Most trains, ferries, trams and local buses in Scotland take dogs, often for free, as long as your dog stays on a lead and off the seats. The big exceptions are Scottish Citylink coaches and the Glasgow Subway, where only assistance dogs or small pets in a carrier can travel. Here are the rules and costs for each operator, from their own websites.
Operator rules last checked
Rules change, so check with the operator before you travel.
Add a pet ticket to your booking, online or by phone. There are two kinds:
Pet in passenger lounge, for the indoor pet areas. Numbers are capped, so book early. You need one ticket per pet.
Pet remains in car, if your dog stays in the vehicle or sits outside for the whole crossing. This ticket is free and not capped. You cannot go back to the car deck during the crossing.
Check the lounge ticket price with CalMac when you book.
Dogs must be on a lead on board, off the seats, and kept out of food, drink and carpeted areas. Dogs are welcome on all outside passenger decks with the right ticket.
CalMac strongly advises a muzzle if your dog is nervous or unsociable around other passengers.
Dogs in cabins: no CalMac page we read mentions this, so check with CalMac before travelling.
Pet dogs are not allowed in the indoor public areas of the ships, but there are other options. Keep your dog on a lead on NorthLink property, and never leave it alone on the outside deck.
Aberdeen, Kirkwall and Lerwick (MV Hrossey and MV Hjaltland)
Pet-friendly cabin: the cabin price plus £15 for each pet. Only one animal can be booked online, so pay for any others at the port. Bring your own bedding, as dogs stay on the cabin floor.
Kennel: heated and ventilated, off the car deck, with water. Book in advance. Check the kennel price with NorthLink before travelling.
Your vehicle: if it is well ventilated. You can only visit the car deck or kennels with a member of crew.
There is no dog lounge on these two ships.
Scrabster to Stromness (MV Hamnavoe, 90 minutes)
Dog lounge on Deck 6, with room for up to 8 dogs. Reserve a free place, as bookings get priority. One person for every two dogs, dogs on a lead, and clean up after your dog.
Your dog can also stay in your vehicle or join you on the outside deck. There is no access to the car deck or kennels during the crossing.
One well-behaved dog per passenger, at the driver’s discretion. The driver may decide where on the bus your dog goes.
Dogs must not sit on the seats.
In North and West Scotland, dogs travel free with the driver’s permission. In West Scotland, if two dogs are already on board, the driver may ask you to wait for the next bus.
East Scotland does not state a charge, so check with Stagecoach.
Pets travel in the hold, in an approved container, for £50 one way. Your dog checks in with you and rejoins you in the baggage hall.
No pets on the Twin Otter flights to Barra, Tiree and Campbeltown.
Puppies must be at least 12 weeks old.
Orkney Inter-Isles: small pets can travel on board in an IATA-approved container for £10 per flight. Give advance notice, and complete a pet disclaimer form before you fly. Space depends on how many animals are already booked.
Every operator in this guide carries assistance dogs, including on the Glasgow Subway and Scottish Citylink, where pet dogs are not normally allowed.
Loganair: assistance dogs fly free in the cabin. They need documentary proof of training and an identifying jacket or harness, so tell Loganair well before you fly. Emotional support dogs travel in the hold.
Caledonian Sleeper: if you travel seated, contact the Guest Service Centre in advance to reserve the seat next to you at no extra cost. Bring identification for your dog.
CalMac: assistance dogs have their own ticket type and can go in all public areas except children’s play areas.
Scottish Citylink: your dog should wear its harness or identification jacket, and staff may ask if it is an assistance dog.
Glasgow Subway: tell station staff when you arrive. If practicable, they will switch off the escalators and arrange for someone to meet you.
Buses and trams: First Bus and Stagecoach carry assistance dogs free. Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams carry them if there is space.
Taxis and private hire cars: assistance dogs must be carried.
FAQ
Can dogs go on trains in Scotland?
Yes. ScotRail takes up to two dogs per passenger free, on a lead or in a carrier, and off the seats. The Caledonian Sleeper takes up to two pets in your room for £30 per journey.
Can I take my dog on a CalMac ferry?
Yes. Add a pet ticket when you book. Choose a lounge ticket for the indoor pet areas, where numbers are capped, or a free ticket if your dog stays in the car or sits outside.
Can dogs go on Scottish Citylink coaches?
Not normally. Only assistance dogs, or small animals fully inside a transport-approved carrier on the floor, which need a £1 single ticket.
Can dogs go on the Glasgow Subway?
Only in a closed, proper pet carrier that the dog fits inside, unless it is an assistance dog.
How we check
We read each operator’s own website and only include what it states there, with the date we checked. Where a rule or price is not stated, we say so. If something has changed, tell us on the corrections page.
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