| In short : Taking the train in France with a large dog is quite possible, but the offer is framed by strict rules on the SNCF lines (TGV Inoui, Intercités, TER and Ouigo). Here are the essentials to remember: – The ticket is required: The ticket for an uncarried dog in a container (bag or cage) now costs 10 € per journey On the Inoui TGVs and Intercity Days. – The muzzle and leash are mandatory: Large dogs must be kept on a leash and carry a muzzle for the duration of the trip, from the station to the descent of the train. – Respect for other travelers: Your big dog must travel to the ground, at your feet. It should not in any case ride on the seats. In addition, its presence is subject to the tacit agreement of other passengers in your space. – Special cases (night and TER): Rates and conditions vary if you are traveling on an Intercity at night (€19) or on TER regional networks (specific rates by region). |
Going on vacation or for the weekend with your great four-legged friend without having to take the car is a great option. In France, the rail network accepts pets.
However, making a dog travel more than 6 kg (which does not fit in a transport basket) require a minimum of logistical, administrative and behavioral preparation. For your journey to go without stress for you, for your dog and for your traveling companions, here are the up-to-date rules and rates to respect.
The rules of the SNCF (Inoui TGV, daytime intercity)
On the main national day lines, the regulations apply in the same way on board the Inoui TGVs and intercity trains.
1. The national day rate
For each trip made on an Inoui TGV train or day intercity on a national route, the ticket price for a dog on a leash (just as for an animal containing it) amounts to 10 €. You must reserve your dog’s ticket at the same time as yours.
2. Wearing the muzzle and leash
This is the number one safety rule for large dogs: your pet should be kept on a leash and muzzled throughout the course. This includes the station hall, the platforms, and the entire duration of the journey on board the train. If your dog is not used to the muzzle, be sure to do positive learning several weeks before departure.
3. Location on board
A large dog does not have an assigned seat. He must necessarily Stay on the ground, installed at your feet. It is strictly forbidden to put it on the benches or seats, even if you install a cover.
Important citizenship rule: The presence of your dog is subject to the agreement of other travelers present in your travel space. If a passenger opposes it (fear, allergy), the controller may ask you to move to another car or on the platform between cars.
Specific conditions: night trains and TER
On board the night intercity
The rules harden for night journeys:
- Pets are allowed by car seats for a fee of 19 € per animal.
- They are on the other hand strictly prohibited in bunk compartments, unless you choose to fully privatize the compartment (reserving a “private space”). In this case only, the price for your pet drops to 0 €.
On board regional trains (TER)
If you borrow a TER, the pricing depends on the administrative region managing the line. Prices for a large dog on a leash generally oscillate between fixed packages and half-prices:
- Fixed packages: For example, €3.50 in Normandy, €5 in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and in the southern region, or €7 in Brittany.
- In proportion to the distance: In New Aquitaine or Burgundy-Franche-Comté, the price depends on the kilometers traveled (capped at €7.50).
- Half price: In regions such as the Centre-Val de Loire, Loccitania or the Pays de la Loire, the ticket for a dog of +6 kg on a leash corresponds to 50% of the normal rate of a human note.
Travel to Europe and the Ouigo network
- OUIGO: Low-cost trains allow pets (limited to one animal per adult). It is necessary to subscribe to the dedicated option when booking.
- Europe: If you are traveling to Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain or Belgium, the fare for a dog on a leash goes up to 20 € (Except exceptions to Luxembourg or Friborg-en-Brisgau where the price remains at 10 €). The dog must imperatively be muzzled and have a European passport provided by a veterinarian, proving his identification by chip and his Up-to-date rabies vaccination.
Summary table: Traveling by train with your dog
| Train category | Price for a large dog (6 kg} on a leash) | Obligations on board |
| TGV Inoui / Intercity (day) | 10 € per way | Leash + muzzle required. Journey to the ground at your feet. |
| Night intercity | 19 € (seating) / 0 € (if privatized berth compartment) | Prohibited in collective couchette. |
| TER (regional trains) | from €2 to €7.50 or 50% of human ticket (depending on the region) | Leash + muzzle. subject to the agreement of the travelers. |
| International TGV (Europe) | 20 € (To Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Belgium) | Leash + muzzle. European passport and rabies vaccine required. |
| guide or assistance dogs | Free (0 €) | without a ticket. Mussel not required. Access to all cars. |
FAQ: Your Frequently Asked Questions
Can category 1 and 2 dogs take the train?
- Category 1 (Attack Dogs: Pitbull Type, Mastiff, Tosa without Pedigree): They are strictly prohibited on board trains, as well as in stations.
- Category 2 (Guard and Defense Dogs: Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier with pedigree): They are authorized to travel, on condition of scrupulously respecting the law (master adult, holder of the detention permit, dog muzzled and kept on a leash by a person capable of controlling it).
What happens if I take an SNCF substitution bus?
This is an important point of vigilance: in the event of work on the tracks or breakdown, the SNCF sometimes sets up substitute coaches. On board these coaches, Only blind or assistance guide dogs are accepted. No other pet (small or large) can be admitted.
What happens if a controller or passenger refuses my dog’s presence?
Access on board is subject to the tacit agreement of other travelers in your travel space. If a passenger expresses a legitimate discomfort (such as a strong allergy or phobia), or if the controller judges that the dog disturbs the tranquility of the car, the car is entitled to ask you to move. You will then be redirected to another less busy car or invited to temporarily settle on the platforms located between the wagons.
Is it possible to travel with two large dogs at the same time?
Yes, on the Inoui and Intercités TGV lines, it is completely authorized to buy several “animal on leash” tickets if you are traveling with more than one large dog. On the other hand, be vigilant if you use the Ouigo network: the commercial policy is more restrictive and strictly limits transport to One animal per adult traveler. In addition, logistically, keep in mind that housing two large dogs at your feet in a single standard seating place proves to be extremely difficult; It is strongly advised to travel with others to reserve a “square” space or to buy an additional side by side place to guarantee their comfort.