Planning a dog vacation doesn’t have to break the bank—I’m spilling the kibble on some pawsome travel inspiration that’s both budget-friendly and dog-friendly. Whether you’re looking for a weekend trip or a day trip from NYC, there are plenty of tail-wagging adventures just a ride away. From trains, ferries, and buses, you and your human can escape the city without emptying the treat jar. So, leash up and let’s go!
Trains: Choo-Choo to Adventure!
Trains are one of my favorite ways to escape the city—there are endless dog-friendly travel adventures waiting just a ride away!
Metro-North Railroad
Metro-North is one of my all-time favorite train rides! I’ve taken the Hudson Line a few times, and I love watching the river roll past the window. In as little as 30 minutes, I can be exploring the quaint towns of Upstate New York and Connecticut. But the best part? I ride for FREE!
🐾 Paw-some Destinations:
Sleepy Hollow (Spooky smells and historic vibes!)
Cold Spring (So many trails to sniff!)
Beacon (Art, nature, and food crumbs!)
💰 Cost: My human only pays around $10 for a one-way off-peak ticket. More savings = more treats!
🐶 Pet Policy: No ticket needed for me, just a leash, good manners, and no barking at strangers (I’ll try my best!).
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)
If the sound of waves and the smell of salty air make your tail wag, then hop on the LIRR and head to Long Island!
🐾 Paw-some Destinations:
Montauk (Running on the beach = zoomies!)
Amagansett (Relaxing vibes and sniff-tastic trails!)
Greenport (Bonus: Take the ferry to Shelter Island!)
💰 Cost: About $23.50 for my human’s ticket to Montauk.
🐶 Pet Policy: I have to ride in a bag, but hey, that just means more cuddle time!
Amtrak
Feeling extra adventurous? Amtrak lets me ride for longer trips! My human can take me on a comfy train ride to some paw-some destinations.
🐾 Paw-some Destinations:
Philadelphia (~1.5 hrs from NYC – Liberty sniffing!)
Boston (~4 hrs from NYC – Walk the Freedom Trail!)
Washington, DC (~3.5 hrs from NYC – So many statues to sniff!)
Westerly, RI (~3 hrs from NYC – Beach zoomies!)
Hudson (~2 hrs from NYC – A quaint town with pup-friendly treats!)
💰 Cost: Prices vary by time and destination. My human’s ticket was just $42 round trip to Philly, and my pet ticket was $98. Not bad for a weekend of adventures in a new city!
🐶 Pet Policy: I must be in a carrier and under 20 lbs (okay, small dog privilege here—sorry big woofers!).
NYC Ferry: A Floating Adventure!
Did someone say boat ride? The NYC Ferry is a super fun way to get to new places while feeling the wind in my fur! I don’t know what’s more fun—the travel or the destination!
⛵ Best Route: Wall St. Pier to Rockaway Beach (only an hour!)
💰 Cost: Just $10 for my human.
🐶 Pet Policy: I need to be in a carrier or wear a muzzle, but that’s a small price to pay for the sea breeze in my ears!
Buses: Road Trips with a View
Hampton Jitney
Sometimes, a pup just wants to chill in a comfy bus seat and enjoy the ride. The Hampton Jitney is perfect for that, taking you on trips across Long Island.
💰 Cost: $30-40 per ride for my human.
🐶 Pet Policy: I can ride for an extra $15, but I have to be in a carrier (cozy naps, here I come!). If the bus is full, I might have to sit on my human’s lap—win-win for extra cuddles!
Final Tips for Budget-Friendly Dog Travel
🐕 Look for off-peak travel times – Cheaper tickets mean more treat money!
🥨 Pack snacks and water – Make the ride a part of the adventure and keep your wallet happy.
👜 Bring a comfy carrier – Whether it’s for the train, bus, or ferry, a cozy space is perfect for a nap after a long day of adventures.
With so many pawsome, budget-friendly dog travel options, there’s no excuse not to grab your leash and explore beyond NYC! Whether it’s a day or weekend trip there’s a whole world out there waiting for our sniffing noses and wagging tails. Dog-friendly travel from NYC is easier than you think—so get out there and explore with your pup!
🐶 What are your tips for budget-friendly vacations with your pup? Let us know in the comments