French railway workers held a nationwide strike from the evening of November 4 through the morning of November 6, 2026, called by the unions CGT-Cheminots, UNSA-Ferroviaire, SUD-Rail, and CFDT-Cheminots. The strike triggered widespread interruptions across SNCF-operated networks including TGV, TER, Intercités, and RER services on November 5.
Differing Disruptions on TGV, TER, Intercités and RER
SNCF reported that TGV high-speed trains experienced comparatively minor interruptions, with most long-distance services operating close to schedule. In contrast, TER regional and Intercités long-distance trains faced significant cancellations and reduced frequency on various routes, particularly in eastern and northern France. Real-time alerts indicated amended timetables and partial omission of stops on some
regional lines.
Services on the Paris suburban rail networks were uneven. The RER B, C, D, and E lines faced reductions in service frequency, while RER A, managed by the RATP, operated nearly normally during the strike period.
Urban Transit and Suburban Rail Impact
Within the Île-de-France region, the Paris Metro, tram, and most bus routes ran with little to no disruption. However, suburban rail links such as Transilien and several branches of the RER experienced patchy coverage and fewer trains during peak travel periods. Île-de-France Mobilités advised commuters to postpone journeys or work from home on November 5 to avoid congestion and delays.
Coordination with Nationwide Protests and Public Order Measures
The rail
strike coincided with mass street protests involving more than 600,000 demonstrators across Paris, Lyon, and Marseille on November 5, 2026. These protests addressed wages, living costs, and government budget plans for 2027 and included participation from public and private sector workers, students, and the Yellow Vests movement. Authorities prepared for large-scale public order operations, particularly in Paris, to manage the substantial crowds and prevent violence.
Passenger Guidance, Ticketing and Alternative Transport
Travelers were urged by SNCF and regional transport authorities to verify train operations before departure, use official platforms like SNCF Connect for real-time updates, and prepare for possible cancellations. SNCF committed to contacting passengers affected
by cancelled TGV or Intercités trains to arrange ticket exchanges or refunds. Alternative transport options such as coaches, taxis, and car rentals saw increased demand, with some fare increases for last-minute bookings.
Airport Access and International Connections Affected
Passengers relying on RER B for connections between central Paris and Charles de Gaulle Airport faced reduced service and were advised to allocate additional travel time or seek alternate routes. Eurostar services planned nearly regular operation but cautioned customers to monitor live updates due to potential disruptions linked to domestic strikes. International travelers arriving through regional French cities and connecting to cross-border trains were advised to allow extra
transfer time amid uncertainty.
The nationwide strike formed part of a broader protest wave that began in September 2026, with unions considering additional strikes on November 6 and 7. Foreign embassies, including the UK Foreign Office, issued travel advisories recommending avoiding protest zones and closely following official transport updates. SNCF emphasized, “Before you travel, please check that your train is running,” underscoring the unpredictability of services during this period.
