Vacation with a dog: 5 countries where your pet is allowed on trains and in hotels

You want to take your dog on a vacation around Europe. Everything comes down to the rules of each specific country: somewhere your pet is allowed on the train and tram, and somewhere you'll have to find a workaround. Below are five destinations where traveling with a four-legged friend is easy, along with ticket prices, transport rules, and honest catches.

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In short: what to keep in mind with a dog

💡 In short:

• In Denmark, a pet in a carrier rides the train for free, while in Germany a large dog rides for half price. In France and Italy, you pay extra for a ticket.
• Keep your documents in order, because a microchip, pet passport, and rabies vaccination are required in each of the five countries.
• Book accommodation in advance, because hotels that allow dogs are noticeably fewer than regular ones.
• Prices and animal transport rules: 09/2026, verified on the official Deutsche Bahn website.

Let's compare the basic rules in one table.

1. Germany: trains and lakes

Germany is convenient because dogs are allowed almost everywhere if you follow the carrier's rules, and trains here remain the easiest way to get around. On Deutsche Bahn trains, small animals up to the size of a domestic cat ride free in a carrier. A large dog requires a separate ticket, and you pay half the cost of your trip (as of 09/2026, dog transport on Deutsche Bahn). On high-speed ICE and IC trains, a large dog must be kept on a leash and muzzled, so it's best to bring a muzzle with you in advance. Accommodation is easier than in many EU countries, because many hotels, shops, and cafes welcome animals. Check the pet surcharge when booking, because it isn't always charged. Four lakes are good for swimming and walks: Lake Constance with designated dog areas, Altmühlsee with a play area, Edersee in Hesse, and Grunewaldsee in Berlin.

© Lukas Beck · CC BY-SAPhoto: Lukas Beck, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

2. Denmark: parks and trains

Denmark is welcoming to travelers with dogs. According to DSB rules, a pet rides the train for free if it stays in a bag, carrier, or crate the entire trip. The carrier dimensions are the same as for carry-on luggage, up to 100×60×30 cm. Only one dog travels per passenger, and it must be kept on a leash in the car. For walks, use designated dog parks: there you can let your dog off the leash. In the forest, the leash is required again. Finding pet-friendly accommodation here is easier than in Germany, which is a noticeable plus for a longer trip.

3. Italy: Rome and transport

Italians love dogs, especially in the north of the country. Rome is considered one of the best cities in Europe for vacationing with a dog, and it shows in the local cafes. On ATAC transport, you ride with your dog on a regular ticket (as of 09/2026, ATAC rules). No more than two dogs are allowed on a bus, and large breeds must wear a basket muzzle and be on a leash. In the metro, entry is allowed only from the first and last car. In Rome you can see strollers for dogs and even special pasta for pets, so your companion is warmly welcomed in cafes.

© Bert Kaufmann from Roermond, Netherlands · CC BY-SAPhoto: Bert Kaufmann from Roermond, Netherlands, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

4. Netherlands: Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, you definitely won't be bored with a dog. On GVB trams, buses, the metro, and ferries, your pet rides for free if you hold it in your arms, carry it in a bag, or keep it on a short leash (as of 09/2026, GVB transport rules). For walks, Vondelpark and Oosterpark are good options, with designated zones where dogs can be off the leash.

© Dguendel · CC BYPhoto: Dguendel, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

5. France: trains and transfers

France is also dog friendly. Under SNCF rules, a small animal up to 6 kg in a carrier travels free, and a dog on a leash costs 50% of the ticket price. In public places, pets are usually allowed without questions, so cafes are rarely a problem. If you want to get to your hotel without stress, book an airport transfer in advance with a fixed price before your flight, without searching for a car on the spot.

Tips for traveling with a dog

• Choose countries so your pet doesn't suffer from the heat: in July and August, pick northern regions.
• Check documents and vaccinations before the trip: microchip, pet passport, and rabies vaccination.
• Find out in advance which hotels, cafes, and museums allow dogs.
• If traveling by car, never leave your animal in the car unattended, even in the shade.
• Clean up after your dog: in Germany and the Netherlands, you can be fined for this.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Does a dog need a train ticket?

It depends on the size. A small animal in a carrier travels free in Germany, Denmark, and France. A large dog needs a separate ticket: in Germany you pay half of your fare, in France 50% of the fare (as of 09/2026, Deutsche Bahn rules).

Can I take a dog on Amsterdam public transport?

Yes. On GVB transport, a pet travels free on your lap, in a bag, or on a short leash (as of 09/2026, official GVB rules). On NS trains within the country, a dog without a carrier needs a separate Dagkaart Hond ticket.

Which countries are best for a first trip with a dog?

Germany and Denmark are the easiest. There, a small pet in a carrier travels by train for free, and finding accommodation is easier than in Italy or France. If it's your first trip, choose a short route without long transfers.

What should I bring for my dog?

A carrier or crate that fits carry-on dimensions, a muzzle, a short leash, and documents with the microchip. On long-distance trains in Germany, a muzzle is mandatory for large dogs. Documents are checked at the border, so keep the pet passport handy.

Are dogs allowed in parks and at lakes?

In Amsterdam, dogs have designated areas in Vondelpark and Oosterpark where they can walk off leash. In Germany, Lake Constance has separate spots for dogs to swim. In Danish dog parks, dogs also roam freely.

In short: what to book

If you're going to Germany or Denmark, choose the train: a small pet in a carrier travels free. For Italy and France, plan ahead for the dog surcharge.

Before your flight, book a transfer with a fixed price and check dog-friendly hotels on Trip.com.