I have spent years crossing the European continent by rail with my furry best friend. It is truly the best way to see the world. No cramped plane cabins. No cargo holds. Just me, my dog, and the rolling hills of Tuscany. Many people ask, are dogs allowed on trains in Europe? The answer is a loud yes! Most of the time, anyway.
Travel by train is scenic and spacious. On short trips, it is often quicker than flying once you consider travel to the airport and security lines. Europe train travel with dog adventures are a dream come true for most pet owners. I have taken my dog on dozens of trips. We have seen 33 countries together. I want to share my secrets with you. A simple plan. A happy dog. A perfect trip.
First of all, you need to know that can dogs ride on trains in Europe depends on the specific railway company. Most allow both large and small dogs. However, some have strict rules about size. You must prepare well. A microchip is a must. A rabies vaccine is a must. An EU Pet Passport is the gold standard for travel. Additionally, if you are coming from Great Britain, you will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). This document can cost between £180 and £250 per trip. It is valid for ten days for entry into the EU.
I have found that the Best pet friendly trains across europe offer comfort and fair prices. Here is my guide to the 15 best options for your next adventure.
1. Renfe AVE (Spain)
Spain used to be very tough for large dog owners. They only allowed pets under 10 kg. However, things have changed. Renfe now has a Large dog-friendly trains pilot program. You can bring a dog weighing up to 40 kg on specific high-speed routes. These include lines between Madrid and Barcelona, Madrid and Malaga, and Madrid and Valencia.
You must book an Elige Estándar ticket and pay a €35 supplement. You must also arrive 40 minutes early. At that time, you will go to the Service Centre. You will show your vaccination card and sign a paper. They even give you a travel kit with a seat cover and a mat. On top of that, small pets under 10 kg in a carrier travel for a small fee of €10 or even for free if you have a Premium ticket.
2. Cercanías (Spain)
The pet friendly trains in europe award for most relaxed rules might go to the Spanish Cercanías. These are commuter trains in big cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Are dogs allowed on cross country trains in Spain? Yes, but Cercanías is even better. There is no weight limit. Your dog does not even need a carrier. They just need a leash and a muzzle. Best of all? They travel for free.
3. Trenitalia (Italy)
Italy is a paradise for dog lovers. Dog friendly trains in europe often find their home here. Small dogs in a carrier smaller than 70 x 30 x 50 cm travel for free. This includes first class and high-speed Frecce trains.
For larger dogs, the rules are also great. They must be leashed and muzzled. The cost is usually 50% of the regular fare. However, Trenitalia often has amazing deals. I have seen tickets for dogs as low as €5 from Sunday to Friday and just €1 on Saturdays. Just remember that large dogs are not allowed during morning rush hour (7 am to 9 am) on weekdays.
4. Italo (Italy)
Italo is the private high-speed rival to Trenitalia. It is one of the Best pet friendly trains across europe because it makes booking so easy. You can select the “Dog” option right in the booking app. They charge about 50% of the human ticket for medium and large dogs.
The best part? They provide a disposable mat for your dog to lie on. They also offer pet insurance through a partner called baboop. It feels like a premium experience for my pet. A soft mat. A quiet ride. A happy pup.
5. SNCF TGV InOui (France)
France is another country where you will see dogs everywhere. On the TGV InOui, small pets under 6 kg in a carrier pay a flat fee of €10. Previously, the fee was lower, but it updated in early 2026.
For dogs over 6 kg, you also pay €10. This is a great change because it used to be half the price of a second-class ticket, which was much more expensive on long trips. Your dog must wear a muzzle and stay at your feet. Each passenger can bring up to two dogs.
6. Deutsche Bahn ICE (Germany)
Germany is incredibly welcoming. Do any trains allow dogs in Germany? All of them do! Small dogs the size of a domestic cat travel for free in a carrier. Larger dogs need a ticket. Usually, this is the child’s fare or half price.
One funny tip? When you book a ticket for a large dog online, the system does not always have a “dog” button. I have had to enter the word “Hund” (which means dog) as the passenger name. Also, if you use a regional day ticket, your dog counts as one adult passenger.
7. ÖBB Nightjet (Austria/International)
If you are looking for Dog friendly Sleeper trains Europe, the ÖBB Nightjet is the top choice. These trains connect Austria with Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and more. Small pets in carriers travel for free.
However, for a large dog, you must book the entire compartment for yourself. This ensures your dog has space and does not bother other sleeping passengers. It costs extra, but it is worth it for a good night of sleep. I love waking up in a new country with my dog by my side. The moonlight. The rails. The journey.
8. SBB (Switzerland)
Switzerland is expensive, but the trains are perfect. Small dogs under 30 cm at the withers travel for free in a carrier. For larger dogs, you pay a half-fare price.
If you are a frequent traveler, Switzerland has the best deals. You can buy a Day Pass Dogs for CHF 25. This gives your dog unlimited travel for a whole day in first or second class. On top of that, they even have a yearly dog pass for CHF 350. It is the gold standard for pet travel.
9. SNCB (Belgium)
Belgium keeps it simple. Small pets in a small box or carrier travel for free. For any dog on a leash, you just pay a flat fee of €3 per journey. This is one of the cheapest rates in all of Europe. You can buy the ticket online easily.
10. NS (Netherlands)
The Dutch rail system is very busy but pet-friendly. Small dogs travel for free if they sit on your lap or in a bag. For larger dogs, you must buy a “dog ticket”. This costs only €3.30 and lasts the entire day. It is valid on all domestic trains. Plus, you can easily get a mobile ticket for it.
11. National Rail (Great Britain)
Are dogs allowed on trains in Europe including the UK? Yes, they are! In fact, the UK has some of the most generous rules. You can bring up to two pets for free on all domestic trains.
They just need to be on a leash or in a carrier. They are not allowed to sit on the seats. If you bring a third pet, you might have to pay a fee. Similarly, if your pet is huge or causes a mess, the staff can ask you to leave.
12. Caledonian Sleeper (UK)
This is another great option for Dog friendly Sleeper trains Europe. You can travel from London to Scotland overnight with your pet. They do charge a heavy-duty cleaning fee for dogs. However, it allows you to avoid the long drive and arrive in the Highlands refreshed.
13. HŽ (Croatia)
Croatia allows small dogs under 30 cm for free. They can sit on your lap or in a carrier. For larger dogs, you pay 50% of the fare. You must carry their vaccination records and they must be muzzled. One thing to watch out for? Dogs are not allowed on the tilting trains between Zagreb and Split because there is not enough space.
14. SNCF Intercités de Nuit (France)
I love the French night trains. On these trains, pets are allowed in the seating areas for €19. If you want to use a couchette (a bed), you must book the entire private compartment. Once you do that, the dog actually travels for free. It is a great way to save money while traveling across France.
15. TGV Lyria (France/Switzerland)
This high-speed train connects Paris with Swiss cities like Zurich and Geneva. Small pets in carriers pay a flat fee of €7. Larger dogs on a lead and muzzle pay a flat fee of €20. It is fast and efficient. You can see the Alps from the window while your dog naps.
Now, you might be wondering, Why no dogs on Eurostar? This is the one big heartbreak for travelers between the UK and mainland Europe. The Eurostar connects London to Paris and Brussels. Unfortunately, no pets are allowed on board, except for guide dogs.
This is very frustrating because both England and France are dog-friendly. Petitions have been signed, but the rule stays the same. If you want to cross the English Channel, you must take a ferry or the Eurotunnel in a car or a pet taxi.
For example, you can take a train to Harwich and then an overnight ferry to the Netherlands. This ferry has pet-friendly cabins with CCTV so you can watch your dog sleep.
You might also ask, does amtrak allow pets on trains? Yes, but the rules are much stricter than in Europe. Amtrak has a weight limit of 20 pounds (about 9 kg) for the combined weight of the pet and the carrier.
In Europe, many trains have no weight limit at all. Plus, Amtrak charges $26 to $52 for a trip that must be under seven hours. European trains are generally cheaper and more flexible.
I often think of that classic Pets on train movie trope where the animal is a secret. In real life, there is no need for secrets! Most conductors in Europe love dogs. I have seen conductors in Italy ignore a small dog sitting on a lap even though the rules say they should be in a carrier. However, you should always follow the official rules to be safe.
Here are a few final tips for your journey:
- Muzzles are important. Even if you do not use it, always have one in your bag. Some countries like Italy and Spain require them for large dogs.
- Carrier dimensions matter. For France, it is usually 45 x 30 x 25 cm. For Italy, it is more generous at 70 x 30 x 50 cm.
- Escalators are dangerous. Carry your small dog or use the elevator. Large dogs should use the stairs.
- Pack a doggy bag. Bring a travel bowl, a blanket, and plenty of water.
- Plan for breaks. Long train rides are hard for dogs. Make sure you have enough time between connections for a “potty break” outside the station.
Gradually, you will find that pet friendly trains in europe make travel much more meaningful. Finally, you do not have to leave your best friend at home. You can share a meal in a French cafe. You can hike the Austrian mountains. You can sit on a train and watch the world go by together.
Europe is waiting. Your dog is waiting. Grab your leash and go!
Traveling with a dog is like having a living, breathing compass. They might not know where the destination is, but they make sure every stop along the way feels like home.
FAQ
Can pets travel on trains in Europe?
Yes, they can! Most of the time, the answer is a big yes. Both large and small dogs are welcome on most rail lines across the continent. Small pets usually travel for free if they are in a carrier.
Can I travel throughout Europe with my dog?
Indeed, you can. It is a scenic and spacious way to see the world. You must have an EU Pet Passport or a valid health certificate to cross borders. Gradually, you will find that most countries allow you to travel together in the same carriage.
Does Eurostar allow pets?
Unfortunately, no. Eurostar does not permit pets on trains that go to or from the United Kingdom. Only guide and assistance dogs can board those specific routes. However, you can use the Continental Eurostar (formerly Thalys) to travel between France, Belgium, and Germany with your pet.
What is the most dog-friendly country in Europe?
Italy is often called one of the most dog-friendly countries ever. Also, Switzerland receives high praise and is seen as the gold standard for pet travel.
Can my dog go on the Eurotunnel?
Yes. You can take your pet through the Eurotunnel if you are in a personal vehicle or a pet-carrier shuttle. It is a practical way to cross the English Channel since pets are not allowed on the Eurostar.
Can dogs go on trains in Paris?
Absolutely. The national rail service in Paris allows pets on trains like the TGV InOui for a small fee. Additionally, pets can use the Metro in the city.
Can dogs go on sleeper trains?
Yes. You can take your dog on many night trains, such as the Nightjet. You must usually book the entire compartment to ensure you have a private space for your dog.
Can I take my dog to Amsterdam from the UK?
Yes. You can take a ferry from Harwich to Hoek van Holland and then travel by rail in the Netherlands. On top of that, small pets travel for free on Dutch domestic trains.
Concluding Words
Rail travel with a pet is a joy. I have found it is much easier than flying. No cargo holds. No long airport lines. Just you and your best friend. From the high-speed tracks of Spain to the quiet mountain rails of Switzerland, the options are endless. Proper planning is the key to a smooth journey.
Additionally, your dog stays right by your side. Therefore, you should start planning your trip today. A simple plan. A happy dog. A perfect holiday.
