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Can I Take my Dog on a Train in the UK?
You're allowed to take a dog on most trains and metros in the UK, but there are exceptions. If you're looking for specific rules for your UK train, light rail or tramway operator, please see the Appendix.
- Are Dogs Allowed on Trains?
- When Dogs Aren't Permitted on Trains
- Tips for Travelling with Your Dog by Train
Are Dogs Allowed on UK Trains?
Yes, dogs are generally allowed free of charge on most trains and metros in the UK, but a few trains place restriction on dogs. On National Rail trains, each passenger is typically allowed to bring up to 2 dogs on the train and some train companies let you pay extra to bring more pets.
When Dogs Aren't Allowed on Trains
However some train companies either don't allow dogs altogether or impose burdensome rules such as no dogs on lead (they must be carried in a container) or dogs only allowed at certain times of day. With the exception of guide dogs, pets face further entry restrictions with the following train companies:
| Exceptions: When Dogs Can't Travel on a Train | |
|---|---|
| Dogs not allowed at all | Eurostar |
| Manchester Metrolink | |
| Midlands Metro | |
| Dogs not allowed on lead (must be carried in a secure container) | Glasgow Subway |
| Sheffield Supertram | |
| Restricted times (not before 9:30 am, any day of the week) | Northern Ireland Railway |
Train Companies that Allow Dogs
Here is a list of train companies that allow dogs on lead:
| Train Companies that Allow Dogs on Lead | |
|---|---|
| National Rail Trains |
|
| Metros, etc. |
|
Dogs Can't Go Everywhere on a Train
Even when a dog is permitted on board by a train company, there are certain places your dog cannot go on the train. Dogs are generally not allowed:
- In a buffet or restaurant car (except, guide dogs are permitted at the train company's discretion)
- On a seat or table
The exception is that First Class ticket holders can bring dogs into the Lounge car on Great Western Railway and London North Eastern Railway. Dogs are also allowed in First Class on Avanti West Trains, where you can get snacks and drinks served at your seat.
Rules for Dogs on Trains
When travelling with a dog on National Rail trains, you must follow these rules:
- Dogs must be on lead or in fully enclosed basket or pet carrier
- Baskets or pet carriers must be designed for purpose, may not exceed 85 x 60 x 60 cm and must be big enough for your pet to comfortably stand and lie down
- Dogs must be kept on a lead or carried in a basket or pet carrier throughout your journey, including in the station
- Animals, with the exception of blind or deaf persons’ assistance dogs, are not allowed into buffet or restaurant cars (including first class accommodation with at-seat meals service) unless specifically allowed by the train company
- Animals are not allowed on seats (including animals in baskets or pet carriers)
- If your dog causes a nuisance or inconvenience to other passengers, you may be asked to move to another location or remove him from the train or railway premises
When taking a dog on a metro, be aware that dogs aren't typically allowed on a moving escalator or through automatic ticket gates.
When it Costs Money to Take a Dog on a Train
In most cases, dogs travel free of charge on UK trains. There are two exceptions. First, there's a £30 cleaning fee per room for one or two pets staying in a Caledonian Sleeper room. Second, for dogs travelling on the Blackpool Tramway you'll need to purchase a Rover24 fare for £1 for unlimited travel for your dog, or pay 60p for a single trip. Also, if your dog soils or damages any part of the train or station, you may be charged a fee (e.g., to clean up the mess).
Paying Extra to Bring More Pets
While most National Rail train companies restrict you to travelling with 2 dogs per passenger, some companies let you pay an extra charge to bring more dogs on board—beyond the two free dogs.
| Train Company | Cost to Bring Extra Pets |
|---|---|
| Greater Anglia | Extra pets cost half the adult fare for the type of your ticket, up to a maximum of £5 for a single and £10 for a return. |
| Great Western Railway | Extra pets cost half the adult fare for the type of your ticket, up to a maximum of £5 for a single and £10 for a return. |
| London North Eastern Railway | Extra pets may be charged £5. |
| Southeastern | Extra pets cost half the adult fare of your ticket, up to a maximum of £5 for a single and £10 for a return. |
| Avanti West Trains | You must pay £5 per additional pet. |
Tips for Train Travel with a Dog
Travelling with a dog is similar to travelling with a child—tire them out before travelling so they sleep, and bring plenty of snacks, water and wipes! Here are our top tips for taking a train ride with a dog.
- Avoid rush hour: Even a dog that has travelled on public transportation before may feel anxious on a busy platform or train. If possible, travel outside of rush hours so you and your dog have more space. And be sure to leave plenty of time to get to the station so you're not rushing.
- Hydration: Bring a collapsible water bowl and a bottle of water to keep your dog well hydrated.
- Take a pre-trip walk: By taking your dog for a good walk beforehand, hopefully your dog will be tired enough to sleep and empty enough not to need the toilet.
- Choose a seat in an empty area: By picking the quietest area you can, with the fewest number of people, your dog will hopefully feel more relaxed. If it's unavoidably busy, tuck him under your seat or behind your legs so he feels safe and isn't stepped on by anyone walking by.
- Bring lots of poop bags and wipes: Poop bags and wipes are essential in case your dog needs to relieve himself. Some train stations feel like the outdoors—and you can be charged for cleanup if your dog soils any part of the railway.
- Help avoid travel sickness: Don't feed your dog for at least a few hours before you travel, so you're less likely to have a sick dog. Poop bags and wipes also come in very handy if your dog is sick, so pack extra!
- Help your dog on and off the train: Keep a close eye on your dog when getting on and off the train. Some dogs are hesitant, especially if the gap is big. You may need to pick them up, if necessary.
- Dog ID: Regardless of where you travel, be sure your dog is microchipped and wearing a dog tag with crucial information, just in case you are separated.
Whether or not a dog is allowed will ultimately come down to the discretion of the train company. Railway Byelaw 16 allows train companies to refuse carriage or entry to any animal, for instance if they deem the animal to be dangerous.
Travelling by train is usually a pleasant way to get somewhere—made even better through the company of a dog. We hope the information in this article helps you and your four-legged friend enjoy a safe trip to your destination.
Appendix
| Taking a Dog On Board, by Train Company | ||
|---|---|---|
| National Rail Train Companies | Abellio ScotRail | National Rail Conditions (2 dogs allowed for free) |
| Avanti West Coast | National Rail Conditions (2 dogs allowed for free) then £5 per additional dog | |
| c2c | National Rail Conditions (2 dogs allowed for free) | |
| Caledonian Sleeper | Up to two dogs are allowed in a Caledonian Sleeper room but dogs are not allowed in the seated accommodation part of trains. While pets travel free there is a £30 cleaning fee per room for one or two pets. Those is a Standard Class shared-occupancy room must share the compartment with a member of your party. Dogs are not allowed on the beds or in the Lounge Car or permitted to walk along other carriages. | |
| Chiltern Railways | National Rail Conditions (2 dogs allowed for free) | |
| CrossCountry | National Rail Conditions (2 dogs allowed for free) | |
| East Midlands Trains | National Rail Conditions (2 dogs allowed for free) | |
| Eurostar | Dogs are not allowed (with the exception of assistance dogs). Guide and assistance dogs are allowed except not on routes to Lyon, Avignon and Marseille, on the ski train to Bourg-St-Maurice. Guide and assistance dogs are only allowed when registered and trained by an organisation that's affiliated to or a member of Assistance Dogs (UK), The International Guide Dog Federation or Assistance Dogs International. Emotional support dogs aren't allowed to travel on Eurostar. | |
| Thameslink/Southern/Great Northern/Gatwick Express | National Rail Conditions (2 dogs allowed for free) | |
| Grand Central | National Rail Conditions (2 dogs allowed for free) | |
| Greater Anglia | National Rail Conditions (2 dogs allowed for free) | |
| Great Western Railway | National Rail conditions, although First Class ticket holders can bring dogs into the lounge, if they are on a lead. | |
| Hull Trains | National Rail Conditions (2 dogs allowed for free) | |
| London North Eastern Railway | National Rail Conditions, although First Class ticket holders can bring dogs into the lounge, if they are on a lead. | |
| Merseyrail | National Rail Conditions (2 dogs allowed for free) | |
| Northern | National Rail Conditions (2 dogs allowed for free) | |
| Southeastern | National Rail Conditions (2 dogs allowed for free) | |
| South Western Railway | National Rail Conditions (2 dogs allowed for free) | |
| TransPennine Express | National Rail Conditions (2 dogs allowed for free) | |
| Transport for Wales | National Rail Conditions (2 dogs allowed for free) | |
| Virgin Trains | National Rail Conditions (2 dogs allowed for free) | |
| West Midlands Trains | National Rail Conditions (2 dogs allowed for free) | |
| Metros and other Rail Companies | Blackpool Tramway | Purchase a Rover24 fare for £1 for unlimited travel for your dog, or pay 60p for a single trip. Dogs allowed on single deck vehicles and lower decks of double decker vehicles. Your dog must be caged, boxed or kept on a lead for the whole journey and are allowed at the driver/conductors discretion. Dogs are not allowed on seats and should be kept under control at all times. |
| Glasgow Subway | Dogs on lead are not allowed, with the exception of assistance dogs. You may travel with your dog on Glasgow Subway if he's small enough to be carried in a secure container. | |
| Heathrow Express | Each customer may take a maximum of two dogs free of charge provided they don't endanger or inconvenience customers or staff. A dog must be kept on lead or in an enclosed basket or pet carrier, which must be rigid and closed (to prevent the dog's escape) and large enough for the dog to stand and lie down comfortably. If any customer objects to your dog being on board, you must move to another part of the train. | |
| London Overground, London Underground, Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and London Trams | Your dog must be kept on a lead or in a suitable container. You should use the stairs or a lift where available—if you need to use a moving escalator, you must carry your animal (specially-trained guide dogs excluded). You must carry your dog through automatic ticket gates, or use a wide gate where available. If your animal is too big or heavy to carry, ask the staff to stop the escalator so you can walk up or down it safely (generally possible outside of rush hours and when the station is not busy). | |
| Manchester Metrolink | Dogs are not allowed. The only exception (other than guide dogs accompanying blind persons and hearing dogs accompanying deaf persons, of course) is any dog or cat being accompanied to the PDSA at Old Trafford. No charge is made for animals travelling in these circumstances. | |
| Midlands Metro | Dogs are not allowed, except for assistance dogs for disabled customers, guide dogs and hearing dogs. These dogs are not allowed on tram seats, however. You are responsible for bringing the dog onto a tram (that is, the train company staff are not to help) and you must keep the dog under control at all times so that it doesn't cause a nuisance. | |
| NI Railways | Dogs are allowed on NI Railways—but not before 9:30 am, any day of the week (with the exception of assistance animals). One dog per person can travel for free. Large dogs that cannot be kept under a seat or around the feet of the owner without causing an obstruction may be refused. Dogs must be clean, adequately controlled and kept on a leash at all times, unless contained in an appropriate container. If a dog is found on a seat or table, the owner will be liable to a penalty charge. | |
| Nottingham Express Transit | Dogs on leads are not allowed. Guide dogs for the blind and hearing dogs for the deaf are allowed, however. While you may be able to take a dog on if it's under control and carried in a suitable container, this is at the discretion of staff. You're not allowed to put to container on a seat. | |
| Sheffield Supertram | Dogs on lead are not allowed, but domestic pets held safely in a cage or transporter are allowed subject to an Authorised Officer finding the container suitable to ensure the safety of other passengers and staff. You're liable for reasonable cleaning costs if the animal soils or unreasonably dirties the interior of the vehicle. | |
| Tyne and Wear Metro | Dogs must be on a lead or carried in a suitable container, must not be put on seats (even if in a container) and must be kept under control at all times. For health and safety reasons, don't take your dog onto the escalator, but use the lift or stairs instead. Staff are not allowed to take charge of any animal. | |
^Note: On the Caledonia Sleeper dogs are not allowed in the seated accommodation part of trains.
The rules for buses are much simpler. See our article Are Dogs Allowed on Buses? for full details, but most buses allow dogs in the UK.
FAQs
In December 2019, Virgin Trains stopped operating; they've been taken over by Avanti West Coast, which allows passengers to take up to two domestic pets for free. Each additional pet is subject to a charge of £5 single/£10 return.
If dogs are allowed on a train (National Rail trains allow two dogs), then they are usually allowed in the first class cars as well. In fact, those travelling in first class may have more flexibility with regards to where they can take their dog. While dogs aren't typically allowed in dining cars, first class holders can bring dogs into the Lounge car on Great Western Railway and London North Eastern Railway. Dogs are also allowed in First Class on Avanti West Trains, where you can get snacks and drinks served at your seat.
In most cases it's free to take up to two dogs on a train; but if you travel with more than two dogs you might need to pay a fee (e.g., £5 single/£10 return per additional dog beyond the two free dogs). Read more about this here.