Traveling by train with a dog – Here’s what you need to keep in mind (plus packing list for a relaxed trip) Marilou Cabatingan, 08/26/202508/28/2025 Indeed, one of the biggest issues in sustainable travel is the journey. So, there’s no getting around it when vacationing with our four-legged partner. Taking the train ranks among the most environmentally friendly ways to get from point A to point B. But how does it look with a dog? We have taken a look at this and give you an overview of what to expect when traveling by train with a dog and how you can prepare yourself and your four-legged friend. All regulated with the train Admittedly, rail travel is not dog-friendly. In this blog article, we’re taking a closer look at Deutsche Bahn in particular. Other countries have some different rules, or don’t even allow you to take any animals at all. For example, in Italy, larger dogs are not allowed on public transport. But let’s go back to Germany. The German railroads have fairly clear ideas about how they can make sustainable travel more difficult for us dog people. For those of us, anyway, who have a dog larger than a house cat, train travel becomes an ordeal of nerves. Because while small dogs* are allowed to travel for free, the stress for dog owners* with larger dogs starts with the ticket purchase. *Small dogs in the train have to be secured in a transport box or bag box/bag has to fit under the seat or in the luggage rack about the size of a domestic cat by the way, this also applies to all other animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, …) So, for large dogs, you will have to pay a ticket, which depending on the booked connection can be costly (except service dogs of course.) With economy or flex fares, half the ticket price or a child ticket must be paid for the dog. For special tickets such as international tickets, the dog counts as an adult. Therefore, if you don’t book months in advance, you can expect quite high prices for you and your dog. Online ticket via mail You can theoretically buy the ticket for your dog online (child traveling alone). You must have it sent to you by postal service, which may take up to five working days. Spontaneously, you can buy it at the ticket machine or at the counter or service center. However, depending on how much experience you have with traveling by train with a dog, a visit to the service center is a good idea anyway, especially if you plan to travel abroad. Because, as I said, different rules apply there. Other things you have to pay attention to: Muzzling obligation for the entire journey Leash requirement No reservation of seats for the dog possible Preparation for traveling by train with a dog After the first shock, we will assume that you have not given up yet and are determined to travel by train and dog. Or perhaps you have a small dog, with which you have significantly less stress. But no matter whether big or small: you should prepare your partner on four paws in any case. It will be exciting for him in any case: strange people, small children, thousands of different smells and strange noises. Before you start the adventure of traveling by train with your dog, you need to train. Training and practicing If you are from the countryside, you can simply move the first training sessions to the city. There, your dog will be exposed to more impressions than at home in the village. Once he is used to it, drive short distances and see how the dog behaves during this time. As he becomes more relaxed, you can increase the length of the route. The benefit of this is also that you will automatically experience many different situations over this longer training time, which will harden you and your dog. Reservation and the right place On a longer route, the choice of the right seat is of course much more important than on short routes. Of course, a compartment is the first choice. Other than that, you can still make sure to sit as centered as possible in the wagon. There’s less through traffic, and you don’t have doors opening and closing next to you all the time. When booking, you should also consider transfer times. These can be used for walking rounds so that your dog can relieve itself between the legs of the journey. Also, your own stress is transferred to the dog when times are too tight. Relaxed train travel is then no longer. Tips for traveling by train with a dog Before starting out, take your dog for a long ride and give him a good workout. You should also have eaten your last meal a little while ago. That way, you can prevent a disaster from happening. But if it does happen: Stay calm. The dog didn’t do it on purpose. Simply clean it up, apologize to fellow travelers if necessary, and that’s it. A favorite blanket, stuffed animal and chewy item will keep your dog occupied and give him something familiar on the trip. That way, he’s more likely to calm down than if he’s surrounded exclusively by unfamiliar smells. Furthermore, depending on your dog’s character, you can clarify it for the passengers that they should not talk to your dog. Even strange, stroking hands can mean additional stress. Watch out for the signs here and stop it in case of doubt so that your dog also has a stress-free train journey. Packing list for your train journey Favorite blanket Chew toy, soft toy, … Chew stick and treat Muzzle Leash Water and drinking bowl Wet wipes, kitchen roll, dog bag maybe room spray Recommended hotels for a train trip with a dog Finally, the most important thing Staying calm and relaxed is the most important thing when traveling with a dog. Your excitement and stress are transferred to your dog. The more relaxed you are, the more your companion is. And then there will be nothing to stop you from having a stress-free journey to your dog’s vacation. Would you travel by train with your dog? Have you ever done it before? Then tell us about your experiences! Travel