Travelling around Paris with a dog can be wonderfully practical — but the rules change according to your dog’s size and the type of transport. The simplest way to remember them is this: a small dog in a secure carrier is the easiest case; a larger dog needs extra planning and is not accepted everywhere.
This guide explains what to expect on the Metro, RER, bus and tram in 2026, plus a few local etiquette tips that make the trip calmer for everyone.
Quick answer: Small dogs travelling in a closed bag or basket can use Paris public transport free of charge. Larger dogs are accepted on the Metro and RER when controlled on a leash; the City of Paris also advises a muzzle. On buses and trams, plan on using a carrier for your dog unless they are a recognised guide or assistance dog.
Can dogs go on the Paris Metro?
Yes — but the rule depends on size.
Small dogs: use a secure carrier
Small dogs are accepted when they travel in a closed bag, basket or carrier. This is the least stressful option for a visitor: it is free, practical at ticket gates and suitable for the Metro, RER, bus and tram.
Choose a carrier that closes securely, gives your dog airflow and can stay on your lap or close to your feet. Your dog should not be able to touch, disturb or soil the carriage.
Larger dogs: Metro and RER only
RATP states that larger dogs can travel on the Metro and RER when they are kept on a leash. The City of Paris additionally specifies that large dogs should be leashed and muzzled. Because staff instructions and local operating conditions can change, bring a properly fitted muzzle and follow signage or staff guidance on the day.
For a large dog, avoid the busiest moments if you can. The combination of escalators, crowded platforms and sudden train noise can be a lot, especially for dogs visiting Paris for the first time.
Can dogs go on buses and trams in Paris?
For ordinary pets, buses and trams are more restrictive: RATP’s current guidance permits small animals in an appropriate carrier. If your dog is too large for a carrier, do not assume that a bus or tram driver will let you board.
That matters when planning a route from a hotel to a park, café or tour meeting point. If you have a large dog, build your itinerary around walkable areas, the Metro or RER, and keep a taxi or pet-friendly car service as a backup.
What about guide and assistance dogs?
Guide dogs and assistance dogs have separate access rights. They are accepted on the network, and RATP notes that a harness or working vest helps identify them. The handler may be asked for supporting documentation in a control situation.
Do dogs need their own ticket?
Small pets travelling in a closed carrier travel free. For a larger dog on the Metro or RER, check the current RATP or Île-de-France Mobilités information before departure rather than relying on an old blog post. Rules and fare products can change, and the best answer may depend on the exact part of the regional network you use.
For travel beyond central Paris on Transilien services, the City of Paris states that larger dogs are accepted subject to buying a reduced-fare ticket for each journey. If a regional train is part of your day trip, confirm the current SNCF conditions before buying tickets.
Carrier checklist for Paris visitors
- Use a secure, ventilated carrier that your dog can settle in comfortably.
- Bring an absorbent liner and water for longer travel days.
- Practise short, positive carrier sessions before your Paris trip.
- Keep your dog’s microchip and travel documents accessible.
- Avoid putting a carrier in the path of passengers leaving the train.
A calmer way to use the Metro with a dog
Skip rush hour when possible
Weekday commuter peaks are usually the least comfortable time for a dog. A mid-morning, early-afternoon or later-evening ride is typically calmer than travelling when platforms are packed.
Use lifts when available
Some stations are not step-free and have long staircases. Check the route in advance if your dog is elderly, young, recovering from injury or uneasy around escalators. Never force a dog onto an escalator; use stairs, a lift or choose a different station.
Stand clear of doors and corridors
On a leash, keep a larger dog close to your side and out of the path of boarding passengers. In a carrier, hold it securely or keep it tucked close to your feet.
A practical dog-friendly route from the Metro
The best transport choice is often a short Metro ride followed by a scenic walk. For example, visitors can use central stations to reach the Seine, then continue on foot toward the Eiffel Tower rather than changing repeatedly through busy lines.
If you would prefer a route built around dog comfort as well as Paris history, see our Paris for Dogs — Notre-Dame to Eiffel Walk. It is designed as a relaxed outdoor experience for humans and dogs together.
For green-space planning, read our guides to the best dog parks in Paris and Bois de Boulogne’s dog agility area.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a large dog on the Paris Metro?
RATP permits larger dogs on the Metro and RER when kept on a leash. The City of Paris advises a leash and muzzle for large dogs. Bring both, travel outside peak periods where possible and follow staff instructions.
Can I take a dog on a Paris bus or tram?
Small animals in a suitable closed carrier are allowed. For a larger pet, do not rely on bus or tram access; use the Metro/RER where allowed, walk, or arrange another pet-friendly transport option.
Are dogs free on Paris public transport?
Small dogs in a closed carrier travel free. Check current official guidance for any larger-dog journey, especially outside the central Metro and RER network.
Are dogs allowed on the RER?
RATP’s current guidance allows small animals in carriers and larger dogs on leash on the Metro and RER. For regional travel beyond Paris, check the relevant SNCF or Transilien conditions before departing.
Is the Paris Metro good for a nervous dog?
It can be, but only if your dog already copes well with crowds, sudden sounds and close spaces. Start with a short off-peak journey, use a carrier for a small dog, and choose a walking route instead if your dog appears uncomfortable.
Before you go
Transport rules can change, particularly during major events, maintenance periods or network updates. Check the official RATP guidance shortly before your journey, keep your dog under control, and have a slower walking alternative in mind.
If you are travelling from abroad, also read our guide to travelling to France with a dog before your trip.
