Taking Your Dog on Trains in France (SNCF & TGV): Complete 2026 Rules & Ticket Guide
France boasts one of Europe's most extensive high-speed rail networks, and bringing your dog along for the journey across Provence, Brittany, the Alps, or Paris is easy, affordable, and standardized thanks to the SNCF €7 flat pet ticket.
The Golden Rule: The €7 Flat Pet Ticket Across All SNCF TGVs
SNCF has drastically simplified pet ticketing on mainline French trains. Whether you are traveling aboard a high-speed TGV InOui, an Intercités service, or regional TER trains, pets are welcome under transparent pricing:
- Small dogs (under 6 kg / 13 lbs): Must travel inside a closed carrier, tote, or basket (maximum dimensions: 45 x 30 x 25 cm). The carrier can be placed on your lap or stowed directly under the seat in front of you. A flat €7 ticket is required. No muzzle is needed while inside the carrier.
- Medium and large dogs (over 6 kg): Must travel on a leash and wear a muzzle throughout the entire journey and inside railway stations. They must lie quietly on the floor at your feet without obstructing passenger walkways. A flat €7 ticket is required on TGV InOui and Intercités services.
- Low-cost Ouigo trains: Ouigo applies a dedicated pet option charged at €10 per pet per journey.
Crucial Exception: Eurostar Between London and Paris
If you are traveling from the United Kingdom to France, be aware that Eurostar trains through the Channel Tunnel do not permit pet dogs (only registered assistance and guide dogs are accepted). British dog parents should instead travel via LeShuttle (Eurotunnel) in their vehicle, or book a dog-friendly cross-channel ferry cabin to Calais, Dieppe, or Le Havre before boarding French SNCF trains.
How to Book Your Dog's Train Ticket in France
You can add your pet ticket directly when booking your journey on the official SNCF Connect app or website. Simply add an additional passenger and select "Voyager avec un animal" before proceeding to payment. Each adult passenger is legally allowed to travel with up to two pets.
Explore Dog Parks Near Major French Stations
Need a quick run before boarding at Paris Gare de Lyon, Marseille Saint-Charles, or Lyon Part-Dieu? Open our interactive GPS dog park map to locate fenced caniparcs and grassy off-leash zones within a 10-minute walk of major French stations.
FAQ — Traveling with Dogs on French Trains
Are dogs allowed on the Paris Metro?
Small dogs inside carriers (under 45 cm) travel for free on all Paris metro lines and city buses. Medium and large dogs on leashes with muzzles are only allowed on suburban RER commuter trains with a reduced-fare ticket.
Can my dog sit on an empty train seat?
No. Under SNCF regulations, animals are strictly forbidden from sitting on passenger seats, even with a blanket. They must remain on the floor at your feet or on your lap in a carrier.
What if another passenger is allergic or uncomfortable?
If a fellow passenger objects, the train conductor (contrôleur) may ask you to move to another coach or the vestibule area between carriages to ensure harmony.
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