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Traveling Campania in May 2026: Transportation Strikes & Rail Closures in Campania

.If you are planning to explore the wonders of Naples, the ruins of Pompeii, or the lemon groves of Sorrento in May 2026, you need to be aware of the scheduled "Scioperi" (strikes) and significant infrastructure projects. Italy’s transport sector often holds demonstrations during the spring, and this year is combined with major rail upgrades.

Karen Phillips

5/4/20263 min read

If you are planning to explore the wonders of Naples, the ruins of Pompeii, or the lemon groves of Sorrento in May 2026, you need to be aware of the scheduled "Scioperi" (strikes) and significant infrastructure projects. Italy’s transport sector often holds demonstrations during the spring, and this year is combined with major rail upgrades.

Travelers should prepare for disruptions on the following dates throughout the month, purtroppo:

  • May 9–10 (Local Rail): A 24-hour strike by EAV workers (Circumvesuviana and Cumana lines) starting at 19:31 on Saturday and ending at 19:30 on Sunday.

  • May 11 (Air Travel): A "black day" for aviation from 10:00 to 18:00, affecting Naples Airport (NAP) due to coordinated walkouts by air traffic controllers and EasyJet staff.

  • May 15–16 (National Multi-sector): A major 48-hour national strike impacting both railway and maritime services across Italy.

  • May 20 (Local Rail): A short-form 4-hour morning strike for EAV rail services in Naples, scheduled from 09:00 to 13:00.

  • May 29 (General Strike): A massive 24-hour nationwide strike involving all public and private sectors, including rail, road, and local transit.

Major Infrastructure Closure: Naples – Salerno (May 10 – June 29)

In addition to the strikes, Trenitalia has announced a total suspension of service on the Naples San Giovanni Barra – Salerno section of the "Historic Line" (via Cava de' Tirreni).

  • Dates: The closure begins at 23:00 on May 9, 2026, and is scheduled to end at 06:00 on June 29, 2026.

  • The Impact: Regional and Metropolitan trains between Naples and Salerno (used for Vietri sul Mare and the Amalfi Coast gateway) are replaced by buses for the entire duration.

  • Key Station Closures: No train service at Torre Annunziata Città, Pompei (FS), Scafati, Angri, Pagani, Nocera Inferiore, Nocera Superiore, Cava de' Tirreni, and Vietri sul Mare.

  • Replacement Buses: Look for the "Bus Sostitutivo" signs. Note that bus travel times are significantly longer than train times due to traffic on the SS18.

  • High-Speed Exceptions: Frecciarossa and Italo trains using the "Monte del Vesuvio" bypass are generally not affected by this maintenance, but they do not stop at the intermediate towns listed above.

How to Get to Sorrento & Pompeii During a Strike

When the Circumvesuviana (EAV) trains stop, you have four primary alternatives to keep your itinerary on track.

1. The Sea Way (Ferry/Hydrofoil)

The ferry is the most reliable way to reach Sorrento from Naples. While it can be affected by "General Strikes" (like May 15-16 or May 29), it usually remains operational during rail-specific strikes.

  • Departure: Naples Molo Beverello

  • Arrival: Sorrento Marina Piccola

  • Top Operators: * SNAV (High-speed hydrofoils to Sorrento and the islands)

2. The Airport Shuttle (Curreri Viaggi)

The Curreri Viaggi bus is a "lifesaver" for tourists. It runs from Naples Capodichino Airport and makes stops at Pompeii Scavi and all major towns on the Sorrento Peninsula.

3. The Alibus (Naples City Connector)

If you need to move between the Airport, the Central Station (Piazza Garibaldi), and the Port (Molo Beverello), the Alibus is your best bet.

  • Official Link: ANM Alibus Official Page

  • Strike Reliability: During local strikes, Alibus service is often strengthened to help passengers move between major hubs, though it may be reduced on "General Strike" days (May 29).

  • Cost: €5.00 (payable on board, at kiosks, or via the UnicoCampania App).

4. High-speed Rail (Trenitalia & Italo)

During national strikes, some high-speed trains (Frecciarossa and Italo) are guaranteed.

Expert Tips for Travelers

  1. The 06:00-09:00 Window: Italy protects commuters. Even during a 24-hour strike, trains and the Alibus usually run during peak hours: 6 AM to 9 AM and 6 PM to 9 PM.

  2. Download the Apps: *

  3. Avoid the "Black Friday": May 29th is a General Strike. This is the hardest day to travel. If possible, book a private transfer or plan a "walking day" in your current city.

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Safe travels and enjoy the magic of Campania!