Kids Can Ride Free on These European Trains, Some Have Play Areas Too

European rail trips can cost far less for families than many parents expect, with children travelling free or at reduced fares on several major networks. Some trains go further, adding play areas, family compartments, children’s cinemas and pushchair space. The catch is that every operator sets its own age limits and reservation rules, so the cheapest journey often depends on knowing exactly which ticket or train to book.

Where Families Can Save on European Rail

• Across Europe – Interrail: The Global Pass covers 33 countries. Up to two children aged 4–11 can receive a free Child Pass with each accompanying pass holder aged 18 or over; reservations and supplements can still cost extra.
• Germany – Deutsche Bahn: Children up to five travel free. Ages 6–14 also travel free with someone aged 15 or over when included in the booking; a guaranteed second-class seat costs €4.90.
• Switzerland – SBB: Children aged 6–15 travel free with a parent using an eligible Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex or Swiss Half Fare Card through the free Swiss Family Card. Children under six travel free.
• Great Britain – National Rail: The £35 Family & Friends Railcard gives one-third off fares for up to four adults and 60% off for up to four children aged 5–15 travelling together.
• UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany – Eurostar: Under-fours travel free without their own seat. Children aged 4–11 receive discounted Standard and Plus fares, including 30–50% off London routes depending on travel period.

Germany also stands out for family-friendly seating. Almost all ICE trains have dedicated family areas in second class, while family compartments are available on all ICE services and most IC/EC trains. These spaces are usually close to toilets, entrances and luggage storage, which is useful when travelling with pushchairs or several bags. Reserving them in advance is sensible on busy weekends and during school holidays.

Switzerland and Austria turn the journey itself into part of the holiday. SBB family coaches include an upstairs play area and pushchair storage below, with routes linking Basel, Bern, Interlaken, Zurich, Chur and Geneva Airport. ÖBB Railjets add second-class Family Zones with children’s cinema and table games, making longer rail trips across Austria and neighbouring countries less dependent on screens, snacks and constant seat entertainment.

The biggest savings come from matching the fare rule to the exact journey before paying. Free travel does not always include a reserved seat, and Interrail reservations or sleeper accommodation can still cost extra. During school holidays, families should check the operator’s own website or app, add every child correctly during booking and reserve family spaces early where possible, especially on popular long-distance and overnight services.