Are Pets Allowed on Eurostar? Navigating Pet-Friendly Train Travel in Europe

Taking your furry friend on vacation to Europe sounds like a dream, and for many pet owners, it absolutely is! However, if you’re envisioning a seamless journey via the iconic Eurostar train, you might encounter a slight detour. The frequently asked question, “Are Pets Allowed On Eurostar?” has a straightforward answer: unfortunately, Eurostar does not generally permit pets on their trains traveling between London and mainland Europe, with the exception of guide dogs and assistance animals.

Image alt text: A small dog, Pip, comfortably sits in a pet-friendly cabin on the Stena Line ferry from Harwich to Hoek van Holland, highlighting a pet travel alternative to Eurostar.

But don’t let this news derail your pet travel plans! Europe remains wonderfully accessible for pets by train and ferry, offering a comfortable and often more enjoyable alternative to air travel for your beloved companions. This guide will explore various pet-friendly routes and options, ensuring you and your pet can embark on a European adventure together, even without Eurostar.

This comprehensive guide will cover:

Understanding Pet Travel Essentials: Microchipping, vaccinations, and the necessary health certificates for hassle-free European travel.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pet-Friendly Train Travel from the UK:
- Navigating UK trains with your pet.
- Crossing the English Channel with your pet: Exploring ferry options as alternatives to Eurostar.
- Continuing your journey on mainland European trains with your pet.
Detailed Pet-Friendly Ferry Options:
- Stena Line Harwich-Hoek van Holland: A popular route to the Netherlands and beyond.
- Newhaven-Dieppe Ferry: A convenient option for reaching Paris and France.
- Hull-Rotterdam & Newcastle-Amsterdam Ferries: Northern routes for exploring different parts of Europe.
Pet Regulations for Trains in Various European Countries: France, Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Germany, and more.

Let’s embark on planning your pet-friendly European train journey, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry travel buddy!

Pet Travel Preparations: Microchips, Vaccinations, and Health Certificates

Before you even consider routes and tickets, ensuring your pet meets the essential health requirements for international travel is paramount. This involves microchipping, rabies vaccinations, and obtaining a pet health certificate.

Microchipping and Rabies Vaccination:

The first step is to ensure your dog, cat, or ferret is fitted with a microchip. This is a standard procedure and essential for pet identification when traveling internationally. Following microchipping, your pet must have an up-to-date rabies vaccination. Consult your veterinarian to confirm your pet’s vaccination status and schedule any necessary boosters well in advance of your travel dates.

EU Pet Health Certificate: The Post-Brexit Travel Document

Since Brexit, the UK is no longer part of the EU Pet Passport scheme. For pet travel from the UK to the EU, a crucial document is the EU Pet Health Certificate. Here’s what you need to know:

Veterinarian Visit: Schedule a visit to your vet no more than 10 days before your intended travel date.
Health Check and Certificate Issuance: Your vet will conduct a health check to ensure your pet is fit to travel and then issue the 10-page EU Pet Health Certificate.
Cost: Be prepared for a cost of around £180 for the health certificate. This is a direct consequence of Brexit, as the UK’s departure from the Pet Passport scheme has introduced new administrative requirements.
Validity: This certificate allows your pet entry into the EU for up to 4 months and permits re-entry into the UK within the same 4-month period. You can include multiple pets on a single health certificate.
Tapeworm Treatment (Specific Countries): For certain countries like Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway, Finland, and Malta, a tapeworm treatment is also mandatory. Your vet will advise if this is necessary based on your destination.

Returning to the UK: Tapeworm Treatment Requirement

The requirements don’t end with reaching Europe. For your pet’s smooth return to the UK, another vet visit is necessary in Europe:

Pre-Return Vet Appointment: Within 1 to 5 days (24 to 120 hours) before your scheduled re-entry into Great Britain, book an appointment with a European vet.
Tapeworm Treatment and Certificate Update: The vet will administer a tapeworm tablet and complete and stamp the relevant section of your pet’s health certificate.
Cost: Expect to pay around £40 for this treatment and update.

For the most up-to-date and detailed information on pet travel regulations, always refer to the official UK government guidelines: www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit and for bringing pets back to the UK: www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/.

Pet Food Tip: Regulations restrict bringing meat and dairy products into the EU. Therefore, pack only enough of your pet’s regular food for the Channel crossing. Kibble is ideal for travel, or you can easily purchase wet food once you arrive in Europe.

Step 1: Pet Travel on UK Trains – Getting Started

The good news for UK-based pet owners is that domestic train travel with pets is generally straightforward and pet-friendly.

Taking Pets on British Trains:

Pets Travel Free: Dogs, cats, and other small animals are welcome on all British trains without any charge.
Maximum Pets Per Passenger: You can take up to two pets per passenger.
Pet Behavior: Pets must not endanger or inconvenience other passengers or staff.
Dog Leash Requirement: Dogs must be kept on a leash unless they are inside a carrier.
Carriers for Smaller Pets: Cats, birds, and small animals must be transported in enclosed, rigid carriers that prevent escape and allow the animal to stand and lie down comfortably.
No Seats for Pets: Animals and carriers are not permitted to occupy seats; otherwise, a charge may be applied.
Caledonian Sleeper: If you plan to use the Caledonian Sleeper to or from Scotland, a fee applies for pets. Refer to Caledonian Sleeper pet policy for details.

For comprehensive details on pet regulations on British trains, consult the National Rail website: www.nationalrail.co.uk/on-the-train/train-travel-with-pets.

Image alt text: A decorative small bullet point image, used for list item separation.

With domestic train travel sorted, the next crucial step is crossing the English Channel, as this is where the Eurostar pet restriction becomes relevant.

Step 2: Crossing the Channel – Eurostar Alternatives for Pet Owners

Here’s where pet owners need to consider alternatives, as Eurostar’s “no pets” policy (excluding guide dogs) presents a significant hurdle for direct train travel to Europe with pets. While Eurostar remains off-limits for most pets, several excellent ferry options bridge the gap, offering enjoyable and pet-welcoming crossings.

Eurostar Pet Policy and Channel Crossing Challenges:

Eurostar’s Restriction: Eurostar strictly prohibits pets on trains between London and mainland Europe, except for certified guide dogs and assistance animals. This policy necessitates exploring alternative routes for pet travel.
Ferry Foot Passenger Pet Policies: Many ferry operators also do not permit foot passengers to travel with pets, further limiting options.

Pet-Friendly Ferry Operators for Foot Passengers:

Fortunately, a few ferry operators stand out as pet-friendly options for foot passengers crossing the English Channel:

Stena Line: Harwich-Hoek van Holland route.
P&O Ferries: Hull-Rotterdam route.
DFDS Ferries: Newhaven-Dieppe & Newcastle-Amsterdam routes.

These ferry routes become your key to reaching Europe with your pet by train, circumventing the Eurostar restrictions. Let’s delve into each option in detail.

Image alt text: A decorative small bullet point image, used for list item separation.

Alternative Channel Crossing Options:

Stena Line: Harwich-Hoek van Holland Ferry (Option 1)
Newhaven-Dieppe Ferry (Option 2)
Pet Travel Abroad Taxi Service Folkestone-Calais (Option 3)
Hull or Newcastle Ferries (Option 4)

Option 1: Stena Line – London to Holland via Harwich-Hoek van Holland Ferry

The Stena Line Harwich-Hoek van Holland ferry route is highly recommended for pet travel to the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, and Scandinavia. While it might seem like a longer route to reach France, Spain, Switzerland, or Italy, its pet-friendliness and seamless train-ferry connections make it a surprisingly efficient and enjoyable option. It also avoids overnight stays in Paris by allowing for an overnight ferry crossing to Hoek van Holland, followed by morning high-speed train connections.

Stena Line Rail & Sail: Integrated Train and Ferry Service

Stena Line Rail & Sail provides an integrated train and ferry service between London and the Netherlands, in partnership with Greater Anglia. A single ticket covers the entire journey from London (or any East Anglia station) to Hoek van Holland and vice versa.

Outward Journey Example:

London to Harwich Train: Depart from London Liverpool Street station at 19:36, with your pet accompanying you on the train.
Harwich Ferry Terminal Connection: Arrive at Harwich around 20:59, with the train station conveniently located next to the ferry terminal.
Stena Line Ferry to Hoek van Holland: Walk directly into the ferry terminal, proceed through passport control (where your pet’s passport/health certificate will be checked), and board the Stena Line ferry.

Pet-Friendly Cabin or Kennel Options on Stena Line:

Pet-Friendly Cabins: For maximum comfort and convenience, book a pet-friendly cabin on Deck 10. These cabins are equipped with a shower, toilet, Wi-Fi, and satellite TV. Your pet stays with you in the cabin but is restricted from other areas of the ship. For pet relief, use the designated “poop deck” on Deck 7 (accessible via the Red Stairs).
Kennels: Alternatively, kennels are available on Deck 8. Upon boarding, proceed to Guest Services on Deck 9 to receive your kennel assignment and access code. Kennels include blankets and a washbasin. Remember to bring your pet’s food and water bowls and favorite toy. The “poop deck” on Deck 7 is also accessible from the kennels.

After settling your pet, you can enjoy the ferry’s amenities, including restaurants and lounges. Channel 6 on cabin TVs even provides CCTV views of the kennels, allowing you to check on your pet.

Ferry Arrival and Onward Travel from Hoek van Holland:

Arrival in Hoek van Holland: The ferry arrives at Hoek van Holland at 08:00 (Dutch time).
Metro to Schiedam/Rotterdam: Disembark and walk to the adjacent metro station for frequent RET metro trains to Schiedam and Rotterdam. Pets travel free on the RET metro. Contactless payment is accepted on the metro.
Train Connections:
- Schiedam Centrum: Connect to NS (Dutch Railways) InterCity trains to Amsterdam (Amsterdam Centraal arrival around 10:25).
- Rotterdam Centraal: Accessible via metro to Eendrachtsplein station (followed by a short walk) or Rotterdam Alexander station for trains to Utrecht and other destinations.

Return Journey: For the return trip, depart from Amsterdam Centraal around 18:35 to connect with the ferry sailing from Hoek van Holland around 22:00, arriving back in Harwich at 06:30 and London by 08:55.

Onward Train Travel from the Netherlands:

From the Netherlands, excellent train connections extend throughout Europe:

Germany & Switzerland: Direct daytime trains from Amsterdam (or Utrecht) to Germany and Switzerland.
Paris, Brussels, France, Spain, Italy: Regular daytime trains from Rotterdam to Brussels and Paris. Connect in Paris for onward travel to Southern Europe.
Nightjet Sleeper Trains: Consider Nightjet sleeper trains from Amsterdam to Basel, Zurich (for Italy connections), Munich, Innsbruck, or Vienna (for Bratislava, Budapest, Zagreb connections). Pets are allowed on Nightjets if you book a whole compartment.

Detailed timetables for journeys from London to various European countries via the Harwich-Hoek van Holland ferry are available for: Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Hungary, Czech Republic & Poland.

Reaching Paris from Hoek van Holland:

To reach Paris, take the metro from Hoek van Holland to Eendrachtsplein in Rotterdam, then walk to Rotterdam Centraal station. From there, take a Eurostar (formerly Thalys) high-speed train to Paris Gare du Nord. Dogs are permitted on Eurostar (Thalys) trains within Europe for a fee of approximately €30, payable onboard. Book your Rotterdam to Paris tickets in advance at www.sncf-connect.com.

Stena Line Route Costs:

London to Harwich Train: Pet travel is free.
Stena Line Ferry: Kennel or pet-friendly cabin booking is required (additional fee).
RET Metro (Hoek-Schiedam/Rotterdam): Pet travel is free.
Dutch Domestic Trains (Schiedam/Rotterdam-Amsterdam/Utrecht): Small pets in carriers travel free; larger dogs require a “Dagkaart Hond” (dog day-ticket) for around €3.50 (see www.ns.nl/en/tickets/day-ticket-dog).
International Daytime Trains (Netherlands-Germany/Switzerland): Small pets in carriers travel free; larger dogs incur a fee.
Nightjet Sleeper Trains: Dog fee of approximately €29, payable onboard, and requires booking a whole compartment.

Booking Stena Line Tickets:

Rail & Sail Ticket (London-Hoek van Holland): Book at www.stenaline.co.uk. Add a pet-friendly cabin or kennel during the booking process. Note: This link is primarily for UK departures. For Netherlands departures, use Stena Line’s Dutch website (see route advice).
RET Metro: Pay using contactless payment upon travel.
Dutch Domestic Trains: Purchase tickets at www.ns.nl and dog day-tickets at www.ns.nl/en/tickets/day-ticket-dog.
International Daytime Trains (Germany/Switzerland): Book at int.bahn.de. Add your dog during the booking process.
Nightjet Sleeper Trains: Book at Austrian Railways www.oebb.at. Pay the dog fee onboard.

Image alt text: The Stena Hollandica ferry at Harwich, emphasizing its amenities like cabins, restaurant, and kennels for pet-friendly travel.


Image alt text: A standard outside cabin on a Stena Line ferry, featuring amenities for a comfortable crossing. Larger photo available.	Image alt text: The Stena Plus lounge on the Stena Line ferry to Hoek van Holland, offering complimentary refreshments.


Image alt text: Kennels on the Stena Line ferry Harwich-Hoek, showing secure cages and washbasin for pet comfort.	Image alt text: The ‘poop deck’ on the Stena Line ferry, a designated outdoor area for pet relief during the crossing.

Option 2: Newhaven-Dieppe Ferry – Reaching Paris via the Channel

The Newhaven-Dieppe ferry route, detailed in the London/Brighton-Newhaven-Dieppe-Paris timetable, offers a cost-effective option for reaching France and Spain with your pet.

Steps for the Newhaven-Dieppe Route:

Train to Newhaven Town: Check train times at www.nationalrail.co.uk. Pets travel free on British trains (up to 2 dogs).
DFDS Ferry Newhaven-Dieppe: Check ferry times at www.dfds.com. DFDS allows foot passengers with cats or dogs (small to medium sizes only). Booking by phone is mandatory for foot passengers with pets: 033 058 787 87 (UK), 0809 541 890 (France), or +44 33 058 787 87 (international). Online booking is not available for pets.
French Train Dieppe-Paris St Lazare: Book tickets at www.sncf-connect.com. Pets are allowed on French trains. Small pets (under 6kg in carriers) have a fixed fare (€7). Larger dogs (muzzled and leashed) pay a fixed fare (€7).

Traveler Report (Juan Alfredo Picasso, 2025):

“The Newhaven Town train was easy, and the ferry check-in is a short walk. Pet documentation and microchip were checked quickly. Kennels on the ferry are basic but improved with a dog bed. The DFDS ferry was comfortable with good food. Checking on the dog during crossing is possible via reception appointment. Arrival in Dieppe was straightforward with no further pet checks. A bus connects to the train station, and dogs are allowed on board. The train to Paris (via Rouen) was comfortable. Muzzles were required for dogs at all times on French trains.”

Option 3: Pet Taxi via Eurotunnel – London to Paris Comfort

For a more direct, albeit pricier, route to Paris, consider a pet taxi service via the Eurotunnel. While Eurostar doesn’t allow pets, the Eurotunnel car shuttle does, and pet taxi services leverage this.

Steps for Pet Taxi via Eurotunnel:

Train to Folkestone: Take a train from London (Charing Cross, Waterloo East, or St Pancras) to Folkestone Central. Check times at www.nationalrail.co.uk. Pets travel free on UK trains.
Pet Taxi Folkestone-Calais (Pet Travel Abroad): Book a taxi with Pet Travel Abroad (part of Folkestone Taxis) by calling 01303 246 925 (+00 44 1303 246925 international). Their pet transport page is pettravelabroad.co.uk. The taxi cost is approximately £190 plus the Eurotunnel ticket (around £164, variable). You and your pet remain together in the taxi throughout the Eurotunnel crossing.
French Train Calais-Paris: From Calais Ville or Calais Frthun stations, take a French train to Paris. Check times and book at www.sncf-connect.com. Pet fees on French trains are €7 for small pets in carriers and €7 for larger dogs (muzzled and leashed).

Planning Your Trip:

French trains from Calais to Paris may have less frequent schedules. Plan your journey by first selecting a suitable afternoon train from Calais to Paris and then coordinating taxi and UK train connections backward from there. Consult Folkestone Taxis for taxi departure timing from Folkestone Central to meet your chosen Calais-Paris train.

Inspiration Blog: Argo, the dog who took the train to Italy.

Option 4: Hull-Rotterdam or Newcastle-Amsterdam Ferries – Northern Routes

For travelers in Northern England or those heading to Northern Europe, P&O Ferries (Hull-Rotterdam) and DFDS Ferries (Newcastle-Amsterdam) offer convenient overnight ferry routes.

Hull-Rotterdam (P&O Ferries):

Pet-friendly cabins and kennels are available.
Book online at www.poferries.com and add pets and pet-friendly accommodation.
More details on the Hull-Rotterdam ferry route.

Newcastle-Amsterdam (DFDS Ferries):

Pet-friendly cabins are available.
Booking by phone is required for foot passengers with pets. Check sailing times at www.dfds.com and call DFDS on 0871 522 9955 to book.
More details on the Newcastle-Amsterdam ferry route.

Step 3: Pet Travel on Mainland European Trains – Country by Country Guide

Once you and your pet have successfully crossed the Channel, mainland Europe opens up with extensive pet-friendly train travel options. Regulations vary by country and train operator, ranging from free travel for small pets to fees for larger dogs. Generally, overnight trains may require booking a whole compartment for pet travel.

Here’s a country-by-country overview of pet policies on European trains:

France

Pets on French Trains: Allowed on all French trains.
Small Pets (under 6kg, in carriers): Fixed fare of €7 per journey.
Larger Dogs (muzzled and leashed): Fixed fare of €7 per journey.
Booking: Via www.sncf-connect.com. Add pets during the booking process (“Add travellers, pets & bicycles”).

Netherlands

Pets on Dutch Trains:
Small Pets (in carriers, on lap): Travel free.
Larger Dogs (leashed): Require a “Dagkaart Hond” (dog day-ticket) for approximately €3.
Details: www.ns.nl.

Switzerland

Pets on Swiss Trains:
Dogs of any size: Half the 2nd class fare. “Dog Day Card” available for longer journeys.
Small Dogs (under 30cm at shoulder, in carriers): Travel free.
Information: www.sbb.ch. Tickets easily purchased at stations.

Italy

Pets on Italian Trains (Trenitalia):
Small Pets (in carriers, max 70x30x50cm): Travel free.
Larger Dogs (leashed and muzzled): Half the 2nd class fare.
Restrictions: No dogs on regional trains 07:00-09:00 weekdays. No dogs in Premium/Executive Frecciarossa classes. Sleepers/couchettes require whole compartment booking.
Details: www.trenitalia.com (“Services” -> “Transport of pets”). Pet passport/health certificate and muzzle required.

Spain

Pets on Spanish Trains (Renfe):
Small Dogs (under 10kg, in carriers, max 60x35x35cm): Allowed on most long-distance trains, possibly with a small fee.
Larger Dogs: Generally not allowed on medium/long-distance trains (Renfe, Ouigo, Iryo).
Exceptions (since 2023): Dogs up to 40kg allowed on certain Barcelona-Madrid, Madrid-Malaga, Madrid-Alicante, Madrid-Valencia AVE trains (fee, muzzle, 60-minute check-in, forms). Limited trains per day.
Details: www.renfe.com/es/en/viajar/informacion-util/mascotas. Book tickets with dog via www.renfe.com.

Germany

Pets on German Trains (Deutsche Bahn) and International Trains to Germany:
Small Pets (in carriers): Travel free.
Larger Dogs: Fee applies.
Requirements: Leash (muzzle theoretically required, rarely enforced). “Dangerous breeds” not allowed.
Booking: int.bahn.de. Add dogs during booking (“Add travellers, bicycles, dogs”).

Austria

Pets on Austrian Trains (ÖBB):
Small Pets (cat-sized, in carriers): Travel free.
Larger Dogs: Child ticket required.
Booking: www.oebb.at.

Denmark, Sweden, Norway

(Information on pet policies for these countries can be added here based on further research.)

Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Central Europe

UK to Poland Example Route: (via Harwich-Hoek van Holland, Amsterdam, Berlin)
1. London-Hoek van Holland: www.stenaline.co.uk. Book kennel.
2. Amsterdam-Berlin Intercity: int.bahn.de. Small pets free, larger dogs fee. Add dog during booking. Alternative: European Sleeper (Rotterdam/Amsterdam-Berlin) – dogs free if booking whole compartment (European Sleeper page).
3. Berlin Overnight Stay: Intercity Hotel Berlin Hbf (pet-friendly, near Berlin Hbf).
4. Berlin-Poland Eurocity Trains: (to Poznan, Warsaw, Gdansk, Gdynia, Wroclaw, Katowice, Krakow). int.bahn.de. Dogs fee applies. Add dog during booking.

Greece

(Information on pet policies for Greece can be added here based on further research.)

Conclusion: Pet-Friendly European Train Travel is Achievable

While Eurostar might not be an option for pet travel, numerous pet-friendly alternatives exist for exploring Europe by train with your beloved companion. Ferries provide excellent Channel crossing solutions, and mainland European trains largely welcome pets, albeit with varying regulations and fees.

By planning carefully, understanding pet travel requirements, and utilizing pet-friendly ferry and train options, you can create unforgettable European adventures with your furry friend. Remember to always verify the latest pet travel rules and regulations with the respective operators and government websites before your journey.

Feedback Welcome!

Share your experiences and tips on pet train travel in Europe! Your feedback is valuable for fellow pet travelers.

Traveler’s Report: Wendy Shillam

Dog owner Wendy Shillam shares her experiences:

“We’ve traveled with our dog abroad for 9 years. Eurostar’s ‘no dogs’ policy is frustrating. Eurotunnel by car is the most comfortable Channel crossing for dogs. Be cautious about parking at Calais ‘parkway’ station due to potential break-ins. German motorail trains (Düsseldorf to Italy/France/Austria) are dog-friendly in sleeper cabins. Spanish trains should muzzle dogs, but enforcement can be lenient. Buses in Spain may require dogs in hold caskets – potentially inhumane in heat. France, Italy, Belgium, and Sweden are generally very dog-friendly. Southern Europe requires Leishmania protection for dogs – consult your vet. “

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