The rules for taking pets on board differ for each Carrier and Train Operating Company (TOC), so it's best to check before booking your trip.


National Rail (UK)

Small pets, like dogs and cats can travel with you on the train for free, as long as they don’t annoy other passengers, or put them in danger. You can bring a maximum of two animals per passenger, but you’ll have to keep them on a lead, or comfortable in a closed basket, cage or pet carrier that’s secure, so they can’t escape. If you’re planning on bringing more than two pets, you’ll need to check with the TOC directly.


Even if they might do it at home, your pets aren’t allowed to climb on the seats. They’re for paying passengers only.


If you’ll have to take a bus or coach to complete your journey, you’ll need to check if animals are allowed on board.


If you’re asking about taking your pets on a Sleeper Service,  for more information.


Deutsche Bahn (Germany)

Small Pets - pets up to the size of a domestic cat travel free of charge. They must travel in a carrier that will fit under the seat or on the shelf above.


Large Pets – larger pets can travel on trains if you purchase a special pet fare,they must travel on a leash and be wearing a muzzle. Pet tickets should be purchased with Deutsche Bahn directly.


Guide dogs travel free of charge and are not required to wear a muzzle.


Eurostar (France/ Belgium/ UK)

Only registered guide or assistance dogs are allowed on Eurostar trains, no other animals allowed. Your dog must have been trained with one of the following organisations:

  • Assistance Dogs (UK)
  • The International Guide Dog Federation
  • Assistance Dogs International


You will be required to show documentation when arriving in or departing from the UK, so please ensure you have this with you.


Guide dogs should be booked on to the train in advance, to find out how to arrange this go to our.


Italo (Italy)

Small Pets, weighing up to 10kg – travel free of charge. They must travel in a carrier which should be places in the baggage area next to the passenger.


Dogs, weighing more than 10kg - can travel on trains but must be booked on to the service directly with Italo.


NS (Netherlands)

Small pets can travel free of charge when travelling in a bag of a basket on your lap.


Larger pets, travelling on a leash can travel if you purchase a dog ticket. Please contact NS directly to book a dog ticket.


Guide dogs - travel free of charge and do not require a ticket.


OBB (Austria)

Small Pets, can be taken along free of charge in suitable transport containers


Larger pets, travelling on a leash and wearing a muzzle can travel if you purchase a dog ticket for them. Tickets cost 10% of the price of a full price second class ticket (A minimum fare of 2€ applies). To purchase a ticket please contact OBB directly.


Ouigo (France)

You can take up to 2 pets per booking with you on Ouigo trains:

  • Small Pets, pets weighing up to 6kg - must travel in a carrier no larger than 55cm x 35cm x 25cm. The carrier should be placed either at your feet or on your knee.
  • Large Pets, pets weighing more than 6kg – can travel with a valid animal ticket, tickets cost 30€ per animal.
  • Guide dogs - travel for free, and do not require a muzzle it does not normally wear one.


To book a pet ticket please go to Ouigo directly.


Renfe(Spain)

Small Pets, weighing up to 10kg can travel in a carrier which should be no larger than 60cm x 35cm x 35cm. You may be required to purchase a ticket for your pet, please contact Renfe directly for more information.


Pets must travel with the documentation and comply with health and safety conditions established in current legislation.


SBB (Switzerland)

Small pets, with a shoulder height of up to 30cm, travel for free as long as they carried in a carrier, basket or suitable container.


Larger animals can travel as long as you purchase a 1 day travel pass for them. These are available to purchase at the station or online directly with SBB.


SNCB (Belgium)

Small pets, travel for free when travelling in a container no larger than 55cm x 30cm x 30cm.


Larger animals travelling on a leash, can travel for a small charge with a pet ticket, muzzles are not required but are recommended as any SNCB employee can ask you to use apply one at any time. Please contact SNCB directly to book a pet ticket.


SNCF (France)

You can take up to 2 pets or pet carriers with you on trains in France, however you must purchase a ticket before travelling. 

Pets fall into 3 categories:

  • Small Pets, pets weighing up to 6kg - must travel in a carrier no larger than 45cm x 30cm x 25cm. The carrier should be placed either at your feet or on your knee.
  • Large Pets, pets weighing more than 6kg – must travel at your feet and must be wearing a muzzle throughout the journey.
  • Guide dogs - travel for free, and do not require a muzzle it does not normally wear one.


To book a pet ticket please go to SNCF directly.


TGV Lyria (Germany and France)

Small Pets – Pets weighing up to 6kg.

You can take up to 2 small pets free of charge and without a ticket on Lyria trains. They must travel in a carrier which should be no larger than 45cm x 30cm x 25cm.


Large Pets – Pets weighing more than 6kg.

Larger pets can travel on trains if you purchase a special pet fare ticket which is available at SNCF and SBB counters. Large pets must travel on a leash and be wearing a muzzle.


Guide dogs travel free of charge and do not require a ticket, the are not required to wear a muzzle.


Thalys (France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands)

Small Pets, weighing up to 6kg – travel free of charge. They must travel in a carrier which should be no larger than 45cm x 30cm x 25cm.


Dogs, weighing more than 6kg - can travel on trains if you purchase a specific dog fare ticket, this should be purchased with Deutsche Bahn directly. Large pets must travel on a leash and be wearing a muzzle.


Guide dogs - travel free of charge and are not required to wear a muzzle.


Thello (France and Italy)

Small Pets, weighing up to 5kg – travel free of charge, they must travel in a carrier.


Dogs, weighing between 5kg and 50kg – a maximum of 1 dog can travel if you have booked an exclusive cabin to yourself, family, or friends. The dog must be on a leash and wear a muzzle at all times. There is 50 fee which will be charged on board the train (by credit card or cash).


Trenitalia (Italy)

Small Pets – You can travel with up to 1 pet, free of charge within first and second class. They must travel in a carrier which should be no larger than 70cm x 30cm x 50cm.


Larger dogs – May be able to travel when on a leash and wearing a muzzle if you purchase a ticket. Please contact Trenitalia directly to arrange this.


You must have a certificate of registration and health card for your pet (except guide dogs), or alternatively, a “pet passport” to replace these required documents. If you do not have this information, you may be asked to leave the train.