- At what age do children need a train ticket in the UK?
- Do you need ID to prove a child’s age?
- Railcards for older kids and families
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Planning a family day out or travelling with little ones by rail? Good news: train travel in the UK is often both child-friendly and budget-friendly. But when it comes to children’s train tickets, there are a few important rules, age limits, and tips that every parent or carer should know.
We’re here to help you find the best tickets for the whole family. Here's everything you need to know about child train fares and how to save on your next journey.
At what age do children need a train ticket in the UK?
Here’s a super quick breakdown of how UK rail defines ‘child’ passengers:
| Age range | Do they need a ticket? | Notes |
| Under 5 | No ticket needed | Travel free, no seat guarantee |
| 5-15 | Yes, child ticket required | Usually 50% off an adult fare |
| 16+ | Adult ticket required | Full price, unless using a 16–17 Saver or Railcard |
Children under 5: Travel free
Children under 5 years old travel for free on UK trains when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. You don’t need to book a ticket for them, but it’s pretty crucial to note:
- They won’t be guaranteed a seat - if the train is full, they may have to sit on your lap.
- If you want to reserve a seat for your child under 5, you’ll need to pay for a child fare.
Children aged 5-15: Child fares apply
Children aged 5 to 15 are eligible for discounted tickets, typically priced at 50% of the adult fare. This applies to:
- Advance tickets
- Off-Peak & Anytime tickets
- Railcard-discounted tickets (when applicable)
Do you need ID to prove a child’s age?
Usually, no ID is required when buying or using child tickets. However:
- If your child looks older than 15, train staff may ask for proof of age
- It’s helpful to carry a passport or student ID if your child is tall for their age
Some ticket inspectors can issue penalty fares if they believe a child ticket is being misused.
Railcards for older kids and families
Planning regular travel for teens? A Railcard can offer major savings:
16–17 Saver
- 50% off most rail fares, just like a child
- Costs £35 per year
- Perfect for college students or those commuting regularly
Find out more about 16-17 Saver Railcards here.
16–25 Railcard
- 1/3 off most fares
- Costs £35 per year or £80 for three years
- For older teens and students
- Includes weekday time restrictions (minimum fare before 10am weekdays)
Family & Friends Railcard
- Up to 4 adults and 4 children can travel on one card
- 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off child fares
- Valid for a whole year for just £35 or three years for £80
- Great for school holidays, weekend getaways, and big family visits.
Railcards can be book through and added directly when booking tickets on Trip.com.