Traveling by train or plane with your dog: what you need to know
Traveling by train or plane with a dog comes with far stricter rules than a car trip: weight limits, an approved crate, health paperwork and sometimes an outright ban depending on the carrier. Planning for these constraints several weeks ahead avoids nasty surprises at the counter or at boarding. All our transport guides are gathered in the dog transport and safety section.
Traveling by train: what are the rules?
A small dog can generally travel in the cabin in a bag or a closed carrier, with a specific ticket and a reduced fare depending on the rail operator. A larger dog travels on a lead and sometimes muzzled, at a full or reduced fare depending on the network: always check the exact conditions before buying a ticket, since rules vary widely from one country to another.
Traveling by plane: what are the constraints?
- Cabin: reserved for very small dogs, in an approved soft carrier that must fit under the seat in front.
- Cargo hold: for larger dogs, in an IATA-approved hard crate, with restrictions by breed (brachycephalic breeds are often refused).
- Documents: an EU pet passport, a microchip and up-to-date rabies vaccination are required.
- Booking: the number of animals allowed per flight is limited, so book at the same time as the ticket, not afterwards.
How do you prepare a dog for these trips?
Get the dog used to its travel crate several weeks before departure, leaving it out at home as described in our guide to the car travel crate. Avoid a heavy meal right before a flight to limit digestive upset, and keep water accessible for long trips, especially by train where stops are less frequent than by car.
What budget should you plan for?
The dog surcharge on a train ticket generally runs 5 to 10 € for a small dog, more for a large dog depending on the network. By plane, budget 50 to 150 € in the cabin and often 200 € or more in the hold depending on the airline and destination, on top of a dedicated IATA-approved crate.
Frequently asked questions
Do all airlines accept dogs?
No, policies vary widely: some refuse hold transport in summer due to heat, others exclude certain breeds at risk of breathing issues.
Can a dog travel alone in the hold without an owner?
Rarely on a standard commercial flight: most airlines require the owner to travel on the same flight as the animal.
Do you need a vet certificate for a domestic train trip?
Generally not for a purely domestic trip, but always required for an international flight or journey. Browse all our guides on the dog hub.
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Dogs universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.