Travelling on Public Transport with Your Dog in Spain: The Guide That Actually Explains Everything

There's no gentle way to say it: trawling through public transport operators' websites looking for their pet policies is an extreme sport. Pages load slowly, the information is buried in PDFs of general terms and conditions, and when you try to call, you spend ten minutes waiting for someone to pick up.

This guide exists so you don't have to go through any of that. Here you'll find up-to-date rules for every major operator in Spain, direct customer service numbers, and official links — all in one place.

One important warning before we start: pet policies on public transport are the rules that change most often in Spain. In July 2026, Renfe (Spanish national rail) did a complete 180 on its policy for large dogs. Metro Bilbao expanded its conditions in June 2026. What you found on a forum six months ago may be completely out of date. Always check the operator's official website before any trip, and if in doubt, call.

The golden rule: never assume anything

Spain has no unified national policy on pets in public transport. Each autonomous community, each operator, and sometimes each type of service has its own rules. What applies on Renfe's Cercanías commuter trains doesn't apply on the AVE high-speed service. What's allowed on the Madrid metro may be banned on Valencia's. And what they let you do last month may have changed this month.

The three questions you always need to ask before planning a journey with your travel companion:

  1. Which operator runs that specific service?
  2. What is that operator's current pet policy?
  3. How big is my dog, and how does that fit within that policy?

Renfe — The big news of 2026

Renfe has historically been Spain's most restrictive operator when it comes to pets. That changed in July 2026, with a policy update that opens long-distance trains to dogs weighing up to 40 kg.

Cercanías and Rodalies commuter trains

Renfe's commuter services are, of all the options, the most open for travelling with dogs. The conditions are straightforward:

  • Dogs of any size: allowed
  • Cost: free — no ticket required
  • Muzzle: compulsory for all dogs, regardless of breed or size
  • Lead: compulsory — short and non-extendable
  • Maximum: one dog per passenger
  • Seats: dogs may not occupy a passenger seat

This policy applies to Cercanías Madrid, Rodalies Catalunya, Cercanías Valencia, Cercanías Sevilla, Cercanías Bilbao, Cercanías San Sebastián, Cercanías Asturias, and Cercanías Murcia/Alicante.

Long-distance, AVE and Media Distancia: the July 2026 update

Until 21 July 2026, dogs over 10 kg were not allowed on Renfe's long-distance trains. From that date on, things changed completely.

What the new policy allows:

  • Dogs up to 40 kg can travel on AVE, Avlo, Alvia, long-distance (Larga Distancia), Avant, and Media Distancia services
  • The designated carriages are dog-friendly coaches, identified by a paw print symbol
  • The booking system automatically assigns two adjacent seats: one for you and one by the window for your dog
  • Supplement: €40 per dog per journey (on top of your own ticket)
  • Maximum: one large dog per passenger; two large dogs per carriage in total

Compulsory conditions:

  • Muzzle required from the moment you enter the station until you leave, including during boarding and alighting
  • Non-extendable lead of no more than 1.5 metres
  • The dog occupies the inner seat next to the window, secured by the lead
  • Up-to-date veterinary documentation

Restrictions that remain in place:

  • Puppies under one year old: not allowed
  • Breeds classified as potentially dangerous (PPP): not allowed
  • Females in heat: not allowed
  • Trains with international connections: check on a case-by-case basis

Small dogs (up to 10 kg in a carrier that fits under the seat or on the overhead rack) continue to travel with no additional supplement.

How to book: Through renfe.com or the app — when selecting your ticket, you'll see the option to add a pet. The system filters for services with an available dog-friendly carriage. If the option doesn't appear, that specific service doesn't have a dog-friendly carriage available that day.

📞 Renfe customer service: 912 320 320 (24 hours) 🌐 Official pet travel page: renfe.com — Viaja con mascotas

FGC — Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya

FGC is Catalonia's own rail network, and it also operates the rack railways and several funiculars in the region. If you're travelling around Catalonia, knowing FGC's rules is just as important as knowing Renfe's.

General policy

  • Allowed: dogs of any size
  • Cost: free
  • Muzzle: compulsory from the moment you enter the facilities
  • Lead: compulsory at all times
  • Small animals: carried in arms or in a carrier — may not occupy a seat
  • Maximum: one dog per passenger

For dogs classified as PPP (if regional regulations still recognise this category): they may not be accompanied by anyone under 16, the lead must not exceed 2 metres, and the owner must be able to show proof of the ownership licence and municipal registration.

📞 FGC customer service: 93 205 15 15 🌐 Website: fgc.cat

The Montserrat Rack Railway

The Montserrat rack railway, operated by FGC, applies the same policy as the rest of the network: dogs are allowed free of charge, with a compulsory muzzle and lead. There are no size restrictions.

This is one of the access routes to the monastery and the mountain's hiking trails. If you have a large dog, this is the most comfortable way to go up — the cable car (operated by a separate company) has its own, more restrictive conditions.

For more information about what you can do with your dog at Montserrat and which areas are accessible, see the dedicated guide: Montserrat with your dog (coming soon)

📞 Montserrat Rack Railway: 93 877 77 01 🌐 Website: cremallerademontserrat.cat

The Núria Rack Railway (Vall de Núria)

The Vall de Núria rack railway is the only motorised access to the Núria mountain sanctuary and ski resort — there's no road. If you want to go up with your dog, the train is your only option.

The policy is practically identical to the rest of FGC: dogs are allowed free of charge, with muzzle and lead. The only additional restriction is that dogs classified as PPP are not permitted.

For everything you can do with your dog in Núria (routes, pet-accessible facilities, site rules), see the dedicated guide: Vall de Núria with your dog (coming soon)

📞 Núria Rack Railway: 972 73 20 20 🌐 Website: valldenuriaq.cat

FGC Funiculars

FGC operates several funiculars in Catalonia: the Funicular de Vallvidrera, the Funicular de Gelida, the Funicular de la Santa Cova, and the Funicular de Sant Joan (the latter in Montserrat). All apply FGC's general policy: dogs allowed with muzzle and lead, free of charge.

Madrid Metro

The capital's metro allows dogs on board, but with time restrictions worth knowing before you plan your route.

General conditions

  • Small dogs (up to 10 kg) in a closed carrier: allowed at any time, no restrictions
  • Medium and large dogs (without a carrier):
    • Monday to Friday: only between 9:30 and 13:30 and from 20:00 until closing time
    • Weekends and public holidays: all day
    • July and August: all day with no time restrictions
  • Muzzle: compulsory for all dogs travelling without a carrier
  • Lead: non-extendable, maximum 50 cm
  • Cost: free
  • Seats: dogs may not occupy a passenger seat
  • Recommended carriage: the last carriage, to keep disturbance to a minimum

A carrier is the solution that opens every door on the Madrid metro: if your dog fits in one that meets the size requirements, you can travel at any time without any hassle.

Cercanías Madrid (Renfe)

The Renfe Cercanías rules described above apply: any size, free of charge, muzzle and lead required, no time restrictions.

📞 Madrid Metro customer service: 900 444 403 🌐 Website: metromadrid.es 📞 EMT (Madrid urban buses): 914 068 810 — carrier only, small dogs 🌐 EMT website: emtmadrid.es

Barcelona Metro and Bus (TMB)

TMB runs both the metro and the urban bus network in Barcelona, applying the same policy across both services. It has historically been the operator with the most complex rules and the one that has changed them most often in recent years. Fines of up to €200 for non-compliance.

Conditions

  • Muzzle: compulsory for all dogs, regardless of size or breed
  • Lead: non-extendable, maximum 50 cm
  • Restricted hours: dogs are not allowed on board between 7:00 and 9:30 or between 17:00 and 19:00 (peak hours)
  • Escalators: prohibited for dogs. Always use the lift or conventional stairs
  • Cost: free
  • Seats: dogs may not occupy a passenger seat
  • Maximum: one dog per passenger

Small dogs in a carrier may travel at any time.

Trams (Trambaix and Trambesòs)

These apply the same rules as the TMB metro — same restricted hours, same compulsory muzzle, same escalator restrictions.

Montjuïc Funicular (TMB)

The Montjuïc Funicular is part of the TMB network and applies the same policy. Dogs allowed outside peak hours, with muzzle and lead.

📞 TMB customer service: 93 298 70 00 🌐 Website: tmb.cat

Metro Bilbao

Metro Bilbao was for years one of the most restrictive: only dogs under 8 kg, in a carrier or carried in arms. That is changing.

In June 2026, Bilbao City Council approved a request to the Consorcio de Transportes de Bizkaia to extend the policy to larger dogs. The current situation:

  • Dogs up to 8 kg: in arms or in a carrier, any time
  • Dogs over 8 kg: allowed, but with time restrictions
    • Monday to Friday: not allowed between 7:00–10:00, 13:00–16:00, or 18:00–20:00
    • All other times and weekends: allowed
    • May not travel in the first or last carriage
    • No escalators or moving walkways — use the lift
  • Muzzle: compulsory for large dogs
  • Cost: free

This policy is still being consolidated. Check the official website for the latest before you travel.

📞 Metro Bilbao customer service: 944 254 025 🌐 Website: metrobilbao.eus

Metrovalencia

Metrovalencia is, alongside long-distance intercity coaches, the most restrictive operator in this guide. The current policy effectively closes the doors to medium and large dogs.

What Metrovalencia does allow:

  • Assistance dogs for people with disabilities: unrestricted access
  • Small animals in a cage or carrier: allowed
  • Dogs accompanying security forces: allowed

In practice: if your dog doesn't fit in a compact carrier or isn't a recognised assistance dog, Metrovalencia simply isn't an option.

📞 Metrovalencia customer service: 900 46 10 46 🌐 Website: metrovalencia.es

Euskotren (Basque Country)

Euskotren operates the commuter rail network and tram in the Basque Country. Its policy is one of the most permissive in Spain.

  • Dogs of any size: allowed
  • Muzzle: not generally compulsory (recommended for large breeds)
  • Lead: compulsory — short
  • Cost: free
  • Seats: dogs may not occupy a passenger seat
  • PPP breeds: not allowed

One thing to bear in mind: there's a catch-all clause about animals that are "bothersome by shape, volume, noise or smell" — staff can refuse boarding if the animal is causing a disturbance or if the service is very busy. This is applied with discretion, not systematically.

📞 Euskotren customer service: 946 500 145 🌐 Website: euskotren.eus

Long-distance intercity coaches: the hardest option

If you're thinking about taking a long-distance coach with your dog, the answer is almost always no. Spain's main intercity coach operators don't accept pets, except for guide or assistance dogs.

ALSA: does not accept pets on its regular services. Only certified assistance dogs, at no extra cost. 📞 ALSA: 902 42 22 42 · 🌐 alsa.com

FlixBus: also does not accept pets. Guide or assistance dogs only, with advance notice. 🌐 flixbus.es

BlaBlaCar Bus: in the process of closing down its service from 2026. While it was operating, it did not accept pets either, except for guide dogs.

Partial exception — urban buses: each city's urban bus network has its own rules. In general, only dogs in a small closed carrier are permitted. Check the policy of your city's operator before boarding.

If your destination is only reachable by long-distance coach, the most realistic alternative is your own car or a hire vehicle.

Taxi and ride-hailing (VTC): at the driver's discretion — with one key exception

In Spain, a taxi driver can refuse to carry your pet. It's perfectly legal. They have no obligation to accept you with a dog, regardless of the animal's size or behaviour. It's entirely up to the driver.

The exception that allows no refusal: assistance dogs (guide dogs, medical alert dogs, hearing dogs for deaf people) are guaranteed access to all taxis by law, at no extra cost, and no driver can turn them away. The Animal Welfare Law, in force since 2026, strengthens this protection.

How to improve your chances with a regular taxi:

  • Let them know when you book or call — many drivers are happy to accept a dog if given a heads-up
  • Offer to protect the seat with your own blanket or carrier
  • Keep your dog calm and well secured

Taxi and ride-hailing apps (Cabify, Bolt) usually let you filter for drivers who accept pets. Use that feature.

Specialist transport: funiculars, cable cars and rack railways

This is the most varied category in the guide. Every funicular, cable car, or rack railway has its own rules, and there's no common pattern.

Some useful general pointers:

  • If it's operated by FGC (Montserrat, Núria, Vallvidrera, Gelida...): FGC policy applies — dogs with muzzle and lead, free of charge
  • If it's operated by TMB (Montjuïc Funicular): TMB policy applies — muzzle and lead, restricted hours
  • For everything else: contact the operator directly before planning your trip

Guides available or in preparation on queviajemasperro.com:

  • Montserrat with your dog (coming soon) — rack railway, funiculars, and accessible routes
  • Vall de Núria with your dog (coming soon) — the rack railway is the only way up
  • Benalmádena Cable Car (coming soon)
  • Madrid Cable Car (Rosales) (coming soon)

If you're planning a specific destination that involves specialist transport and can't find the information you need, the quickest option is to call the operator directly. Most of these services have small teams and are quick to pick up.

Assistance dogs: rights that aren't up for debate

Guide dogs, hearing dogs, medical alert dogs, and other assistance dogs have guaranteed access to all public transport without exception: metro, bus, train, taxi, plane, ferry. No time restrictions, no carrier required, no extra charge, and no one can deny it.

This right is recognised in Spanish legislation and EU regulations. If anyone refuses you access with a properly identified assistance dog, you can — and should — report it.

Summary table by operator

| Operator | Large dogs | Time restrictions | Muzzle | Cost | Phone | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Renfe Cercanías | Yes, any size | No | Yes | Free | 912 320 320 | | Renfe long-distance (from Jul. 2026) | Up to 40 kg, dog-friendly carriage | No | Yes (from station) | €40/dog | 912 320 320 | | FGC | Yes, any size | No | Yes | Free | 93 205 15 15 | | Montserrat Rack Railway (FGC) | Yes | No | Yes | Free | 93 877 77 01 | | Núria Rack Railway (FGC) | Yes (no PPP) | No | Yes | Free | 972 73 20 20 | | Madrid Metro | Yes, outside peak hours | Yes (Mon–Fri 9:30–13:30 and 20:00–close) | Yes | Free | 900 444 403 | | EMT (Madrid urban buses) | No (carrier only) | — | — | Free | 914 068 810 | | TMB Metro Barcelona | Yes, outside peak hours | Yes (not 7–9:30 or 17–19h) | Yes | Free | 93 298 70 00 | | TMB Bus Barcelona | Yes, outside peak hours | Yes (same as metro) | Yes | Free | 93 298 70 00 | | Metro Bilbao (from Jun. 2026) | Yes, outside peak hours | Yes (Mon–Fri not 7–10, 13–16, 18–20h) | Yes (large dogs) | Free | 944 254 025 | | Metrovalencia | No (carrier/assistance only) | — | — | Free | 900 46 10 46 | | Euskotren | Yes, any size | No | Recommended | Free | 946 500 145 | | ALSA (coach) | No | — | — | — | 902 42 22 42 | | FlixBus | No | — | — | — | Website | | Taxi | At driver's discretion | — | — | Standard fare | — |

Last updated: August 2026. Always check the operator's official website before travelling.

Practical tips for getting around with your dog on public transport

A carrier is the master key. If your dog fits in a carrier measuring 45×35×25 cm, you have virtually unrestricted access across all operators, at any time, without any hassle. If you plan to move around cities a lot, this is the smartest investment you can make.

Put the muzzle on even when it's not compulsory. In a closed, crowded space, a muzzle reduces the risk of incidents with other passengers or dogs, and saves you unnecessary arguments with staff. It needs to fit properly, and your dog needs to be used to wearing it — practise at home first.

Avoid peak hours whenever you can. Even where dogs are allowed at any time, a packed metro or bus is uncomfortable for your pet and for everyone around you. Your dog arrives more stressed, and you arrive more exhausted.

Take them for a walk before you board. A dog that hasn't been out for three hours and then gets into a carriage full of people is a prime candidate for an accident or a meltdown. Ten minutes' walking beforehand can make all the difference.

Get them used to the carrier and the noise before the journey. The metro is loud — it has sudden noises, blasts of air, crowds, and jolting movements. If your dog isn't used to it, the first trip can be very stressful. Build up gradually: carrier first at home, then in noisy environments, then on the platform without boarding, and finally on the train.

Don't use escalators. On virtually every operator, escalators are off-limits for dogs — and for good reason. Paws and fur can get caught in the steps. Always use the lift or conventional stairs.

Bring water. Carriages heat up, especially in summer. Your dog can't regulate their body temperature as well as you can. A collapsible travel water bowl takes up almost no space and may be very much needed.

Watch for signs of stress. Heavy panting out of context, trembling, attempts to escape, lip-licking, repeated yawning — these are all signs that your dog is struggling. If you notice them, get off at the next stop and give them a breather before continuing.

If in doubt, call. The phone numbers in the table above are there for exactly this reason. Five minutes on the phone can prevent nasty surprises on the platform.

Frequently asked questions

Does my dog need a ticket? In the vast majority of cases, no. On Renfe long-distance services, there is a €40 supplement per dog under the new policy introduced in July 2026. On all other services in this guide, dogs travel free.

Can I travel with two dogs at once? Most policies allow one dog per passenger. On Renfe long-distance, the maximum is two large dogs per carriage. Travelling with two dogs on a metro or urban bus is quite complicated, and in many cases simply isn't covered by the rules. Check directly with the operator.

What happens if I don't follow the rules? You can be asked to leave the vehicle. On TMB, fines can reach €200. On other operators, enforcement tends to be more flexible — but don't count on it. The rules exist to be followed, and they're there to protect all passengers.

Can I bring my cat or another pet? This guide focuses on dogs. For cats and other domestic animals, the usual rule is that they must travel in a closed carrier, and conditions are generally even more restrictive. Check directly with each operator.

Does my dog need documentation for public transport? A microchip is compulsory by law for all dogs in Spain. In practice, it's rare for a public transport inspector to ask for a vet record, but carrying one is always a good idea. For Renfe long-distance travel, up-to-date veterinary documentation is part of the terms of carriage.

Is information from forums and Facebook groups reliable? For public transport, almost never. Policies change frequently, and third-party information goes out of date fast. The only reliable source is the operator's official website or a direct phone call.

Arrived at your destination and wondering what you can do with your dog once you're there? Head to What to do? for verified activities, routes, and plans across Spain. And in Where to stay? you'll find the full directory of pet-friendly accommodation.

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