Strikes in France Today
Transport in France and Paris is usually quite good, but unfortunately, sometimes it is affected by strikes.
However, we locals have learned to deal with French strikes over time. How? With the right information, a little bit of flexibility in our everyday life, and lots of patience.
Are you planning a trip to Paris soon? Keep reading this article on Transportation Strikes in France 2024, with the upcoming transportation strikes in Paris and France, and my best tips for dealing with them.
Post updated on 11 September 2024
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Content of this Article
This article on transportation strikes is extensive and covers many topics.
- France and Paris Strike Schedule 2024
- Train Strikes in Paris and France 2024
- French Air Traffic Control Strikes 2024 & Other Air Travel Strikes in France
- RATP & Metro of Paris Strikes 2024
This article does NOT cover the strikes by foreign companies traveling to France (e.g., Deutsche Bahn, British Airways, Eurostar).
The strikes in France shown in this article are officially confirmed — no rumors, no guessing.
If you are traveling to France, I recommend having a look at this post (especially chapter #1) one week before your trip and a couple of days before your departure for any updates.
Unfortunately, some strikes are confirmed at the very last moment (only 24 hours in advance) when negotiations with the French State fail. This is why it is important to check this article from time to time if you are heading to France.
If you are only interested in SNCF – train strikes or in Air France – French airport strikes, my other blog (France Bucket List) has two articles covering these specific transportation strikes:
1. France and Paris Strike Schedule 2024
Are there any strikes in France today? Are there any Paris strikes today?
Strikes in France 2024 Dates
This calendar lists the Paris and France strikes for the next three months. Transportation strikes in France are not planned months in advance; it is usually a short-notice thing, that’s why this calendar only covers three months.
List of Strikes in France 2024 and Strike Description
1 October 2024: General National Strike in France. The CGT, followed by other trade unions, is calling for a day of interprofessional strike and demonstrations on Tuesday, 1 October 2024. The strike aims to protest against the pension reform and to demand an increase in wages, the financing of public services, as well as other social and economic issues.
For the time being, it is not known which sectors will participate in this social movement. Keep clicking for the latest updates!
1 October 2024 (renewable): Ferry La Méridionale Strike in Corsica. The workers of La Méridionale in Corsica will start a renewable strike starting on Tuesday, 1 October 2024. This strike is led by the Corsican Workers’ Union (STC) in reaction to the decision to put an end to the Toulon-Ile Rousse line, deemed unprofitable by the management. Check out La Méridionale’s website for the latest updates.
2. Train Strikes in Paris and France 2024
2A. France Train Strikes
This chapter is about SNCF strikes in France, from regional to fast lines. It also includes the RER lines managed by SNCF.
Nothing to report at this moment. SNCF could decide to join the General National Strike on 1 October 2024.
If you find yourself traveling during France train strikes, check out sub-chapter #2D.
Generally, SNCF informs about the trains or train lines impacted 1-2 days before the strike date. Passengers on TGV or Intercités trains impacted by the strike are usually contacted by SMS or email (if they have provided their contact details). Passengers of regional trains (TER) can check traffic forecasts on the regional sites dedicated to TER trains.
CLARIFICATION: When I write, for example, “2 trains out of 3 on average,” it means that 2/3 of the usual trains for that day will be working.
- National TGV and INOUI trains: nothing to report at this moment. Passengers on canceled trains are usually warned by email or SMS.
- Axe Nord TGV:
- Axe Est TGV:
- Axe Atlantique TGV:
- Axe Sud Est TGV:
- TGV InOUI:
- Province to province:
- Classic Ouigo trains:
- International Trains: nothing to report at this moment. SNCF strikes could impact international lines.
- Eurostar:
- Thalys:
- Lyria trains:
- Connections with Germany:
- Connections with Italy:
- France – Spain:
- TER trains: nothing to report at this moment. For more details, please check directly on the regional site (click on “info traffic,” then “grève”):
- Intercities: nothing to report at this moment. Passengers on canceled trains are usually warned by email or SMS
- Transilien: nothing to report at this moment. For more details, please check Transilien’s website
- Night Trains: nothing to report at this moment.
2B. Paris Train Strikes
This chapter is about RER train strikes in Paris and Ile-de-France (lines and sections managed by SNCF).
Nothing to report at this moment. SNCF could decide to join the General National Strike on 1 October 2024.
The RER B train is the train that travels to Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly –> Check out sub-chapter #4C on this post to understand how strikes on this line work.
- RER A: The interconnection RATP /SNCF at Nanterre-Préfecture is [TBD] kept
- RER B: The interconnection RATP /SNCF at Gare du Nord (to go to the airport) is [TBD] kept (there’s no need to change trains at Gare du Nord on the surface to continue the journey )
- RER C, RER D, and RER E:
2C. French Strikes’ Impact on International Train Lines
Will my Eurostar /Thalys /TGV Lyria /Deutsche Bahn train be affected by the France train strike?
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 timetable during the strike days in France.
2D. What to Do During Train Strikes France
Are you traveling by train during an SNCF strike? Here are my recommendations:
YOU HAVE NOT BOOKED YOUR TRAIN TICKETS YET
» Be flexible with your travel dates and avoid traveling by train during a train strike in France.
Actually, the SNCF website usually does not allow any more bookings during French train strike dates.
» Consider Other Options, like traveling to /from Paris or France by plane or by car if you are traveling from the neighboring countries – Click here to find cheap flights to Paris
» France by Car. You can always replace the trains with a rental car. Touring France by car is a fantastic option because it is easier to go off the tourist path – Click here to rent a car with Discover Cars
If this is your first time renting a car in France, check out my best tips for renting a car in France.
YOU HAVE BOOKED YOUR TRAIN TICKETS
If you have booked your train during a train strike in France, please don’t panic! An SNCF strike does not necessarily mean that all trains will be canceled. Depending on the line and schedule, your train may run normally, be delayed, or be canceled.
The forecasts are available at the latest at 5 p.m. the day before the mobilization.
First of all, check on the SNCF website for the status of your train. To do this, choose the network: main lines (TGV, inOui, Ouigo, Intercités, international trains), TER (regional trains), or Ile-de-France (RER and Transilien), then enter your train number (you can find this information on your train ticket), and add your travel date. The system will give you the real-time status of your train.
» If your train is not canceled, don’t worry! There may be some disruptions or delays, but you should be ok.
» If your train is canceled, SNCF will contact you by email or SMS offering different solutions:
- A change of dates (out of the strike period) at no extra cost
- OR a 100% refund of the ticket price if you cancel your trip scheduled between the strike dates
If, for any reason, your ticket is stated as “non-refundable” or the website does not propose a total refund (please verify this before the last click), contact them directly with your ticket reference number.
If you booked your train with Ouigo trains, contact them directly for an exchange or refund.
» If your TGV, Intercité, or OuiGO train is delayed by France train strikes (or any other reason), you are entitled to compensation ranging from 25% to 75% of the ticket price, depending on the length of the delay (the minimum delay to request 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. French Air Traffic Control Strikes 2024 & Other Air Travel Strikes in France
3A. French Air Traffic Control Strikes
This chapter is about Air Traffic Control Strikes in French airports. A strike by air traffic controllers is the worst kind of transportation strike in France. A kind reminder that the last strikes by air traffic controllers in France on 25 April 2024 meant the cancellation of 75% of flights to/from Orly Airport, 55% of flights to/from Charles-de-Gaulle Airport, and 45% of flights from/to other French airports.
Please note that French Air Traffic Control Strikes also affect flights crossing French airspace even if they are not flying from /to France. Due to the reduced number of planes that could be handled by the limited number of French air traffic controllers, any flight crossing French airspace might be delayed or re-routed.
Nothing to report at this moment. Air traffic controllers could decide to join the General National Strike on 1 October 2024.
If you find yourself traveling during a French Air Traffic Control Strike, read sub-chapter #3E and subchapter #3F.
3B. Air France Strikes 2024
This chapter is about Air France Strikes, cabin crew, pilots, and ground staff.
Nothing to report at this moment.
If you find yourself traveling during an Air France Strike, read sub-chapter #3E and subchapter #3F.
3C. French Airports Strikes 2024
This chapter is about strikes in any of the French airports. Typical strikes in this sub-chapter are ground staff for check-in, security staff (security control, passport control), and airport luggage handlers.
Nothing to report at this moment.
If you are affected by an airport strike in France, it is best to check the airport website for advice on how early you should arrive before your departure. Online check-in will also ease the process, especially if you travel with hand luggage only.
3D. What to Do During French Air Traffic Control Strikes
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.
These are the worst transportation in France strikes, with hundreds of flights from /to France delayed or canceled. Also, air traffic controller strikes in France affect flights crossing French airspace even if they are not flying from /to France. Flights crossing the French airspace might be delayed or re-routed due to the reduced number of planes that the limited French air traffic controllers could handle.
In other words, French Air Traffic Control Strikes mean chaos!
I recommend following the strike news in this article, monitoring your flight on the air company’s website, and considering their suggestions to change /refund your tickets.
3E. What To Do During Air France Strikes
GOOD TO KNOW: Many Air France flights operate on share 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.
On the other hand, if one of these other companies (KLM, Delta…) is operating on a share code with Air France and using Air France crew or Air France aircraft, these flights could be impacted.
Check your e-ticket to understand what air company is operating your flight. Is it Air France? Perhaps another air company on shared code with Air France? Check their website, and if your flight is affected, see what re-booking /cancellation options they offer.
YOU HAVE NOT BOOKED YOUR FLIGHT WITH AIR FRANCE YET
» Be flexible with your travel dates and avoid flying to /from France during Air France strike dates.
» Consider other air companies to avoid eventual delays or cancellations.
YOU HAVE BOOKED YOUR FLIGHT TO PARIS WITH AIR FRANCE ALREADY
First, take your e-ticket and check your flight status here to see if your flight is affected by the Air France strike. To do this, enter your flight number and your travel date. The system will give you the real-time status of your flight.
During Air France strikes, you can anticipate, postpone, and cancel your trip easily online. With Air France, you can even change your origin or destination, and if you decide to do this, you will get a voucher valid for one year that can be used on AIR FRANCE or KLM flights.
3F. Are you Entitled to Compensation if your Flight is Canceled or Delayed by French Strikes?
European Regulation EC261 covers delays (3h+ delay at the final destination), cancellations, and denied boarding. It applies to:
- Flights departing in Europe regardless of the airline (French overseas territories included).
- 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.
Airlines are not always obligated to offer compensation following a strike because strikes are usually considered “extraordinary circumstances.” These are situations beyond the airline’s control and can include adverse weather conditions and certain strike actions.
But when a flight is delayed or canceled due to strike action taking place by the airline’s own employees (e.g., pilots, airline staff), the airline must pay compensation to passengers.
TIP: If your flight to /from Paris or France was delayed 3+ hours due to a strike in France, we 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 16M+ 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 airplane passengers’ rights to compensation, according to the European Union. Source: https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/en/travelling-motor-vehicles/air-travel/air-passenger-rights.html
4. RATP & Metro of Paris Strikes 2024
GOOD TO KNOW: The company RATP is responsible for most of the public transport in Paris and the Parisian region. RATP includes the Paris Mero, tramway, and bus services, and it also manages part of the Réseau Express Régional (RER) network.
If you find yourself traveling during Paris RER or metro strikes, check out sub-chapters #4C, #4D, and #4E.
4A. RER Strike in Paris
This chapter is about RER train strikes in Paris and Ile-de-France (lines and sections managed by RATP).
Nothing to report at this moment. RATP could decide to join the General National Strike on 1 October 2024.
The RER B train is the train that travels to Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly –> Check out sub-chapter #4C on this post to understand how strikes on this line work.
- RER A: The interconnection RATP /SNCF at Nanterre-Préfecture is [TBD] kept
- RER B: The interconnection RATP /SNCF at Gare du Nord (to go to the airport) is [TBD] kept (there’s no need to change trains at Gare du Nord on the surface to continue the journey )
- OrlyVal:
4B. Paris Metro Strikes
This chapter covers Paris metro strikes and strikes on tramways and buses.
Metro Lines: Nothing to report at this time
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:
- Line 10:
- Line 11:
- Line 12:
- Line 13:
- Line 14:
Bus: Nothing to report at this moment.
Tramway: Nothing to report at this moment.
- Line T1:
- Line T2:
- Line T3a:
- Line T3b:
- Line T5:
- Line T6:
- Line T7:
- Line T8:
4C. How to Get from the Airport to Your Hotel During an RER Train /Metro Train Strike in Paris
GOOD TO KNOW: The RER B line that connects Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris Orly Airport to Paris 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.
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.
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.
CONSIDER PRIVATE /SHARED AIRPORT TRANSFERS
During the last Paris transport strikes, taxis were working just fine, but the taxi requests were much higher than the offer, and it was necessary to book their services well in advance. Taxis to/from the Paris Airports work with a flat rate (from CDG Airport is 56€ /65€ to Right /Left bank and from Orly Airport is 36€ /44€ to Left /Right bank). Book your taxi ride with G7, which is the most reliable service in Paris (3607 from a French telephone or directly at their website).
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!
Book an airport transfer and avoid the strike hassle. The good thing about Paris airport transfers is that their price does not change because of a strike, AND their service is not affected by the Paris strikes. Whatever happens during a transportation strike in Paris, your driver will be waiting for you at the airport or your hotel.
I like Welcome Pickups‘ transfer service for private transfers; Welcome Pickups has good cars and the best English-speaking drivers in Paris.
Other transfer options: Paris Airports private round-trip transfer
FLYING BACK HOME EARLY IN THE MORNING? CONSIDER A HOTEL NEAR THE AIRPORT WITH A SHUTTLE SERVICE
If your flight is leaving Paris early in the morning, have a look at the hotels near your Paris 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 during 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 my favorite 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. How to Get from the Train Station to Your Hotel During a Paris Metro Strike
Paris’s train stations are all within the city, so in normal circumstances, you will take the metro to your hotel. However, during a Paris Metro Strike, metros will be less frequent and more crowded, and some metro stations might be closed.
CONSIDER A HOTEL NEAR YOUR TRAIN STATION
If you can change your booking, I recommend looking for a hotel near your train station, a hotel that you can reach on foot. Pack light and save time and stress with a hotel conveniently located near your train station. This will be especially helpful when you need to take the train back home: you don’t want to miss your train!
Hotels located less than 1 Km from Gare du Nord:
- 25 Hours Hotel Terminus Nord: located at 0.1 Km (6-min walk) from Gare du Nord
- Le Rocroy Hotel Paris Gare du Nord: located 0.3 Km (5-min walk) from Gare du Nord
- Hotel Whistler: located 0.2 Km (6-min walk) from Gare du Nord
- Here’s the full list of the best hotels near Paris Gare du Nord
Hotels located less than 1 Km from Gare de l’Est:
- Le Robinet d’Or: located 0.4 Km (8-min walk) from Gare de l’Est
- OKKO Hotels Paris Gare de l’Est: located 0.1 Km (4-min walk) from Gare de l’Est
- Le Grand Quartier: located 0.5 Km (7-min walk) from Gare de l’Est
Hotels located less than 1 Km from Gare de Lyon:
- Hotel Parisianer: located 0.1 Km (6-min walk) from Gare de Lyon
- CitizenM Paris Gare de Lyon: located 0.2 Km (5-min walk) from Gare de Lyon
- Holiday Inn Paris Gare de Lyon: located 0.3 Km (6-min walk) from Gare de Lyon
4E. How to Get Around During a Paris Metro Strike
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 Paris Metro strikes, 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 suggest walking as much as you can. Walking times between distant points within Paris are not long, and in many cases, walking distances between metro stations are usually less than a 10-minute walk.
Did you find this article on transportation strikes in Paris and France useful? If so, share it with your friends through your favorite social media. Merci!
