French train strikes: how to prepare and what to do—In 2025, SNCF strike France may cancel TGV, TER, and RER services. Prepare by checking France train strike 2025 dates, using alternatives like FlixBus or BlaBlaCar, tracking SNCF Connect updates, and storing your luggage effortlessly with Radical Storage in the event of travel chaos.
What’s Happening: Strike Overview & Key Dates
French rail workers, particularly from the Sud-Rail union, have filed a strike notice spanning the entire summer holiday period—from 12 June to 1 September 2025—allowing for rolling, short-notice disruption.
Additionally, earlier in June, specific strike days were called:
| Date | Union | Impacted Services |
| 4 June 2025 | CGT-Cheminots (drivers) | RER B severely disrupted; RER C and D limited; TGV, TER mostly normal |
| 5 June 2025 | CGT (all professions) | Ongoing disruptions in Île-de-France |
| Early May | Multiple unions | Between 5–11 May, broad disruption affecting TGV InOui, Ouigo, TER, Intercités |
| 8 May 2025 | – | Up to 100% of trains canceled in some areas; 50% in Île-de-France; 60% in Nouvelle-Aquitaine |
Earlier spring strike schedule (17 April–2 June) by Sud-Rail also targeted school holidays and long weekends.
How to Prepare for an SNCF Strike
Checking the strike calendar and monitoring SNCF Connect updates is the first and most important step in preparing for disruption. These official sources provide the latest forecasts for cancellations and delays. Because strike notices in France may be filed for long periods, often lasting months, but only activated on certain days, travelers must remain vigilant. It’s not uncommon for a strike to be announced or extended at the last minute, sometimes just hours before departure. Keeping an eye on both the national calendar and regional updates ensures you know exactly when services will be interrupted.
Refund and exchange policies are another essential part of planning. During French train strikes, SNCF and third-party booking platforms like Trainline typically allow free refunds or exchanges before the scheduled departure time. This flexibility can help travelers adjust plans quickly without losing money. Knowing your rights ahead of time will make it less stressful to reorganize travel.
Will My TGV Run During Strike?
It depends:
- Summer period (12 June–1 Sept): service may be intermittent; no blanket cancellation, but TGV runs may be limited.
- 4–5 June 2025: SNCF reported “normal traffic on TGV and Intercités trains” despite strike on RER lines.
TER Disruption During Strike
TER services are likely less affected than RER, but regional disruptions may occur. On 4–5 June, most TER and Transilien trains ran normally.
Alternatives During a Train Strike
When train services are disrupted, alternatives such as FlixBus and BlaBlaCar become particularly valuable. FlixBus is often a reliable option for long-distance journeys, offering comfortable seating, onboard Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Though bus travel usually takes longer than high-speed rail, the services are frequent and affordable, making them a practical choice.
BlaBlaCar, on the other hand, provides flexibility for those looking for shared rides between cities. While its availability depends on drivers offering rides, it can be an economical and more direct way to reach your destination. In addition to these, travelers might consider rental cars or short-haul flights. However, these options come with higher costs and the possibility of traffic or delays, so they are best reserved for urgent travel needs.
| Option | Advantages | Limitations |
| FlixBus | Affordable, reliable, amenities | Longer travel time than train |
| BlaBlaCar | Direct routes, flexible booking | Availability depends on drivers |
| Rental Car | Control routes/timing | Costly, delays from traffic and strikes |
| Flights | Fast | Expensive, influenced by parallel disruptions |
Travelers often turn to FlixBus during train strike or BlaBlaCar train strike France for flexibility and affordability.
Bag Policy & Luggage Tips During Travel Chaos
Though SNCF generally allows suitcases in trains, strikes may mean unexpected waits or packing changes.
Packing Tips:
- Keep essentials handy (documents, chargers, water, snacks).
- Use compact luggage if planning to switch to buses or carpooling.
Radical Storage Mention: When stuck in a city due to cancellations, use Radical Storage to lighten your load. Quick to book, low cost, with options near major stations, allowing flexibility.
FAQ Section
Q1: What are the France train strike 2025 dates?
Key periods: 17 April–2 June (spring), 12 June–1 September (summer rolling notice), plus 4, 5, and 11 June 2025 specific strike days.
Q2: Will my TGV run during the strike?
Often yes—TGV and Intercités services reported to run normally on 4–5 June despite strikes affecting RER.
Q3: How to prepare for SNCF strike?
Monitor SNCF Connect updates, plan alternatives (FlixBus, BlaBlaCar), and use flexible ticket options/refunds. Store valuables with Radical Storage when stranded.
Q4: What are French train strike alternatives?
FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, rental cars, or flights—choose based on urgency, cost, and comfort.
Q5: Can I get strike-related refunds?
Yes—tickets are usually refundable/exchangeable before departure, especially via platforms like Trainline.
Q6: Are regional TER services affected?
They tend to be less disrupted than RER; on 4–5 June, most TER lines ran normally.
Q7: What about last-minute cancellations?
They happen often—stay alert via SNCF Connect and be ready with backup transport options.
French train strikes: how to prepare and what to do—while 2025 brings significant SNCF strike action, you can stay ahead by monitoring strike calendars (Spring and rolling Summer notice), using real-time updates via SNCF Connect, exploring alternatives like FlixBus or BlaBlaCar, and knowing your refund rights.
Above all, when you’re stuck in transit or city hubs, Radical Storage offers peace of mind: secure, easy-access luggage storage at locations near major stations—whether you’re waiting for your next move or exploring hands-free. With flexible pricing, trusted partners, and wide coverage, Radical Storage ensures your travel remains smooth, no matter when or where the train stops.
Safe travels—even when the rails don’t run.
