Bringing pets on board the train
In general
In many cases, you can take your pet with you on the train. However, different rules and guidelines apply to different train operators.
- Are you travelling abroad with your pet? If so, familiarise yourself with the rules of the countries you are travelling through. In most cases, your pet will need to be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies, and have a valid pet passport. Ask your vet for more information.
- The customs rules of the European Union apply to all of the train operators listed below. The following animals are not permitted: wild animals, birds and dangerous dogs. Different, stricter rules apply to the Eurostar to London.
A distinction is made between small and large pets:
- Small pets weigh less than 6 kg and travel in a suitable travel bag, basket or cage. These include cats, small dogs, rabbits and hamsters.
- Large pets weigh more than 6 kg or do not fit in a travel bag or basket. These include medium-sized and large dogs. All large pets must be kept on a leash and, where specified, wear a muzzle.
Below you will find more information about travelling with your pet for each train operator.
Eurocity Direct and EuroCity
Pets are permitted in first and second class, but certain rules apply.
Conditions
- Small pets: Small pets can travel free of charge if they are transported in a cage, bag or basket. These must not exceed 55 x 30 x 30 cm (L x W x H). If the train is busy, you must place the cage, bag or basket on your lap.
- Large pets: You must purchase a ticket for large pets. The fixed price is £6 per single journey, regardless of destination or class. Dogs not travelling in a cage, bag or basket must be kept on a lead and wear a muzzle. You cannot reserve a seat for pets.
- Guide and assistance dogs: Travel free with a companion ticket. More information for passengers with impaired mobility travelling.
Buying a train ticket for your pet
For larger pets that cannot be transported in a cage, bag or basket, purchase a ticket at:
- NS ticket machine at the station.
- NS International desk or NS desk at the station
- NS International Customer Service via 030 - 2300023 (available daily between 07.00 and 23.00 hours).
Eurostar to Belgium and France
You can take your pet with you on the Eurostar to Belgium and France, in both second and first class. A maximum of two small pets or one large dog is permitted per passenger. However, there are a few rules that apply:
Conditions
- Small pets: Small pets weighing less than 6 kg can travel free of charge if they are transported in a cage, bag or basket. These must not exceed 55 x 30 x 30 cm (L x W x H). If the train is busy, you must hold the cage, bag or basket on your lap.
- Large pets: You must purchase a ticket for any pet weighing more than 6 kg. Pets are only allowed on the train if they are held on your lap or kept on a leash and muzzled and are on the floor.
- Guide and assistance dogs: Registered guide and assistance dogs are always welcome and can travel free of charge. All you need to do is inform the train manager that your dog is on board. Your dog does not need to be muzzled. More information for passengers with impaired mobility travelling with Eurostar to Belgium and France.
Animals not permitted: Dangerous dogs, wild animals and birds (parrots, canaries, etc.).
- Passenger's comfort: If a passenger objects to the presence of a pet, the train manager may ask the owner to move to another part of the train with their animal.
Buying a ticket for your pet
- If your pet weighs more than 6 kg, you can purchase a ticket from the train manager for €30. Payment can be made in cash or by credit card. Please note that it is not possible to reserve a seat for a pet.
Eurostar Snow & Eurostar Sun
- Pets are not permitted on board the Eurostar Snow and Eurostar Sun
Guide and assistance dogs are permitted. They travel free of charge and do not need to be muzzled. All you need to do is inform the train manager that your dog is on board.
Eurostar to London
Since the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union, stricter customs rules apply, meaning there is no longer free movement of animals to and from London. Only registered guide and assistance dogs are permitted. These animals can travel on Eurostar free of charge. A muzzle is not required. When arriving in or departing from the United Kingdom, you must be able to present the necessary documentation. Therefore, please ensure that you have this with you.
A maximum of four passengers with assistance dogs are permitted to travel by train. Register your dog with Eurostar at least 24 hours before departure to receive a free ticket.
Conditions
Your dog must have undergone training with an organisation that is recognised by either the International Guide Dog Federation, Assistance Dogs Europe, Assistance Dogs International or Assistance Dogs GB.
IIf your dog was trained by an organisation not on this list, Eurostar will ask you to complete an application form before your booking can be confirmed. This form must be submitted at least 24 hours before departure.
During the journey, you must be able to show a valid pet passport containing:
- Your dog's microchip or tattoo details
- Proof of compulsory vaccinations (such as rabies)
- A copy of the confirmation email or Eurostar file number showing that your dog has been registered
Eurostar advises you to arrive at the station at least 60 minutes before departure. Your documents will be checked and you will receive further instructions at the Eurostar Assist meeting point, located near the ticket gates.
Report guide and assistance dogs
- With the contact form (Geef aan dat u een boeking heeft en geef uw typ uw boekingsreferentiekies in. Kies vervolgens voor ‘assistentie’ en daarna ‘assistentie voor dieren’).
- By telefone 020 – 532 3232 (Dutch) or +44 3432 186 186, option 4 (English, available daily from 9.00 to 17.00 hours).
- Eurostar Customer Care will reserve a seat for your assistance dog next to you.
ICE
Pets are permitted in first and second class on ICE trains, but not in the bistro carriage. However, guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted.
Conditions
- Small pets: Small pets can travel free of charge if they are transported in a cage, bag or basket. These must not exceed 55 x 30 x 30 cm (L x W x H). If the train is busy, you must hold the cage, bag or basket on your lap.
- Large pets: You must purchase a ticket for large pets. The price depends on your destination and the availability of offers. The ticket is booked in the same class as you are travelling in and costs 50% of the adult fare. It is not possible to reserve a seat for your pet.
- Guide and assistance dogs: Registered guide and assistance dogs are always welcome and can travel free of charge. All you need to do is inform the train manager that your dog is on board. Your dog does not need to be muzzled. More information for passengers with impaired mobility travelling with ICE.
Buying a train ticket for your pet
For larger pets that cannot be transported in a cage, bag or basket, please purchase a ticket at:
- Tickets for honden zijn telefonisch verkrijgbaar via NS International Klantenservice 030 – 230 00 23 (available daily from 07.00 to 23.00 hours).
- At the NS International desk at medium-sized and large NS stations.
- If you are travelling by ICE between two Dutch stations, you can purchase or load an NS Day Ticket Dog at an NS ticket machine.
Night train ÖBB Nighjet
You can travel with your pet on the ÖBB Nightjet night train, but specific conditions apply. You can read what is and isn't permitted below.
Conditions
- Small pets: Small pets travelling in a suitable travel bag or basket are allowed to travel free of charge. You do not need to purchase a ticket for them. Pets are not permitted in the Mini Cabins. Please ensure your pet is on a lead and muzzled when boarding and disembarking..
- Large pets: You must purchase a ticket for large pets. Travelling with a dog is only permitted if you book an entire compartment for your travel group. The dog must not disturb other passengers and must be kept on a leash and muzzled when boarding and disembarking.
- Guide and assistance dogs: Guide dogs and assistance dogs can always travel for free. They do not need to wear a muzzle and can travel on routes where other pets are not permitted.
- Please note: Pets are not permitted on the Nightjet to Budapest. Only guide and assistance dogs are allowed on this route.
Buying a train ticket for your pet
- You can purchase a ticket for your pet from the train manager on board for €29, either in cash or by credit card.
- If you are travelling in the seating carriage of the Nightjet Amsterdam – Zurich, you can also book your ticket in advance via NS International Customer Service at 030 - 23 000 23 (available daily between 7.00 and 23.00 hours) or at a NS International desk.
TGV
You can travel with your pet on the TGV. You can bring one pet per person. Certain conditions apply. You can read what is and isn't permitted below.
Conditions
- Small pets: Small pets weighing less than 6 kg can travel free of charge if they are transported in a cage, bag or basket. These must not exceed 55 x 30 x 30 cm (L x W x H). If the train is busy, you must place the cage, bag or basket on your lap.
- Large pets: You must buy a ticket for large pets.
- Guide and assistance dogs: Registered guide and assistance dogs are always welcome and can travel free of charge. All you need to do is inform the train manager that your dog is on board. Your dog does not need to wear a muzzle. More information for passengers with impaired mobility travelling with TGV.
Buying a train ticket for your pet
- You can buy a ticket for your pet from the train manager on board. Payment can be made in cash or by credit card.
French day trains
You can also bring your pet on board French day trains, but different conditions apply. Pets are not permitted in the bistro, although guide and assistance dogs are.
Conditions
- Small pets: Small pets must be transported in a cage, bag or basket. These containers must not exceed 55 x 30 x 30 cm (L x W x H). If the train is busy, the cage, bag or basket must be placed on your lap. A single-journey ticket for a small pet costs €6.
- Large pets: Medium-sized and large dogs (those weighing more than 6 kg) must be kept on a leash and muzzled. Travelling with a dog of this size costs 50% of the normal fare for a second-class ticket, even if you are travelling in first class yourself.
- Guide and assistance dogs: Registered guide and assistance dogs are always welcome and can travel free of charge. All you need to do is inform the train manager that your dog is on board. Your dog does not need to wear a muzzle.
Buying a train ticket for your pet
Domestic NS trains
In the Netherlands, your pet can accompany you on the train, but a few conditions do apply. More information about taking your pet with you on domestic trains can be found on NS.nl.