Redearslider.com :: Transporting a Turtle

It may become necessary to transport your turtles. If the turtle is traveling by car and accompanied by you, here are some suggestions:

Use a sturdy, clean cardboard or plastic box not a hard, rigid container, such as a glass tank. Line the box with shredded newspaper and towels for substrate. Never transport your turtle in a container filled with water.
Make sure there is a lid or a way you can close the box to prevent escape, to keep drafts out, and to keep it dark. The turtle will likely burrow under and sleep. You still need to make sure air can get inside the box.
Keep ambient air temperatures around 70F-85F and bring a thermometer. A wired digital thermometer would allow you to check the temperature without opening the box.
Regularly check to make sure they have not flipped over and clean up any waste that may be present.

If air temperatures exceed 85F and you cannot cool the vehicle with air conditioning, here are some suggestions:

Keep a thermometer with the turtle and check every 15 minutes. A digital thermometer with a wired probe will allow you to check without having to open the box.
Keep the box out of direct sunlight.
Mist the turtle if you cannot cool the air down. You can also wipe it down with a cool towel.
If you are traveling a long distance in hot weather, then you could wait to travel in the evening.

If air temperatures drop below 65F and you cannot heat the vehicle, here are some ideas:

Keep a thermometer with the turtle and check every 15 minutes. A digital thermometer with a wired probe will allow you to check without having to open the box.
Place the box into a large plastic tub or a Styrofoam container. Add a hot water bottle or use a heat pack, with neither in nor near direct contact with the turtle. Make sure that these heat sources are securely wrapped and protected.

If you are traveling by airplane, you need to be well prepared in advance.

Check the airline before you make travel arrangements. The best policy would allow you to bring your turtle with you inside the passenger cabin. Remember whom you talked to, their position and their phone numbers. Also get verbal and printed confirmation from them. If all goes well, make sure you get an animal carrying case that will fit under your seat and is accepted by the airline. Make sure you have any relevant information for your return trip as well.
Make sure you have whatever paper work is necessary and copies of it.
Do not attempt to sneak them aboard. There are clear risks involved when trying to bring them as carryon baggage. They cannot be placed in checked-in luggage either since they will suffocate, freeze or die from a lack of a pressurized environment. If confiscated, you can lose your pet, face fines and other penalties.