A short, targeted bus Strike will ripple through three of Sicily's busiest cities on Monday, July 14, 2025. Drivers from four operators-Segesta Autolinee, Autolinee Russo, Etna Trasporti, and Interbus-will walk off the job between 930 a.m. and 130 p.m. local time, temporarily halting most urban and intercity routes in Palermo, Catania, and Enna. While the action lasts only four hours, it falls squarely in the late-morning tourism peak, when travelers head to beaches, archaeological parks, and Palermo Airport for onward flights. Smart planning now will keep itineraries on track.
Key Points
- Why it matters: Mid-season mobility in three gateway cities will pause for four hours.
- Strike runs 930 a.m.-130 p.m. local (CEST) on July 14.
- Affects Segesta Autolinee, Autolinee Russo, Etna Trasporti, and Interbus drivers.
- Rail, taxi, rideshare, and ferry links remain normal.
- Minimum service exemptions are not mandated for local bus strikes.
- Expect longer lines at taxi stands after 1:30 p.m.
Snapshot • What to Expect
The walkout is classed as a "territorial" Strike under Italian law, limiting it to the provinces of Palermo, Catania, and Enna. All company-operated urban, suburban, and medium-distance coaches scheduled to depart between 930 a.m. and 130 p.m. risk cancellation. Services already en route may terminate early. Palermo Centrale rail station, Catania Centrale, and Enna's Piazza Europa stop will see the greatest passenger spillover, as travelers pivot to Trenitalia regional trains and long-distance services. Outside the four-hour window, buses should resume, but expect crowding and gaps while vehicles reposition.
Background * Why Drivers Are Striking
FAISA-CISAL, the regional union representing Sicily's private bus drivers, called the action after contract talks stalled in mid-June. Negotiators disagree over weekend overtime, split-shift allowances, and restroom access at rural termini. The union filed the legally required ten-day notice on June 17, giving operators time to warn passengers. Similar four-hour stoppages in March and May caused short-lived delays but no lasting disruption.
Current Status • Confirmed Timeline
- June 17, 2025: Formal Strike notice submitted to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
- July 1: Operators post public advisories on company websites and station bulletin boards.
- July 14, 930 a.m. Drivers walk out. Dispatchers park buses at depots or safe roadside lay-bys.
- July 14, 130 p.m. Strike ends. Vehicles rejoin service as crews cycle back on.
For a deeper look at Italian Strike rules, see our earlier briefing on the July 11 Palermo Airport strike.
Travel Impact • Disrupted Routes, Work-arounds
Expect a near-total pause in Palermo's city-center circulars, AST suburban lines to Monreale, and Segesta's Palermo-Trapani airport shuttle. In Catania, the Etna Trasporti corridor that links downtown with Taormina and Syracuse will stop, affecting day-trip itineraries. Interbus coaches between Enna and Piazza Armerina's Roman Villa del Casale will also halt, forcing travelers to wait for afternoon departures or book taxis-budget around € 100 (EUR) (approximately $ 108 USD) per car for that 50 km (31 mi) ride. Trenitalia regionale trains continue as normal, offering a reliable fallback between Palermo, Catania, and Enna. Taxi and rideshare demand will spike after 1:30 p.m.; pre-book if you hold tight connections.
Advice for Travelers • Practical Steps
- Re-time excursions. Schedule guided Tours before 900 a.m. or after 200 p.m. to avoid missed departures.
- Book rail seats now. Regional trains accept walk-ons, but reserved InterCity seats guarantee a spot with luggage.
- Arrange private transfers. Small-group shuttles and licensed NCC cars can bridge the gap for families or limited-mobility travelers.
- Carry cash. Some taxi drivers in rural Sicily do not accept cards; keep € 50-€ 100 in small bills.
- Monitor operator feeds. Company websites and station screens post real-time resumption notices.
Looking Ahead • Monitoring Next Moves
The union warns broader, full-day strikes could follow if talks remain frozen. Travelers visiting Sicily later in July should track updates from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and operators' websites. Subscribe to local alert services, or ask your Travel Advisor to monitor further notices.