Dogs on CityCats: Brisbane's rules, times and muzzle requirements
Can you take a dog on a Brisbane CityCat? Yes, off-peak, muzzled or in a carrier, outside the cabin. The rules and times.
Short answer: yes. Dogs can travel free on Brisbane CityCats and ferries, but only at off-peak times and under strict conditions.
When dogs are allowed
- Weekdays: 8.30am to 3.30pm and 7pm to 6am
- Weekends: all day
Dogs aren't allowed in weekday peak periods.
The rules
Brisbane City Council sets these conditions:
- The dog must be on a lead and muzzled, or in an enclosed carrier.
- Owners must keep control of the dog and keep it outside the ferry cabin.
- You must carry waste bags.
- The maximum is two dogs per person.
- Ferry staff may ask you to wait for a later service because of capacity or operational reasons.
Do dogs need a ticket?
No. The council says dogs travel free. You still need to pay your own fare (see how to pay for a CityCat).
Assistance animals
Assistance animals have separate rules. They must be accredited under the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009 and identified with a Translink Assistance Animal Pass or interstate accreditation. The council's accessibility page says they're allowed on CityCats and ferries.
Tips
- Check the time before you leave home. A 3.30pm weekday start is the cutoff for the daytime window.
- Bring a muzzle or carrier. You can't board without one.
- Expect to wait for the next service if the boat is crowded.
More
- Bikes on CityCats
- Back to the Brisbane CityCat guide
Checked against Brisbane City Council pages on 2 November 2026. Services, rules and closures can change, so confirm with Translink and the council before you travel.
Sources: Brisbane City Council, CityCat services and CityCat and ferry services; Brisbane City Council, accessibility information.