Train Travel with Pets: Dogs & Cats Rail Guide

Train travel occupies a special place in the transportation hierarchy for pet owners. It offers the scenic beauty and flexibility of road trips, the point-to-point convenience of flying, and a level of comfort and spaciousness that neither cars nor planes can match. The rhythmic click of wheels on rails, the gentle sway of the carriage, the passing landscapes framed like living paintings in the window: for many pets, trains are the calmest and most comfortable way to travel.

And the options are improving. Amtrak expanded its pet policy in recent years, European rail networks have generally welcomed pets for decades, and new high-speed rail routes are launching with pet-friendly accommodations built in. If you have not considered train travel with your pet, now is the time to explore this underrated option. This guide covers everything you need to know about riding the rails with your dog or cat, from booking and preparation to onboard comfort and navigating unfamiliar stations.

Train Travel in the United States: Amtrak

Current Pet Policy (2026)

Amtrak allows small dogs and cats on most routes with the following rules:

Eligibility:

• Dogs and cats only (no other animals)
• Combined weight of pet and carrier must not exceed 20 pounds
• Pets must be in a carrier that fits under the seat (maximum dimensions: 19 x 14 x 10.5 inches)
• One pet per passenger
• Pets must remain in the carrier for the entire trip

Trip Duration:

• Pets are allowed on trips of seven hours or less (including any transfer time)
• Some routes exceeding seven hours may allow pets; check specific routes

Cost:

• $35 each way per pet
• No additional ticket required; the pet travels on your ticket

Booking:

• Pet reservations must be made at least one hour before departure
• Not available on all trains or routes; check availability when booking
• Limit of five pets per train

Routes where pets are NOT allowed:

• Acela (Northeast Corridor high-speed service)
• Auto Train
• Long-distance overnight trains (because trips exceed seven hours)
• Some state-supported routes

Tips for Amtrak Travel with Pets

Choosing Your Seat:

• Book a window seat if possible. This gives your pet the view while keeping the aisle clear.
• Choose a seat near the end of the car, away from the cafe car and bathroom, for a quieter ride.
• If the train is not full, ask the conductor if you can have both seats in a row for extra space.

At the Station:

• Arrive at least 30 minutes early to check in your pet and handle any paperwork.
• Most Amtrak stations do not have pet relief areas. Walk your pet outside the station before boarding.
• Keep your pet in the carrier in the station. While stations can be stimulating, keeping them enclosed reduces stress.

On the Train:

• Place the carrier under the seat in front of you (like airplane travel).
• Bring a small blanket to drape over the carrier if your pet seems overstimulated.
• Offer water through the carrier mesh at stops.
• Bring absorbent pads in the carrier for accidents.
• Pack treats for rewarding calm behavior.

Pet Parent Tip: The seven-hour trip limit is the biggest constraint for Amtrak pet travel. For longer journeys, consider breaking the trip into segments with an overnight stop in between. For example, a New York to Chicago trip (19 hours) could be split with an overnight in Pittsburgh or Cleveland.

Photo credit on Pexels

The Best Amtrak Routes for Pet Owners

Given the seven-hour limit, these routes are ideal for pet travel:

Northeast Corridor (Regional Service)

• New York to Washington, DC: 3.5 hours. One of the most popular routes in the system.
• New York to Boston: 4 hours. Scenic coastal views through Connecticut and Rhode Island.
• Philadelphia to Washington, DC: 2 hours. Quick and convenient.

Pacific Northwest

• Seattle to Portland: 3.5 hours. Beautiful Puget Sound and Columbia River views.
• Portland to Eugene: 2.5 hours. Willamette Valley scenery.

California

• San Diego to Los Angeles (Pacific Surfliner): 2.5 to 3 hours. One of the most scenic coastal rail routes in America.
• Los Angeles to Santa Barbara (Pacific Surfliner): 2.5 hours. Stunning ocean views.
• Sacramento to San Jose (Capitol Corridor): 3.5 hours. Bay Area to Central Valley connection.

Midwest

• Chicago to Milwaukee (Hiawatha): 1.5 hours. Frequent daily service.
• Chicago to St. Louis (Lincoln Service): 5.5 hours. Affordable and scenic.

Southeast

• Raleigh to Charlotte (Piedmont): 3.5 hours. Through the Carolina heartland.

Train Travel in Europe

European rail is a different experience entirely. The continent’s extensive, efficient rail networks have accommodated pets for decades, making train travel one of the best ways to explore Europe with your dog or cat.

Country-by-Country Pet Policies

France (SNCF/TGV)

• Small pets in carriers (under 6 kg): €7 flat fee
• Larger dogs: Half-price ticket (approximately 50% of a second-class fare)
• Dogs must be muzzled and leashed
• One pet per passenger

Germany (Deutsche Bahn)

• Small pets in carriers: Free
• Larger dogs: Reduced child’s ticket fare (approximately €8 to €15 depending on distance)
• No muzzle required, but dogs must be leashed
• One pet per passenger
• Dogs can sit on the floor but not on seats

Italy (Trenitalia)

• Small pets in carriers (under 5 kg): Free
• Larger dogs: Varies by train type. On high-speed Frecciarossa trains, pets are free but limited to specific cars.
• Dogs must be muzzled and leashed
• Italy has some of the most generous pet train policies in Europe

Switzerland (SBB)

• Small pets in carriers: Free
• Larger dogs: Half-price day pass (approximately 19 CHF)
• No muzzle required
• Swiss trains are spotlessly clean and reliably on time

Spain (Renfe)

• Small pets in carriers (under 10 kg): €10 flat fee on AVE high-speed trains
• Larger dogs: Generally NOT allowed on Spanish trains (major limitation)
• An ongoing campaign is pushing for expanded pet access

Netherlands (NS)

• Dogs: Free but must have a valid dog ticket (free to obtain)
• No muzzle required in most cars
• Very relaxed, dog-friendly policy

Austria (OBB)

• Small pets in carriers: Free
• Larger dogs: Half-price ticket
• Must be muzzled and leashed

United Kingdom (Various Operators)

• Most UK rail operators allow dogs to travel free
• No muzzle required
• Dogs can sit on the floor (not on seats)
• No carrier required for larger dogs
• One of the most dog-friendly rail systems in the world

European Train Travel Tips

Booking:

• Book first class when possible. The extra space is worth it, especially with a larger dog. The price difference in Europe is often modest.
• Check whether your train has a dedicated pet car or section.
• Some high-speed trains require pet reservations. Book early.

Navigating Stations:

• European train stations are often large and busy. Keep your dog on a short leash.
• Look for green spaces near the station for pre-boarding relief.
• Many large European stations have pet relief areas. Ask at the information desk.

On the Train:

• Your dog should lie at your feet or in the carrier under your seat.
• Bring a small blanket or mat for your dog to lie on.
• European trains often have dining cars. Your dog typically cannot join you there; bring snacks.
• Take advantage of stops at intermediate stations for quick relief breaks (but watch the schedule closely and do not miss your train).

Photo credit on Pexels

Special Rail Experiences with Pets

Scenic Railways

Some scenic railways welcome pets for unforgettable experiences:

• Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (Colorado): Dogs are allowed in open-air gondola cars on this historic mountain railroad through the San Juan Mountains. A spectacular experience.
• Strasburg Rail Road (Pennsylvania): This historic steam railroad in Amish Country welcomes pets on certain cars.
• Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (North Carolina): Allows dogs in open-air cars on their scenic excursions through the mountains.
• White Pass & Yukon Route (Alaska): Check current pet policy; dogs have been allowed on some excursions.

Wine Trains

Several wine train experiences in the US are dog-friendly:

• Napa Valley Wine Train: Check current pet policy (has varied). When available, dogs ride in specific cars.
• Verde Canyon Railroad (Arizona): Dogs allowed in open-air viewing cars on this stunning desert canyon rail journey.

Preparing Your Pet for Train Travel

Carrier Training

If your pet will be in a carrier, follow the same carrier familiarization protocol used for air travel:

1. Two to three weeks before: Leave the carrier open at home with bedding inside.
2. One to two weeks before: Feed meals in the carrier.
3. Days before: Practice closing the carrier for extended periods with treats and calm praise.

Noise Conditioning

Trains are noisy environments. Help your pet prepare by:

• Playing recordings of train sounds at low volume during feeding time, gradually increasing volume over several days.
• Visiting train stations without boarding to acclimate to the environment.
• Taking a short, local train ride as a practice run before a longer journey.

The Day Before Travel

• Exercise thoroughly. A tired pet travels better.
• Pack the travel bag: carrier, water, treats, absorbent pads, poop bags, leash and harness, health records, calming aids.
• Light dinner. Reduce the risk of motion sickness by avoiding heavy meals before travel.

Comparing Train Travel to Other Options

Train vs. Car

Factor	Train	Car
Pet space	Under seat in carrier	Entire back seat/crate area
Bathroom breaks	Limited to station stops	Stop anywhere
Driver fatigue	Not applicable	Major concern on long trips
Cost (2 people + pet, 300 miles)	~$120-$200	~$50-$80 (gas)
Scenery	Often spectacular	Driver cannot enjoy it
Stress level	Low for calm pets	Variable

Train vs. Plane

Factor	Train	Plane
Security screening	None (US); minimal (EU)	Full TSA screening
Pet fee	$35 (Amtrak); free-€15 (EU)	$75-$200
Weight/size limits	20 lbs combined (Amtrak)	Similar
Duration	Longer	Shorter
Pressure changes	None	Ear discomfort possible
Pet removal from carrier	Not required	Required at TSA
Stress level	Generally lower	Generally higher

The Future of Pet Train Travel

The outlook for pet-friendly rail travel is improving:

• Amtrak is gradually expanding its pet program, with periodic reviews of weight limits and route availability.
• New high-speed rail projects in the US (California, Texas, Northeast Corridor) are being designed with modern amenities that may include pet accommodation.
• In China, pet-friendly high-speed train service launched on the Beijing-Shanghai route, with dedicated pet cars. This model could influence other countries.
• Italy’s expanded policy allowing medium and large dogs in passenger cabins on domestic flights is creating pressure for rail operators to be equally accommodating.

Making the Most of Train Travel

Train travel with your pet rewards those who embrace its unique qualities. You are not trying to get somewhere as fast as possible; you are enjoying the journey itself. The gentle motion, the changing scenery, the quiet companionship of your pet dozing at your feet while the world scrolls past the window.

For pet owners who value low-stress travel (or whose pets struggle with travel anxiety), scenic routes, and city-center arrivals (no airports, no parking garages), trains offer something that no other mode of transportation can match. And as rail networks continue to expand their pet policies, the tracks ahead are looking brighter than ever for four-legged travelers and their human companions.

All aboard. For a comparison of all travel options, also review airline pet policies and our guide to road tripping with dogs.

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