MÁV’s new policy and dog-friendly beaches make holidays with four-legged friends easier this summer

Summer is here, and for many, it’s the time of year when we don’t leave our dogs at home. To facilitate more dog-friendly travel, MÁV is introducing changes to make journeys more comfortable for our four-legged friends. Feedback from last year’s travel experience showed a growing demand among people travelling to Lake Balaton to bring their dogs. Additionally, we have compiled a list of places where you can enjoy a dog-friendly beach holiday.

More dog-friendly travel this holiday season

Under previous regulations, dogs were only allowed on trains in closed carriers with a ticket. However, MÁV is now revising its policy on boarding dogs, reports Pénzcentrum. According to MÁV-START’s current rules, dogs weighing no more than 20 kg can be transported on trains without a reserved seat, provided a dog ticket or a dog country pass is purchased, and the dog is muzzled and on a leash. On trains requiring a reserved seat, dogs must travel in a closed carrier no larger than the maximum permitted size for hand luggage.

However, this summer, the railway company is piloting a programme to extend dog transport on trains to Lake Balaton. From 26 June, on the Balaton and Tópart ICs, as well as the Jégmadár, Panoráma, Napfürdő, Aranypart, Aranyhíd, Ezüstpart and Fenyves express trains on the south shore of Lake Balaton, and the Kék Hullám ICs, Csabai Tekergő, Szabolcsi Tekergő, Lesence and Tanúhegy express trains on the north shore, passengers may bring dogs weighing less than 20 kg into the passenger compartment with a relative dog ticket or dog country pass.

Photo: FB / MÁV

It’s important to note that neither the dog’s leash nor muzzle should be removed during the journey, and the leash must be kept in the passenger’s hand. A valid vaccination certificate (not older than one year) must be presented during the journey. If a passenger objects to the presence of a dog, the railway company will provide a new seat for the dog owner in accordance with the rules on non-compliant seating.

As before, large dogs weighing more than 20 kg may only be carried on trains where purchasing a seat ticket is not mandatory, and only on the platform, not in the passenger compartment.

For more information, visit MÁV’s website here.

Dog-friendly beaches in Hungary

Many people don’t leave their pets at home even when they go to the beach. Since 2015, Kutyabaráthelyek has compiled a list of dog-friendly beaches where you can take your pets for a swim.

The 22 places on the list include Fonyód, which has the oldest dog-friendly bathing site. The beach, open since 2016, features a large grassy area, shade trees, and steps and ramps to get into the water. Around Lake Balaton, there are also dog-friendly beaches in Balatonföldvár and Keszthely.

On the shores of Lake Velence, the Drótszamár Campsite in Velence is a great place to take your dog. Additionally, there are many places along the banks of the Danube and Tisza, such as Dunavarsány, Dunakeszi, Tiszakécske, Szolnok and Tiszafüred, where you can bring your pet to the beach. Other dog-friendly beaches can be found in Tata, Zalaegerszeg, Kőszeg, and Pécs.

For the full list and map visit Kutyabaráthelyek here.

Read also:

MÁV summer schedule announced: More vehicles and easier access to Lake Balaton – Read here

MÁV’s new application, EMMA makes planning your trips easier!