Snowfall in Paris: RATP Trains to Run All Night to Prevent Freezing

Paris, January 6, 2026 – As heavy snow blanketed Paris and the wider Île-de-France region yesterday afternoon, the Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (RATP) has implemented extraordinary measures to combat the anticipated severe overnight freeze. To prevent ice formation on its rail network, RATP announced that trains would operate continuously throughout the night on all tram lines, as well as on metro and RER lines that include aerial sections.

Widespread Snowfall and Traffic Chaos

The snowfall, which began yesterday afternoon, transformed the capital into a picturesque winter landscape, with iconic landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, Montmartre, the Esplanade des Invalides, and Place de la Concorde covered in a delicate white layer. Due to exceptionally low temperatures, this thin blanket of snow has adhered to pavements, roads, and rooftops across the city.

However, this wintry episode has brought significant disruption, particularly for motorists. The Île-de-France Road Directorate reported over 1,000 km of traffic jams, a record for the region. In response, the Paris Police Prefecture imposed a speed limit of 80 km/h across the entire Francilien region. The ‘Snow and Ice Plan Level 3’ was activated yesterday, January 5, 2026, and remains in effect until 10:00 AM today, January 6, 2026, with circulation restrictions aimed at managing the challenging conditions.

Public Transport Under Strain

Public transport users also faced considerable difficulties. Yesterday morning, Transilien SNCF warned of potential disruptions, particularly on RER and Transilien lines. RATP confirmed the suspension of bus services yesterday evening due to the heavy snowfall. The situation is expected to worsen with Meteo France forecasting ‘strong frosts again during the coming night, which will promote the refreezing of this fresh snow and the formation of black ice, increasing slipperiness on roads throughout the Île-de-France region.’

To counteract these hazardous conditions, RATP has confirmed that trains, trams, and metros will run empty throughout the night. This measure, communicated to BFMTV, aims to ‘prevent freezing on its rail network.’ Additionally, the ‘Snow and Ice Plan for the surface network (buses and trams) has been activated, involving increased monitoring of road conditions and regular updates with prefecture services,’ RATP stated.

Ongoing and Upcoming Disruptions

The current week, from January 5 to January 11, 2026, is marked by significant disruptions across the Parisian transport network, including extensive night-time interruptions on RER, Transilien, and tram lines due to scheduled maintenance work. Passengers are advised to check real-time updates via the Bonjour RATP and SNCF Connect applications.

Metro Lines Affected:

• Line 1: Access to Tuileries station closed from 4:00 PM to 11:45 PM on weekends until January 4 due to Christmas market crowds.
• Line 14: Full line interruption until 10:00 AM on December 7 for modernization work.

RER Lines Affected:

• RER A: Interrupted between Cergy – Le Haut and Maisons-Laffitte from 9:50 PM on weekdays until December 19.
• RER B: Interrupted between Gare du Nord and Charles de Gaulle 2 – TGV/Mitry – Claye from 10:45 PM on weekdays until December 12.
• RER C: Numerous interruptions, including between Invalides and Gare d’Austerlitz, and Choisy-le-Roi and Brétigny on December 6. Services to Issy, Dourdan la Forêt, Saint-Martin d’Étampes, and Massy – Palaiseau are not served until January 11.
• RER D: Interrupted between Combs-la-Ville – Quincy and Melun on December 6 and 7. Nightly interruptions between Gare du Nord and Creil until December 14.
• RER E: Interrupted between Nanterre-la-Folie and Villiers-sur-Marne/Tournan on December 6 and 7.

Transilien Lines Affected:

• Line H: Interrupted between Gare du Nord and Ermont – Eaubonne/Sarcelles Saint Brice from 10:50 PM on December 6 to 8:50 AM on December 7.
• Line J: Interrupted between Gare Saint-Lazare and Mantes-la-Jolie via Poissy from 9:40 PM on weekdays until December 12.
• Line K: Interrupted between Gare du Nord and Crépy-en-Valois from 8:10 PM on weekdays until December 20.
• Line L: Interrupted between Saint-Cloud and Versailles Rive Droite from 9:50 PM on weekdays until December 19.
• Line U: Interrupted between Paris Montparnasse and Dreux from 9:30 PM on weekdays from December 1 to 5.
• Line P: Interrupted between Paris Est and Provins from 8:45 PM on weekdays until December 19.
• Line R: Interrupted between Gare de Lyon and Montargis from 11:05 PM to 5:20 AM on weekdays until December 12.

Tramway Lines Affected:

• T1: Interrupted between Gare de Noisy-le-Sec and Escadrille Normandie-Niémen until March 31, 2025.
• T2: Interrupted between Porte de Versailles and Suzanne Lenglen until February 2026 for modernization works.
• T4: Interrupted between Gargan and Aulnay-sous-Bois from 0:55 AM from December 15 to 19.
• T11: Interrupted on the entire line from 10:00 PM from October 13 to October 24 (except weekends).
• T13: Interrupted on the entire line until 9:00 PM on October 17, and from 8:00 PM on October 18 and 19.

Travelers are strongly advised to plan their journeys in advance and consult official RATP and SNCF channels for the latest information on disruptions and replacement services.

Source: RATP, SNCF, Sortiraparis.com, actu.fr, bfmtv.com