The clatter of the tracks has always had a special rhythm, but starting today, it will sound a little more cheerful for those who share their lives with a four-legged friend. Today, July 21—coinciding with World Dog Day—Renfe is opening the doors of virtually its entire network to larger pets. This move transforms the national rail network into a much more welcoming and accessible environment for traveling with the animals that brighten our days at home.
With the expansion of this project, dogs weighing up to 40 kilos can now board AVE, Avlo, Alvia, Euromed, Intercity, Avant, and Media Distancia trains. Although the service had been available on a very limited basis since 2022 on specific routes such as Madrid and Barcelona, starting this Tuesday, owners will be able to travel with their pets throughout almost the entire country, with the freedom to begin their journey from any stop along the route.
The ticket window, reserved for your furry friend
The travel experience is designed so that both dog and owner can travel as comfortably as possible. When purchasing a ticket, two seats next to each other are automatically assigned in the pet-designated car: the owner will sit in the aisle seat, and the dog will occupy the seat next to the window.
The trip can be made without having to confine the dog to a carrier, although there are some basic rules for coexistence. The dog must be kept on a leash no longer than one and a half meters, and must wear a muzzle while you’re at the station and when boarding or exiting the train. A maximum of two large dogs is allowed per trip.
The Four-Legged Traveler’s Essentials Kit
To board, the owner must bring the animal’s European pet passport or its up-to-date vaccination record. In addition, it’s time to pack a small bag for the dog: a basic cleaning kit with pee pads, wipes, plastic bags, and a deodorizing disinfectant spray.
To protect the train cars on AVE, Alvia, Avlo, Euromed, Intercity, and Avant services, passengers receive a kit upon passing through security that includes a seat cover and a mat, courtesy of Purina, Renfe’s partner in this initiative. It is the owner’s responsibility to place these items on the seat upon arrival and to remove them at the end of the trip.
Keep in mind that not all dogs are eligible for this policy. Puppies under one year of age, female dogs in heat, and animals classified as potentially dangerous are not permitted. This service also cannot be booked for trips that require transfers or on trains with alternative transportation plans.
Prices and how to get your ticket
Bringing your companion on long-distance or high-speed trains (AVE, Alvia, Intercity, Euromed, and Avlo) incurs an extra cost of 40 euros per trip. When traveling on Avant or Media Distancia trains, the corresponding standard fare will simply apply.
Tickets can now be booked on the website and the official app, as well as at travel agencies. When purchasing, the system displays a small paw print icon to indicate that the train allows large dogs. However, since there are only two such seats per train, the search requires a bit of patience, as the system sometimes doesn’t notify you that the dog quota is full until you’re entering your personal information. Once you’ve secured your ticket, you’ll receive an email the day before departure with all the tips you need to ensure your rail trip is a complete success.
