternatives to TILO trains during the strike?: Alternatives include private car (keeping in mind possible delays at border crossings), carpooling, or teleworking, if your job allows it. For the S50 line, there is a direct bus service between Stabio and Malpensa Airport.
What exactly do the guaranteed time slots entail?: During the strike, guaranteed time slots will be in place from 6:00 to 9:00 and from 18:00 to 21:00. Within these intervals, only trains listed in the Guaranteed Minimum Services will operate. The list is available on the Trenord website.
Who should I contact to report an issue or request support?: You can contact the TILO customer service (+41 91 850 11 11 or 091 850 11 11 from abroad), Trenord (892021 in Italy or +39 02 7249 4949 from abroad), or the Ticino Cantonal Transport Office via their official website.