Travelling with Dogs on Trains in Europe & the UK

By The Hoomans
February 22, 2024

Pedro, our cute Westie, just loves taking the train! If you're planning to explore Europe, you'll definitely want to consider travelling by train. Most train companies in Europe are pretty chill with pets, so you don't have to worry too much about bringing your dog along. Of course, it's always a good idea to check the pet policies for each company before you buy your tickets. Also keep in mind that some countries might require you to get an extra ticket for your dog. So be sure to check those policies ahead of time!

Travel Tips for Travelling by Train with Your Dog

Bring a soft muzzle with you and train your dog in advance of your trip to get them acquainted with the muzzle. Many train companies require a muzzle if your dog is not in a carrier.
Normally, dogs are required to sit on the floor near your seat. I always bring a blanket with me, and when the train is empty, I have never been denied permission to allow my dog to sit on the seat next to me, provided that they sit on a blanket.
Plan your journey well in advance and reserve seats whenever possible. Trains in Europe can be very busy during the summer season, and the last thing you want is to be searching for a seat with your dog.
Leave enough time between connections for your dog to take a potty break. Train stations usually don’t have pet relief areas, so you will need to exit the platform area and look for a suitable spot.

DB - Deutsche Bahn - Germany

Travelling with your dog on trains in Germany is usually hassle-free and you are not required to purchase a ticket for your small dog. I have translated the current Deutsche Bahn Pet Policy, effective from August 1, 2023. It is currently only available in german on their website.

Deutsche Bahn Pet Policy

DB - Deutsche Bahn - Germany - Pet Policy

Take Dogs and Other Pets with You

Would you like to take your dog or other pets with you on your trip? Here you will find information about the additional ticket for dogs and other pets.

How to Travel with Dogs and Other Pets

You do not need a ticket for small dogs and other small pets (up to the size of a domestic cat) if the animals are transported in a suitable transport container.
If your dog is larger, you need an additional ticket.
You only pay half the fare.
Assistance dogs always travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.
Dogs not travelling in a carrier must be leashed and muzzled.

ÖBB - Austria - Pet Policy

Travelling with your dog on trains in Austria is simple and stress-free. You don’t need to buy a ticket for your small dog.

ÖBB – Austria’s pet policy is very similar to DB – Deutsche Bahn. Their website references the following:

DOGS WITH A MUZZLE AND ON A LEASH

In order to ensure the safety of our passengers, dogs must be secured with a muzzle and a leash. Exception: assistance dogs do not require a muzzle. The dog may only sit on the floor, supervised by the dog owner.

I have travelled by train throughout Austria with my dog and have never been required to muzzle him. However, I always carry one with me just in case.

ÖBB Austria Pet Policy

Trenitalia - Italy - Pet Policy

Trenitalia is the main train operator in Italy. There are also smaller regional operators, so you will want to make sure to check their pet policies before booking your ticket.

Trenitalia’s pet policy states that provided your pet is inside a pet carrier that does not exceed 70 x 30 x 50 cm in size they can travel free of charge. If your dog is larger or you want to have your pet travel on their lead and not in a carrier then you will have to purchase a ticket at half the price of the regular fare for a Second class/Standard ticket for the desired route.

When you book your train ticket via Trenitalia’s website you can add your dog to the ticket as an ADD-ON. Just look for the section Need anything else for your trip? when checking out.

Trenitalia Pet Policy

TGV - SNCF - France - Pet Policy

The TGV is France’s intercity high-speed rail service, operated by SNCF.

When travelling in France with your dog, you must purchase a separate ticket for your dog. SNCF’s website also states that your dog must be leashed and muzzled, and if they are not travelling in a carrier, they must sit at your feet.

I have travelled by train throughout France with my dog, and I have never been required to muzzle him. However, as mentioned several times, I always carry one with me, just in case it is necessary.

When booking your ticket online there is an option to purchase a ticket for your dog.

SNCF – France Pet Policy

Important Note!

Pedro and I recently travelled from Salzburg, Austria to Paris, France. I purchased tickets online at ÖBB Scotty Austria for the entire trip. Our journey required us to connect in Mannheim, Germany and switch to a TGV (french) train. I tried to purchase a separate ticket just for Pedro via SNCF’s website but was not able to. As soon as we boarded the train I found someone who worked for SNCF and purchased a ticket for Pedro directly from them on the train.

Reserving Seats

Many of the TGV trains are double-decked. Carrying a heavy suitcase upstairs while navigating the train with a dog can be quite difficult. Therefore, whenever possible, I try to reserve seats on the lower deck.

NS - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Netherlands - Pet Policy

Nederlandse Spoorwegen is the principal passenger railway operator in the Netherlands.

Nederlandse Spoorwegen’s pet policy states that small pets may be taken free of charge in a bag or basket or on your lap. There are no specifications for the size of the animal and the dimensions of the bag, basket or cage. Small pets are generally cats or small dogs that can travel free of charge. They must not take up a seat.

A dog ticket is mandatory for larger dogs. These dogs must also always be on a leash.

Pet policy for NS – Nederlandse Spoorwegen

Eurostar - Pet Policy

Eurostar is a high-speed rail service that connects the UK with France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The majority of Eurostar trains travel through the Channel Tunnel, which is owned and operated by Getlink.

Eurostar does not allow pets on their trains. Therefore, if you plan on traveling from Europe to the UK with your pet, it is not possible to do so by train since Eurostar is the only train option that crosses the English Channel.

Eurostar Pet Policy

Please do not attempt to take your dog on the Eurostar. You will be turned away! We met a lovely couple in their early 80’s who had arrived by train from Germany and wanted to take the Eurostar to London. However, they were unaware of the pet policy and were unable to board. As a result, they had to return to Germany.

Good News - Dogs are Allowed on Trains in the UK

If you manage to overcome the challenge of bringing your dog to the UK, you’ll be glad to learn that they are welcome on trains across the country. In fact, we had a fantastic experience in the UK and the train staff were exceptional. Pedro was even permitted to sit on a seat in first class (on his blanket, of course).