Despite the fact that a great number of passengers use public transport services in the company of their four-legged pets, many travellers are unaware of the rules of transporting dogs. We have collected a few tips for the travel safety of both animals and humans on the metro, tram, trolleybus, suburban railway and bus network.
Did you know that dogs are not allowed to travel on a seat, but only on the vehicle floor? Did you also know that you need to carry your dog’s valid vaccination certificate when you travel together? Are you aware of the fact that the escalator is the main safety hazard and primary cause of accidents for your pet, which is why you need to carry your dog in your arms?
These rules serve the purpose of protecting passengers and pets alike; hence, all responsible pet owners need to keep them.
Frequently asked questions
How can dogs be transported on board BKK’s vehicles?
Small-sized dogs can be transported either in a closed, hand-luggage-sized carry-box, in a cage or in a bag which prevents the animal from jumping out and soiling other passengers’ clothes, luggage or the vehicle. In all other cases, dogs are allowed to be transported only when muzzled and on a leash regardless of age, breed or size.
Please make sure that your pet’s vaccination papers are always with you and be careful to prevent vehicle doors from closing onto the dog’s legs or tail.
What qualifies as a muzzle?
Any type of mouth guard made of metal, plastic, textile, etc. is accepted as a “muzzle” that prevents unwanted biting or keeps the dog from damaging other passengers or items aboard the vehicle with its teeth. (The HALTI brand head collar does not meet this criterion.)
Are dogs allowed to be transported in my hands?
Yes, but the dog still needs to wear a muzzle and be on a leash.
What types of tickets or passes are required for transporting dogs?
Dogs require a separate ticket or pass. For a single ride, a full-fare ticket valid needs to be validated for the dog (an airport shuttlebus single ticket on the 100E Airport Express, a public transport boat ticket for scheduled riverboat services, a full-price ferry passenger ticket for ferry transport; while for all other lines a single ticket (including one from a Block of 10 tickets) can be used for the entire route of any public transport line. Alternatively, a 30- or 90-minute digital ticket can be used, but only within Budapest. For multiple rides, you have the option of buying a 24-hour or 72-hour travelcard or a monthly dog pass for your furry canine friend, but please note that the travelcards are valid only within Budapest, and none of them can be used on the 100E Airport Express. The ticket for dogs is valid for a single ride, and the Hungary Pass for dogs is valid for multiple journeys on the entire route of the suburban bus lines and the HÉV lines.
How many dogs are allowed to be carried by one passenger?
One dog per passenger is allowed.
How many dogs can ride on board a single vehicle?
Most vehicles allow as many dogs as there are doors to board the vehicle. For example, if a bus has 3 doors, 3 dogs can travel on board at a time with only one dog per passenger. This rule does not apply to assistance dogs. Exceptions to this rule are the "blue Volánbusz" services to the metropolitan area. On these buses (you can find a list of routes at this link, look for the lines with a blue background) only one dog per vehicle is allowed. Please note that without a closed carrier, you may only transport your dog with a muzzle or mouth guard and on a lead. If more than one leashed dog is to be transported on the same bus at the same time, the passenger already on the bus has priority in transporting the dog. When boarding, the rules on the order of passenger pick-up apply, which you can find in the Volánbusz Travel Conditions.
What are the rules for transporting dogs on an escalator?
The primary safety hazard for dogs is the escalator as the moving staircase is capable of catching the dog’s paws and damaging its fur or claws. Therefore, in order to ensure the dog’s safety, you must carry it in your arms while riding, and especially when stepping onto and off the escalator. In case of big-sized dogs, after alerting the station staff on duty, the non-moving, back-up escalator should be used, if possible.
What additional documents do I need for transporting a dog?
You need to be in possession of your dog’s valid vaccination certificate. Please present the certificate to the staff on duty, if requested to do so.
Can dogs be transported free of charge?
Dogs carried as hand luggage in a closed container do not require a separate ticket or pass. Police dogs, and those wearing a distinguishing sign, such as guide dogs, assistance dogs for individuals living with a disability (visually, physically or hearing impaired customers, signal dogs, seizure alert or seizure response dogs travel for free. Assistance dogs must wear a distinguishing harness, cape or vest for identification showing the logo of the dog-training organisation. In case of therapy dogs, if the animal is not used by the training organisation, then the logo of the organisation employing the dog needs to be featured on the distinctive sign.
Based on Regulation 27/2009 (XII.3.) of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour of Hungary, assistance or service dogs are categorised based on their training and applicability, as follows:
a) guide dog: a dog trained to guide a visually impaired person
b) dog assisting a person with reduced mobility (PRM): a dog trained to assist a person with reduced mobility in their everyday activities
c) hearing dog: a dog trained to alert a hearing-impaired person to a danger or other important sounds
d) seizure response dog: a dog trained to provide assistance to a person living with epilepsy or other persons at risk of chronic conditions like seizures
e) personal assistance dog: a dog trained to help a disabled person to live an independent life
f) therapy dog: a dog used in pedagogical, psychological, psychiatric and conductive pedagogical habilitation and rehabilitation processes in special education and social services.