Can I take my pet on the train?
The rules for taking pets on board differ for each Carrier and Train Operating Company (TOC), so it's best to check before booking your trip.
National Rail (UK)
Small pets, like dogs and cats can travel with you on the train for free, as long as they don’t annoy other passengers, or put them in danger. You can bring a maximum of two animals per passenger, but you’ll have to keep them on a lead, or comfortable in a closed basket, cage or pet carrier that’s secure, so they can’t escape. If you’re planning on bringing more than two pets, you’ll need to check with the TOC directly.
Even if they might do it at home, your pets aren’t allowed to climb on the seats. They’re for paying passengers only.
If you’re asking about taking your pets on a Sleeper Service, click here for more information.
Deutsche Bahn (Germany)
Small Pets - pets up to the size of a domestic cat travel free of charge. They must travel in a carrier that will fit under the seat or on the shelf above.
Large Pets – larger pets can travel on trains if you purchase a special pet fare,they must travel on a leash and be wearing a muzzle. Pet tickets should be purchased with Deutsche Bahn directly.
Guide dogs travel free of charge and are not required to wear a muzzle.
Eurostar (France/Belgium/UK)
Travelling between Belgium, France and the Netherlands:
- Small domestic animals weighing up to 6kg can travel for free but must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm.
- Larger dogs can travel with a valid “dog” fare ticket, tickets cost €30. You will need to speak to Train Manager to purchase a ticket.
Your dog must sit on your lap or on the floor of the coach and be leashed and muzzled. - Guide dogs and assistance dogs and cats - travel free of charge and do not require a ticket.
Travelling to and from London, between Brussels and Lille, or on our Eurostar Sun and Snow routes:
Only registered guide or assistance dogs are allowed on these Eurostar trains, no other animals allowed. Your dog must have been trained with one of the following organisations:
- Assistance Dogs (UK)
- The International Guide Dog Federation
- Assistance Dogs International
You will be required to show documentation when arriving in or departing from the UK, so please ensure you have this with you.
Guide dogs can travel free of charge but should be booked on to the train in advance, to find out how to arrange this go to our passenger assistance page.
iryo (Spain)
- A maximum of one pet or pet is allowed per person whose weight is not exceeding 10 kg.
- Pets must remain inside their “box” for the whole trip. The carrier must have measures that do not exceed the following: 60x35x35cm.
- Pets are not free of charge except assistance dogs which are free of charge and not subject to limitations of weight or transport, being able to travel with its owner
Italo (Italy)
Small Pets, weighing up to 10kg – travel free of charge. They must travel in a carrier which should be places in the baggage area next to the passenger.
Dogs, weighing more than 10kg - can travel on trains but must be booked on to the service directly with Italo.
NS (Netherlands)
Small pets can travel free of charge when travelling in a bag of a basket on your lap.
Larger pets, travelling on a leash can travel if you purchase a dog ticket. Please contact NS directly to book a dog ticket.
Guide dogs - travel free of charge and do not require a ticket.
OBB (Austria)
Small Pets, can be taken along free of charge in suitable transport containers
Larger pets, travelling on a leash and wearing a muzzle can travel if you purchase a dog ticket for them. Tickets cost 10% of the price of a full price second class ticket (A minimum fare of 2€ applies). To purchase a ticket please contact OBB directly.
Ouigo (France/Spain)
OUIGO France:
You can travel with your pet up to a limit of 1 animal per adult and per reservation:
- Small Pets weighing up to 6kg - must travel in a carrier no larger than 55cm x 35cm x 25cm. The carrier should be placed either at your feet or on your knee.
- Large Pets, pets weighing more than 6kg – can travel with a valid animal ticket, tickets cost 15€ per animal and require a muzzle.
- Guide dogs - travel for free, and do not require a muzzle it does not normally wear one.
OUIGO Spain:
- Large pets are not permitted. Only small pets are permitted under 10kg and costs 10€.
- Guide dogs - travel for free, and do not require a muzzle it does not normally wear one.
To book a pet ticket please go to Ouigo directly.
Renfe(Spain)
Small Pets, weighing up to 10kg can travel in a carrier which should be no larger than 60cm x 35cm x 35cm. You may be required to purchase a ticket for your pet, please contact Renfe directly for more information.
Pets must travel with the documentation and comply with health and safety conditions established in current legislation.
SBB (Switzerland)
Small pets, with a shoulder height of up to 30cm, travel for free as long as they carried in a carrier, basket or suitable container.
Larger animals can travel as long as you purchase a 1 day travel pass for them. These are available to purchase at the station or online directly with SBB.
SNCB (Belgium)
Small pets, travel for free when travelling in a container no larger than 55cm x 30cm x 30cm.
Larger animals travelling on a leash, can travel for a small charge with a pet ticket, muzzles are not required but are recommended as any SNCB employee can ask you to use apply one at any time. Please contact SNCB directly to book a pet ticket.
SNCF (France)
You can take up to 2 pets or pet carriers with you on trains in France, however you must purchase a ticket before travelling.
Pets fall into 3 categories:
- Small Pets, pets weighing up to 6kg - must travel in a carrier no larger than 45cm x 30cm x 25cm. The carrier should be placed either at your feet or on your knee.
- Large Pets, pets weighing more than 6kg – must travel at your feet and must be wearing a muzzle throughout the journey.
- Guide dogs - travel for free, and do not require a muzzle it does not normally wear one.
For single journeys on ICE and TGV trains, you can currently add tickets for dogs in the booking process. This function is recognisable by a small dog symbol. For bookings with pets for multiple journeys, please contact SNCF directly for more information and to book a pet ticket.
TGV Lyria (Germany and France)
You can take up to 2 pets or pet carriers with you on trains in France, however you must purchase a ticket before travelling.
Pets fall into 3 categories:
- Small Pets, pets weighing up to 6kg - must travel in a carrier no larger than 45cm x 30cm x 25cm. The carrier should be placed either at your feet or on your knee.
- Large Pets, pets weighing more than 6kg – must travel at your feet and must be wearing a muzzle throughout the journey.
- Guide dogs - travel for free, and do not require a muzzle it does not normally wear one.
To book a pet ticket you will need to go to an SNCF or SBB counter at the station.
Thello (France and Italy)
Small Pets, weighing up to 5kg – travel free of charge, they must travel in a carrier.
Dogs, weighing between 5kg and 50kg – a maximum of 1 dog can travel if you have booked an exclusive cabin to yourself, family, or friends. The dog must be on a leash and wear a muzzle at all times. There is 50€ fee which will be charged on board the train (by credit card or cash).
Trenitalia (Italy)
Small Pets – You can travel with up to 1 pet, free of charge within first and second class. They must travel in a carrier which should be no larger than 80 cm x 50 cm x 31 cm.
Larger dogs – May be able to travel when on a leash and wearing a muzzle if you purchase a ticket. Please contact Trenitalia directly to arrange this.
You must have a certificate of registration and health card for your pet (except guide dogs), or alternatively, a “pet passport” to replace these required documents. If you do not have this information, you may be asked to leave the train.
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