Big dogs can now travel on Renfe trains

Travelling around Spain with a larger dog has long been a logistical headache. If your Labrador, Golden Retriever or rescue crossbreed weighed more than 10kg, your options were generally limited to the car.

Not anymore.

Renfe has announced a major expansion of its pet-friendly policy, allowing dogs weighing up to 40kg to travel on almost all of its passenger train services across Spain. The move came into effect on 21 July, coinciding with World Dog Day, and makes Renfe one of Europe’s most dog-friendly rail operators.

What’s changing?

Until now, large dogs were only permitted on selected high-speed AVE routes, including Madrid to Barcelona, Málaga, Valencia, Alicante and Granada.

The new rules extend the scheme to virtually Renfe’s entire network, including:

• AVE
• Avlo
• Alvia
• Euromed
• Intercity
• Avant
• Media Distancia services

That means many more journeys are now possible without leaving your four-legged travelling companion behind.

There are still a few catches

Before you start planning a rail adventure with your Bernese Mountain Dog, there are some conditions.

Only two dogs up to 40kg are allowed on each train, and they’ll travel in a designated Pet Friendly carriage.

When booking, you’ll need to purchase:

• Your own ticket
• A large dog supplement

For commercial services (AVE, Avlo, Alvia, Euromed and Intercity), the supplement costs €40. On Avant and Media Distancia services, Renfe says the standard public-service tariff applies.

How does seating work?

Renfe automatically assigns two adjacent seats. You sit in the aisle seat, and your dog occupies the window-side floor area beside you. No, your Labrador isn’t getting its own reclining seat and complimentary coffee.

Large dogs must remain on a non-extendable lead (maximum 1.5 metres) and wear a muzzle while in stations and during boarding and leaving the train.

You’ll need the right paperwork

Owners must carry:

• An up-to-date vaccination record or European Pet Passport.
• A cleaning kit including absorbent pads, wipes, bags and disinfectant.
• Any other legally required documentation.

On many services, Renfe will also provide a travel pack containing a seat cover and floor mat for your dog.

Which dogs aren’t allowed?

Not every dog qualifies. The following are excluded:

• Puppies under one year old.
• Dogs classified as potentially dangerous breeds.
• Females in season.
• Dogs travelling on journeys involving certain train connections or replacement bus services.

Easier booking

Renfe has also simplified the booking process. When searching for trains online or in the Renfe app, services accepting large dogs are clearly marked with a paw print icon.

Another welcome improvement is that you can now board at intermediate stations, rather than only at the journey’s starting point.

Good news for dog lovers

For many of us, dogs are very much part of the family. Whether you’re heading from Madrid to Valencia, Alicante to Zaragoza, or simply visiting friends elsewhere in Spain, travelling by train is becoming a far more realistic option for owners of medium and large breeds.

The expansion follows several years of successful trials carried out in partnership with Purina, with thousands of dogs already travelling under the pilot scheme.

Spain Buddy’s take

This feels like one of those rare policy changes that genuinely makes everyday life easier.

It’s also surprisingly sensible. By limiting large dogs to dedicated Pet Friendly coaches, Renfe has found a compromise that should keep both dog lovers and passengers with allergies or concerns reasonably happy.

Now, if they could just persuade some humans to behave as well as most Labradors, rail travel in Spain would be almost perfect.