Workers at the Lisbon Metro (Metropolitano de Lisboa) have called a 24-hour strike from 05:00 on Wednesday 14 October to 05:00 on Thursday 15 October 2026. An official arbitration panel has decided not to set any minimum train service for the strike day. If you use the Metro to get to work, school or an appointment on Wednesday, plan another route now.
What was decided
Six unions (FECTRANS, STTM, SINDEM, SITRA, SITESE and STMETRO) gave strike notice. The company and the unions did not agree on minimum services, so the case went to compulsory arbitration at the Economic and Social Council (CES). In its decision ARB/28/2026 of 10 October, published on the CES website on 12 October, the panel decided unanimously:
- No minimum train service between 05:00 on 14 October and 05:00 on 15 October.
- Only three workers at the central control room, for the safety and maintenance of equipment.
The Metro had asked to keep all four lines running for the whole day. The panel said this would go further than the law allows. It noted that the strike lasts one day, that other ways to travel exist, and that no other transport strikes are called for the same period. It followed earlier decisions for Metro strikes in April 2026 and September 2025, and a May 2026 ruling of the Lisbon Court of Appeal. The panel accepted that the strike will disrupt journeys and may make other transport busier.
Will the Metro run?
When we checked on 12 October at about 13:40 (Lisbon time), the Metro had not yet published its plan for 14 October on its news page. For a similar 24-hour strike in April, the Metro announced in advance that service would stop and stations would close, from 23:00 the night before until 06:30 the day after. A second April strike was called off the day before it was due. This strike could also be called off, so check again on Tuesday.
What this means for you
- Plan another route for Wednesday: Carris buses, CP trains, Fertagus or the river ferries. These are run by other companies and are not covered by this strike notice. Expect crowds and longer journeys.
- Leave early. If the Metro follows the April pattern, it may also close late on Tuesday night and reopen later on Thursday morning.
- Tell your employer in advance if you may be late, and agree a plan, especially if you start early or work nights.
- Appointments in Lisbon (AIMA, Finanças, Segurança Social, hospital): go at your booked time and allow extra travel time. The strike does not move your appointment.
- Check metrolisboa.pt on Tuesday 13 October for the final service plan.
Commuting from outside Lisbon by train? See our article on the €20 green rail pass on Lisbon and Porto urban trains.
Key dates
- Strike: 05:00 Wednesday 14 October to 05:00 Thursday 15 October 2026.
- Arbitration decision: 10 October 2026, published 12 October 2026.
We will update this article when the Metro publishes its service plan or if the strike is called off.
Sources
- CES – Arbitration decision ARB/28/2026, Metropolitano de Lisboa strike (10 October 2026, official)
- CES – Decision page ARB/28/2026 (official)
- Metropolitano de Lisboa – Strike notice for 9 and 14 April 2026 (past example, official)
- Metropolitano de Lisboa – Service news (official)
Featured image: Branded graphic: Link in Portugal (original work; no third-party photos)
This article is general information, not legal advice. Strike plans can change at short notice; check the Metro’s official channels before you travel. Link in Portugal is not affiliated with the Metropolitano de Lisboa, the CES or any union. Last updated: 12 October 2026.
