Dog on Public Transport: What You Need to Know

Dog on public transport sounds daunting, but my journeys with Cookie prove it can be calm, joyful, and even heart warming.

🚍 Taking Your Dog on Public Transport for the First Time

Although taking your dog on public transport may seem stressful at first, it’s more manageable than you might expect.
With the right setup and a bit of planning, public transport—whether buses, trains, or ferries—quickly opens up exciting new adventures.
Whether you’re heading out for a short local ride or planning a longer journey, your dog will likely travel calmly and safely by your side.
In this article, I’ll share clear rules, practical tips, and real-life stories from my travels with Cookie—my loyal buggy queen. 🐶💼

🚇 Is It Safe to Take a Dog on Public Transport?

Yes, it’s safe—and often much easier than most people expect. In fact, many dogs handle trains, buses, and even ferries with ease, especially if they’ve already explored noisy or unfamiliar places.

I still remember our first solo train journey—when Cookie and I travelled to Brighton together

🐾 Our First Solo Holiday by Public Transport: Where Confidence Began
Before we explored buses, ferries, or metros, Cookie and I took a big leap—our very first solo train trip to Brighton. Although I felt nervous, the experience turned into one of the most empowering moments of our journey. That day marked the beginning of our confidence in pet-friendly public transport.

You can follow the full story here: My First Solo Holiday with My Dog: Discovering Brighton.

🌊 Cookie’s first solo holiday in Brighton—where it all started 🐶🚆

In the UK and across much of Europe, pets ride free on public transport—as long as they’re leashed or travel inside a carrier and behave calmly.

Still, safety goes beyond following the rules. It’s also about understanding your dog’s emotional needs. Sudden noises, crowds, or long trips might overwhelm some pups—especially if they’re sensitive or anxious. That’s exactly why preparing early makes all the difference. Bringing a familiar blanket or cosy buggy helps your dog stay grounded and relaxed.

🚆 Cookie’s First Time on a Train: A Calm and Cosy Start

Although I wasn’t sure how Cookie would react, I knew we had to try. After all, every journey starts somewhere—and for us, it began on a quiet train ride that would shape all the others to come.

📜 Rules for Dogs on Public Transport

Plan your trip with confidence by learning the public transport rules for dogs—especially because they vary between regions.
The UK generally allows pets with few restrictions, while some European countries enforce stricter rules that depend on the provider.
For this reason, I’ve broken down the main differences so you can feel fully prepared before stepping on board with your pup.

🏴‍☠️ UK Rules: Friendly and Flexible

Dogs are welcome on nearly all public transport across the UK. Trains, buses, and even the London Underground allow them to ride free of charge. Most operators let dogs sit beside you, and many accept pet buggies as well. However, you must keep your dog leashed or safely inside a buggy, and make sure they stay calm and well-behaved throughout the journey.

In London, I’ve even taken Cookie through crowded stations and into pet-friendly places in Camden. Some buses were so relaxed, it felt like a private ride.

🎨 Exploring Camden with Cookie:
After gaining confidence from our first train trip, we ventured into London’s artistic heart—Camden. Although the area felt busy at first, it quickly became one of our favourite pet-friendly spots. From colourful markets to relaxing cafés, Camden surprised us with how welcoming it is for dogs on public transport.

You can read all about that adventure here: Solo Experiences with Your Dog: A Pet-Friendly Camden Guide.

🎡 Cookie enjoying the vibe in Camden—proof that markets can be pet-friendly too 🐾

🚌 When Seven Dogs (and Two Buggies) Took the Same Bus

Surprisingly, that wasn’t the only time UK transport left a lasting impression. A few weeks later, after a joyful dog meetup in London, another moment unfolded—one that perfectly captured just how inclusive and heart warming public transport can be when you’re travelling with dogs.

🚌 The Day Seven Dogs Took the Same Bus:
One afternoon, after a joyful dog meetup, some of us decided to grab drinks at a pet-friendly restaurant. However, the place was a bit far, so we had to take a bus.

At first, we hesitated. We looked at each other and started counting—seven dogs, two in their own buggies. It seemed obvious we should split into two groups.

Yet, surprisingly, when the bus arrived, the driver didn’t say a word. He simply smiled and let us all in. Every single one of us—and our pups—fit comfortably in the same ride.

Even better, the passengers were delighted. I could see smiles lighting up the whole bus. It was a moment I’ll never forget—and I’m sure they didn’t either. That day proved how wonderfully accepting public transport in the UK can be.

🐶 Cookie and a Cavalier sharing the ride—proof that public transport can be pawsitively pet-friendly 🚌

🇪🇺 Rules Across Europe: Know Before You Go

While the UK offers well-known pet-friendly travel options, many European countries welcome dogs too—often in surprisingly flexible ways.
However, before you take your dog on public transport abroad, make sure you understand each region’s specific rules, especially when crossing borders by train or ferry.

🌍 Taking Your Dog on Public Transport Across Europe

In May 2025, I began a long journey across Europe with Cookie. We explored the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy. To my delight, trains, metros, buses, and even taxis accepted dogs easily, which made our travels smooth and stress-free.

📋 Also worth noting: In many European cities, dogs are allowed on trams and regional trains, usually under the same guidelines as national rail—though it’s always wise to check with each provider.

Soon, we’ll add France to our list of pet-friendly experiences.

When we crossed from the UK to Europe, I chose the most dog-friendly route possible.

🚢 Crossing Borders with Cookie:
Eventually, our journey took us beyond trains and buses. For our UK departure, we picked a pet-friendly ferry—and it felt like a true adventure. The Stena Line crossing was one of the smoothest and most dog-welcoming legs of the trip.

Read more here: How to Bring Your Pet from the UK to Europe: Stena Line Route.

🌍 Cookie’s illustrated route—proving how far one pup can travel 🚢🐾

Even so, each transport provider sets its own policies. Although small dogs usually travel free, some companies require tickets, carriers, or muzzles for larger pups. That’s why I always check the operator’s website in advance—it saves time and avoids surprises.

📋 Dog Travel Rules by Country: What You Need to Know

🐶 What It’s Really Like to Travel with a Dog on Public Transport

Travelling with your dog on public transport can seem daunting at first. However, once you take that first trip, it often becomes a surprisingly heart warming experience. From crossing borders to meeting strangers, every journey brings its own little lesson—and Cookie has taught me many.

💚 Personal Pawprint:

Throughout my European journey in 2025, I learned that many countries allow small dogs to travel for free on international trains—as long as they stay in a carrier.

Technically, I brought one for Cookie. However, in every country—from the Netherlands to Germany and even Italy—she travelled on my lap instead. And surprisingly, not a single train inspector ever said a word.

This quiet flexibility made the experience feel even more welcoming. It reminded me that when dogs are calm and respectful, most people—and systems—respond with kindness too.

🐶 Cookie riding calmly in my arms on the train from Munich to Verona 🚆

🎒 Tips for a Calm Journey

Even the most relaxed dogs can feel uneasy in busy or noisy transport environments. Fortunately, with just a few essentials and a little planning, you can make public transport a calm and enjoyable experience for your pup.

✅ What to Pack:

• 🧺 Blanket or familiar item — helps your dog feel secure
• 💧 Water bottle and collapsible bowl — especially for longer trips
• 🦴 Treats and chews — perfect for distraction and positive reinforcement
• 💩 Poop bags and wipes — always be prepared for accidents
• 🐾 Travel buggy or carrier — ideal for small, elderly, or anxious dogs
• 🐕 Lead and harness — keep your dog safely under control at all times

🐾 Bonus Tip: Before tackling long journeys, start with short practice trips. That way, your dog can get used to the sounds, motion, and new passengers—without feeling overwhelmed.

And if you’re planning a seaside escape, many of these travel tips apply there too—though beach outings bring a few extra things to consider.

🐾 Behind the Paws: What We’ve Learned on the Road

Over the past year, Cookie and I have explored many places. During these adventures, we often used public transport to get around. In fact, we travelled by ferry, train, and bus—sometimes all in one day. As each journey passed, we gained more confidence. Step by step, our bond grew stronger. Through every challenge, we adapted and stayed close.

At first, I worried about how Cookie would react. However, I soon discovered that dogs on public transport can feel just as safe as they do at home. All they need is the right support. Cookie, for example, loves sitting in her buggy or curling up on my lap. So far, she has travelled across the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy—without needing a single ticket. 💼🐾

On the way back from the continent, we took another route to re-enter the UK. Here’s our Pet Travel to the UK: Essential Guide for a Smooth Journey

🐾 Tip: Your energy matters.

If you’re calm, your dog will likely be calm too. And when people see a peaceful pup, they’re usually happy to share the journey.

For us, watching the world go by through a train window always brings some of the most peaceful moments of our journeys.
In fact, here’s Cookie—fully settled in her travel buggy, surrounded by familiar comforts, and ready once again for another calm and scenic train ride across Europe.

❓ FAQs About Dogs on Public Transport

🐾 Ready to Take Your Dog on Public Transport?

🚆 Traveling with your dog on public transport doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, with the right planning, it can be simple, safe—and even fun! Whether you’re hopping on a city bus or crossing borders by train, a few thoughtful steps can make all the difference for both you and your pup.

✨ Do you have tips or funny travel stories with your dog?
We’d love to hear from you! Share them in the comments or tag us on Instagram—your adventure might even be featured in a future update.

💚 If this guide helped you or made you smile, don’t keep it to yourself.
Share it with your fellow dog lovers, and together, let’s make every journey pawssible!

🐾 Wondering who we are and why we care so deeply about animal welfare? Find out more about our story and values.

🐾 Explore More Pet-Friendly Journeys

📚 Found this helpful? There’s more where that came from — check out our other paws-on guides for pet parents.

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