Train travel opens up the UK for dog holidays without needing a car. Dogs travel free on most UK trains, and with proper preparation, rail journeys can be stress-free. From quick local trips to cross-country adventures, this guide covers everything you need to know.
The Basics
Dogs Travel Free
Good News: Dogs travel free on most UK train services. No ticket required.
Rules:
- Up to 2 dogs per passenger typically
- Must be on lead or in carrier
- Must not occupy seats
- Under control at all times
Where Dogs Can Travel
Generally Allowed:
- All standard class carriages
- Vestibule areas
- Most first class (check specific operator)
Not Allowed:
- On seats
- In catering areas (dining cars)
- Anywhere causing obstruction
Train Operators
National Operators
Major Operators All Accept Dogs:
- Avanti West Coast
- LNER
- GWR (Great Western Railway)
- CrossCountry
- TransPennine Express
- Northern
- ScotRail
- Southern
- Southeastern
- Greater Anglia
- SWR (South Western Railway)
- Others
Check Specific Rules: While all accept dogs, specific rules may vary. Check operator website if unsure.
London Underground
Dogs on the Tube:
- Dogs travel free
- Must be on lead or in carrier
- Must be carried on escalators
- Avoid peak hours if possible
Tips:
- Use lifts where available
- Stand near doors
- Be prepared for busy trains
- Some dogs find Tube stressful
Other City Metro Systems
Generally Dog-Friendly:
- Tyne and Wear Metro (Newcastle)
- Merseyrail (Liverpool)
- Glasgow Subway
- Manchester Metrolink
Check specific systems for any restrictions.
Planning Train Journeys
Booking
No Dog Ticket Needed:
- Book your ticket as normal
- No separate dog booking required
- Consider seat reservation for longer journeys
Seat Reservations:
- Reserve seats with floor space
- Table seats give more room
- Avoid airline-style seating where possible
- Window seats can be better (dog by wall)
Best Times to Travel
Ideal:
- Off-peak (mid-morning, early afternoon)
- Weekdays generally quieter
- Avoid rush hours
- Consider school holiday impact
Avoid If Possible:
- Morning rush (7-9am)
- Evening rush (5-7pm)
- Friday evenings
- Sunday evenings (busy return travel)
Journey Length
Consider:
- Maximum comfortable journey time for your dog
- Toilet break needs
- Water access
- Building up to longer journeys
Preparing Your Dog
Before First Train Journey
Practice and Preparation:
- Visit station without travelling
- Get used to platform environment
- Practice settling on floor
- Build positive associations
Helpful Training:
- "Settle" or "down" command
- Comfortable on hard floors
- Ignore distractions
- Travel in general
What to Bring
Essential:
- Lead (must be on lead)
- Water and collapsible bowl
- Poo bags
- Treats
- Mat or blanket for floor
Helpful:
- Stuffed Kong or chew
- Familiar blanket
- Travel carrier (small dogs)
Before the Journey
On the Day:
- Good walk beforehand (tired dog = settled dog)
- Toilet break before boarding
- Not too much food (avoid sickness)
- Water available but not excessive
At the Station
Navigation
Station Environment:
- Can be busy and noisy
- Multiple platforms
- Announcements
- Other travellers
Tips:
- Keep dog close
- Short lead
- Stay calm
- Know your platform
Boarding
Getting On:
- Wait for passengers to exit
- Board quickly but calmly
- Head to your seat/space
- Settle dog immediately
Accessibility
Stations Vary:
- Step-free access at many stations
- Lifts where escalators challenging
- Staff can help
- Check accessibility before travel
On the Train
Where to Sit
Best Spots:
- Table seats (more floor space)
- Near vestibule (quick exit if needed)
- Quieter carriages
- Away from catering area
Positioning Your Dog:
- Under table
- By window (against wall)
- Out of aisle
- Not blocking exits
Keeping Your Dog Comfortable
During Journey:
- Settle on mat or blanket
- Offer water periodically
- Chew or Kong for occupation
- Stay calm yourself
If Dog Unsettled:
- Move to quieter area
- Vestibule space can help
- Stay calm
- Don't make a fuss
Toilet Needs
On Train:
- No facilities for dogs
- Plan toilet breaks at stations
- Know journey time
- Empty dog before boarding
If Emergency:
- Vestibule area
- Clean up immediately
- Be prepared with bags and cleaning supplies
Changing Trains
Connections:
- Allow plenty of time
- Toilet opportunity between trains
- Water break
- Know the route
Specific Journeys
London to Scotland
LNER East Coast: Edinburgh/Glasgow via east coast. Dogs welcome. Scenic.
Avanti West Coast: Glasgow/Edinburgh via west coast. Dogs welcome.
Caledonian Sleeper: Overnight to Scotland. Dogs allowed in certain berths. Unique experience.
Cross-Country
CrossCountry Trains: Connect major cities. Dogs welcome. Long journeys possible.
Scenic Routes
Dog-Friendly Scenic Journeys:
- Settle to Carlisle
- West Highland Line
- Cornish routes
- Welsh routes
Heritage Railways
Steam Trains
Most Welcome Dogs:
- North Yorkshire Moors Railway
- West Somerset Railway
- Ffestiniog Railway
- Many others
Different Experience:
- Often dog-friendly carriages
- Scenic journeys
- Combine with walks
- Check specific railway
See our Attractions guide for more heritage railway information.
Practical Tips
Making Journeys Easier
- Walk before travel - Tired dogs settle better
- Travel off-peak - Quieter trains
- Choose seats wisely - Table seats offer most room
- Bring familiar items - Comfort and occupation
- Stay calm - Dogs read your energy
- Know the route - Platform changes, connections
- Allow time - Don't rush
- Be considerate - Other passengers
- Clean up - Any mess immediately
- Practice - Build up journey length
Common Challenges
Motion Sickness:
- Some dogs affected
- Travel on empty stomach
- Good ventilation
- Consult vet if severe
Anxiety:
- Gradual exposure
- Positive associations
- Calm handling
- Consider avoiding trains if severe
Other Passengers:
- Not everyone loves dogs
- Keep dog out of way
- Apologise if issues
- Be courteous
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs need tickets for trains?
+How many dogs can I take?
+Can dogs sit on seats?
+Are dogs allowed in first class?
+What about rush hour?
+Do I need to carry my dog on escalators?
+Can I take my dog on the Eurostar?
+Rail Adventures Await
Train travel opens up car-free dog holidays throughout the UK. With free travel, increasing accessibility, and beautiful routes, rail can be an excellent option for dog owners. Preparation and off-peak travel make journeys comfortable for everyone.
Luke uses trains with Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max, and Molly when exploring car-free. The pack has discovered that settled platform waits, comfortable journeys, and new destination arrivals make train travel rewarding.
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