Parisian Living

Getting Around Paris During the Strikes

by Marissa Wu

Updated March 27, 2023 Strikes are part and parcel of French life. We are currently in a season of strikes over pension reforms. But that doesn’t mean cocooning is all there’s left to do! If you’re in Paris or planning a visit during strikes, here are tips to make the most of your stay and get around efficiently. 

On left: A girl walks into the light-flooded back courtyard of the Louvre, framed by the majestic archway and classic Paris street lamps. On right: Metro line six passes through a station. In tram mode, it rides above ground on a bridge, giving riders a beautiful view of Paris.
Top: Photo of commuters in front of the Arc de Triomphe by Jacek Dylag
Above: A photo of crowds walking in Paris by Esther Driehaus / A Paris metro train by Julian Dik

Check the SNCF, RATP and Citymapper websites for Up to Date Information

What is the difference between SNCF and RATP?

SNCF – France’s National Railway Company

SNCF is run by the government and regulates train travel in France with the exception of the metro. Typically from Paris, refer to SNCF trains for travel to another French or European city although it controls some RER trains too.

RATP – For the metro, RER, buses and trams within Paris and its suburbs

RATP is responsible for transport in the Greater Paris region. This includes the metro, trams, buses and most RER lines. For up to the minute news about the upcoming strikes check this page for an overview of the impact of the strike on the RER and metro. You can also enter information for a specific bus, metro and RER itinerary, timetables, and more.

Public transport schedules are often only updated a few days in advance, sometimes even just the evening before.  

Citymapper – For when you need help planning your journey

Within Paris, Citymapper is incredibly useful, strike or no strike. Its daily updates let you know the train timetables and the app will provide routes that navigate you around affected lines. Citymapper will also suggest alternative transit options, including scooter, moped, bicycle, and ride share—all with estimated fares.

Diners spill out onto the terrace of Gaston, a brasserie in the Latin Quarter, on a warm day, enjoying the apéritif.
Parisians sitting en terrace photographed by Marissa Wu

Getting to and from the airport

If your flight is impacted by the strikes you should receive notification from your airline. Nevertheless it is wise to check the status online before leaving for the airport.

Public transportation to and from the airport during the strikes

For public transportation to and from the airport the RATP website provides info on the various routes into Paris from its airports. Identify which route you prefer and search City Mapper or enter the specific itinerary into the RATP route planner for up to the date information.

Taxis

Paris Insider’s Guide has a wonderful guide to taking taxis in Paris including set rates by some companies. Ride-sharing, as well as the G7 taxis (which takes credit cards and has an English language website) have also been options. Be sure to check schedules regularly online as service times may be subject to change.

The Arc de Triomphe stands regally at sunset with the Eiffel Tower peeking in the background. Visitors mill about at the base, as motorists zip through the traffic circle.
People walking in front of the Arch de Triomph photographed Marissa Wu

Get Ready to Walk and Cycle (Or Even Ride Your Scooter)

Paris is a compact city, and it’s easy to move from one neighborhood to the next. Plan your days so that your activities are generally in the same area, minimizing the need for public transit. Several public transit lines are operating at reduced service so you can cross the city when really needed though it is advised to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. Also be prepared for congestion on walking and cycling routes due to trash on the roads and increased numbers of people choosing to get around this way.

Paris is a city made for meandering, so don’t let the lack of transport discourage you. Discovering the best the city has to offer often comes from wandering!

Related Links

Written by Marissa Wu for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Plum Guide and our Marketplace for fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long or short term, or buy in France? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person? Check out our marketplace shop and experiences.

Written By

Marissa Wu

Film photographer, Francophile, flâneuse. Always a writer, occasional poet, trained as a journalist. A lover of bookshops, ice cream, and skirts with pockets, and searching for the best croissant in Paris. Marissa's artistic focus is portraits of women, because she believes love is to reveal the beauty of a woman to herself. She's excited to be at HiP helping to share all thing Paris and France! View Marissa Wu's Website

Related Articles

3 comments on “Getting Around Paris During the Strikes

Thanks! Walk and bike…

Very good info!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe without commenting

Join the HiP Paris Community
Receive our exclusive newsletter w/special offers, deals, giveaways, unique recipes from published authors plus insider travel tips and insights only for HiP readers.