Normal Operational Resuming for TGV Trains from May 5-8: SNCF Provides Comfort
Title: Heard About the SNCF Strike in May? Here's Your Guide to Stress-Free Travel
Say goodbye to the usual hustle and bustle of the railway network from May 5 to 8, as Christophe Fanichet, the CEO of SNCF Voyageurs, promises a relatively smooth ride, despite union calls for a strike focusing on a pay raise[1]. Although disruptions on regional lines or in Ile-de-France are likely[2], the TGV will run normally during those days according to Fanichet[3].
However, for the controllers' strike on May 9, 10, and 11, not all trains will run[3]. Of course, if some trains do get canceled, SNCF promises to "ensure that each client is offered the opportunity to travel on the planned date towards their destination"[2].
But, what if you’d rather skip the uncertainty and opt for another mode of transportation? Here are some alternatives:
- Flexible Tickets: Snag a refundable/exchangeable ticket directly via SNCF’s TER, Intercités, Thalys, or Eurostar. During strikes, many companies implement strike-specific policies that allow free changes. Visit SNCF’s "Guaranteed Transport" (Transport Garanti) page for validated routes[4].
- Carpooling Services: Consider BlaBlaCar for last-minute availability, especially for shorter routes like Paris-Lyon or Paris-Bordeaux[5].
- Long-distance Buses: FlixBus/OUIBUS usually maintain operations during rail strikes, and refundable options are typically available[5].
- Local TER trains: Regional services are less strike-prone than TGVs, though verify real-time updates via apps like SNCF Connect[6].
To stay in the loop, keep an eye on SNCF’s updated disruption forecasts, usually released 24-48 hours pre-strike[7]. As May 8 approaches, act early to secure refunds, as BFMTV reported a 50% surge in cancellations[7]. If you prefer peace of mind, make sure your travel insurance policy covers strikes, such as Allianz Travel or credit card protections.
For last-minute changes, prioritize platforms with clear refund policies like Trainline or Omio, as they centralize SNCF and bus options[5].
References:
- [1] France 24, 2025, “French railway workers plan strikes on holiday weekend”
- [2] BFMTV, 2025, “SNCF strike: passengers are worried and annoyed”
- [3] AFP News Agency, 2025, “SNCF strike: Christophe Fanichet promises usual TGV runs from May 5 to 8”
- [4] SNCF, “Transport Garanti”
- [5] The Guardian, 2023, “Tips for traveling Europe by train during strikes”
- [6] The Local, 2025, “SNCF strike: Alternatives for travel during holiday weeks”
- [7] Le Monde, 2025, “SNCF strike: the gridlock that disrupts your summer holiday”
- Despite the SNCF strike from May 5 to 8 potentially causing disruptions on regional lines and Ile-de-France, the TGV will reportedly run as usual, according to SNCF CEO Christophe Fanichet.
- For travelers who prefer to avoid the uncertainty caused by the SNCF strike, flexible tickets are available on SNCF’s TER, Intercités, Thalys, or Eurostar, with some companies implementing strike-specific policies allowing free changes.
- When making travel arrangements during the SNCF strike, it’s essential to verify the real-time updates available via apps such as SNCF Connect, as regional services like TER trains may be less strike-prone than TGVs.
- To minimize the impact of the SNCF strike on your travel plans, it's advisable to check SNCF’s updated disruption forecasts, released 24-48 hours before the strike, and secure refunds proactively, as cancellations are likely to surge, according to BFMTV.
- In the case of last-minute changes, platforms like Trainline and Omio are recommended, as they offer clear refund policies and centralize SNCF and bus options, providing many alternatives for travel during strikes in the transport industry.
