Dogs on UK Trains 2026 - National Rail, London Underground, and EU Travel

National Rail: the rules

The UK National Rail rules for dogs are set by the Rail Delivery Group and apply across most UK train operators (with minor operator-by-operator variation).

• Up to 2 small dogs per passenger for free. A small dog is one that fits in a carrier that can sit on your lap or at your feet without blocking the aisle. The carrier must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and big enough for the dog to stand, turn, and lie down.
• Large dogs need a half-price ticket. A large dog is one that cannot fit in a lap carrier. The half-price ticket is for the dog's seat, not the passenger's. The dog must be on a lead and under control at all times.
• Maximum 2 dogs per passenger. You can have 2 small dogs in carriers, OR 1 large dog on a lead with a half-price ticket, OR 1 small + 1 large.
• The dog must not sit on a seat. Even a small dog in a carrier must be on the carrier at your feet or on your lap, not on the train seat.
• The dog must not be a danger or nuisance. A reactive dog, a dog that barks continuously, or a dog that bites another passenger is a problem. The conductor can ask you to leave the train.

London Underground: the rules

Transport for London (TfL) rules are similar but stricter in some areas.

• Up to 2 dogs per passenger for free. A small dog in a carrier that fits on your lap. A large dog on a lead.
• All dogs must be carried in a basket, bag, or other suitable container on the escalator. This is a safety rule: a dog on a lead on an escalator is at serious risk of injury.
• Dogs are not allowed in the first carriage of any train. Some London Underground lines have a designated dog-free front carriage; check before boarding.
• Off-peak travel is easier. The busier the train, the harder the staff may push back. Travelling after 9:30 am or before 4 pm is easier with a large dog.

Other UK train operators

The National Rail rules apply across most UK operators. Variations:

• ScotRail (Scotland): same as National Rail. Up to 2 small dogs for free, large dogs with a discounted ticket.
• Transport for Wales: same rules. Up to 2 small dogs.
• CrossCountry (long-distance): same rules. Reserve a seat in advance if travelling with a large dog.
• Avanti West Coast, LNER, Lumo, TransPennine Express (mainlines): same rules. The half-price ticket is purchased on the day, not in advance.
• Heathrow Express, Stansted Express, Gatwick Express (airport links): small dogs in carriers allowed, large dogs vary by operator. Check before booking.

EU travel: the post-Brexit rules

The UK left the EU Pet Passport scheme on 1 January 2021. UK dogs travelling to the EU need a different document.

• Animal Health Certificate (AHC). Issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) in the UK. Valid for entry into the EU and onward travel within the EU for 10 days after issue. For a multi-country trip, an AHC is valid for the entire trip if the first entry is within 10 days of issue.
• Microchip. The dog must be microchipped before the AHC is issued.
• Rabies vaccination. The dog must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before the AHC is issued. (For a first rabies vaccine, the 21-day wait applies; for a booster, the wait is shorter if the previous vaccine is still valid.)
• Tapeworm treatment (dogs only, for entry into Ireland, Finland, Malta, Norway). A vet-administered treatment for the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis, recorded in the AHC. The treatment must be done 1 to 5 days before entry.

The AHC costs £100 to £200 in the UK (2026), depending on the vet. Each country in the EU has slightly different entry requirements; check the GOV.UK page before travel.

For re-entry to the UK from the EU, the same AHC and rabies requirements apply. The AHC is single-use per trip; a new AHC is needed for each trip.

Car travel with dogs

UK Highway Code rules for dogs in cars:

• The dog must not distract the driver. A loose dog in the front seat is a road traffic offence. The dog must be in a crate, behind a dog guard, or restrained with a dog seatbelt.
• The dog must not exit the car unsupervised at a road. A dog jumping out of an open car door into traffic is a hazard and an offence.
• The dog must be identifiable. An ID tag on the collar (in addition to the microchip) is recommended for any dog in a car.
• Hot weather: never leave the dog in the car. See our summer safety guide.

For long car journeys (over 2 hours), plan a stop every 2 hours for water, a toilet break, and a short walk. A stressed dog in a car may drool, pant, or vomit; a towel and a wet cloth are useful kit.

Practical kit for the train or car

• A soft, well-ventilated carrier sized to the dog.
• A lead and collar with an ID tag (the tag should be visible when the dog is in the carrier).
• A small bottle of water and a collapsible bowl.
• A familiar-smelling blanket or toy.
• A few high-value treats for calm reinforcement.
• A bag for any accidents.

For a long journey, add a small towel and a secure food container.

Common mistakes

• Putting the dog on the seat. A dog must be in a carrier at your feet, not on the seat. Even a small dog on the seat is a breach of the rules and a request to leave.
• Forgetting the ID tag. A dog without an ID tag is a problem if the dog escapes the carrier. A visible tag with name and phone is the fastest way to get the dog back.
• Letting the dog off the lead on the platform. A train platform is a road traffic hazard. The dog stays on the lead, in the carrier, or in your arms.
• Travelling without checking the operator's rules. Some operators (Avanti, CrossCountry) have specific seat reservations for large dogs. Check before you book.

FAQ

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