Travelling around Spain with a dog: trains, buses, hotels and beaches

Spain has become much easier to explore with a dog. Since July 2026, Renfe accepts dogs of up to 40 kg on most of its long-distance and regional trains, the national animal welfare law has opened more doors for pets, and many coastal towns have dedicated dog beaches. The rules still differ a lot between trains, buses, taxis and hotels, though. This guide explains what to expect for each when you travel around Spain with your dog, and what to carry with you.

Documents to carry on every trip

Whatever transport you use, bring your dog’s papers. Renfe asks for an up-to-date vaccination booklet signed and stamped by a vet, or an EU pet passport, and you must show it with your ticket when boarding. The DGT also advises carrying the health booklet when travelling by car.

• vaccination booklet or EU pet passport, with a valid rabies vaccination
• microchip registered with your current phone number
• muzzle and a non-extendable lead, which some transport requires
• water, a bowl, poo bags and a small cleaning kit

If you have only just arrived in Spain, our guide to moving to Spain with a dog or cat covers the chip, rabies vaccine and registration.

Trains: Renfe’s rules for dogs

Renfe has three sets of rules, depending on the size of the dog and the type of train.

Small pets in a carrier (up to 10 kg): one pet per person in a carrier of up to 60 x 35 x 35 cm. On AVE, Avlo and long-distance trains the pet needs its own ticket, which Renfe lists at €10 with Básico or Elige fares and free with a Prémium fare. On Avant and Media Distancia trains it costs 25% of the general fare.

Cercanías commuter trains: dogs travel free, with no weight limit and no ticket. They must be on a lead and wear a muzzle, and each passenger can bring one. This includes the Cercanías line between Málaga, Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola.

Dogs up to 40 kg without a carrier: since 21 July 2026, larger dogs can travel on AVE, Avlo, long-distance, Avant and Media Distancia trains. The main conditions are:

• Buy a dog add-on with your ticket on renfe.com, the Renfe app or at an agency, up to 24 hours before departure. Trains that accept large dogs show a paw-print symbol.
• The add-on costs €40 on AVE, Avlo and long-distance trains. On Avant and Media Distancia it costs the same as a general fare.
• There is a limit of one large dog per person and two per train, in one designated carriage.
• Dogs under one year, potentially dangerous breeds and females in heat are not accepted.
• The dog wears a muzzle and a lead of up to 1.5 metres at the station and when boarding. On board it stays on the lead, and on AVE-type trains it sits in the window seat next to you.
• You must bring a cleaning kit: absorbent pads, wipes, bags, disinfectant and odour spray.

Assistance dogs travel free on all Renfe services with no weight limit.

Buses: check with each company

Bus rules depend on the operator, and they are usually stricter than on trains. On ALSA, a major long-distance bus company, only small dogs, cats and ferrets under 10 kg are accepted. They travel in a rigid, closed carrier in a special area of the luggage hold, with one animal per bus. You must arrive at least 15 minutes early to load the carrier yourself, and ALSA advises against travelling with a pet when it is hotter than 25°C. Animals are not accepted on its international routes.

City and regional buses set their own rules, and some do not accept pets other than assistance dogs. Check the operator’s website before you go. Our guide to public transport on the Costa del Sol explains the bus and train options in Málaga province.

Taxis and travelling by car

Spain’s animal welfare law (Ley 7/2023) says taxis and ride-hailing cars may accept pets at their discretion, while assistance dogs must always be accepted. In practice, mention your dog when you book, and use a carrier or a seat cover to protect the car.

In your own car, the DGT says animals must be secured so they cannot distract the driver. A loose animal in the car can lead to a fine of up to €100. The DGT recommends:

• a carrier on the floor for small dogs
• for larger dogs, a crate in the boot placed crosswise, combined with a divider grille
• a harness with two anchor points if the dog travels on the seat; the lead is not a restraint
• a break every two hours, and never leaving the dog in a parked car when it is warm

Hotels, rentals and restaurants

Under Ley 7/2023, bars, restaurants and shops may let pets into areas where food is not prepared or stored. Places that do not allow animals must display a sign that is visible from outside. So if there is no sign, it is worth asking.

Hotels and holiday rentals set their own pet policies. Before you book, ask:

• whether there is a size or weight limit, and how many pets are allowed
• whether there is an extra fee per night or a cleaning charge
• whether the dog may be left alone in the room
• which areas are off limits, such as the restaurant, pool or garden

Get the answer in writing, by email or in the booking confirmation, so there are no surprises at check-in.

Beaches: look for a dog beach

Beach rules are set by each town hall. In many coastal towns, dogs are banned from the beach during the bathing season, except on a designated dog beach (playa canina). Outside the season the rules vary, so check the local bylaw or ask at the tourist office.

Rules on dog beaches are similar from town to town. Benalmádena’s beach bylaw is a typical example: owners must keep their dog under control at all times, dogs over 20 kg or with a difficult temperament must wear a muzzle, mess must be picked up with bags, and you must carry the dog’s identification documents. Bring fresh water and a sunshade, and avoid the hottest hours of the day.

For an overview of the coast, see our guide to the best beaches on the Costa del Sol, and ask the town hall which one has a dog area this season.

FAQ: travelling with a dog in Spain

Can I take a large dog on the AVE?

Yes, since 21 July 2026 Renfe accepts dogs of up to 40 kg on AVE, Avlo and other long-distance and regional trains. You buy a dog add-on up to 24 hours before departure, and there is a limit of two large dogs per train.

Do dogs need a ticket on the Cercanías in Málaga?

No. On Renfe Cercanías trains dogs travel free with no weight limit, but they must be on a lead and wear a muzzle, and each passenger can bring one dog.

Can a taxi refuse my dog?

Under the national animal welfare law, taxis may accept pets at their discretion, so a driver can say no. Assistance dogs must always be accepted. Mention the dog when you book.

Are dogs allowed on Spanish beaches?

It depends on the town. Many ban dogs during the bathing season except on designated dog beaches. Check the local rules before you go.

Useful links

• Renfe: travelling with pets
• ALSA: pet transport conditions
• DGT: travelling by car with your pet (Spanish)

Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules and prices change, so check with the official source before you decide.