In accordance with applicable legislation on companion and assistance animals (Laws 4039/2012, 4235/2014, and relevant Ministerial Decisions), pets are generally permitted on Hellenic Train services (trains and buses) — including dogs, cats, and birds (reptiles are excluded) — subject to the following conditions:
- Transport complies with the applicable legal framework
- Animals are electronically identified (microchip)
- Animals are accompanied by their owner or handler
- A valid health booklet or pet passport is provided
- Animals are transported in an appropriate carrier or cage, regardless of size
Exception: Assistance dogs are transported without a carrier, on a lead and without a muzzle.
General Conditions
The transport of pets is not subject to the discretion or approval of staff or other passengers, provided all conditions are met.
- Pets are not permitted in onboard catering areas. Exception: assistance dogs are allowed access.
- Passengers are solely responsible for the supervision and safekeeping of their animals.
- Hellenic Train shall not be liable for loss or injury, unless caused by its own fault or negligence.
- Passengers are liable for any damage caused by their animal to rolling stock or third parties, in accordance with Article 924 of the Greek Civil Code.
Categories and Transport Conditions
Small pets (up to 10 kg)
Transport conditions:
- On trains:
Pets must be placed in a carrier with maximum dimensions 50 × 40 × 70 cm. Placement: on the passenger’s lap or in designated luggage areas (provided other passengers are not inconvenienced). If necessary, the Train Manager may arrange relocation of the carrier to a luggage storage area, with the passenger’s consent. - On buses:
Transport is permitted only in a carrier or suitable container up to 50 × 40 × 35 cm, in designated areas. Maximum number: up to 3 small pets per bus.
Line availability (small pets)
Transport is permitted on the following routes:
- Athens – Thessaloniki (all IC services, in carriers up to 50 × 40 × 70 cm)
- Athens – Chalkida
- Piraeus – Airport – Kiato – Aigio
- Athens – Lianokladi (trains 520, 521)
- Larissa – Thessaloniki
- Patras Suburban Railway
- Katakolo – Olympia
- Thessaloniki – Edessa – Florina
- Serres – Drama
- Xanthi – Alexandroupoli
Special cases:
- Pelion railway: up to 2 dogs per train (in a carrier or on a lead with muzzle)
- Rack railway (Diakopto – Kalavryta): only small pets in carriers up to 50 × 40 × 35 cm
Routes currently operated by bus
The following routes are currently served exclusively by buses:
- Lianokladi – Lamia – Stylida
- Palaiofarsalos – Kalambaka
- Drama – Xanthi
- Kiato – Patras
- Larissa – Volos
- Drama – Alexandroupoli
Large pets (over 10 kg)
Transport conditions:
- Must be placed in a carrier up to 118 × 76 × 88 cm
- Transported only on trains with a luggage van (baggage carriage). The space is ventilated but not air-conditioned
- Owner access is permitted in the presence of train staff
Available services:
- Athens – Thessaloniki (IC 50, 51, 56, 57)
- Athens – Lianokladi (520, 521)
Maximum number: up to 2 large pets per train
Not permitted on buses
Assistance dogs (trained or in training)
Assistance dogs:
- Travel without a carrier and without a muzzle
- Remain next to their handler within passenger compartments
- May occupy designated PRM seating areas (where available)
- Are permitted in onboard catering areas
- Handlers/trainers must carry the required certification documents confirming training status (trained or in training), health status, handler/trainer accreditation and authorised use of the animal
For long-term stays in Greece (EU or third-country nationals), documentation must be officially translated into Greek (via Greek authorities abroad) or provided in English.
Assistance dogs in training may travel either:
- in designated areas assigned by Hellenic Train, or
- in a location selected by the handler or trainer
The same provisions apply regarding the requirement for handlers, trainers, and volunteer puppy foster parents of dogs in training or already trained to respect the train’s space and its passengers.
The boarding and transport of guide dogs in training for the blind or people with disabilities is permitted within the train cars, either in the specific seats and cars designated by Hellenic Train or in a seat or car chosen by the handler, the trainer, or the volunteer handler.
In the event of a missed connection with the local train, passengers traveling with service animals will be transported on the next available train, to the extent possible.
Fares
- Small pets:
Free of charge, unless a separate seat is requested (50% of the standard 2nd class fare) - Large pets:
50% of the standard 2nd class fare of the accompanying passenger - Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge
Ticket Issuance
- Tickets for pet transport are issued exclusively at ticket offices
- Online ticket issuance is not available
Important Notes
- Pet transport services are not available from unstaffed stations, unless tickets have been issued at an operating ticket office
- In case of missed connections, passengers travelling with pets are accommodated on the next available service, where possible
- Failure to comply with transport conditions may result in fines