Traveling with your pup can feel like a scavenger hunt—each city has its own underground rulebook. One stop you’re applauded for bringing your French Bulldog, the next you’re politely shown the exit because the carrier zipper is 2 cm too short.
If you’ve ever typed “are dogs allowed on the subway?” at 7 a.m. while your train whistles away, this guide is for you. Below, you’ll find the essential dog-friendly subway rules for major global cities, plus insider tips to keep tails wagging and fellow passengers smiling.
Planning a trip with your dog? Check out our complete guide to traveling Europe with your dog or explore the best winter dog-friendly cities in Europe.
New York City (MTA)
- Are dogs allowed? Yes—if they’re “contained in a bag or carrier” that won’t annoy other riders.
- Key rules
- Must fit on your lap (interpretation varies; yes, people use IKEA bags).
- No extra fare.
- Service animals may ride without a carrier.
- Local quirk: New Yorkers love the “big dog in a tiny bag” loophole—viral pics prove it still works.
- Tip: Avoid rush hour (7–9 a.m., 4–7 p.m.) when platforms are sardine-packed.
London (London Underground & Overground)
- Are dogs allowed on the Tube? Absolutely, and leashes—not carriers—are the norm.
- Key rules
- Dog must be on a short lead or carried.
- Stairs & escalators: carry small dogs; ask staff to stop the escalator if you have a big dog uncomfortable with moving stairs.
- No ticket needed.
- Local quirk: Many stations keep a stash of dog treats behind the help point—ask nicely!
- Tip: The front or rear carriage is usually quieter for anxious pups.
Paris (Métro & RER)
- Are dogs allowed? Yes, with size caveats.
- Key rules
- Small dogs (≤ 30 cm at shoulder) ride free in carriers.
- Larger dogs need a child ticket and must wear a muzzle plus leash.
- Dogs banned 7–9 a.m. & 4:30–6:30 p.m. on weekdays if bigger than carrier size.
- Local quirk: Parisian conductors rarely measure, but they do check the muzzle.
- Tip: Buy a “carnet” of child tickets to save time if you have a medium-size companion.
Berlin (U-Bahn & S-Bahn)
- Are dogs allowed? Yup—Berlin is famously pup-friendly.
- Key rules
- Small dogs in carriers ride free.
- Large dogs need a reduced-fare ticket (Hund Fahrschein) and a leash; muzzle required only on busy lines.
- Limit: one non-caged dog per passenger.
- Local quirk: Some carriages have flip-up seats; locals sit on the floor with their dogs during quiet hours.
- Tip: Purchase the dog ticket with your own “Kurzstrecke” at the same machine—no need for a second transaction.
Tokyo (Tokyo Metro & Toei)
- Are dogs allowed? Yes, if fully enclosed. Think airline-approved carrier under 70 cm total length.
- Key rules
- Carrier must stay closed; no heads popping out.
- No barking—staff can ask you to disembark.
- Pets ride free if carrier within size limit.
- Local quirk: Commuters appreciate silence; noise-blocking blankets earn smiles.
- Tip: Use station elevators (“E”)—escalators are crowded and steep.
Rome (Metro)
- Are dogs allowed? Yes, with Latin flair and some paperwork.
- Key rules
- One dog per passenger.
- Medium & large dogs need muzzle + leash + €1.50 ticket (valid 100 min).
- Small dogs in carriers ride free.
- Local quirk: Sunday mornings are almost empty—perfect for training nervous pups.
- Tip: Always carry your dog’s vaccination booklet; inspectors occasionally ask.
Toronto (TTC)
- Are dogs allowed? Yes—but only outside peak hours.
- Key rules
- Allowed before 6:30 a.m., 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m., after 7 p.m., and all day weekends/holidays.
- Must be leashed or in a carrier.
- No fare for pets.
- Local quirk: Streetcar operators sometimes hand out “good boy/girl” stickers—collect them for fun!
- Tip: Arrive ten minutes before peak-hour cutoff; station staff close gates right on time.
Sydney (Sydney Trains & Metro)
- Are dogs allowed? Not on regular trains, but there’s a workaround.
- Key rules
- Only assistance animals allowed on suburban services.
- Non-service dogs can ride “Pet Seating” on intercity regional trains (carrier only; book in advance).
- Local quirk: Ferries are far more pet-friendly—many locals skip the rail altogether.
- Tip: For city travel, use buses with “Pets in Carriers OK” decals or grab a pet-friendly rideshare.
FAQ – Dogs on Public Transport
Can I take my dog on the metro in Europe?
Yes, but rules differ by country. Many European systems allow leashed or crated dogs; always check carrier size, muzzle laws, and peak-hour bans.
Do dogs ride free on public transport?
Often small dogs ride free in carriers, while larger dogs require a reduced or child ticket (Paris, Berlin, Rome). Service animals are free everywhere.
Can large dogs go on subways?
In cities like London and Berlin, large dogs on leashes are welcome. In Paris or Rome they need a muzzle and ticket. In NYC, size is limited by “must fit in a bag.”
What should I bring when traveling with a dog on trains?
- Sturdy carrier or short leash (per local rules)
- Muzzle if required
- Water & collapsible bowl
- Waste bags (polite everywhere)
- Proof of vaccinations where asked (Rome, some EU cities)
Which cities are the most dog-friendly for subways?
London, Berlin, and NYC rank high for flexible rules, while Tokyo and Sydney are stricter with carrier-only policies.
🐶 Related Travel Guides
Looking for more travel tips? Check out our comprehensive guides:
- Best Dog-Friendly Winter Cities in Europe
- How to Travel Safely with Small Dogs by Car
- Travel Documents You Need for Amsterdam
- Dog-Friendly Cities Around the World
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Why Does My Dog Eat Grass? The Real Reasons (And When to Worry)!
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Safe travels and happy wagging!
