Nothing is better than a family day out. Even a simple train journey can turn into an adventure, wherever you’re heading. No matter what you do when you’ve reached your destination, whether you’ve packed a bucket and spade or a picnic basket, choose CrossCountry to get you there.
Here are some helpful tips for travelling with kids, so you can arrive at the station feeling prepared and enjoy a smooth journey together from the moment you board.
Plan your journey
A smooth journey often starts before you board. When travelling as a family, having a clear plan can make the day far easier. As well as having a clear schedule, you’ve got a good chance of securing the best price if you buy an Advance Ticket – that’s two benefits in one.
Purchasing your train tickets in advance also gives you more control over your seating preferences, letting you choose options like sitting near a toilet, securing a table, or picking a window seat. We’ll always do our best to honour your preferences, though this can’t be guaranteed on every service.
Travel with a Family & Friends Railcard
Families with children aged 5 to 15 can benefit from a Family & Friends Railcard. This gives a 1/3 discount on adult fares and a 60% discount on child fares when travelling together. What fantastic savings!
Additionally, children under 5 can travel for free, whether you have a Railcard or not. Please note that free travel doesn’t include a seat reservation, so they may need to sit on your lap or stand if no seats are available. If you’d like your child to have their own reserved seat, simply purchase a child-rate ticket.
Save for longer with a 16-17 Saver
We haven’t forgotten about the teens either. Once your child turns 16, they’ll become eligible for a 16-17 Saver Railcard. This allows the holder to save up to 50% on their rail fares for a full year or until they turn 18.
Get to know the train station facilities
We recommend familiarising yourself with the train and train station facilities, such as restrooms and quiet zones, before you travel. This will make the trip more convenient for everyone.
If you’re travelling with a buggy or pram, planning your route and choosing stations with lift access can make your trip a lot easier. Check out our station guides for key information about your departure and arrival stations before you travel.
Arrive with time to spare
We know that travelling with kids means that things can take a little longer, so we recommend allowing as much time as possible to get to the station, find the right platform, and board the train without a mad rush. It will make the day calmer and, more importantly, much safer for your children.
What to expect on-board
Travelling as a family is a great way to make memories, so we do our best to make your journey as straightforward and relaxed as possible while you’re on board.
Our Voyager trains provide baby-changing facilities in every toilet (3 or 4 per train). On our Turbostar trains, we have one accessible toilet per train, with baby-changing facilities. You’re welcome to fold your pushchair and store it in the luggage area on either train.
Once you arrive
Take time to prepare your buggy or pram
We advise getting your belongings together and strapping your child into their buggy before you arrive at your destination. When you’re ready to disembark the train, turn to face inside the train, step backwards onto the platform, and gradually pull the buggy towards you.
What to do if you get separated from your child
In the unlikely event that you are separated from your child, alert a member of on-board or station staff immediately.
