UPDATE – 10 February 2026: Spain’s nationwide train driver strike has been called off, just hours after it began, after rail unions reached an agreement with authorities on boosting investment, reinforcing staffing, and improving day‑to‑day safety conditions across the rail network.
The three‑day strike, which started on Monday, was suspended after the government committed to major new spending and reforms following a string of high‑profile and deadly train accidents in January.
€1.8bn investment and thousands of new hires
Spain’s Transport Ministry said the government will invest €1.8 billion (£1.5bn / $2.15bn) in railway maintenance through to 2030 and will hire 3,650 additional workers for the publicly funded rail infrastructure manager and train operators.
The agreement also includes:
- Changes to how train drivers’ working hours are calculated
- An increase in the number of road vehicles used for track maintenance
- New working groups and safety procedures across all railway companies
In a statement, train drivers’ union SEMAF said it had achieved all of its demands, describing the deal as one that addresses daily safety concerns raised by drivers throughout the rail system.
Crashes that triggered nationwide action
The strike followed several derailments and crashes in January that left dozens dead and sparked intense public scrutiny of Spain’s rail infrastructure.
The most serious accident occurred on 18 January near Adamuz, in southern Andalusia, when a high‑speed train derailed and collided with another travelling in the opposite direction. Forty‑six people were killed, making it Spain’s worst rail disaster in more than a decade.
A preliminary report by the rail accident investigation commission (CIAF) found that grooves on the wheels of the derailed train — and on three earlier trains — suggest a fracture in the track occurred before the train passed over it.
Just two days later, another derailment occurred in northeastern Catalonia, when a local train left the tracks after a wall collapsed onto the line. The accident killed a train driver and injured at least 37 passengers, most of them travelling in the first carriage.
Government rejects claims of underinvestment
While unions have warned of a “constant deterioration of the rail network”, the government has rejected accusations of neglect.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente said previous investment included €700 million spent upgrading the Madrid–Andalusia line, including the stretch where the Adamuz crash took place.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is still expected to face questions in parliament later this week over the failures exposed by the accidents.
What are my refund rights?
Passengers affected by cancellations or delays caused by the strike are protected under EU passenger rights law.
- If your train was cancelled, you are entitled to a full refund within 30 days, or
- You can change your ticket at no additional cost
Renfe says passengers whose trains were affected can cancel or modify tickets free of charge, regardless of where they were purchased. This applies both to cancelled services and to passengers who chose not to travel during the strike.
Full details on refunds and ticket changes are available on the railway operator’s website.
Consumer association Facua also reminds passengers of their right to compensation for delays:
- 25% of the ticket price for delays of 60–119 minutes
- 50% of the ticket price for delays of two hours or more
These compensations do not apply to tickets bought during strike days or when passengers were informed of delays before purchasing their ticket.
Advice for travellers
Although the strike has ended, travellers are advised to:
- Check the status of their train before heading to the station
- Expect residual delays as services return to normal
- Monitor official updates from Renfe, Iryo, and Ouigo
Passengers with upcoming journeys should verify whether their plans are affected and take advantage of refund or ticket‑change options where necessary.
While rail services are resuming, the agreement marks a significant moment for Spain’s railway system — with safety, staffing, and long‑term investment now firmly in the spotlight.
Spain in shock after deadly train crash in Adamuz, Córdoba
On the evening of Sunday, 18 January 2026, southern Spain was shaken by one of the deadliest railway disasters in recent years. Near the town of Adamuz in Córdoba province, two high-speed trains collided in a catastrophic accident. The scale of the disaster, combined with ongoing rescue efforts and emerging safety concerns, has left the nation deeply affected.
