Children's Ticket Prices
Under 6 Years
FREE
- ✅ No ticket needed
- ✅ Can sit on parent's lap or seat
- ✅ No age verification required
- ✅ Valid on all trains
Book family tickets using the DB Navigator app. Check luggage rules for strollers.
6-14 Years
FREE*
*When registered on parent/grandparent ticket
- ✅ Free when traveling with family
- ✅ Must be registered during ticket purchase
- ✅ Up to 4 children per adult ticket
- ✅ If traveling alone: 50% discount
15+ Years
Adult Fare
- • Full adult ticket price
- • Consider My BahnCard 25 (Youth) if under 27
- • Regular BahnCards and Sparpreis discounts apply
How to Book Tickets with Children
Select Your Journey
Use DB Navigator app or website. Enter departure and destination as usual.
Add Passengers
Select number of adults, then click "Add children 6-14" and enter number of kids. Kids under 6 don't need to be registered.
Book Family Compartment (Recommended)
During seat selection, filter for "Kleinkindabteil" (family compartment). These have extra space and child-friendly features.
Complete Booking
Pay for adult tickets only. Children's names appear on your ticket confirmation.
Family Compartments (Kleinkindabteil)
ICE and IC trains have special family compartments designed for traveling with young children. These are free to reserve but require advance booking.
Features:
- Play area with toys and books
- Colorful child-friendly decor
- Extra luggage/stroller space
- Fold-down changing table nearby
- Lower seats for children
How to Book:
- 1. Select seat reservation during booking
- 2. Filter by "Kleinkindabteil" or "Family"
- 3. Shows up as "FZ" on seat maps
- 4. Book early—these fill up fast!
Note: Family compartments are available in 2nd class only. Not available on all ICE trains or regional trains.
Practical Tips for Stress-Free Travel
Pack Smart
- • Snacks and drinks (trains can be pricey)
- • Wet wipes and tissues
- • Portable changing mat
- • Entertainment (tablets, books, toys)
- • Extra clothes for accidents
Timing
- • Avoid rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm)
- • Book morning trains (kids less tired)
- • Allow 20+ min for connections with kids
- • Arrive at station 15 min early
Strollers & Equipment
- • Compact folding strollers work best
- • Store in luggage racks or entrance area
- • Label with your name and seat number
- • ICE trains have stroller symbols on luggage racks
Food & Drinks
- • Bring your own—cheaper and healthier
- • ICE has bistro car (expensive)
- • Free water: ask bistro for tap water
- • Bring sippy cups to avoid spills
Family Facilities by Train Type
ICE (High-Speed)
- ✅ Family compartments available
- ✅ Changing tables in accessible toilets
- ✅ Bistro car with high chairs (some trains)
- ✅ Extra luggage/stroller space
IC/EC (Intercity)
- ⚠️ Some have family compartments (check when booking)
- ✅ Usually have changing facilities
- ✅ Luggage racks for strollers
- ⚠️ Restaurant car varies by train
RE/RB (Regional)
- ❌ No family compartments
- ⚠️ Limited or no changing facilities
- ⚠️ Less space for strollers
- ✓ Shorter journeys, easier to manage
Family Money-Saving Tips
🎟️ Länder-Tickets for Family Day Trips
Regional day passes are perfect for families: €27-34 base + €7-9 per additional person. Example: Family of 4 = ~€50 for unlimited regional trains all day!
💳 BahnCard for Parents
If parents have BahnCard, their discount applies to their tickets. Kids still travel free! Family of 4: 2 adults with 50% off + 2 kids free = huge savings.
📅 Book Sparpreis Early
Advance Sparpreis tickets from €17.90 for adults. Kids travel free. A family of 4 can travel Munich-Berlin for under €40!
Book Family-Friendly Travel
Find trains with family compartments and book your stress-free family journey!
Book Your Train Ticket
Book easily in English with Omio. No confusion, just clear options.
Book with OmioThe easy way to book German trains in English
Price Disclaimer: All prices mentioned on this page are non-binding and subject to change. Prices are examples only and may vary depending on booking time, route, and availability. Current and binding prices are available exclusively on the official websites of the respective providers (e.g., bahn.com or omio.com).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do children travel free on German trains?
Yes! Children under 6 travel free without needing a ticket. Children 6-14 travel free when accompanying a parent or grandparent (must be registered on the parent's ticket).
Do I need to book a seat for my baby?
No, children under 6 don't need a seat reservation. They can sit on your lap or share your seat. However, booking a family compartment is recommended for comfort.
Can I bring a stroller on the train?
Yes, strollers are free and allowed on all trains. Fold them and store in luggage racks or designated areas. Family compartments have extra space for strollers.
Are there changing facilities on trains?
ICE and IC trains have wheelchair-accessible toilets with fold-down changing tables. Regional trains may not have changing facilities—bring portable changing mat.
Can I heat baby food or bottles on the train?
There are no microwaves on trains. Bring pre-heated food in thermos containers or ask dining car staff for hot water (ICE trains only).