Public Transport

Guide Dogs, Assistance Dogs and Guide Dogs in Training can travel free of charge on all public transport in Melbourne including ferry and taxi services.

Pet Dogs can travel free of charge on the following public transport services provided certain conditions are followed.  (Please note that drivers have the right to refuse carriage of any animal)

Trains:  

Connex and Melbourne Lines.

Smaller dogs can be carried or placed in a suitable travel container while on trains in Victoria.  Larger Dogs may travel on trains provided that they are on a lead or harness.  Dangerous dogs (those declared dangerous under legislation) must be muzzled at all times. 

Dogs in travel containers must not obstruct passageways or doorways in the train and must not occupy seats while other customers are standing.

Larger dogs are not to occupy seats and must not inconvenience other customers. 

Passengers travelling with dogs are also required to carry plastic bags incase there is need to clean up after your dog. 

V Line and Country Lines.

Dogs are no longer allowed to travel on V line and Country Train Lines. 

Guide Dogs, Assistance Dogs and Guide Dogs / Custom Dogs in training are still permitted to travel free of charge on all V line and Country Trains.

Trams: 

Smaller dogs can be carried on trams in a suitable travel container.  Smaller dogs in suitable containers can travel free on tram services.

Guide dogs, assistance dogs and seeing eye dogs can travel free of charge with owners in all Melbourne taixs.  

  Smaller dogs must be transported in a suitable container while travelling in taxis.  The taxi company should be advised of the carriage of the dog when the taxi is booked.

  Larger Dogs wishing to travel in taxis is often dependent on the driver.  Large dogs should be leashed and where possible they should be made to lay down on the back seat of the taxi.  As with smaller dogs in carry containers the dog owner should check with the taxi company when the booking is made to ensure that the driver will accept the carriage of the pet dog.  The driver of the taxi has the right to refuse to carriage of any pet dog without penalty. 

Ferry:

Williamstown Ferry.

Dogs are permitted to travel for free on the williamstwn ferry provided that they are kept on a leash at all times through out the journey.  As with most forms of public transport the ferry captain has the right to refuse the carriage of pet dogs.  Dog groups of more than 5 dogs and owners should book ahead and inform the operator to ensure that there is suitable space on the ferry for the dogs.  For bookings and timetables contact (03) 9506 4144 or go to www.williamstownferries.com.au

Spirit of Tasmania.

Dogs are permitted to travel to Tasmania on the Spirit of Tasmania cruise liner.  Dogs must travel in the specially provided kennels on board the ship.  

If you are planning on travelling with your dog you must book a kennel ($22 one way) in advance when you book your fares as there are a limited numbers of kennels available each trip.  Water is supplied to the dogs during the trip and owners are requested to provide pet blankets and toys for their dogs but no food.  Before travelling to Tasmania check that your dog has had the appropriate vaccinations and you have documentary proof from your local vet.

Bus: 

Dogs are not permitted on country bus services such V Line.

Metro Bus services allow small dogs to be carried in a suitable travel container.  Smaller dogs in a travel container can travel for free on these services.  Larger dogs on a leash or in a harness are not permitted on Metro Buses.  Guide Dogs, Assisstance Dogs and Guide / Customs Dogs in training are permitted to travel on Metro, Country and V Line Buses at any time free of charge.

Air Travel:

Check with the carrier when your flight is booked - rules apply for domestic and international travel including quarantine regulations.