NL
A successful day of taking the train and walking with your dog depends on good preparation and knowing the rules and options. Combining public transport and nature offers a sustainable and relaxing way to discover new areas, but it does require careful planning. Find out how to make both the journey and the walk run smoothly for you, your family and your four-legged friend.
The preparation: rules for dogs on the train
Before you set off, it is important to know the NS rules for taking pets on the train. Good preparation prevents any surprises at the station or during your journey. The rules are clear and generally make travelling with a dog straightforward, as long as you know what to expect.
The size of your dog determines which ticket you need. Small pets that fit in a bag or carrier, or can sit on your lap, travel for free. For larger dogs, a special ticket is required. The conditions are as follows:
- Small dogs and pets: These may travel for free on the train. The condition is that they fit in a bag, carrier or on your lap and do not use their own seat. The maximum dimensions for the bag or carrier are 55x30x30 cm.
- Large dogs: For dogs that do not fit in a bag or on your lap, you must buy a Dog Day Ticket (Dagkaart Hond). This ticket costs € 3.30 and is valid all day for unlimited travel. Large dogs must be kept on a lead for the entire journey and, just like small pets, may not occupy a seat. They should sit or lie on the floor.
- Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs or guide dogs for the blind travel for free. They do not need to fit in a bag, but they must be recognisable by a harness or jacket.
You can easily buy the Dog Day Ticket via the NS app, the website or at a ticket machine at the station. Bear in mind that in the case of planned engineering works and the use of replacement buses, dogs are often not allowed, with the exception of assistance dogs. Always check your journey in the travel planner before you depart.
‘ An important rule is that dogs must be kept on a lead. ’
Straight into nature from the station
The Netherlands has many train stations that give almost immediate access to attractive walking areas. This makes the train a suitable means of transport for walks with your dog: you get off and can start walking straight away. From the dunes on the coast to the forests on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug: there is a wide range of options that are easy to reach.
When you are walking in nature reserves, rules apply to protect the flora and fauna. An important rule is that dogs must be kept on a lead. In almost all nature areas, managed by organisations such as Staatsbosbeheer and Natuurmonumenten, your dog must be on a lead. This is to prevent them from chasing wildlife or disturbing other visitors. Many locations, however, also have special off-lead areas. Signs at the entrances to the area clearly indicate these zones. Check the manager’s website beforehand or pay close attention to the signs on site.
Train walks with the whole family: tips for a day out
A day of train travel and walking is suitable for the whole group. Both children and the dog can let off steam in the fresh air. To keep the day pleasant for everyone, good planning is advisable. Choose, for example, a route whose length and terrain match the abilities of the children. A walk along the beach or through a forest with wide paths is often manageable for families with young children.
Travel preferably outside the rush hours. Trains are quieter then, which is considerably less stressful for a dog. In addition, you have more space for yourself, the children and your luggage. Make sure you have enough provisions for everyone, including the dog. Take a bottle of water and a foldable drinking bowl, as well as snacks for along the way. A towel can be useful for drying your dog after a wet or muddy walk before you get back on the train.
Practical checklist for the journey
Good equipment makes the day more pleasant. Think about the following items before you leave:
- Dog Day Ticket (Dagkaart Hond) (if needed)
- A short, fixed lead for on the train and in places where this is compulsory
- Water bottle and a foldable drinking bowl
- Enough poo bags
- Reward treats or your dog’s usual food
- A towel for wet or dirty paws
- A tick remover, especially in woodland and dune areas
Suitable routes: from the coast to the Heuvelrug
Your choice of walking route depends on your preferences and the fitness of you and your dog. Across the Netherlands there are options that are easily accessible by train.
Zandvoort aan Zee is a good example of a destination where you can walk straight onto the beach from the station. It is suitable for a family outing. You can walk for hours along the coastline here. To the north of Zandvoort you will find Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, where dogs on a lead are welcome on most paths. The combination of beach and dunes makes this a varied landscape.
For a woodland environment, the Utrechtse Heuvelrug is a good choice. From stations such as Driebergen-Zeist or Hollandsche Rading you can walk straight into the extensive forests. There are many marked routes of varying lengths. The shade of the trees makes this area a pleasant place for a walk, even on warmer days.
Another popular destination is the Veluwe. With stations such as Apeldoorn, Nunspeet or Rheden on the edges of this nature reserve, there are plenty of walking options. In particular, the Veluwezoom, accessible from Rheden station, offers a wooded area with viewpoints, hills and heathland. Bear in mind that parts of the Veluwe may have restricted access during the breeding season.
The planning of your next trip starts here. On the Traveler Tips website you will find much more detailed information about planning train journeys, mapping out routes and discovering special destinations. Explore our guides and turn your next outing into a memorable day.
Frequently asked questions
In the Netherlands, small dogs travel for free in a bag or on your lap; for larger dogs, a Dog Day Ticket (Dagkaart Hond) is required. Internationally, stricter rules often apply: in Belgium, small dogs travel for free in a carrier, while larger dogs need a ticket and must be on a lead, with a muzzle recommended. Thalys, TGV and ICE International apply similar rules, with ticket and muzzle requirements for large dogs. Eurostar and Ski-Zon Thalys do not allow dogs, except for assistance dogs, and on the ÖBB Nightjet dogs are only allowed in a private compartment and must wear a muzzle when boarding and alighting.
To find the most beautiful and dog-friendly train walking routes that are easily accessible by public transport, it is best to look at NS recommendations that can be reached by train, such as the Veluwe and the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. Always check the specific rules of nature areas such as Staatsbosbeheer and Natuurmonumenten, which often offer off-lead zones but require dogs to be on a lead in many areas. Buy a Dog Day Ticket for larger dogs and avoid peak hours for a more pleasant journey. Plan your trip with the NS app or 9292.nl for up-to-date timetables and walk starting points near stations.
The essential items for a comfortable and safe train walking experience with your dog are a short lead, a muzzle (often compulsory abroad), a water bowl, poo bags and possibly a crate or carrier for small dogs. It is also important to arrange a Dog Day Ticket (for larger dogs) and to train your dog to cope with busy environments. Always check the weather, ensure tick prevention, and take account of local rules and any off-lead zones in nature areas. Avoid peak hours on the train to prevent nuisance.
To avoid stress for your dog during train walks, plan your journey outside peak hours. Make sure your dog gets enough rest by alternating travelling with walks in dog-friendly nature areas where off-lead zones are available, provided local rules allow this. Keep your dog on a lead in public areas and on paths, and always check the specific rules of land managers such as Staatsbosbeheer and Natuurmonumenten. In the Netherlands, a Dog Day Ticket is compulsory for larger dogs and offers flexibility for train travel.
No specific information is available on the presence of sufficient dog-friendly facilities such as water points and accommodation options along train walking routes. The document focuses mainly on the rules for dogs on public transport, walking in nature areas and useful preparation tips.
