Children's Train Fares UK 2026: Free Travel, Half-Price Tickets & Family Deals
Under 5s go free. Children 5-15 pay half price. The Family and Friends Railcard cuts this by another 60%. Here is everything you need to know.
Children's Fare Rules by Age
| Age | National Rail Fare | With Family Railcard | TfL (London) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | Free | Free | Free (no ticket needed) |
| 5-10 | Half adult fare | 60% off child rate | Free with adult |
| 11-15 | Half adult fare | 60% off child rate | Free with Zip Oyster card |
| 16+ | Full adult fare | Adult railcard rates apply | Adult fares (16+ Oyster) |
Children who look older than 15 may be asked for a Free Child Rate Photocard (available free from any staffed station).
The Family & Friends Railcard: Best Value for Families
GBP 35/year - pays for itself on one family trip
The Family and Friends Railcard gives 33% off adult fares and 60% off children's fares. Up to 4 adults and 4 children can travel together on one card. The adults do not need to be related. A family of four travelling London-Brighton returns saves GBP 99 on one trip.
Family Day Out Cost Examples
| Trip | Without Railcard | With Family Railcard | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
London to Brighton return (family of 4) 2 adult off-peak return GBP 41.40 each, 2 child half-price vs with 60% railcard discount | £203 | £104 | £99 |
Manchester to York return (family of 4) 2 adult off-peak return GBP 52 each, 2 child fares | £156 | £80 | £76 |
Edinburgh to Glasgow return (family of 3) 2 adults off-peak return GBP 15 each, 1 child | £46 | £23 | £23 |
London to Cambridge return (family of 4) 2 adult off-peak return GBP 33 each, 2 child fares | £97 | £50 | £47 |
Operator-Specific Children's Deals
Southeastern - Kids for a Quid
GBP 1 ticketsGBP 1 child tickets on Southeastern services when booked with an adult ticket. Available on selected services. One of the best children's deals in the UK.
TfL - Free Under 11
FreeChildren under 11 travel free on all TfL services (Tube, Overground, Elizabeth Line, DLR, buses, trams) when travelling with a paying adult. No card needed.
TfL - Free 11-15 Zip Oyster
Free with ZipChildren aged 11-15 can get a free Zip Oyster card giving free travel on TfL services. Apply online via the TfL website. Valid until age 16.
Thameslink/Southern/GTR - GBP 2 Discount
GBP 2 faresSelected children's fares on Thameslink, Southern, and Great Northern services. Check at time of booking for availability.
Proof of Age: Free Child Rate Photocard
Children who look older than 15 can be asked for ID by guards or ticket inspectors. Get a free Child Rate Photocard from any staffed National Rail station. Takes just a few minutes, is free, and prevents any issues on future journeys. Valid as proof of age for child fares until the child turns 16.
Travelling with Pushchairs and Young Children
Pushchairs and buggies
Pushchairs are allowed on all National Rail services. You do not need to fold a pushchair if space is available. Priority space is available near accessible areas and cycle storage.
Priority seating
Priority seats are available near the doors on most trains. You can request other passengers to move from these seats. Staff are required to assist if needed.
Accessible assistance
Passenger Assist (book via National Rail or individual operators) provides assistance boarding and alighting. Can be booked up to 2 hours before travel on most routes.
Baby changing
Most long-distance trains have baby changing facilities. Check operator-specific information before travelling. Shorter commuter trains may have limited facilities.