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Pet-Friendly Trains, Buses and Subways

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Pet owners who travel to new countries should always research pet-friendly public transportation. Riding on trains, ferries, subways, and buses that accept pets is a great way to sit back and enjoy the scenery. No worries about renting a car and navigating traffic. Here are some pet-friendly trains and other public transportation options.

Pet-Friendly Trains in the United States

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

Pets can ride on most public transportation in New York if they fit in a pet carrier.

Pets can travel on Metrorail or Metrobus in Washington, DC, provided they are confined in a secure carrier. Service animals are also permitted.

Amtrak (United States): allows small dogs and cats under 20 pounds in weight, including carriers. The carrier must be leakproof and waterproof with adequate ventilation and should not exceed 19″ long x 14″ wide x 10.5″ high. One pet is allowed per paying customer. The minimum age is 8 weeks. Proof of current vaccinations must be provided. Your pet must be stowed under your seat in a compliant pet carrier. Pets are permitted in Coach Class and Acela Business Class.

More information on Amtrak pet policies.

The Amtrak Auto Train, which runs from Lorton, Virginia, to Sanford, Florida, does not accept pets. Small pets will only be permitted to ride the Acela train on weekends and holidays.

Fees are dependent on the route and range from $29 to $39 USD. Fees are charged for each travel segment.

San Francisco, California Municipal Railway: Both small and large dogs are allowed on cable cars, historic streetcars and trolley
buses. People must pay the same fare for their dog that they do for themselves. Dogs are allowed to ride on Muni vehicles from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and from 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM on weekdays, and all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Only one of dog may ride per vehicle. Dogs must be muzzled and on a short leash, or in a small, closed container.

Alaska Railroad allows pets on its route between Fairbanks in the north and Seward in the south, with scheduled stops at Denali,
Talkeetna, Wasilla, Girdwood, Whittier, Portage, Spencer, and Grandview. Pets ride in airline compliant kennels in the baggage car
which is not air conditioned or heated, so you want to consider that when you are booking. You can take your pets outside during stops, but they are brief. The fee is $20.

More details are at alaskarailroad.com.

Pet-Friendly Trains in Canada

VIA Rail Canada: only allows small dogs and cats onboard. One pet per carrier is permitted. Carrier dimensions: 27 cm (10.5 in)H x 40 cm (15.5 in) W x 55 cm (21.5 in) L. Your pet’s carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Pets must be a minimum of 12 weeks of age and accompanied by a passenger 13 years of age or older. The maximum weight is 22 pounds. When out of the carrier at the station, pets must be leashed and muzzled.

SkyTrain Vancouver: Small dogs in hard-sided carriers are allowed.

Pet-Friendly Trains in Europe and the United Kingdom

Related: Pet-friendly ferries

Traveling by train in Europe offers a convenient and scenic way to explore the continent, and fortunately, many train companies across Europe welcome pets on board.

Your pet can travel with you on most trains in Europe, including Rail Europe (except trains in Spain, Ireland, Great Britain, Finland, and Norway) and RailJet. Guide dogs traveling with visually impaired or disabled passengers can travel for free on European trains.

1. Deutsche Bahn (Germany): Deutsche Bahn allows small pets to travel for free if they are in a carrier that fits under the seat. Larger dogs require a half-price ticket and must be kept on a leash and muzzled. Some long-distance trains also offer dedicated pet compartments. Pets not in carriers must be leashed and muzzled at all times.

2. Eurostar (France, Belgium, UK, Netherlands): Eurostar allows small pets (under 20kg) to travel in carriers that fit under the seat. There is a fee for this service, and pets must remain in their carrier for the duration of the journey.

Pets are not permitted on routes to and from London, between Brussels and Lille, or on our Eurostar Sun and Snow routes unless they are trained service dogs.

More details on Eurostar pet policies.

3. Le Shuttle (England, France): All pets must ride in a vehicle. Le Shuttle will allow the following animals to ride on the train: dogs, cats, ferrets, or other live animals such as domestic equidae (horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules), rodents, rabbits, birds, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles, bees and bumble bees, molluscs, crustaceans, and ornamental aquatic animals; animals for display, education, conservation, or breeding purposes, poultry (including chicks and eggs).

All animals must conform to requirements to enter the United Kingdom or France, according to the Pet Travel Scheme. The maximum number of animals per vehicle is five, unless the owner has proof of participation in a show or competition. Le Shuttle must be notified at the time of booking that there will be a live animal in the vehicle.

More information on bringing pets on Le Shuttle.

4. Trenitalia (Italy): Trenitalia permits small pets to travel for free in carriers that fit under the seat. Larger dogs require a half-price ticket and must be kept on a leash and muzzled.

5. SNCF (France): SNCF allows small pets to travel for a fee in carriers that fit under the seat. Larger dogs may travel with a half-price ticket if they are muzzled and kept on a leash. Book your pet’s reservation when you book your own. Tickets are subject to
cancellation fee.

Dogs, cats, pet rabbits and rodents, birds, reptiles, and amphibians under 6kg must travel in a carrier measuring less than 45 x 30 x 25cm. The fare for small pets is 7 euros on TGV, Intercity, and TER trains. If your pet weighs more than 6kg, it must be muzzled at all times. The fare will be 50% of the full 2nd class fare on TGV, intercity, and TER trains. Pets are not permitted on trains to or from the UK.

6. Renfe (Spain): Renfe allows small pets to travel for a fee in carriers that fit under the seat. Larger dogs require a half-price ticket and must be muzzled and kept on a leash. Dogs, cats, ferrets, and birds (not chickens) are welcome on Renfe trains. One pet per passenger not weighing over 10 kg is permitted as long as they travel in a container smaller than 60 x 35 x 35cm. For overnight travel, passengers must book a department or family cabin. Pet owners are responsible for any and all damage caused by their pets.

Renfe has extended a special program allowing pets up to 40 kg on their trains that run between Madrid and Barcelona and has now extended it to Malaga. Larger dogs must travel no closer than 2 seats apart and only 2 large dogs are permitted in a single car. Pet owners should plan to check in at least 40 minutes in advance of departure. One pet is permitted per person.

More details on Renfe pet policies

7. ÖBB (Austria): ÖBB allows small pets to travel for free in carriers that fit under the seat. Larger dogs may travel with a half-price ticket if they are muzzled and kept on a leash.

8. SJ (Sweden): SJ allows small pets to travel for free if they are in a carrier that fits under the seat. Larger dogs require a half-price ticket and must be muzzled and kept on a leash.

9. SBB (Switzerland): SBB allows small pets to travel for free in carriers that fit under the seat. Larger dogs may travel with a half-price ticket if they are muzzled and kept on a leash.

10. Thalys (France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany): Thalys allows small pets to travel for a fee in carriers that fit under the seat. Larger dogs require a half-price ticket and must be muzzled and kept on a leash.

11. Virgin Trains (UK): Virgin Trains welcomes two dogs, cats, or other small domestic animals with every passenger on the east and west coast routes between London and Scotland at no extra cost. Carriers must fit under the seat. Larger dogs may travel with a half-price ticket if they are muzzled and kept on a leash.

12. TGY Lyria (France, Switzerland): Pets weighing less than 6kg can travel in carriers or baskets measuring less than 45 x 30 x 25cm without charge. Maximum of 2 pets per passenger. Pets weighing more than 6kg must pay a pet fare and wear a muzzle. Pets must remain by their passenger’s feet.

13. Thello (France, Italy): Pets weighing less than 5kg travel for free with no reservation required. One pet per passenger, and the pet must travel in a carrier, basket, or cage. Pets may be moved by the conductor if other passengers object. Pets over 5kg must travel with a passenger in a cabin occupied by the passenger and/or their family. Pets must remain in the cabin and not be left alone. Owners are responsible for any and all damage done by their pets.

14. Thalys (France, Brussels, Netherlands, Germany): Small dogs and domestic animals may travel free in a carrier measuring less than 55 x 30 x 30cm. Pets must not disturb other passengers, and they may be asked to move if that is the case. Larger dogs must be leashed and muzzled, and they will pay a dog fare ticket. Note that no pets are permitted on the Leige and Soleil trains. Service animals only on routes serving London.

15. Trenitalia (Italy): This train line permits dogs in first- and second-class cars, both small and large. Pets are not allowed in the restaurant or bar cars, except for service dogs, who travel for free on all trains. Small dogs can ride for free in first and second classes. Avoid traveling between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM on weekdays on regional trains. More details: riding a train in Italy with a pet.

16. National Rail (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. Two pets are permitted per person without charge as long as they are leashed and do not endanger or inconvenience passengers or staff.

Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times unless contained in a carrier. Dogs without leads, cats, birds and small animals must be carried in an enclosed basket, cage or pet carrier measuring not more than 85 x 60 x 60 cm. It must be rigid and not open (to prevent escape), and the pet must be able to stand and lie down in comfort. Animals and carriers must not occupy seats, otherwise, a charge will be made.

Animals are not allowed in restaurant cars except for blind people’s guide dogs or deaf people’s assistance dogs, which may
be allowed into the restaurant car at the steward’s discretion. However, every effort is made to serve meals to 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 there is no cleaning charge

More information on pet friendly National Rail pet policies.

17. ScotRail (Scotland, England): Dogs are allowed to accompany able-bodied passengers in sleeper services subject to a charge for a heavy-duty cleaning. 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. Bookings for all dogs traveling in sleeper cars 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 a collar and chain and properly muzzled.

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.

Requirements

Dogs, cats, and ferrets traveling by train across country borders must have an EU Pet Passport or official health certificate reflecting a minimum of one current rabies vaccination administered after a microchip is implanted and no sooner than 21 days prior to travel. If your pet has had more than one rabies vaccination given after the microchip was implanted and all were kept current, the wait does not apply.

18. MÁV Group (Budapest, Hungary): Starting in January 2025, the transport of dogs will be free of charge for travel within the capital on all suburban and domestic trains without seat tickets, on interurban Volán services and on HÉVs (suburban railways). Pets are accepted when traveling outside of city limits; however, there will be a charge.

Pet-Friendly Trains in India

Pet dogs and cats are welcome on trains running in India. Puppies in a carrier can travel on all classes of the train. Dogs and cats can travel in AC-first class or first class in 2-berth coupes or 4-berth cabins. One pet per passenger. Current health certificate is required clearly designating breed, weight, color, etc. Check-in is 3 hours before departure. Pets can also travel in crates in the luggage car. Luggage rates will apply in either case.

Indian Railways: allows small or large dogs in First Class; however, your pet must remain in train compartment
and only with the consent of other passengers riding in that compartment. If this permission cannot be obtained, the pet owner must purchase the entire compartment. Two- or four-berth compartments are available exclusively for pet owner’s use.

Dogs can also travel in the Luggage/Brake Van in special crates available on the train. Dogs are not permitted in ACC Sleeper Coaches, ACC Chair Car Coaches, Sleeper Class, and Second Class Coaches.

Once pet owners have purchased their tickets, they should complete an application with the station’s reservation officer. All pets must have proof of current rabies vaccinations and a health certificate issued by a veterinarian within 48 hours of departure.
Passengers should arrive at the station at least 4 hours prior to departure for cabin assignments.

Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates over 8,000 buses in India, and they are all pet-friendly. Dogs will pay the same fare as their owners. Rabbits, puppies, cats, birds, and caged birds can travel under children’s fares. Pet owners are responsible for any damages to the bus or to others luggage. Pets must be confined or leashed.

Pet-Friendly Trains in China

Pets are allowed to ride Beijing Railway in China in the baggage compartment in a strong, wire cage. They will need
a animal quarantine certification and a pet cage disinfectant certification.

Pet-Friendly Trains in New Zealand

In Auckland, New Zealand, Auckland Transport Trains will now accept pets of all sizes on their trains. Pets are accepted at off-peak times (9:00 am to 3:00 pm until 6:30 pm), end of service on weekdays, and all-day on weekends and public holidays. All dogs can travel in a compliant pet carrier that is small enough to be securely stored under the seat or held on the passenger’s lap; otherwise, they must be wearing an approved muzzle and lead.

Passengers traveling with domestic pets are responsible for their pet and must keep them caged and under control at stations, getting on or off the train, and while onboard trains. Pet owners must clean up after their pets while in stations or before they disembark their train.

Passengers may be refused entry to board the train if the train is crowded. Passengers may be asked to leave the train if their pet is causing or likely to cause a safety risk or nuisance to other customers.

Currently, there is no charge for domestic pets to ride Auckland Transport trains.

Pet-Friendly Trains in Qatar

In Qatar, only trained service dogs assisting blind, deaf or physically disabled passengers are permitted on the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram networks.

Pet-Friendly Trains in Turkey

Marmaray Rail Line: Small pets are allowed to ride at no charge. Pets smaller than 5 kg can ride in their owner’s arms if they are leashed. Larger pets must ride in a portable container not exceeding 55x35x30 cm. They must ride at their owner’s feet, and be muzzled and collared. Other animals can also ride on the train in carriers or containers not exceeding 55x35x30 cm. One pet per passenger is permitted.

No dangerous dogs are permitted. Dogs should be social and not a danger or inconvenience to staff or other passengers.

Pet-Friendly Buses and Subways in the United States

California – Sacramento: Small dogs in carriers are allowed on the buses and light rail. The carrier must fit on the pet owner’s lap.

California – San Diego: Small dogs in enclosed carriers are allowed on the buses and light rail. You must be able to transport your dog and the carrier by yourself, and you need to hold the carrier on your lap. Noise or odor may give cause for refusal to transport your pet.

New York – Small dogs and cats under 25 pounds are allowed on Trailways buses for a $10 fee. Trailways is New York’s largest bus carrier.

Colorado – Denver: Small dogs in hard-sided carriers are allowed on buses and light rail.

Florida – Orlando: Small dogs in carriers that fit on your lap are allowed on the buses.

Georgia – Atlanta: Small dogs carried in a closed pet carrier that fits on your lap are allowed on the buses and trains.

Illinois – Chicago: Small dogs in carriers that fit on your lap are allowed on buses and trains.

Massachusetts – Boston: All dogs that can fit in a carrier or bag are allowed on the Boston T (subway). Small dogs may be transported in a carrier. Larger dogs may be taken on the T during off-peak hours and must be leashed and controlled at all times. At no time should a pet compromise safety, get in a passenger’s way, or occupy a seat.

Massachusetts – Nantucket: Both small and large dogs are allowed on the shuttle buses. Pets must be leashed or caged, well-behaved, clean and dry, and pets cannot sit on the seats.

New York – New York City: Small dogs in carriers are allowed on the Long Island Railroad, Long Island Bus and New York City
Transit buses and subways. Small dogs in carriers or on a secure leash are allowed on the Metro-North Railroad. The pet carrier
should be able to fit on your lap and should not occupy a seat. Dogs should not bother other passengers.

Hampton Jitney allows pets to travel for a $10 fee. The bus goes from New York City to both forks of Long
Island. The pet must be in a carrier that can fit on your lap. More information on the Hampton Jitney.

New Jersey – Hoboken: Small dogs in carriers are allowed on the light rail. NJ Transit allows small dogs in carriers to travel on the rail and buses. Contact their customer service for more details.

Texas – Dallas: Small dogs in carriers are allowed on the light rail and buses.

Virginia – Richmond: Small dogs in carriers are allowed on the buses.

Washington – District of Columbia: Small dogs in carriers are allowed on the buses and trains. Pets must remain in the carrier, with no possibility that the pet can escape.

Washington State – Seattle: Both small and large dogs are allowed on the street cars and buses. Small dogs that fit in their owner’s lap ride for free. Large dogs are charged the same fare as their owner and should not occupy a seat. Large dogs should ride on the floor of the bus, preferably under the seat. If you have a very large dog, it is up to the driver as to whether or not your dog will be allowed. One large dog per bus is allowed. Dogs must be leashed.

Pet-Friendly Buses in New Zealand

Connect Urban Service buses, which run in New Zealand, have started a trial service accepting small cats and dogs. Pets must
fit in a carrier that sits on the pet owner’s laps or in the luggage area of the bus. The service is free for paying passengers.

Whanganui Connect: Currently, a trial is in progress to transport smaller dogs and cats on Whanganui Connect buses in New Zealand. Pets must fit in a pet carrier and can sit on the floor between their owner’s feet, on their lap, or in the luggage compartment. The policy trial will run until the end of October 2023, and a survey will be conducted for community feedback.

More information on the Whanganui Connect pet policy.

Pet-Friendly Buses in Canada

Vancouver – Small dogs in hard-sided carriers are allowed on buses.

Pet-Friendly Buses in Mexico

In Mexico, all domestic animals on buses must travel in the luggage compartment. Only guide dogs, official dogs or rescue dogs are accepted on board the train. There is no additional charge if the weight of the animal is less than 55 pounds (25 kilos). The trip should not last more than eight hours. Animals are not accepted when the temperature exceeds 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) at any point of the trip. Preferably, the pet must be sedated.

Pet-Friendly Buses in Argentina

 FlechaBus, Urquiza, and Plusmar bus companies permit small pets on buses from Buenos Aires to Mar del Plata, Colón, Concepción del Uruguay, and Concordia. This service is available for dogs and cats up to 10 kilograms including their crate. They must be at least 12 weeks old and travel inside a crate that is ventilated and has a fluid-absorbent base floor.

One pet in one crate is permitted for each passenger. There is a limit of two pets per bus. The pets and their owners will be assigned to specific seat allocations in the lower deck.

Pet owners must also present a health certificate issued by a veterinarian, stating that their pet is healthy and fit to travel. The certificate must be issued within ten days of the date of travel. Pets also have vaccination certificates, including an anti-rabies vaccine applied between 21 days and 12 months of travel.

Pets that either present aggressive behavior at boarding or are deemed to be dangerous or can cause discomfort to passengers will not be allowed to board. Pets under veterinary treatment will not be accepted.

The pets must be cleaned before the trip, and owners must travel with a hygiene kit including a waste bag, wet wipes, and pet diapers. Pets pay 50% of the ticket for the carriage of their pet.

Pet-Friendly Public Transportation in London

Well-behaved pets are welcome on public transportation in London. They must be leashed, not bother other passengers, and not take up a seat. You have to carry your pet on escalators or through automatic ticket gates, however. There is no charge for dogs to ride any public transport in London.

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