Travelling by train with a dog and other pets: What do I need to know?
There are a few things you need to be aware of, if you want to take your dog or pet with you by train. Large dogs require an extra ticket, whereas smaller animals can be transported free of charge. In addition, you should not forget your European pet passport when travelling to another EU country. Read on for advise how to have a relaxed train journey with your dog and other pets.
Summary
- Small dogs and pets that fit into a transport box may be taken along free of charge by most European railway companies. Check in advance with the transport company.
- Larger dogs usually have to be kept on a leash and require an additional ticket. A muzzle is often recommended.
- Assistance dogs and guide dogs are always allowed to travel free of charge.
- Take the EU pet passport always with you
Are dogs and pets allowed on the train?
When travelling with your dog within the EU, it is essential to have your pet passport with you. Without passport, the animal could be placed in quarantine and you may have to pay a fine.
Dogs are generally allowed on all trains. There are restrictions for sleeping cars and dangerous dog breeds.
Assistance dogs and small dogs are usually free of charge. In some cases, an additional ticket must be purchased for larger dogs.
Remember to take a leash and a muzzle with you. Although these are not always compulsory, the inspector may require their use.
Be aware of restrictions on the carriage of dogs (except guide dogs for the blind) to and from Norway, Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
When travelling to Sweden, there are a number of restrictions.
Tips for a relaxed train journey with your dog
- Find out about the entry requirements for dogs and pets in the destination country.
- Carry your pet passport with you.
- Find out from the railway company whether it is compulsory for your pet to wear a muzzle.
- Book a seat in the compartment, not in the open wagon. It’s more comfortable for you and the dog.
- If the train is generally very crowded, you could put your dog in a carrier in the baggage car.
- Book a through train to avoid unnecessary changes.
- Check whether the vaccination data is still up to date.
- Take the telephone number of your pet owner’s liability insurance with you.
- Find out where there is a vet at your holiday destination.
- Pack a spare collar and leash.
- Label the collar with the home address and the address in the destination country.
- Take advantage of extended breaks to walk with the dog.
- Dogs can also suffer from diarrhoea. Pack a corresponding remedy in your dog’s first-aid kit.
- Pack enough dog excrement bags.
Travelling by train with your dog in another EU country: What are the rules?
SNCB: Travelling with pets
Small pets transported in a basket or box (30 x 55 x 30 cm) can travel free of charge.
Assistance and guide dogs also travel free of charge.
Dogs are generally not required to wear a muzzle. However, it is recommended that dogs wear a muzzle during the journey.
For animals on a leash, an extra ticket of 3 euros is required.
Click here for more information on travelling with pets and dogs.
DSB: Free travel for small pets
Small dogs and pets are allowed to travel free of charge on DSB if they are in a bag or box (100 x 60 x 30 cm) throughout the journey.
Larger dogs that cannot be transported in a cage must be on a leash and require a child ticket (12 to 15 years).
Guide dogs travel free of charge.
Assistance dogs and other animals are prohibited in 1st class (DSB 1) and in marked “animal-free compartments”.
Deutsche Bahn AG: Travelling with dogs and pets
Long-distance travel
Small pets that are no larger than a cat and fit into a cage may be transported free of charge.
Dogs that do not travel in a transport box require an additional ticket, must be leashed and wear a muzzle.
Assistance dogs and guide dogs can always travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle.
Local travel
Small pets travel free of charge. For larger dogs, you will need an additional ticket, depending on the transport association.
For the Regional Tickets, a dog counts as an adult passenger. Enter the term “dog” in one of the lines under “Name” on the Regional Ticket.
Dogs that are not travelling in a transport box must be leashed and muzzled.
In order to learn to know the conditions for all other regional offers, please contact the provider with whom you wish to travel.
SNCF: Travelling with your pet
Pets (up to 5 kg) must travel in a transport box (45 x 30 x 25 cm) on the lap or under the seat. The additional ticket costs 7 euros.
Pets (6 kg and over) must wear a muzzle. In addition, you need a standard single ticket for 2nd class (50 per cent reduction).
A maximum of two animals are allowed per passenger.
Click here for more information on travelling by train with pets.
Pet regulations with Thalys
Small dogs below 6 kilograms may travel free of charge if they are in a transport box (45 x 30 x 25 cm).
Dogs not travelling in a transport box require a ticket at the dog fare. The price is 30 Euros.
Assistance dogs and guide dogs may always travel free of charge on both SNCF and Thalys.
Trenitalia: Travelling with pets
Small dogs, cats and pets may travel free of charge in a transport box (70 x 30 x 50 cm).
Larger dogs must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle.
In addition, a 2nd class ticket must be purchased for the dog. However, you will receive a 50 per cent reduction on this. One animal is allowed per passenger.
For the carriage of pets, the accompanying person must carry the registration certificate and the health certificate. For dogs belonging to foreign passengers, the dog passport is required.
If you are found on board without the required documents, you will have to pay a fine and alight at the next station.
Guide dogs travel free on all trains and are not subject to any other conditions.
Find out more about the pet regulations on board Freccia trains here.
CFL: Free transport for pets
Dogs no matter what size can travel free of charge on the Luxembourg rail network. However, they must be kept on a leash and are not allowed to sit on the seats.
A muzzle is also recommended to ensure the safety of other rail passengers.
Click here for more information on transporting pets.
Dutch railways: Travelling with your pet
Small pets can travel free of charge in a bag, basket or on your lap. Assistance dogs and trained guide dogs, also travel free of charge.
Larger dogs must be kept on a leash and require an additional dog ticket for € 3.30.
ÖBB: Travelling with your pet
Small pets are allowed to travel free of charge in a suitable transport box.
For the safety of fellow passengers, dogs must be on a leash and wear a muzzle during the entire train journey.
In addition, you will need an extra ticket in this case, which is 10 per cent of the full price of a standard ticket, but at least 2 Euros.
Assistance dogs registered in the disabled passport travel free of charge on the train and do not need a muzzle.
You can find more information on travelling with pets with ÖBB here.
PKP Intercity: Pet transportation
Smaller pets that can easily be transported in a cage may be carried free of charge.
If the four-legged companion does not fit into a transport box, an additional ticket must be purchased for 15.20 Polish złoty.
If other passengers feel disturbed or inconvenienced by your pet (smells, noise), the conductor may assign you a new seat.
With the exception of guide dogs and assistance dogs, pets are not allowed in the dining car. Furthermore, pets are not allowed on a seat, on a bed in the sleeping car (WL) or on a berth in the couchette car (Bc).
You can find more information about the pet regulations on board PKP trains here.
Travel with your pet with a weight of up to 10 kg
You can travel with your pets on AVE, AVE International between Spain and France and on Larga Distancia trains (Long Distance) under the following conditions:
- you have a small pet: dogs, cats, ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and birds (not farmyard animals).
- your pet weighs less than 10 kg.
- your pet travels in a cage or carrier, measuring max. 60 x 35 x 35 cm, or without a carrier for € 35 on trains that have special seats for dogs weighing up to 40 kg.
- maximum 1 pet per person
- your ticket allows pet travel
- Pets have to travel with their own pet ticket and are not allowed to take a seat. You do not have to purchase a ticket for your pet while travelling with a Prémium ticket (this option is not available on AVE International trains). If your ticket is Básico or Elige, you will only have to pay € 10 more to take your pet with you – but in a carrier.
You also have the option to travel with your dog without a carrier for € 35 on trains that have allocated seats for dogs weighing up to 40 kg (see the list of trains).
On Avlo trains, you can travel with your pet provided that:
- you have a small pet: dogs, cats, ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and birds (not farmyard animals).
- your pet weighs less than 10 kg
- your pet travels in a cage or carrier, max. measurements 60 x 35 x 35 cm
- 1 pet per person
- Pets have to travel with their own pet ticket and are not allowed to take a seat. It costs € 10.
On Media Distancia (Mid-distance) and Avant (mid-distance high-speed) trains, you can travel with your pet as long as:
- you have a small pet: dogs, cats, ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and birds (not farmyard animals).
- your pet weighs no more than 10 kg
- your pet travels inside a cage or carrier at all times, which must measure a maximum of 60x35x35 cm
- maximum 1 pet per person
Your pet does not occupy a seat. The cost of the ticket is 25% of the price of the general fare.
Travel with your dog weighing up to 40 kg
You can travel with your dog weighing up to 40 kg on AVE trains on the following lines: Madrid-Barcelona, Madrid-Malaga, Madrid-Alicante, Madrid-Valencia, Madrid-Zaragoza and Madrid-Granada. List of trains
You have to arrive 40 minutes in advance at the Renfe Service Centre at the station and show the declaration of responsibility and the the pet’s vaccination card and insurance policy.
Conditions of transport:
- maximum 1 large dog per person (2 large dogs per train in one carriage), except for the Madrid-Malaga- Madrid and Madrid-Granada-Madrid route, where from 17th October 2023 on only 1 large dog per train is allowed.
- the dog will travel on the adjacent seat without a carrier, on a non-extendable lead of 1.5 metres and wearing a muzzle when at the station or when boarding and disembarking the train.
- For Elige Estándar tickets, you can arrange this service online, up to 24 hours before the departure of the train, adding the extra (€ 35) when you purchase the ticket
- seat selection is unavailable, as the spaces for dogs weighing up to 40 kg are fixed.
- cancellations are allowed.
- Renfe will provide you with a travel kit (seat cover and mat that you must place on the floor of the seat next to the window), which you have to pick up at least 40 minutes prior to boarding at the Service Centre.
SBB: Travelling with your pet
Dogs with a maximum withers height of 30 centimetres can travel free of charge in a suitable cage.
All other dogs require a ticket. In this case, you must pay half price for a 2nd class ticket or a day card for dogs for 25 Swiss Francs.
Assistance dogs and guide dogs may be carried free of charge in 1st and 2nd class, but must be marked with a special tag on their collar.
Czech Railways: Travelling with your dog and pet
Small dogs and pets that fit into a transport box (90 x 60 x 40 cm) may travel free of charge.
Larger dogs may only be carried in 2nd class and must be muzzled and leashed during the train journey.
The cost of transport depends on the number of kilometres travelled and ranges from 15 to 50 Czech Crowns (approximately 0.60 to 2 Euros).
Dog tickets can be purchased at the ticket office, from the conductor on the train or via the e-shop (only for travel within the Czech Republic).
Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge and are also allowed to travel in 1st class.
Transporting pets and dogs on National Rail
Dogs, cats and other small animals travelling in a suitable transport box can travel free of charge on all UK National Rail trains.
Large dogs must be kept on a leash. A maximum of half of an adult ticket can be charged for carrying them. If your pet occupies a seat, an additional charge may be made for the occupied seat.
Assistance dogs and guide dogs may travel free of charge on National Rail.
Additional pet rules apply to Caledonian Sleeper cars.
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