France faces a nationwide rail strike on November 5, 2026, with SNCF forecasting disruptions on TGV, TER, Intercités, and RER train services across the country. While the high-speed TGV network is expected to experience limited impact, regional trains and commuter rail around Paris will be significantly affected.
Union-Led Action Over Wages and Working Conditions
Four main railway unions—CGT-Cheminots, UNSA-Ferroviaire, SUD-Rail, and CFDT-Cheminots—are calling the strike as part of a broader national mobilization focused on wage negotiations, employment terms, and working conditions within the rail sector. They demand negotiations on salaries, staffing levels, working conditions, and the future organization of France’s railway sector. SNCF plans to release detailed,
line-specific train schedules on November 4, 2026, to help passengers confirm which services will operate during the strike.
Impact on Paris Region Commuter Services and Airport Connections
Commuter rail lines RER B, C, D, and E are expected to face significant disruption during the strike. RER B, a vital link between central Paris and Charles de Gaulle Airport, will be affected, potentially complicating airport transfers. Île-de-France Mobilités has urged passengers to postpone travel or work remotely on November 5 where possible. Despite the interruptions on RER B, services on RER A, managed by RATP, along with the Paris Metro, tramways, and bus networks operated by RATP, are expected to
continue operating normally.
Regional and Long-Distance Train Operations
TER regional trains and Intercités long-distance services are anticipated to experience widespread delays and cancellations. The regional operator TER Pays de la Loire confirmed disruptions on some lines and recommended passengers verify schedules before traveling. While the TGV network is expected to run with minimal disruption, travelers between major cities such as Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Lille, and Nantes should remain cautious, as not all departures are guaranteed. SNCF’s comprehensive traffic forecast was issued on November 3, 2026, and will be supplemented by more detailed route-level information on November 4.
Passenger Advisories and Preparations
Passengers with travel plans on November 5 are
advised to check service availability via SNCF Connect or respective regional operators. Extra time should be allowed for connections involving affected routes, especially for those using RER B to reach Charles de Gaulle Airport. Despite the rail disruptions, the Paris Metro, tram, and RATP bus networks are projected to maintain their usual operations. Passengers facing cancellations should consult SNCF’s refund and rebooking policies before purchasing alternative tickets.
