Renfe strike in Malaga: three days of disruption to local, regional and high-speed trains

Rail passengers in Malaga face three consecutive days of possible delays, timetable changes and cancellations. The industrial action called by the Spanish Train Drivers’ Union, Semaf, began on Tuesday, November 10, and will continue with several partial stoppages on Thursday, November 12.

A nationwide general strike will take place between those two dates on Wednesday, November 11, creating further disruption across Renfe’s network. Malaga Cercanías commuter trains, regional services and high-speed connections may all be affected.

How the strike affects Malaga Cercanías trains

Minimum services will operate on both lines in Malaga’s commuter rail network.

The C1 connects Malaga city with the airport, Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola. As one of the Costa del Sol’s main public transport routes, trains that remain in operation could be particularly busy.

The C2, serving Cártama, Pizarra and Álora, will also be subject to the reduced timetable.

Cercanías services will operate at 75% of their normal level during peak periods and 50% during the rest of the day.

The designated peak periods are:

• From 6am to 9am.
• From 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
• From 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Although these minimum-service levels preserve much of the network’s capacity, passengers may still encounter longer waits, crowded trains and last-minute alterations.

Renfe strike dates and times

Tuesday, November 10

The train drivers’ strike will last for 24 hours, from midnight until 11.59pm. Minimum services will apply throughout the day.

Wednesday, November 11

A nationwide general strike will also affect Renfe services. Malaga Cercanías will operate at 75% during peak periods and 50% throughout the rest of the day.

Regional trains will maintain 65% of their usual services, while 73% of high-speed and long-distance trains are expected to operate.

Thursday, November 12

Train drivers will stage three partial stoppages:

• From 6.20am to 9.20am.
• From 2.20pm to 5.20pm.
• From 9.20pm to 11.20pm.

Services outside these periods may gradually return to their scheduled frequency, although knock-on delays and operational changes remain possible.

Minimum services for regional and high-speed trains

The minimum service levels for the Semaf strikes on November 10 and 12 are:

• Cercanías: 75% during peak hours and 50% at other times.
• Media Distancia regional trains: 65%.
• High-speed and long-distance trains: 72%.
• Freight trains: 20%.

For the nationwide strike on Wednesday, November 11, the minimum services are:

• Cercanías: 75% during peak hours and 50% at other times.
• Media Distancia: 65%.
• High-speed and long-distance trains: 73%.
• Freight trains: 26%.

Free ticket changes and cancellations

Renfe is allowing passengers affected by the industrial action to change or cancel their bookings without additional charges. Travellers whose services are modified should receive an email or text message if they supplied their contact details when purchasing the ticket.

Passengers are advised to check their train’s status before travelling to the station and allow additional time for their journey. This is particularly important for anyone connecting with a flight at Malaga Airport or attending an appointment with a fixed arrival time.

Why are Renfe train drivers striking?

Semaf is demanding structural improvements to railway safety and the implementation of commitments previously made by the authorities.

Its demands include binding procedures for severe-weather alerts, clearer communication protocols during emergencies and compliance with train drivers’ working and driving-time limits.

Talks between the union and the Government have not produced an agreement sufficient to call off the action. Rail services across Malaga and the rest of Spain will consequently remain under pressure until Thursday.