Can you take dogs on LNER trains, and do pets travel free? LNER has launched new Pet Champions for passengers travelling with dogs, cats and other small animals on the East Coast Main Line.
The scheme, announced for National Dog Day 2026, is designed to make travelling with pets on LNER trains easier, with dedicated staff, pet-friendly station facilities and advice on the best services and coaches to use.
1. Dogs can travel free on LNER trains
Passengers can take up to two dogs, cats or other small domestic animals on LNER trains without paying an additional fare.
Dogs should be kept on leads, while smaller animals should travel safely in suitable carriers where appropriate.
LNER asks passengers to keep pets off seats and tables and to make sure carriers do not block train aisles.
For anyone searching “can dogs travel on LNER trains?”, the simple answer is yes — and up to two pets can travel free.
2. LNER has introduced Pet Champions at major stations
LNER’s new Pet Champions are members of station staff who can help passengers travelling with animals.
The first Pet Champions are available at:
Berwick-upon-Tweed
Darlington
York
Wakefield
Retford
Newark
Grantham
More Pet Champions are expected to appear at LNER-managed stations across the network.
3. Pet Champions can help you choose the best LNER train for your dog
Travelling by train with a nervous or excitable dog can be difficult, particularly during busy periods.
LNER Pet Champions can advise passengers on the best times to travel, suitable services and which coaches may be more comfortable when travelling with a pet.
They can also provide information about pet-friendly facilities at stations.
Refreshed pet water stations are planned at more LNER stations in the coming months.
4. Dogs are allowed in LNER First Class Lounges and waiting rooms
Dogs and other pets are also welcome inside LNER waiting rooms and First Class Lounges.
This makes it easier for passengers travelling longer distances between places such as London, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh without having to wait outside with their pet.
Passengers travelling with an assistance dog can also receive support when booking seats with additional legroom.
5. LNER serves some excellent dog-friendly UK destinations
The LNER East Coast Main Line connects London with more than 50 stations across Yorkshire, North East England and Scotland.
Popular dog-friendly destinations on the route include York, Edinburgh and Alnmouth, which provides access to the Northumberland coast.
York has also been highlighted as a particularly good destination for a dog-friendly day out.
So if you are searching for dog-friendly train travel from London, taking a dog to York by train, travelling with pets to Edinburgh or simply LNER rules for dogs, the new Pet Champion scheme should make planning the journey easier.
LNER’s pet policy already allows up to two pets to travel free, and the addition of dedicated Pet Champions gives passengers another source of help when travelling with dogs and other animals.
Find out more about taking dogs and pets on LNER trains:
Travelling with pets on LNER
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