Travelling with children

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