Strikes in France Today
Latest news on transportation strikes in Paris and France (2025), plus insider tips to survive them.
Planning a trip to Paris? Here’s everything you need to know about the latest transportation strikes in France in 2025 – including train strikes, air travel disruptions, and metro or bus strikes in Paris – along with insider tips on how to manage them like a local.
Transport in France and Paris is usually quite good, but strikes do happen from time to time and can impact your travel plans.
That said, we locals have learned how to navigate French strikes over the years. How? With the right information, a bit of flexibility in our daily routines, and a good dose of patience.
As a Paris local and commuter who travels frequently across France, I’ve experienced more than my fair share of transport strikes – and survived them all! Keep reading for the latest updates and my best tips to help you stay one step ahead during your visit.
Post updated on 30 September with info on upcoming strikes.
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What’s in this Article
This article on transportation strikes in Paris and France is extensive and covers many topics. Jump directly to the topic that interests you most:
This article does NOT cover strikes by foreign companies operating in France (e.g., Deutsche Bahn, British Airways, Eurostar).
The strikes in France shown in this article are officially confirmed – no rumors, no guessing, no crystal ball.
If you’re planning a trip to France, I recommend checking this post (especially Chapter 1) about two weeks before your departure and again a few days before you leave, as it’s regularly updated.
Unfortunately, some strikes are only confirmed at the last minute (sometimes just 24 hours in advance!) when negotiations break down. That’s why it’s important to revisit this article from time to time if you’re traveling to France.
If you’re only interested in SNCF train strikes or Air France and air travel strikes, my other blog, France Bucket List, has two dedicated articles covering these specific French strikes.
1. Paris & France Strike Schedule 2025
Are there any strikes in France this week? This calendar lists the France & Paris strike schedule for the next three months. Transportation strikes in France are not planned months in advance; they are usually on short notice, which is why this calendar only covers a three-month period.
List of Upcoming Strikes in France 2025
8 September 2025: Public Transport TCL in Lyon (finished event)
10 September 2025: ‘Block Everything’ protests (finished event)
18 September 2025: Call for a strike by French Air Controllers (all of France). (postponed)
18 September 2025: General National Strike (finished event)
18 September 2025: ‘Block Everything’ protests (finished event)
26 September 2025: Mass mobilization by farm workers (finished event)
2 October 2025: General National Strike
7 to 9 October 2025: Call for a strike by French Air Controllers (all of France)
14 October 2025: Mass mobilization by farm workers (Paris).
2 October 2025: Unions have called for a new day of mobilization, citing the Prime Minister’s lack of a “clear response” to their demands. After the successful September 18 strike, union leaders met with the Prime Minister today (24 September) to discuss key issues such as scrapping François Bayrou’s budget and dropping the unemployment insurance reform. The meeting was deemed a failure by the unions, prompting the call for a General Strike.
7 to 9 October 2025: The strike called by French Air Controllers for 18 September was postponed to 7 to 9 October 2025. For more details about this strike, check out Chapter #3.
14 October 2025: France’s third-largest agricultural union, the Confédération Paysanne, has announced a demonstration in Paris on 14 October. Farmers will take to the streets with their tractors at the forefront to protest the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement, which is currently in the process of ratification in Brussels. Exact routes and locations have not been confirmed, but the demonstration is expected to cause street blockades and disruptions to bus and metro services.
TIP: If your flight to /from Paris or France was delayed 3+ hours due to a strike in France, I recommend checking your case with Air Help. Air Help is the world’s #1 flight compensation company. Since its foundation in 2017, Air Help has helped 16 M+ air passengers receive their compensation – Click here to check if you are eligible for compensation
‘Block Everything’ Protests (‘Bloquons Tout’)
Launched on social media in July, the call for a national blockade on 10 September, dubbed ‘Block Everything,‘ emerged as an immediate reaction to the Prime Minister’s budgetary announcements. Among the measures announced by the Prime Minister, the elimination of two public holidays and a savings target of €44 billion have particularly sparked outrage.
Since then, the political left has gradually aligned itself with the movement. Later, labor unions also joined in, taking actions such as blocking public transportation.
This movement is not a one-off event and will continue with additional planned dates. The main organizers mobilized again during the strike of 18 September. This movement is in some ways reminiscent of the “Yellow Vests” movement.
2. Train Strikes in France & Paris 2025
Content of this sub-chapter:
- 2A – France Train Strike Schedule 2025 and Disruptions
- 2B – Paris Train Strike Schedule 2025 and Disruptions
- 2C – Impact of French Strikes on International Train Services
- 2D – What to Do During Train Strikes in France
2A – France Train Strike Schedule 2025 and Disruptions
This section covers SNCF train strikes, including everything from regional to high-speed lines. It also includes the RER train lines or sections managed by SNCF.
If you find yourself traveling during one of these train strikes, refer to the information below and in sub-chapter #2D for guidance.
Expected Disruptions General National Strike 2 October 2025
According to SNCF, train traffic will be slightly disrupted in general. The extent of disruptions will vary depending on the train line.
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).
CLARIFICATION: When I state, for example, “2 trains out of 3 on average,” it means that approximately two-thirds of the usual trains for that day will be operating.
- National TGV and INOUI trains: Normal traffic. Passengers on canceled trains are usually warned by email or SMS.
- Axe Nord TGV:
- Axe Est TGV:
- Axe Atlantique TGV:
- Axe Sud-Est and Sud-Ouest TGV:
- Classic Ouigo trains:
- International Trains: Passengers on canceled trains are usually warned by email or SMS.
- TER trains: Train traffic will be disrupted on some lines. For more details by region, please check directly on the regional sites (click on “info traffic,” then “grève”):
- Intercities: Train traffic will be disrupted on the lines Lyon – Nantes, Bordeaux – Nantes, and Marseille – Bordeaux, and slightly disrupted on the lines Paris – Clermont-Ferrand and Paris – Limoges – Toulouse. Passengers on canceled trains are usually warned by email or SMS.
- Transilien: Line H: Traffic will be slightly disrupted; Line L: Traffic will be disrupted; Lines N and U: Traffic will be disrupted; Line R: Traffic will be severely disrupted. For more details, please check Transilien’s website
- Night Trains:
2B – Paris Train Strike Schedule 2025 and Disruptions
This section focuses on tram and RER train strikes in Paris and the Île-de-France region, specifically those lines and sections operated by SNCF.
- RER A: Train traffic will be disrupted. The interconnection RATP /SNCF at Nanterre-Préfecture [IS] kept
- RER B: Train traffic will be almost normal. The interconnection RATP /SNCF at Gare du Nord (to travel to the airport) [IS] kept (there’s [NO] need to change trains at Gare du Nord on the surface to continue the journey).
- RER C: Train traffic will be disrupted
- RER D: Train traffic will be very disrupted
- RER E: Train traffic will be very disrupted.
The RER B is the train line that connects central Paris with Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport. Check out sub-chapter #4C in this article to understand how strikes can affect this line.
2C – Impact of French Strikes on International Train Services
Will my Eurostar /Thalys /TGV Lyria /Deutsche Bahn train be affected by the train strike in France?
Even if these trains are not on strike, French strikes could impact their ability to deliver the usual timetable. As a result, international train lines traveling from /to France may need to adapt their timetables during the strike days in France.
2D – What to Do During Train Strikes in France
Are you traveling by train during an SNCF strike? As someone who’s been caught in a couple of these strikes myself, I understand the challenges. Here are my recommendations to help you navigate the disruptions:
You have not booked your train tickets yet
1. Be flexible with your travel dates and avoid traveling by train during a train strike in France. In fact, the SNCF website typically disables bookings during French train strike dates.
2. Consider Other Options, like traveling by plane, bus, or by car:
- Click here to find cheap flights to Paris
- Click here to rent a car with Discover Cars
- Compare bus prices for your destination in France
If this is your first time renting a car in France, check out my best tips for renting a car in France.
You have tickets for a day affected by a train strike
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 SNCF 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 cause delays, or your journey might not be affected 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
3. Air Travel Strikes in France 2025
Content of this sub-chapter:
3A – French Air Traffic Control Strike Dates 2025 and Disruptions
This chapter is about Air Traffic Control Strikes at French airports.
A strike by air traffic controllers is the worst kind of transportation strike in France! A kind reminder: the last air traffic controller strikes in France, in July 2025, affected over 1 million passengers, with approximately 200,000 unable to fly due to cancellations.
GOOD TO KNOW: France has had the highest number of air traffic controller strikes in the last five years, with 95 days of strikes between 2010 and 2015.
7 to 9 October 2025: The largest union (SNCTA) filed a strike notice for 18 September 2025 to request a “full catch-up with inflation” in terms of salaries for 2024, as well as changes in the governance of the profession.
Due to the absence of a government contact to address their demands – since the new Prime Minister’s cabinet is still being formed – the strike has been postponed to 7–9 October.
Expected Disruptions During French Air Traffic Control Strike, 7-9 October 2025
It is too early to determine the impact of this strike.
If you find yourself traveling during a French Air Traffic Control Strike, read sub-chapter #3D for guidance.
GOOD TO KNOW: Please note that French air traffic control strikes can also impact flights that simply pass through French airspace, even if they are not departing from or arriving in France. Due to a limited number of air traffic controllers, the reduced capacity may lead to delays or rerouting for any flight crossing French airspace.
3B – Air France & Other Airline Strike Dates 2025 and Disruptions
This chapter is about Air France Strikes and other French Airlines Strikes: cabin crew, pilots, and ground staff.
GOOD TO KNOW: Many Air France flights operate on a shared code with other air companies (KLM, Delta…). Air France flights operated by an aircraft and a crew other than that of Air France might not be affected by this Air France strike.
7 to 9 October 2025: There’s no Air France strike, but flight schedules – including those of all airlines flying to and from France – could be affected by the ongoing French air traffic controllers’ strike, leading to delays and cancellations.
Expected Disruptions During French Air Controllers’ Strike on 7-9 October 2025
It is too early to determine the impact of this strike on Air France’s flights.
Air France’s website usually doesn’t display information about social movements until the very last moment, but this strike may still affect its flight schedule. However, passengers impacted by delays or cancellations are typically notified by email.
Flights by other French airlines (or other air companies traveling from/to France) may also be impacted by the air traffic controllers on strike.
If you find yourself traveling during an air travel strike, read sub-chapter #3D.
3C – Airport Strikes in France and Disruptions
This section covers strikes at French airports, including ground staff (check‑in), security (security and passport control), and luggage handlers.
Nothing to report at this time.
If you’re affected by an airport strike in France, it’s best to check the airport’s official website for updates (for example, how early to arrive before departure). Online check-in will also ease the process, especially if you travel with hand luggage only.
3D – What to Do During Air Travel Strikes in France
You have not booked your flight tickets yet
1. Be flexible with your travel dates and avoid taking a flight during a strike by French air controllers.
If the strike is by Air France, simply book your flight tickets with another flight company to avoid delays or cancellations.
2. Consider Other Options, like traveling by train, bus, or by car (if possible):
- Click here to find cheap train tickets to Paris
- Click here to rent a car with Discover Cars
- Compare bus prices for your destination in France
If this is your first time renting a car in France, check out my best tips for renting a car in France.
You have flight tickets for a day affected by an air travel strike
First of all, don’t panic! Follow these simple steps:
1. Check the status of your flight.
To find out the status of a specific flight, simply enter your flight number (it’s marked on the ticket) in the search bar on the website of your air company, the day before departure or on the day of departure. The system will give you all the useful information about your flight.
2. Exchange /get a full refund /voucher if necessary
Often, if your flight 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 flight isn’t canceled, the air travel strike in France may result in a delay or have no impact at all. European Regulation EC 261 covers delays (three hours or more at the final destination), cancellations, and denied boarding. It applies to:
- Flights departing from Europe, regardless of the airline (including French overseas territories).
- Flights flying into Europe on a European carrier.
Non-EU citizens or business travelers can also apply for flight compensation if they meet one of the two cases above.
TIP: If your flight to or from Paris or France was delayed by 3 hours or more due to a strike in France, I recommend checking your case with Air Help. Air Help is the world’s #1 flight compensation company. Since its founding in 2017, Air Help has helped 16 M+ air passengers receive their compensation – Click here to check if you are eligible for compensation
In addition to flight delays, here’s the list of all the rights of airplane passengers to compensation, as outlined by the European Union. Source: https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/en/travelling-motor-vehicles/air-travel/air-passenger-rights.html
4. RER, Bus, and Metro of Paris Strikes 2025
GOOD TO KNOW: The company RATP is responsible for most of the public transport in Paris and the Parisian region. RATP includes the Paris Métro, tramway, and bus services, and it also manages part of the Réseau Express Régional (RER) network.
While the 18 September action resulted in a blackout day for transit services across France, disruptions will be less important during the General National Strike on 2 October 2025.
Content of this sub-chapter:
4A – Expected Disruptions: RER Train Strike
This chapter is about RER train strikes in Paris and Ile-de-France (lines and sections managed by RATP).
Expected Disruptions General National Strike 2 October 2025
RATP has published an initial forecast of disruptions.
Generally, RATP informs about the RER trains, metro, tramway, and bus lines impacted 1-2 days before the strike date. RATP predicts much more disrupted traffic than on 10 September across the entire network.
- RER A: Train traffic will be disrupted. The interconnection RATP /SNCF at Nanterre-Préfecture [IS] kept
- RER B: Train traffic will be almost normal. The interconnection RATP /SNCF at Gare du Nord (to travel to the airport) [IS] kept (there’s [NO] need to change trains at Gare du Nord on the surface to continue the journey).
- RER C: Train traffic will be disrupted
- RER D: Train traffic will be very disrupted
- RER E: Train traffic will be very disrupted.
The RER B is the train that travels to Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport. Check out sub-chapter #4C in this article to understand how strikes can affect this line.
4B – Expected Disruptions: Paris Metro Strike
This chapter covers Paris metro strikes and strikes on tramways and buses.
Expected Disruptions General National Strike 2 October 2025
No significant impact on traffic across the entire network is expected.
Generally, RATP informs about the RER trains, metro, tramway, and bus lines impacted 1-2 days before the strike date. RATP predicts much more disrupted traffic than on 10 September across the entire network.
Metro Lines:
Clarification: When I write, for example, “1 train out of 3 from 6.00 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.,” it means that between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., there’s no metro service. When I write, for example, “2 trains out of 3 on average,” it means that 2/3 of the usual trains will be working.
- Line 1: normal traffic (it’s an automatic line)
- Line 2:
- Line 3:
- Line 3 bis:
- Line 4:
- Line 5:
- Line 6:
- Line 7:
- Line 7 bis:
- Line 8:
- Line 9: normal traffic (it’s an automatic line)
- Line 10:
- Line 11:
- Line 12:
- Line 13:
- Line 14: normal traffic (it’s an automatic line).
Bus: No significant impact on traffic across the entire network is expected. However, traffic on some lines could be disrupted by street protests.
Tramway: No significant impact on traffic across the entire network is expected except on line T9.
- Line T1:
- Line T2:
- Line T3:
- Line T3b:
- Line T5:
- Line T6:
- Line T7:
- Line T8:
- Line T9: Traffic will be disrupted.
4C. How to Get from the Airport to Your Hotel During a RER/Metro Strike in Paris
GOOD TO KNOW: The RER B line that connects central Paris to Charles de Gaulle Airport (north) and Orly Airport (south) is operated half by SNCF (from CDG Airport to Paris Gare du Nord) and half by RATP (from Paris Gare du Nord to Orly Airport and the end of the line). This means that when SNCF or RATP are on strike, this connection might be disrupted or suspended.
1. Allow Extra Time to Travel From Paris to the Airport.
During a transportation strike, Paris will be served by fewer trains, tramways, and buses. Also, the train interconnection (RATP – SNCF) at Gare du Nord might be suspended (see above).
In any case, expect the working trains or buses to be cramped to the point that you will have to let them go and wait for the next one.
Check RER B’s schedule and the specific metro line or bus line schedules during the strike before leaving your hotel, and allow extra time to reach the airport.
2. Take a Taxi to/from the Airport (flat rate!)
Taxis to/from the Paris airports work at a flat rate. A taxi from/to CDG Airport costs 56€ to the Right Bank and 65€ to the Left Bank, while a taxi from/to Orly Airport costs 36€ to the Left Bank and 44€ to the Right Bank.
When you land in Paris, simply follow the marks on the floor to the taxi line.
From Paris, book your taxi ride with G7, which is the most reliable service in Paris (dial 3607 from a French telephone or book directly on their website). There’s a small fee of around 5€ for advance booking.
GOOT DO KNOW: Get ready for higher prices on services like Uber. During the transportation strike of 13 September 2021, the prices for both Kapten and Uber were reported as 2-2.5 times the normal rate when people could secure rides!
3. Book a private transfer and avoid the strike hassle.
Unlike UBER, their price does not change because of a strike, AND their service is not affected by any Paris strikes. Another good thing is that you can book and pay online from the comfort of your home, before your trip starts.
I like Welcome Pickups‘ transfer service for private transfers; Welcome Pickups has good cars and the best English-speaking drivers in Paris.
4. Consider a Hotel Near the Airport With Shuttle Service for Early Flights.
If your flight is leaving Paris early in the morning, have a look at the hotels near the airport, at least for the last night.
Sleeping in hotels near the airport eliminates the stress of waking up early in the morning and the transportation hassle on a strike day in Paris.
Another advantage of hotels close to Paris airports is that they usually offer very competitive prices because most tourists opt for a hotel located in the city.
Finally, most of these hotels also provide a free airport pickup /drop-off if you book it in advance.
Here’s the list of the best hotels near the Paris Airports, all with FREE airport shuttle service.
Hotels near Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Sheraton – Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport: located inside CDG Airport (Terminal 2)
- Hilton – Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport: located 0.3 Km from CDG Airport, Terminal 1
- Courtyard by Marriott – Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport: located 2.9 km from CDG Airport, Terminal 2
- Novotel – Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport: located 0.1 Km from CDG Airport, Terminal 1
- Here’s the full list of the best hotels near Charles de Gaulle Airport
Hotels near Orly Airport
- Best Western Plus – Paris Orly Airport: located 2.8 Km from ORY Airport
- Howard Hotel – Paris Orly Airport: located 1.9 Km from ORY Airport
- Mercure – Paris Orly Airport: located 1.2 Km from ORY Airport
- Novotel – Paris Orly Airport: located 3 Km from ORY Airport
- Here’s the full list of the best hotels near Orly Airport
4D. Getting Around Paris During a Metro Strike
1. Be Flexible.
Fewer trains will run during Paris Metro strikes, so the waiting time between trains will be longer, and the metro platforms will be more crowded.
If you are traveling around Paris during a metro strike, be flexible AND patient. Avoid transportation peak hours (from 8.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.) and consider other transportation options like renting a bike (check out my quick guide to Paris by bike) or walking.
If the weather in Paris is good, I recommend walking as much as possible. Walking times between distant points within Paris are not long, in many cases less than a 10-minute walk.
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Original title: Upcoming Strikes in France 2025 – Dates, Info, and Best Tips by a Local
