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🚂 Practical guide · Updated in June 2026

Travelling by Train with Your Dog in Europe

Q: Does my dog need a ticket on the train?

It depends on size. In most European countries, small pets in a suitable carrier travel free. Large dogs require a paid ticket. In France (SNCF), expect to pay €10 (carrier) or €20 (on lead). In Germany (DB), it is half the adult fare on long-distance trains.

Q: Does my dog need a muzzle on the train?

Yes, in most countries and companies. In France (SNCF, Ouigo), a muzzle is mandatory for dogs over 6 kg. In Italy (Trenitalia), Austria (ÖBB) and the Netherlands (NS), it is also mandatory for large dogs. In Belgium (SNCB), it is recommended but not always strictly enforced.

Q: Can I put my dog in the hold on a train?

No. Unlike aircraft, European trains have no cargo hold for live animals. Your dog must always be with you: either in a carrier in the passenger area, or on a lead at your feet.

Q: Can I travel with a dog on the Eurostar?

No, not on trains passing through the Channel Tunnel (to/from London). Pets are strictly banned on these routes for biosecurity reasons. Only registered assistance dogs may travel. To cross the Channel with a dog, take a ferry or the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle (car-only service).

Q: Can my "dangerous breed" dog travel by train?

Category 1 dogs (pit-bull type, American Staffordshire Terrier, Japanese Mastiff, Tosa) are banned from SNCF and Ouigo trains. Category 2 dogs (Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Dobermann, etc.) may travel but must wear a muzzle and be on a lead at all times. Check the rules with each operator for other countries.

Q: Does my dog have to stay in place throughout the journey?

Yes, as much as possible. On SNCF, your dog must travel at your feet, on a lead and muzzled, and cannot occupy a passenger seat. On some TER regional trains, there may be space in the gangway or carriage vestibule.

Q: Do I need to show my dog's vaccinations on the train?

Not always required on French trains, but strongly recommended. In Spain (Renfe), presenting the vaccination booklet at check-in is mandatory. In Italy (Trenitalia), a health booklet is required. Always travel with your dog's documents.

SNCF, Deutsche Bahn, Renfe, Trenitalia, Eurostar... The complete guide to rules, fares, muzzle requirements and practical tips for stress-free train travel with your dog.

Key rules at a glance

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Ticket required

Across Europe, large dogs need a ticket. Small pets in carriers often travel free.

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Muzzle required

In France (SNCF, Ouigo), Italy, Austria and most countries, muzzles are mandatory for dogs over 6 kg.

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Eurostar tunnel = banned

Pets (except assistance dogs) are strictly banned on Eurostar trains through the Channel Tunnel between London and mainland Europe.

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Health booklet

Always carry your dog's vaccination booklet. Renfe (Spain) also requires public liability insurance.

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Carrier dimensions

Standard format for small pets is 45×30×25 cm (SNCF). Some operators accept up to 70×30×50 cm.

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Assistance dogs free

Guide and assistance dogs travel free throughout Europe with no mandatory muzzle requirement.

European rail operators comparison

Operator	Allowed?	Price	Muzzle	Notes
🇫🇷SNCF / TGV INOUIFrance	Yes	€10 (carrier) · €20 (on lead)	Mandatory > 6 kg	Category 1 dogs banned. Guide dogs free.
🇫🇷OUIGOFrance	Yes	€10 (all sizes)	Mandatory	Vaccination booklet mandatory. Cat. 1 banned.
🇬🇧EurostarUK–France–Belgium	Partial	Free < 6 kg · €30 > 6 kg (continental routes)	Mandatory > 6 kg	⚠️ Pets BANNED on trains to/from London (Channel Tunnel). Allowed on Belgium–France–Germany–Netherlands routes.
🇩🇪Deutsche Bahn (DB)Germany	Yes	Free in carrier (cat-sized). Half adult fare (long-distance) · full fare (regional)	Mandatory (large dogs)	Dog ticket bookable online (DB Next Navigator app) or at station.
🇪🇸RenfeSpain	Yes	€10 (Avlo) · €35 without crate (AVE with dog seats) · Free (Media Distancia)	Mandatory (Media Distancia)	Show vaccination booklet + liability insurance at check-in (40 min before departure).
🇮🇹TrenitaliaItaly	Yes	Free (carrier < 70×30×50 cm). 50% of 2nd class fare (large dog).	Mandatory (large dogs)	Dog registration + health booklet mandatory. Summer 2025 promo: large dogs free on Frecce and Intercity.
🇧🇪SNCB / NMBSBelgium	Yes	Free (carrier max 30×55×30 cm). Pet supplement on lead.	Not mandatory (recommended)	Guide dogs free and no muzzle required.
🇳🇱NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen)Netherlands	Yes	Free (carrier 55×30×30 cm). Dagkaart Hond: €3.50 (e-ticket) / €5 (paper).	Mandatory (large dogs)	Dagkaart Hond valid all day on all domestic NS routes.
🇨🇭SBB / CFF / FFSSwitzerland	Yes	Free (in bag/carrier). Dog day pass: CHF 25.	Recommended	TGV Lyria (France–Switzerland) follows SNCF rates: €10 (carrier) or €20 (lead).
🇦🇹ÖBBAustria	Yes	Free (carrier 70×30×50 cm). Large dog: separate ticket + private compartment.	Mandatory (large dogs)	Lead and muzzle mandatory for large dogs.
🇵🇱PKP IntercityPoland	Yes	Pet ticket required (variable fare)	Mandatory	Dogs banned in EuroNight PKP couchette and sleeping cars.

SNCF and Ouigo: train travel with a dog in France

SNCF is the most important operator for our users. The rules are clear and reasonably permissive.

On TGV INOUI and Intercités trains, you have two options: (1) your dog weighs under 6 kg and travels in a closed carrier (max 45×30×25 cm) for €10; (2) your dog is larger and travels on a lead, muzzled, at your feet for €20.

With OUIGO, the low-cost rail brand, it's even simpler: a flat rate of €10 for all dogs regardless of size. A muzzle is still mandatory.

Category 1 dogs (pit-bull type, mastiff, tosa) are banned from all trains. Category 2 dogs travel normally but must wear a muzzle and be on a lead.

Book your dog's ticket at the same time as yours on SNCF Connect or the OUIGO app. One animal per adult passenger.

On TGV Lyria (France–Switzerland), SNCF rates apply: €10 in a carrier or €20 on a lead with muzzle.

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Good to know: SNCF states that you must ensure your dog does not disturb other passengers. If there is a problem, the conductor may ask you to reposition your pet.

Deutsche Bahn: Europe's most dog-friendly rail

Germany is arguably the most dog-welcoming country for public transport in Europe, and Deutsche Bahn is no exception.

A small pet (cat-sized) in a carrier travels free. For a large dog, you need to buy a ticket: half the adult fare on long-distance trains (ICE, IC, EC), or full adult fare on regional trains.

A recent improvement: dog tickets are now available online via the DB Next Navigator app or at next.bahn.de. No more queuing at the station!

Lead and muzzle are mandatory for large dogs. On platforms, your dog must also be on a lead.

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The Deutschland-Ticket (monthly subscription pass) does NOT cover dogs. You must buy a separate animal ticket even if you hold this pass.

Renfe: varied options across Spain

Renfe offers several formats depending on train type. On AVE high-speed trains, your dog travels in a crate (max 60×35×35 cm) for most journeys. Some AVE trains have dedicated dog seats (up to 40 kg) at €35 without a crate.

On Avlo trains (Spain's low-cost rail), the fare is €10. On Media Distancia metric-gauge trains, dogs travel free on a lead with muzzle.

Important: you must present yourself at the Renfe desk at the station 40 minutes before departure with a vaccination booklet and proof of public liability insurance. This is a Spanish-specific requirement that is strictly enforced.

Trenitalia: Italy welcomes dogs

Trenitalia allows small pets (in a carrier max 70×30×50 cm) to travel free on all trains. For large dogs, the ticket is sold at 50% of the 2nd class fare.

Large dogs are accepted on Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Frecciabianca and Intercity trains in 1st and 2nd class. They must be on a lead and wear a muzzle.

Don't forget to bring your dog's certificato di iscrizione all'anagrafe canina (official registration certificate) and their libretto sanitario (health booklet).

Great news for summer 2025: until 15 September 2025, Trenitalia is offering free travel for dogs of all sizes on Frecce and Intercity trains.

Eurostar: one rule you must know

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Eurostar is the operator that generates the most questions from our readers. The rule is simple but absolute: pets (except guide and assistance dogs) are BANNED on all trains travelling through the Channel Tunnel, that is, those linking London with Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and other UK destinations.

However, on Eurostar's continental routes (between Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands, without passing through London), pets are welcome: free for pets under 6 kg in a carrier, €30 for large dogs on a lead with muzzle.

If you want to cross the Channel with your dog, the only options are a ferry (Brittany Ferries, DFDS, P&O) or the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle train (for cars). Dogs cannot travel unaccompanied on the Eurotunnel.

Practical tips for train travel with your dog

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Book in advance

Buy your dog's ticket at the same time as yours. On SNCF Connect, tick "Pet" when booking. On DB, use the DB Next Navigator app.

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What to bring

Vaccination booklet, sturdy lead, well-fitted muzzle, water and a foldable bowl, treats to reassure, a familiar blanket or cushion, waste bags.

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At the station

Your dog must be on a lead on all platforms. At some large stations, there are green spaces outside for a last walk before departure.

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On the train

Settle in as quickly as possible. Check your dog is not disturbing neighbours. If restless, encourage your dog to lie under the seat. Inform the conductor of your pet's presence.

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If your dog refuses to settle

Prepare your dog before the trip: acclimatise to the muzzle, train sounds and confined spaces. A short training journey can help. For severe anxiety, consult your vet (natural or prescription anxiolytics).

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If there is a problem on board

If another passenger complains or is allergic, the conductor may ask you to move your dog. In the rare case of refused boarding, request an irregularity report to obtain a refund.

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Interrail pass and travelling with a dog

Your Interrail pass covers your own travel, but pet tickets must be purchased separately from each rail operator. Local rules of each country apply. Note that Eurostar (Channel Tunnel) remains banned for pets even with an Interrail pass.

Frequently asked questions

Does my dog need a ticket on the train?

It depends on size. In most European countries, small pets in a suitable carrier travel free. Large dogs require a paid ticket. In France (SNCF), expect to pay €10 (carrier) or €20 (on lead). In Germany (DB), it is half the adult fare on long-distance trains.

Does my dog need a muzzle on the train?

Yes, in most countries and companies. In France (SNCF, Ouigo), a muzzle is mandatory for dogs over 6 kg. In Italy (Trenitalia), Austria (ÖBB) and the Netherlands (NS), it is also mandatory for large dogs. In Belgium (SNCB), it is recommended but not always strictly enforced.

Can I put my dog in the hold on a train?

No. Unlike aircraft, European trains have no cargo hold for live animals. Your dog must always be with you: either in a carrier in the passenger area, or on a lead at your feet.

Can I travel with a dog on the Eurostar?

No, not on trains passing through the Channel Tunnel (to/from London). Pets are strictly banned on these routes for biosecurity reasons. Only registered assistance dogs may travel. To cross the Channel with a dog, take a ferry or the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle (car-only service).

Can my "dangerous breed" dog travel by train?

Category 1 dogs (pit-bull type, American Staffordshire Terrier, Japanese Mastiff, Tosa) are banned from SNCF and Ouigo trains. Category 2 dogs (Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Dobermann, etc.) may travel but must wear a muzzle and be on a lead at all times. Check the rules with each operator for other countries.

Does my dog have to stay in place throughout the journey?

Yes, as much as possible. On SNCF, your dog must travel at your feet, on a lead and muzzled, and cannot occupy a passenger seat. On some TER regional trains, there may be space in the gangway or carriage vestibule.

Do I need to show my dog's vaccinations on the train?

Not always required on French trains, but strongly recommended. In Spain (Renfe), presenting the vaccination booklet at check-in is mandatory. In Italy (Trenitalia), a health booklet is required. Always travel with your dog's documents.

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Verified sources

This guide is based on official information from SNCF, Ouigo, Deutsche Bahn, Renfe, Trenitalia, Eurostar, SNCB, NS, SBB, ÖBB and PKP Intercity, verified in 2025. Fares and rules may change, always check the operator's website before you travel.