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Travelling with Dogs in Bristol

🇬🇧Bristol, United Kingdom·Updated 28 June 2026

← City overview 🍽️ Restaurants 🌳 Parks & Walks 🏖️ Beaches 🏥 Vets 💡 Local Tips 🏛️ Attractions 🐶 Pet Sitting

Bristol's public transport (First Bus, MetroBus, the Severn Beach line trains) accepts leashed dogs free of charge, one of the most dog-friendly UK transport policies. Most drivers are tolerant; aggressive dogs or unleashed dogs can be refused at the driver's discretion. The Bristol Ferry Boats also accept dogs free.

🏨12 pet-friendly hotels in BristolVerified pet policies and live Booking.com prices from €120/night.

🏨 Where to stay in Bristol

Mystique Barn

★★★★ · 9.9/10 · €120/night · pets stay free

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First Bus & MetroBus

Citywide · Citywide network

First Bus operates the entire Bristol bus network plus the MetroBus rapid lines. Dogs travel free on a leash, in the wheelchair area or aisle. No size restriction. Drivers can refuse boarding for safety reasons (very crowded vehicle, aggressive dog).

🐾 Leashed dogs free, all sizes

🏨 Pet-friendly hotels nearby →🌐 Visit official website →📍 View on Google Maps →

Bristol Ferry Boats

Harbourside · Wapping Wharf, Bristol BS1 6WE

The traditional Floating Harbour ferries (Bristol Ferry Boats) operate a hop-on hop-off service between Hotwells, the SS Great Britain, the city centre and Temple Meads. Dogs welcome on the open deck for free.

🐾 Dogs free on open deck

🏨 Pet-friendly hotels nearby →🌐 Visit official website →📍 View on Google Maps →

💡 Quick Tips

1.GWR trains from Bristol Temple Meads accept leashed dogs free of charge, useful for day trips to Bath (15 min), Cardiff (45 min) or London Paddington (1h45).
2.MetroBus rapid lines (M1, M2, M3) are wheelchair-accessible with low floors, ideal for big dogs or older dogs uncomfortable with steps.
3.Bristol taxis (BluLine, City Cabs) accept dogs but always ask when booking, some drivers refuse and the company will dispatch a dog-friendly driver instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs free on Bristol buses?

Yes, all leashed dogs travel free on First Bus, MetroBus and West of England buses. No size limit. Drivers can refuse for safety reasons.

Can I take my dog on a Bristol Ferry?

Yes, leashed dogs travel free on the open deck. Most owners stand near the rear; the captain can ask you to muzzle if the boat is very crowded (rare).

Can my dog ride GWR trains from Temple Meads?

Yes, leashed dogs free on all GWR trains, including high-speed services to London. Up to 2 dogs per passenger; medium dogs travel under the table or beside your seat.

Pet-Friendly Hotels in Bristol

Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.

Mystique Barn

★★★★ · 9.9/10

€120/night

Coombe Lodge Farm House

★★★★ · 9.6/10

€120/night

Refurbished House near Bristol Harbour

★★★★ · 9.5/10

€120/night

See all hotels →Compare on Booking.com →

More Bristol guides

🍽️Restaurants 🌳Parks & Walks 🏖️Beaches 🏥Vets 💡Local Tips 🏛️Attractions 🐶Pet Sitting

Pet-friendly destinations nearby

Looking for a place to stay elsewhere? These destinations near Bristol also welcome your dog.

🇬🇧Bath 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿Cardiff 🇬🇧Bourton-on-the-Water 🇬🇧Bournemouth

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💡 Quick Tips

1.GWR trains from Bristol Temple Meads accept leashed dogs free of charge, useful for day trips to Bath (15 min), Cardiff (45 min) or London Paddington (1h45).

2.MetroBus rapid lines (M1, M2, M3) are wheelchair-accessible with low floors, ideal for big dogs or older dogs uncomfortable with steps.

3.Bristol taxis (BluLine, City Cabs) accept dogs but always ask when booking, some drivers refuse and the company will dispatch a dog-friendly driver instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs free on Bristol buses?

Yes, all leashed dogs travel free on First Bus, MetroBus and West of England buses. No size limit. Drivers can refuse for safety reasons.

Can I take my dog on a Bristol Ferry?

Yes, leashed dogs travel free on the open deck. Most owners stand near the rear; the captain can ask you to muzzle if the boat is very crowded (rare).

Can my dog ride GWR trains from Temple Meads?

Yes, leashed dogs free on all GWR trains, including high-speed services to London. Up to 2 dogs per passenger; medium dogs travel under the table or beside your seat.