Pet Travel by Train

Pet Friendly Trains in the United States

Medically certifiied service animals can ride on any train traveling within the continental United States.

Amtrak does not currently allow animals onboard their trains with the exception of service animals. However, the United States House of Representatives has just passed a bill requiring Amtrak to propose a pet friendly policy for their trains, and we expect to hear more details on that in the near future.

Other than some small tourist related trains, there are no trains that operate interstate in the US that allow pets.

Many trains that operate in cities like in New Jersey and Boston will allow small pets to ride the trains and subways as long as they are leashed or in carriers.

Pet Friendly Trains in Europe

Your pet can travel with you on most trains in Europe including France, Germany and Italy.

England: Pets are accepted on trains operated by National Rail. Dogs and cats with owners can travel by train in the UK with no seating restrictions and usually free of charge. Dogs and cats can also travel on buses, subject to a fare being paid, but with no seating restrictions. For other lines in the United Kingdom, check with the railway as some do not allow pets. For information on the trains operated by National Rail, scroll to the bottom of the page.

In most cases, small dogs travel free or at a minimal charge, and large dogs travel at half the 2nd class fare, even if traveling with passengers in 1st class; this charge is payable directly to the conductor.

Oftentimes, dogs are required to be kept in a traveling container or must wear a muzzle and a leash. Dogs in a carrier may travel at a minimal cost, depending on the country. A small domestic animal in a carrier can travel free of charge. Dogs accompanied disabled passengers travel free of charge.

Dogs are allowed on trains as long as the other passengers sharing the car/compartment agree to it. A dog is allowed in a sleeper car only if it is fully occupied by the owner (i.e. two passengers with a dog in a double).

Dogs/other animals are not allowed on all trains in Great Britain, Ireland, or Norway but are allowed on many of the local trains. No pet or animal, except guide dogs, may be taken on the Eurostar. Pets are allowed to travel in automobiles across the Chunnel on Le Shuttle from Calais, France to England. You should always double check all rules locally.

The operator of most of the trains in Spain is a company called Renfe. Their website is www.renfe.es. They do accept pets on their trains, but the pet must be in a container such as a pet crate or Sherpa or SturdiBag soft-sided pet carrier.

Dogs of all sizes (muzzled and leashed) are accepted on Trenatilia operating in Italy. Small dogs can ride for free in first and second class. Avoid traveling between 7:00AM and 9:00AM on weekdays on regional trains. More details riding a train in Italy with a pet .

In Rome, dogs can ride the Metro in the first and last carriage cars. Dogs must be in a carrier or muzzled and leashed. A ticket must be purchased for your pet. More details on riding the Metro in Rome with a pet .

In Finland, as in most countries, you will need to purchase a special ticket for your pet. See http://www.vr.fi/heo/eng/palvelut/palvelut.htm for details.

To purchase your travel documents, or for further information you can visit the Rail Europe web site at www.raileurope.com.

National Railway Train Pet Travel - United Kingdom

Passengers may take dogs, cats and other small animals (maximum two per passenger) with them, free of charge and subject to conditions below, provided they do not endanger or inconvenience passengers or staff.

Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times unless contained in a basket. Dogs without leads, cats, birds and small animals must be carried in an enclosed basket, cage or pet carrier. It must be rigid and not open (to prevent escape) and the animal able to stand and lie down in comfort.

Animals and containers must not occupy seats, otherwise a charge will be made.

Animals are not allowed in restaurant cars except for blind persons guide dogs or deaf persons assistance dogs, which may be allowed into the restaurant car at the Steward s discretion. However, every effort is made to serve meals at blind or deaf persons seats within the normal seated accommodation.

Guide dogs assisting blind or deaf persons are allowed on sleeper services provided the blind or deaf person and dog are booked into single-cabin accommodation. The guide or assistance dog is conveyed free and no cleaning charge applied.

ScotRail allows dogs to accompany able-bodied passengers in sleeper services subject to a charge for a heavy duty clean, and the booking must be either Standard Class with two people traveling together, otherwise a Solo supplement is payable for exclusive use of a twin-berth cabin. Booking for all dogs traveling in sleepers should be made at least 48 hours in advance.

By-law 16 allows the train company to refuse carriage or entry to any animal. If a customer objects to the presence of an animal, the owner must move it to another part of the train or put it in a suitable container in the guard s van/luggage van where available. When dogs are carried in the guard s van/luggage van (other than those in a container) they must be secured with collar and chain and properly muzzled.

Need More Information?

We have current and accurate information on traveling with your pet by air, sea or ground. Find more Pet Travel Information

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