Travelling with children
Handy train travel tips for travelling with young children
We know that travelling with children can sometimes feel a little bit daunting, but we want to assure you travelling by train with children is easy.
Not only is travelling by train easy but it's budget-friendly too.
Children aged 5 - 15 travel for half-price on the majority of fares across the UK rail network, and under 5s travel for free alongside fare-paying passengers.
Not only that, our onboard free Wi-Fi also helps keep the kids entertained while you sit back and enjoy the journey!
Check out our handy train travel tips for travelling with young children below.
Family-friendly train travel
Children aged between 5 and 15 travel for half-price
All Northern trains have baby changing facilities onboard
Keep kids entertained with free onboard Wi-Fi
Easily book & store Family Train Tickets through our App
Children under 5
Children under the age of 5 travel for free when travelling with a paying passenger. This is the case for most train journeys in the UK, but please double-check with the train company to be sure before travelling.
Onboard facilities
Pushchairs, buggies and prams
Pushchairs, buggies and prams are welcome on all of our Northern trains. If you can, we would ask if you can fold them down before boarding. This helps to ensure there are no delays. Available station and onboard staff are happy to help assist if they can.
If you aren't able to fold it down you may be able to store them in wheelchair spaces, if available. However, if a customer requires a wheelchair space, they will take priority and you'll need to move your pram or buggy.
Please remember to never leave your pram unattended in a wheelchair space and please don't store anything else here such as luggage or bags.
Baby changing facilities
All Northern trains have baby-changing facilities onboard.
Children 5 to 15
Children aged 5 - 15 travel for half-price on the majority of fares across the UK rail network. You may be able to get a further child-rate discount by using a Family & Friends Railcard.
Don't forget to book your train tickets in advance to save up to 65% or consider booking a Family Train Ticket, which is valid for up to two adults and four children, who are under the age of 15. All you need to do is purchase the ticket through our website or app, seven days ahead of travel and away you go.
*Please note that the Family Train Ticket is being trailed in certain locations across the Northern network.
Travelling with older children (but under 16)
We would advise that any older children travelling using a Child Train Ticket carry ID with them in case the conductor needs to check if they're entitled to a child rate fare. A Child Rate Photocard can be obtained for free at most staffed National Rail stations if required.
Children over 16
There are still options to save on train tickets for children over 16, the best way to get a discount is to purchase a Railcard for them, there are a couple of options available:
- 16 - 17 Saver Railcard - Anyone aged 16 or 17 can enjoy 50% off Standard, Anytime, Off-Peak, Advance and Season tickets. This Railcard is only valid until you turn 18, so if you turn 18 in under a year, we'd recommend the below Railcard.
- 16 - 24 Student Railcard - If you’re aged between 16 and 25, or a full-time student, then for just £30 a year, you can get ⅓ off eligible train tickets.
Tips to keep the little ones occupied
- Do bring things from home such as books, toys and treats. Maybe even a train-themed activity. Download our Whistle the Dog colouring in sheet.
- Do enjoy our free Wi-Fi on all of our new and digital refurbished trains.
- Do try to locate yourself near our toilets just in case of emergencies.
- Do locate yourself at a window seat if you can, these are great for children so they can gaze at the surroundings during their journey.
- Do look out for Whistle! Northern's fury friend and loyal colleague helping keep people safe in our stations. Download the Whistle colouring in sheet and make sure to tweet us in your pictures @northernassist or share and tag us in your pictures @northernrailway #whistlethedog
- Don't forget a snack, snacks can solve 99% of problems!
Essentials checklist for train travel with kids
when you're travelling on the train with children there are a few essential items you'll definitely need at some stage along the journey:
- Water or juice bottles
- Snacks, snacks and more snacks
- Any required Railcards
- Tablet for when they've lost interest in trainspotting and sightseeing
- Colouring pens and plenty of paper
- Tissues or wet wipes for inevitable spillages
Inspiration for your next family-friendly adventure on the train
At Northern, we do not offer seat bookings.
Unfortunately, we cannot offer assisted travel for help with pushcairs, buggies or prams. However, our station and onboard staff will be happy to help you when and where they can. Look out for the accessibility sign on the outside of our train doors, which is where, if needed we can use a ramp between the train and the platform.
Pushchairs, buggies and prams are welcome on all our Northern trains. We kindly ask that you ensure they are folded at all times and stored in the way as any other item of luggage.
If you are unable to do this, then you may be able to store them in wheelchair spaces if available. However, if a customer requires wheelchair space they will take priority of this space.
Please remember to never leave your pram unattended in a wheelchair space, and to also not store anything else here such as luggage or bags.
We have a host of information about our stations, including if they have step-free access. To see all step-free stations across the Northern network, take a look at the step-free network map.
Some stations have baby changing facilities, but not all. You can find out which stations have these facilities by visiting our station pages.
Yes, we have baby changing facilities on board our Northern trains, located in our toilets.
Not only are our trains child friendly, but our tickets are budget-friendly too. Children aged 5 - 15 travel for half-price on the majority of fares across the UK rail network, and under 5s travel for free alongside fare-paying passengers.
Children should not travel on their own. Children should only travel alone until they are mature enough to understand the risks involved with rail travel and are confident to travel alone.
It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to make this decision.
The British Transport Police have helpful guidance available for children travelling alone.
Northern offers several options when travelling with children.
Our family ticket gives you the chance to travel with your whole family, up to six people, for one great value price. Making the train a great option when travelling with the family. You can purchase the ticket online or on our app for a paper-free option.
If you're eligible, take advantage of the Family & Friends railcard, giving you ⅓ off rail fares for up to 4 adults, and up to 4 children aged 5 - 15, a huge 60% off. Travel together whenever you like, and having two adults named on the Railcard allows one cardholder to travel when the other is busy.
Don't forget that children aged 5 - 15 travel for half-price on the majority of fares across the UK rail network, and under 5s travel for free alongside fare-paying passengers.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.