A railroad strikes from May 5 to 11, 2025 is scheduled to start at SNCF from May 5, on the initiative of the CGT-Cheminots and SUD-Rail unions, targeting drivers and ticket inspectors. This mobilization coincides with the May 8th bridge, a period traditionally marked by high rail passenger numbers.

Museum like le Louvre or Orsay and other monuments (Eiffel-Tower) are not concerned by this strike limited to the SNCF railroad company and can therefore be visited as usual.

A reminder of the facts.

At the beginning of April, Sud-Rail Union was the first union to call a strike, calling on TGV controllers to stop work on Friday May 9, Saturday May 10 and Sunday May 11, and even as early as May 7, thus threatening the May 8 bridge. Then, on April 11, the Union CGT-Cheminots, the largest railway workers’ union, called a strike of its own, with mobilization starting on Monday May 5.

Railroad strikes notice calendar for the whole of France

• Union CGT-Cheminots: renewable strike from Monday May 5.
• Union SUD-Rail: notice covering the period from Tuesday May 6 at 7pm to Thursday May 8 at 8am, with strike calls also on May 7, 9, 10 and 11.

These actions are part of a wider movement, with advance notice given for the weekends from April 17 to June 2, covering the spring vacations and the various May long weekends.

Expected disruptions due to the railroad strikes

SNCF management has not yet released precise traffic forecasts for this period. However, the concomitance of strike calls and long weekend departures suggests significant disruption, particularly in the Île-de-France region.

Real-time information about the railroad strikes

To follow the evolution of the situation and know the state of the traffic in real time, you can consult :

• SNCF Connect – Informations trafic
• Application SNCF Connect

Tips for travelers

• Anticipate your travel: if possible, plan to travel outside the dates affected by advance notice.
• Monitor official announcements: stay informed of traffic updates.
• Plan alternatives: consider other means of transport or alternative routes.

What are the problems getting around Paris and the suburbs?

In the run-up to the SNCF strike scheduled to start on Monday May 5, 2025, significant disruption is expected to public transport in Paris and the Île-de-France region, particularly between May 5 and May 11, including the May 8 bridge. The CGT-Cheminots and SUD-Rail unions have filed strike notices covering this period, which could result in a “black week” for rail traffic..

Disruptions expected in Paris and Ile de France region

• RER and Transilien: Disruptions are expected on several lines, notably RER lines A, B, C, D and E, as well as Transilien lines serving the Paris suburbs. Train schedules and frequency may be reduced.
• Metro and Tramway: Although the RATP is not directly affected by the SNCF strike, indirect repercussions are possible, particularly in the event of overloaded lines or solidarity movements. Modernization work is also underway on some lines, such as metro line 14, which may lead to temporary closures.
• Transilien line P: This line has been particularly hard hit by track repairs over the past few years, resulting in slowdowns, train cancellations and night-time closures. The situation could worsen during the strike period .

Consequences for road traffic in the Paris region

With the reduction in public transport supply, an increase in road traffic is to be expected, particularly on major routes such as the Paris ring road, the A1, A3, A6, A13 freeways and national roads. Traffic jams could become more frequent, especially during rush hours.

Real-time information abot the railroad strikes in the Paris region

To follow the evolution of the situation and know the state of the traffic in real time in the Paris area, you can consult :

• SNCF Connect – Informations trafic
• RATP – Infos trafic

What if you already have a ticket for travel during the strike period?

If a train is cancelled due to a social movement, your ticket will be refunded in full. This is compulsory, whatever the fare or type of ticket you have chosen. Even if it is marked “non-refundable”. This refund is free of charge.

But there’s nothing automatic about it. It’s up to you to make the request via the SNCF Connect application, at the station ticket office or by calling 3635. This enables the railway company to check that the ticket has not been used on the next train.

You only have 60 days to request a refund. On the other hand, if the carrier offers you a credit note, you are not obliged to take it; you can opt for a refund to your bank account or in cash at the agency.

If the SNCF refuses to refund your cancelled ticket, you can call on the SNCF mediator in line or by mail (Click for French language or in English) to try and reach an amicable settlement. The mediator is independent. You can also apply to the ombudsman if you have not received a reply from the company within one month.

For Intercités, the rules are the same as for TGVs. For TER, the situation is more complicated, as a ticket without a specific date written on it cannot be reimbursed. However, an exception is made in the event of a strike.

What consequences if the strike goes ahead?

If it were to materialize, this strike notice would have only losers: customers, the employer, the State, and even the company’s employees. The SNCF’s competitors are slowly gaining ground (Long-distance coach, car-sharing, private cars, SNCF’s direct Italian and Spanish rail competitors to Marseille and Spain) and peace of mind for passengers going to competition. Each cut to its contract of trust between SNCF with the French costs them market share.