Travelling by train with your dog: Renfe now takes dogs up to 40 kg

Photograph: Unsplash (free licence).

Until recently, taking a medium-sized or large dog on a train in Spain was almost impossible. The option began in 2022 on some AVE services between Madrid, Zaragoza and Barcelona and between Madrid and Málaga, and was later extended to Valencia, Alicante and Granada. This summer Renfe rolled it out across its entire long and medium-distance network. Announced in July, it remains the big news for anyone planning autumn breaks with their dog.

What has changed and on which trains

The weight limit rises to 40 kg, and the option now covers commercial services (AVE, Avlo, Alvia, Euromed and Intercity) and public service routes (Avant and Media Distancia). The dog travels in the inside window seat next to its owner and can board at any intermediate station, not just the starting point. According to published information, the price is €40 in the pet-friendly carriage on AVE, Alvia, Intercity, Euromed and Avlo, with a maximum of two dogs per train.

Requirements for travelling with your dog on Renfe

• A non-extendable lead of 1.5 metres.
• A muzzle in the station and when boarding and leaving the train.
• An up-to-date vaccination record or EU pet passport.
• Your own cleaning kit: absorbent pads, wipes, bags, disinfectant spray and air freshener.
• At the access control for commercial trains and Avant, you are given a seat cover and a mat, which you put in place and remove at the end of the journey.

Dogs under one year old, dogs of potentially dangerous breeds and females in season are not allowed. As conditions may be updated, always check Renfe’s information before buying your ticket.

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Pet-friendly travel is growing

The change comes as travelling with pets becomes ever more common. According to AEDPAC’s 3rd Pet Parents Barometer, reported by GlobalPETS in September 2026, nearly four in ten owners always look for pet-friendly options for their holidays; the figure rises to 42.9% among dog owners and to more than half among 25 to 34-year-olds. Even so, 23.4% of dog owners never travel with their dog.

51.3% believe there are now enough pet-friendly spaces, almost nine points more than in 2025. By setting, the 1st Pet Friendly Barometer ranks parks and beaches (86%), hospitality (68%) and travel and accommodation (58%) among the best integrated.

Tips for a stress-free journey

• Get your dog used to the muzzle beforehand with short sessions and treats, so it does not link it to travel stress.
• A long walk before you set off and water to hand during the journey.
• Bring its usual blanket or mat: a familiar smell helps it relax.
• If it is its first long trip or it gets travel sick easily, talk to your vet first.

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See more dog travel accessories, dog muzzles and bird carriers.

Frequently asked questions

Keep reading

• Travelling around Europe with a dog or cat: documents and requirements
• Travelling with pets in 2026: what the European Commission clarifies
• Travelling with birds, rabbits or other pets

Sources:

• El Independiente: Renfe to allow dogs up to 40 kg across its network (17 July 2026)
• GlobalPETS: AEDPAC’s 3rd Pet Parents Barometer (16 September 2026)
• Interempresas: AEDPAC Pet Parents and Pet Friendly barometers (April 2026)