Tourism and Pets - Pet Travel by Train
In Spain, RENFE accepts small pets on all of its national Main Line trains. Only one animal is allowed per passenger and it is essential to take their up-to-date health certificate or vaccination card.
The animal must meet the requirements in place and, where applicable, you will have to buy a special ticket. Please note: even when all the requirements are met, RENFE does not guarantee that the transfer will go ahead, as the final decision depends on whether the other passengers in the carriage object to this and if the animal is in a suitable state so as not to inconvenience the rest of the passengers.
If the animal is allowed on board, the family members will be responsible for any discomfort or damage that may occur. If for any reason the animal causes discomfort, the owner could be asked to change carriage or even get off the train and take another one (in this case the ticket price will be refunded but no other compensation will be given). For journeys in sleeper carriages, pet transfer is only allowed in family cabins reserved in full.
The price of the pet’s ticket will depend on the owner’s ticket type. It will always cost at least half the standard ticket price for the class of travel.
Local trains
In Spain in general, pets can be taken on local trains with no weight restrictions and without needing to travel in a cage. However, dogs must travel with a lead and muzzle. No ticket is required for the animal, but family members will be responsible for ensuring the animal behaves appropriately throughout the journey. In the event of a complaint, the passenger may have to change carriage or even get off the train. Please note that travel with animals is only allowed on the specific trains and at the times indicated by the local train service, depending on the destination zone.
For traveling outside Spain, you can check the train companies in the destination countries. For example: United Kingdom (National Rail), France (SNCF), Italy (Trenitalia), Germany (Bahn), The Netherlands (Nederlandse Spoorwegen), Sweden (Statens Järnvägar), Switzerland (Swiss Federal Railways) and Belgium (NMBS / SNCB).
