Traveling by train with your dog: SNCF rules and essential equipment

TGV, Intercités, TER: every network has its own rules for traveling with a dog. Before booking, it's best to know the permitted dimensions and the right equipment for a stress-free journey, for both you and your companion.

General SNCF rules

A dog weighing less than 6 kg can travel for free if transported in a closed bag or crate, considered as hand luggage. Its dimensions must not exceed 45 x 30 x 25 cm. A larger dog travels on a leash, muzzled if necessary, for a reduced-fare ticket (generally 50% of the full 2nd class fare).

Choosing the right transport bag for the train

Beyond the regulatory dimensions, a good dog transport bag must offer good ventilation, a rigid base for comfort, and reinforced handles for carrying the animal effortlessly during connections. A padded interior also helps reassure a dog unaccustomed to travel.

Preparing for the trip in advance

Get your dog used to the bag a few days before departure by letting it explore it at home. Avoid feeding it just before the journey, and plan for water and a break before boarding so it can relieve itself.

During the journey

Prefer a seat near the exits, keep the dog calm, and avoid taking it out of the bag while moving through the aisles. A familiar toy or a blanket with its usual scent helps reduce stress.

A quality bag, also a health issue

A bag with a soft or poorly structured base forces the dog to constantly compensate to maintain balance, which can create tension in the back and hips during a long trip — a point that is even more important for breeds predisposed to joint fragility (Yorkshire, Chihuahua). A rigid base and good lateral support are therefore not just a matter of comfort: they genuinely preserve the animal's posture during the trip.

Frequently asked questions