Public Transport for Dogs in Lisbon

As many of you already know, Antonio and I adopted a dog, so we have been learning everything there is to know about having a dog in Portugal. One problem we have is that I don’t drive stick. Antonio does, but he doesn’t always want to lug us around (and who can blame him – as my mom says, I’m a callejera). That means that I had to get answers to plenty of questions such as can I travel on the Lisbon metro with my dog.  Here’s all the info you need about public transport for dogs in Lisbon. Here’s what I learned:

Public Transport for Dogs in Lisbon

TRAINS & METRO

There are various train systems in Portugal. Each system has its own rules, but two stand for all:

• Dangerous dogs not allowed  (breed & behavior – don’t get me started on the breed thing, but here are the prohibited breeds for reference – Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Pitt Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier, Tosa Inu.
• Dogs must be in good health.
• Dogs must be clean.
• Dogs must be quiet.
• Size may be an issue if someone finds it disruptive.

Let’s break it down further by the systems:

Metro Travel for Dogs in Lisbon

If your dog is not dangerous you can bring them on the metro. There are a few caveats to keep in mind:

• Dangerous dogs not allowed – see above.
• Dogs don’t need to be in a carrying case.
• Dogs must be on a short leash.
• The dog’s owner must carry its documents, proof of vaccination, municipal license.

Lisbon Urban Trains (Includes the Sintra line, Azambuja line, Cascais line, and Sado line)

• Dogs travel free.
• Dogs must be muzzled and on a short leash or in a carrying case that can be carried by hand.
• The owner must carry the dog’s vaccination card and license.
• Dogs must stay on the floor.

Alfa Pendular Trains (Connects Braga, Porto, Aveiro, Coimbra, Santarém, Lisbon, Albufeira, and Faro)

• Dogs do not need to travel in a carrying case.
• Full price ticket must be purchased at the ticket office (not at the machines) and price varies.

Intercidades (fancier train)

• Dogs must travel in a carrying case that can be carried by hand.
• Dogs travel free.
• Only one dog per passenger.

InterRegional  & Regional (Lisbon & up)

• Dogs travel free if traveling in a carrying case that can be considered hand luggage.
• If your dog is not in a carrying case, then you must pay for a half-price ticket (at the ticket office).
• One dog per passenger allowed.

Sud Expresso (Lisbon to Hendaye night train that has a dining car – connects with French TGV Atlantique – Spain to Paris).

Lusitania Comboio Hotel (Night train from Lisbon and Madrid with a dining car).

• Dogs must be less than 10 kg.
• The entire sleeping car must be booked.
• Dogs must be in a carrying case that can be considered hand luggage.
• Carrying case must have a waste device.
• Two dogs allowed per compartment.
• €30 per dog.

Celta Train

• Dogs must be less than 10 kg.
• Dogs must be in a carrying case that can be considered hand luggage.
• Carrying case must have a waste device.
• Dogs travel free.

GUIDE DOGS

The rules are different here. Since the cases differ, here is the breakdown for public transport for guide dogs in Lisbon by system (at least everything I could find):

• Lisbon Urban Trains, Alfa Pendular, Intercidades, InterRegional, and Regional: There is no fee but must follow Portuguese regulations.
• Sud Expresso & Lusitania Comboio Hotel: There is no fee for seeing eye dogs. They can travel in the sleeper compartment but the entire compartment needs to be purchased. The dog must be on a short leash and its owner must have the dogs documentation. One dog per passenger.
• Celta: There is no fee. The dog must be on a short leash and its owner must have the dogs documentation. One dog per passenger.

CARRIS BUSES

The buses are more restrictive, and I would ask a few days before traveling. Although this info is directly from their website, I found a ton of contradictory information online. Although Carris includes the electricos, lifts, and elevators…I do not think that dogs are allowed since those don’t offer luggage racks.

Here’s what the Carris site had to say:

• Dogs must be in carrying cases that follow Ordinance No. 968/2009.
• Service dogs are allowed on Carris buses.
• The cases are considered “carry-on” luggage and they must travel with luggage.
• No dangerous breeds are allowed.

***I plan on heading to Carris to ask. I’ll update this once I get solid info from their info desk.

I think I covered everything. If I did not, ask below and I’ll see what I can dig up. Small reminder – adopt don’t shop.