🐾
🚇
Travelling with Pets in Sydney
🇦🇺Sydney, Australia·Updated 19 July 2026
Public transport in Sydney (run by Transport for NSW) is not very pet-friendly, and this is the single most important thing to plan around. Pets are not allowed on trains or the Metro at all. On buses, light rail, and ferries a small pet may travel only if it is confined in a box or carrier and staff or the driver agree, and they can refuse if the service is busy. Accredited assistance animals, by contrast, are allowed on every service. In practice, most visitors with a medium or large dog get around Sydney by car, taxi, or a rideshare that accepts pets. Plan door to door before you set out.
| Mode | Policy | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Trains & Metro | Pets are not allowed on Sydney Trains or the Metro, or at their stations. Only accredited assistance animals may travel. | 💡 For train corridors, plan a car or pet-friendly rideshare instead. There is no pet ticket option. |
| Buses & Light Rail | A small pet may travel only if confined in a box, basket or carrier, and only with the driver's or staff's permission. Light rail requires staff agreement and refuses pets when near capacity. | 💡 Travel off-peak with a carrier and be ready with a plan B: staff can decline on the day if it is crowded. |
| Ferries | A small pet confined in a carrier may be allowed on ferries at staff discretion, usually on outer decks and not in enclosed cabins. The Cronulla to Bundeena ferry is known for allowing dogs. | 💡 The harbour ferries make great sightseeing, but confirm with the crew before boarding, and stay on the open deck. |
Getting around with a dog
Because trains and the Metro exclude pets, most visitors with a dog rely on driving or pet-friendly rideshare and taxis. Rideshare drivers can accept dogs at their discretion (some apps have a pet option), and it is polite to bring a seat cover and message ahead. Taxis may carry a dog with the driver's agreement; assistance animals must always be accepted. For journey planning and live service info use the official Transport for NSW planner at transportnsw.info.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my dog on the train in Sydney?
No. Pets are not permitted on Sydney Trains or the Metro at any time, or at stations. Only accredited assistance animals can travel. For train-route journeys, plan to drive or use a pet-friendly rideshare or taxi instead.
Are dogs allowed on Sydney ferries and buses?
Only small pets confined in a carrier, and only if the driver or crew agrees; they can refuse on busy services. Ferries usually require dogs to stay on outer decks. The Cronulla to Bundeena ferry is a well-known dog-friendly route.
What's the easiest way to get around Sydney with a medium or large dog?
Driving your own or a hire car is the most reliable, with pet-friendly rideshare and taxis as a backup. Message the driver ahead, bring a seat cover, and plan door to door since public transport is largely closed to pets.
Pet-Friendly Hotels in Sydney
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
★★★★★ · 9.1/10
€120/night
Little National Hotel Sydney
★★★★★ · 9.1/10
€120/night
Paradox Sydney
★★★★★ · 8.9/10
€120/night