SNCF Train Cancelled & Strike Refund Guide
When an operator cancels a train or service is disrupted by industrial action, commercial fare penalties are completely superseded by statutory passenger rights granting 100% full refunds.
French Railway (SNCF) Ticket Refund Calculator
Calculate exact cancellation fees for TGV INOUI, OUIGOSWAP 80% resale vouchers, TER deadlines, and G30 30-minute delay compensation.
From 6 days before departure up to departure, a flat €19 deduction fee is applied per person per directional journey.
| Total fare paid | €85.00 |
| Deduction fee (€19/pax) | - €19.00 |
| Net refund amount | €66.00 |
Disruptions, Cancellations & Care Provisions
European Union law and SNCF exceptional measures protect travellers across three critical scenarios.
Train Cancelled / Strike
All restrictive fare conditions vanish: you are entitled to a 100% fee-free refund or free rebooking on an alternative train within 7 days.
Right to Abandon Journey
If your train departure is delayed by over 60 minutes and you decide not to travel, you have the statutory right to cancel for a 100% full refund.
Hotel & Taxi Coverage
If stranded overnight due to a late or cancelled train, the railway must provide free hotel accommodation and taxi transport (even in Force Majeure events).
Disruptions & Strikes FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Official rules, common edge cases, and refund processing details.
01.What is the cancellation fee for a TGV INOUI ticket?
For TGV INOUI, Semi Flex tickets (including those booked with a Carte Avantage) are 100% refundable with zero fees up to 7 days before departure. From 6 days prior to departure until the train leaves, a flat €19 fee per person per journey is deducted. Once the train departs, Semi Flex tickets lose all commercial value and become non-refundable.
02.Can I cancel and get a refund for an OUIGO train ticket?
No, standard OUIGO tickets are strictly non-refundable in cash for voluntary cancellations. However, you can change your travel date/time up to 30 minutes before departure for a €19 fee per person, or list your ticket on the OUIGOSWAP secondary resale marketplace. If another passenger buys your freed seat, you receive an 80% digital voucher valid for 12 months.
03.How does the SNCF G30 (30-Minute Guarantee) delay compensation work?
The G30 scheme applies to TGV INOUI and Intercités services. For arrival delays between 30 and 59 minutes, you receive 25% compensation as a digital voucher. For delays of 60 to 119 minutes, you get 25% (choice of bank transfer cash or voucher); for 120 to 179 minutes, 50% cash/voucher; and for 180+ minutes (3h+), 75% cash/voucher. Claims must be filed online via the TOUTOUI form within 90 days.
04.What is the refund deadline for regional TER tickets?
Standard digital TER tickets are 100% refundable without any fees up until 11:59 PM the day before departure (J-1). On the calendar day of travel, TER tickets become strictly non-refundable and non-exchangeable because they remain valid on any TER train along that route for the entire day.
05.What happens if my train is cancelled by SNCF or during a strike?
When a train is cancelled by the railway operator or during an official industrial strike, normal fare restrictions are waived: all affected tickets are 100% refundable with zero penalty, or can be exchanged free of charge for an alternative train, even if originally sold as non-refundable.
06.Am I protected if I miss a connecting train in France?
Yes, provided your entire journey was booked as a single transport contract ("Billet Direct"). Under EU Regulation 2021/782, SNCF must rebook you onto the next available train free of charge and provide meals and hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary.
07.What refund flexibility is provided by Full Flex and Carte Liberté fares?
Tickets booked under Full Flex, Business Première, or Carte Liberté tiers offer maximum flexibility: they can be exchanged or fully refunded at 100% with zero penalty up to 30 minutes after the train's scheduled departure.