Train Strikes in France 2026: SNCF Strike Dates, Travel Tips & What to Do

About French Train Strikes

Is there a train strike in France right now? Jump directly to current strike dates and traffic forecast ↓

France’s train strikes are scheduled in advance and announced publicly – which means, unlike most travel disruptions, you can prepare for them. As a Parisian who takes trains across France regularly and has navigated more strikes than I’d like to count, I’ll tell you exactly what is disrupted, what is still running, and what to do if your journey is affected.

This guide covers SNCF train strikes in France specifically. For Paris metro, bus, and air travel disruptions, see the France transport strikes calendar on World in Paris.

Last update: April 2026

Table of Contents:

1. Is There a Train Strike in France Right Now?
2. A French Train Strike Doesn’t Always Mean All Trains Are Cancelled
3. Train Strike France – Disruptions by Line and Region
4. What to Do if a French Train Strike Affects Your Journey
5. Getting to/from Paris Airports During a Train Strike
6. How to Stay Ahead of French Train Strikes – Planning Tips

1. Is There a Train Strike in France Right Now?

The France train strike dates listed in this article are officially confirmed. There are no rumors or guesswork here.

This page is updated within 24-48 hours of any new SNCF strike notice, so don’t worry: you are in good hands.

Unfortunately, some strike dates are only confirmed 24 hours before negotiations with the French State break down. On the other hand, unions may also call off strikes at the last minute if an agreement is reached. Because of this uncertainty, it’s essential to check for updates on any train strikes in France right up until the last minute.

Scheduled Train Strikes in France

Nothing to report at the moment, yay!

Last update: April 2026

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2. A French Train Strike Doesn’t Always Mean All Trains Are Cancelled

Just because there’s an SNCF or TGV strike doesn’t mean the entire French rail network is shut down.

SNCF operates a wide range of services, and trains in France include high-speed TGV routes, regional TER services, and local commuter lines such as Transilien. Strikes can affect only part of this network. For example, an SNCF strike may disrupt regional or local trains while high-speed routes continue to run normally.

Likewise, some strikes are limited to specific regions. When traveling in France by train, it’s important to check which lines and areas are impacted rather than assuming your journey will be canceled.

In this article, you’ll find details about the train lines and regions affected.

3. Train Strike France – Disruptions by Line and Region

Expected Disruptions on SNCF Train Traffic

Despite earlier expectations, disruptions on the national network should be limited. Details by line are provided below.

Generally, SNCF informs about the trains or train lines impacted 1-2 days before the strike date. Passengers on TGV or Intercités trains affected by the strike are usually contacted by SMS or email (if they have provided their contact details).

Expected Disruptions on RER Train Traffic

This chapter is about tramway lines and RER train strikes in Paris and the Ile-de-France region (lines and sections managed by SNCF).

• RER A: Nothing to report at the moment. The interconnection RATP /SNCF at Nanterre-Préfecture [TBD] kept
• RER B: Nothing to report at the moment. The interconnection RATP /SNCF at Gare du Nord (to travel to the airport) [TBD] kept (there’s [NO] need to change trains at Gare du Nord on the surface to continue the journey).
• RER C: Nothing to report at the moment.
• RER D: Nothing to report at the moment.
• RER E: Nothing to report at the moment.

Are International Trains Affected by a French Rail Strike?

Even if international operators like Eurostar, Thalys, TGV Lyria, or Deutsche Bahn are not directly on strike, a rail strike in France can still impact their ability to run normally – especially for routes crossing French territory.

• Eurostar: Delays or cancellations may occur on services to or from Paris, Lille, or Marseille if there are issues with SNCF staff or infrastructure. More info on Eurostar disruptions.
• Thalys (Now Eurostar): Though Thalys staff may not strike, French-based disruption can affect routes between Paris and Brussels, Amsterdam, or Cologne. More info on Thalys travel updates.
• TGV Lyria: Services between France and Switzerland may face timetable changes due to SNCF crew involvement. Visit the TGV Lyria site.
• Deutsche Bahn: Trains co-operated with SNCF (like TGV/ICE) between Germany and France often have mixed crews. This means a French strike may impact DB trains even if German staff are not striking. Visit the DB site for updates.

To avoid surprises, always check your specific train’s status 24-48 hours before departure, especially for international routes crossing into France.

4. What to Do if a French Train Strike Affects Your Journey

I cannot say that in France, train strikes are infrequent. From time to time, they happen.

You might be lucky and travel around France many times without ever dealing with a transportation strike. However, it only takes one instance of having travel plans thwarted by an unexpected strike to ruin a trip.

Below are my top tips for dealing with a TGV strike or any other SNCF strike.

A- Learn About the SNCF Strike Dates in Advance

The good news is that France schedules its strikes in advance, meaning there are some ways you can avoid dealing with them entirely, even if you already have your train tickets.

There are many ways to learn about French train strikes: newspapers, radio, or even travel blogs like this one!

By checking the France train strike schedule beforehand, you may be able to adjust travel plans or avoid traveling during the day when the strike will take place.

B- Understand What Kind of Trains are on Strike in France

As mentioned above, a train strike in France does not mean the whole French rail network is on strike. Is it an SNCF strike? What kind of trains are on strike? What kind of train have you booked?

5. Getting to/from Paris Airports During a Train Strike

RER B and CDG Airport – What Happens During a Strike

Trains from Paris Airports to Paris city center are operated half by SNCF (from CDG Airport to Paris Gare du Nord) and half by RATP (from Paris Gare du Nord to Orly Airport).

This means that when a train on this line arrives at Paris Gare du Nord, there’s a swap of train drivers. If there’s an SNCF strike or a RATP strike, expect some disruptions in one of the two sections. Also, the interconnection SNCF – RATP might be suspended.

From Charles De Gaulle Terminal 2 – Direct TGV Connections to Other Cities

The TGV train station located at Charles de Gaulle Airport Terminal 2 allows visitors to travel to other parts of France without passing through Paris. Top routes from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) T2 include Strasbourg, Rennes, Nantes, Lyon, Lille, Marseille, Montpellier, and more.

If there’s a TGV strike you might be stuck in Paris or you might lose your flight back home.

Elisa’s Local Tip: If you’re traveling to or from France on an international flight, it’s worth considering the combined plane + train ticket offered by Air France in partnership with SNCF. This “Train + Air” option lets you book your flight and your onward journey in France by train in a single reservation, with easy connections through Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

• An all-in-one ticket
• Seamless connections

This combined “Train + Air” ticket is especially helpful during disruptions such as SNCF strikes or Air France strikes: if your train or flight is delayed or canceled, your entire journey will be rebooked, so you’re not left managing separate tickets. For international travelers, this means a smoother, more reliable way to connect between Paris and cities across France without the stress of coordinating everything yourself.

Alternatives to Airport Trains During a Strike

If you are traveling from Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly Airport to the city during a Paris train strike, there are two good alternatives to avoid this train hassle:

» Travel to /from Orly Airport and Paris: Metro line 14 (an automated line) connects Paris directly to Orly Airport, so you are all set!

» Travel to /from Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris: Consider  Welcome‘s transfer services for private transportation from the airport to the city. Welcome has good cars and the best English-speaking drivers in Paris. This service is ideal for groups, families with kids, and couples. You can also book a transportation service with Viator.

I recommend booking these services in advance, especially during holidays or the high season, when many travel.

Elisa’s Local Tip: I don’t recommend taking an Uber. During transportation strikes, prices often surge significantly, while official taxis offer a fixed fare between the airport and the city at all times.

» Travel to /from Charles de Gaulle Airport and other cities in France: If there’s a TGV strike and your TGV train departing from the airport is canceled, I recommend renting a car at Charles de Gaulle Airport as soon as possible – Click here to browse the car companies operating at Charles de Gaulle Airport

There is also the bus option, which implies traveling to Paris to catch the bus.

6. How to Stay Ahead of French Train Strikes – Planning Tips

OK. There’s an SNCF strike, and you have planned a train journey in France for that very day. What to do?

The bad news is that there are no guaranteed minimum transport services when strikes are scheduled in France. Service depends mainly on what (trains) and who (drivers) are available. In other words, if SNCF wants to shut down all its services, it can.

A- You Have Not Booked Your SNCF Train Tickets Yet

Usually, as soon as SNCF strike dates are announced, these dates are blocked in the train reservation system, so users can no longer book an SNCF train for those dates.

Review your travel plans or find an alternative means of transportation (such as renting a car) to reach your destination during these train strike dates:

• Click here to find cheap flights to France
• Click here to rent a car with Discover Cars
• Compare bus prices for your destination in France

If you are not traveling to Paris, look for the closest airport to your destination. If this is your first time renting a car in France, read my best tips for renting a car in France.

B- You Have Booked Your Train Tickets with SNCF

First of all, don’t panic! Follow these simple steps:

1. Check the SNCF train status.

To find out the status of a specific train (on time, delayed, canceled), simply enter your train number (it’s marked on the ticket) in the search bar on the website or app’s homepage, the day before departure or on the day of departure. The system will give you all the useful information about your train (e.g., status) and real-time tracking.

2. Exchange /get a full refund if necessary

Often, if your train service is cancelled or disrupted by a strike, exchanges and cancellations are possible before the initially scheduled departure, even for non-exchangeable and non-refundable tickets, and are free of charge. You can do this online or at the agency where you made the purchase.

3. Continue with your travel plans despite the strike

If your train isn’t canceled, the train strike in France may result in a delay or have no impact at all. For TGV, InOUI, and Intercité lines, passengers are entitled to compensation ranging from 25% to 75% of the ticket price, depending on the length of the delay (the minimum delay for compensation is 30 minutes). The requests for compensation for delayed TGV and Intercité trains are treated on this site: https://garantie30minutes.sncf.com/s/?language=en_US