Dogs are allowed on most Amtrak routes, but only in a carrier and only on certain train lines

Amtrak permits dogs on board, but with strict rules. Your dog must travel in a carrier, crate, or pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you—the same way airlines handle pets. The carrier cannot be larger than 14 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 8 inches tall. Amtrak does not allow dogs to roam freely in the cabin, sit on seats, or occupy a separate ticket.

Not every Amtrak route accepts dogs. The Northeast Regional, Downeaster, and some state-supported trains allow pets. Long-distance trains like the Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, and Southwest Chief do not. Before you book, you need to check which specific train line you plan to use, because the policy varies by route.

There is a pet fee. Amtrak charges a one-time fee per trip (not per day), which varies but is typically in the $25 to $30 range depending on the route. You pay this fee when you book your ticket, not at the station.

Key Takeaways

  • Your dog must fit in a carrier no larger than 14 inches by 10 inches by 8 inches and stay in that carrier during the entire journey.
  • Only certain Amtrak routes allow dogs—Northeast Regional, Downeaster, and some state-supported trains do, but long-distance trains do not.
  • You must pay a one-time pet fee (typically $25 to $30) when you book your ticket, and this fee is per trip, not per day.
  • You cannot bring a service dog in a carrier; service dogs travel free and are not subject to size restrictions.

Which Amtrak routes allow dogs

Amtrak's pet policy is route-specific, not system-wide. The routes that currently allow dogs include the Northeast Regional (running between Boston and Virginia), the Downeaster (Maine), and several state-supported regional trains. These are shorter routes, typically under 12 hours. If you are traveling on a long-distance overnight train—such as the Coast Starlight (Seattle to Los Angeles), the Empire Builder (Chicago to Seattle), or the Southwest Chief (Chicago to Los Angeles)—dogs are not permitted.

The easiest way to check whether your specific route allows dogs is to visit Amtrak.com, select your route, and look for the pet policy listed under "Train Details" or "Amenities." You can also call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL and confirm the route allows pets before you book. Do not assume a route allows dogs just because another Amtrak train does.

Carrier size and what counts as a carrier

Your carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Amtrak's official size limit is 14 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 8 inches tall. This is smaller than most airline pet carriers, so measure your carrier before you travel. A soft-sided carrier, hard-sided crate, or pet carrier bag all count as long as they meet the size requirement.

Your dog must remain in the carrier for the entire trip. Amtrak staff will not enforce this rule aggressively on short routes, but you are responsible for keeping your dog contained. If your dog escapes or causes a disturbance, you may be asked to leave the train at the next stop, and you will not receive a refund.

Service dogs and emotional support animals

Service dogs are treated differently from pets. A service dog is a dog trained to perform a specific task for a person with a disability—such as guiding someone who is blind, alerting someone to a seizure, or retrieving items. Service dogs do not need to be in a carrier, do not count against any pet limit, and travel free. You do not pay the pet fee.

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are not the same as service dogs under Amtrak's rules. An ESA does not have task training and is not treated as a service dog on Amtrak trains. If you have an ESA, it must follow the same carrier rules and pet fee as any other dog. Amtrak may ask for documentation of your disability and the animal's role, but the dog still travels in a carrier.

How to book a dog on Amtrak

When you book your ticket online or by phone, you will see an option to add a pet. Select it, and the pet fee will be added to your total. You do not need to provide your dog's name, breed, or weight—just confirm that you are traveling with a pet. Keep your confirmation email or receipt, which will show the pet fee.

If you book through a travel agent or third-party website, call Amtrak directly to add the pet fee to your reservation. Some third-party booking sites do not process pet fees correctly, and you want to confirm the fee is on your ticket before you arrive at the station.

Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes early on the day of travel. Tell the ticket agent that you are traveling with a dog. They will not inspect the carrier or weigh your dog, but they will confirm the pet fee is on your ticket. Bring your dog to the platform in the carrier.

What to bring and how to prepare your dog

Bring water and a collapsible bowl. Amtrak does not provide water for pets, and your dog will be in the carrier for hours. A collapsible bowl takes up almost no space and lets you offer water during stops or in the station.

Bring waste bags and plan to take your dog out during station stops. Amtrak trains stop at stations along the route, and you can exit the train with your dog during these stops. The length of each stop varies—some are 10 minutes, others are 30 minutes or more. Check your itinerary to see how long each stop is. Do not let your dog urinate or defecate on the platform; use a designated area or nearby grass.

Consider a calming aid if your dog is anxious. Some dogs become stressed in carriers or in unfamiliar environments. Talk to your veterinarian about whether a calming treat or supplement might help. Do not give your dog medication without veterinary guidance.

What happens if your dog causes a problem

If your dog barks excessively, escapes the carrier, or causes a disturbance, Amtrak staff may ask you to leave the train at the next station. You will not receive a refund for the unused portion of your ticket. This is rare, but it can happen, especially on crowded trains or if your dog is very vocal.

If your dog has an accident in the carrier or on the train, you are responsible for cleaning it up. Bring paper towels and cleaning supplies. If the mess is extensive, inform a crew member, and they will direct you to a restroom where you can clean up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my dog on a long-distance Amtrak train like the Coast Starlight?

No. Long-distance trains do not allow pets. Only shorter regional routes like the Northeast Regional and Downeaster allow dogs. Check Amtrak.com for your specific route before booking.

What if my dog is too large to fit in a 14-by-10-by-8-inch carrier?

Your dog cannot travel on Amtrak if it does not fit in a carrier that meets the size requirement. There is no exception for large dogs. If your dog is too big, you will need to arrange alternative transportation or leave your dog with someone at home.

Do I have to keep my dog in the carrier the entire time?

Yes. Your dog must stay in the carrier throughout the journey. You can take your dog out during station stops to use the restroom, but the dog must be back in the carrier before the train departs.

Is the pet fee the same for all routes?

The pet fee varies by route. Most routes charge $25 to $30 per trip, but confirm the exact fee when you book. The fee is per trip, not per day, so a round trip means two separate pet fees.

Can I bring two dogs on one ticket?

Amtrak allows one pet per passenger in a single carrier. If you have two dogs, you would need two separate tickets (or two passengers). Confirm this with Amtrak when you book, as policies can vary by route.