without ticket train travel

What Happens if You Travel on a Train Without Tickets?

Many people worldwide rely on the railway system to get where they need to go, whether they’re going on vacation or to work. Train tickets can be bought online or at a manned station. So, what happens if you travel on a train without tickets?

Traveling on a train without a ticket can result in being asked to buy a ticket on-board which will include an extra fee. You might receive a hefty fine, asked to get off at the next available station, or the police will be called to remove and possibly arrest you in some rare cases.

In this article, I’ll discuss what happens if you travel on a train without a ticket, why it’s always best to buy a train ticket in advance, train-hopping, and some more exciting train facts.

Possible Outcomes of Traveling on a Train Without a Ticket

Traveling on a train without a ticket is risky and can have various outcomes depending on the railroad and the conductor. Always apologize and be friendly towards the conductor as you are in the wrong, and being argumentative will only worsen your situation.

Here are some possible outcomes you might want to prepare yourself for:

• If you don’t have a ticket and are caught, the conductor will most likely allow you to purchase a ticket on board. Sometimes buying a ticket on-board will include a penalty fee.
• If you have no means of paying for a ticket, you may be offered the opportunity to pay later. In this instance, your information will be recorded and kept on record until paid. Don’t try to travel on a train again until your outstanding fee is paid, as you may be arrested.
• If you don’t have money or the option to buy a ticket, you’ll be asked to get off of the train at the next stop. This could be highly problematic as you might not know where you are or have any way of getting back home or your destination.
• Receiving a hefty fine is possible and can cost you between $250 and $1,000.
• There’s also a chance that the conductor will alert the authorities and that you might be arrested and even charged for “theft” of services.

Can You Get on a Train Without a Ticket?

You can get on a train and travel without a ticket to your destination, but it’s not recommended. There’s a chance that the conductor might not ask to see your ticket, and you get away with traveling for free, but there’s also a big chance that you’ll be caught.

It’s risky to travel on a train without a ticket as it’s illegal, and although some conductors and railroads might be lenient, not all will be, and you’ll have to deal with the consequences if you’re caught.

Buying Train Tickets

It’s always best to buy your train ticket in advance, whether traveling across the country or going to your job. Booking your ticket in advance will ensure that you get to choose the best time and date for your trip and will usually cost you less. 

If you didn’t know that you were going to be traveling, it’s still best to see if you can book your ticket online as this will ensure that you don’t have to pay extra fees from boarding a train without a ticket.

Different Ways To Buy Train Tickets

The best and easiest way to buy a train ticket is online or using the Amtrak app. You can pay for your booking using your credit or debit card as well as PayPal and guest reward points.

If you don’t have the option of buying your ticket online, you can buy it at an Amtrak Quik-Trak kiosk or the station before boarding the train. You can also book your ticket by phone or through a travel agent.

Train Hopping

Train hopping is illegal and dangerous, but people are still doing it worldwide. Also known as train surfing, it means that people ride on the outside of a train.

It started many years ago and became popular after the American Civil war and people used to train hop as a means to get where they were going. There are still some poor and homeless people doing it today.

Train hopping has in recent years become an exciting activity for adrenaline junkies who also jump on and off moving trains. It is extremely dangerous as there are many factors to consider, not just being caught.

Anybody riding on the outside of a train, whether on the side or on the roof, is at great risk of injury or even death. Train hoppers have to be aware of their environment at all times and watch out for bridges, tunnels, other trains, power lines, and many more dangers that can harm them.

If a train hopper comes into contact with an electrical line, they’ll be electrocuted, which is a life-threatening incident. Train surfers can also lose limbs or be fatally injured by coming into contact with another train or any objects along the way.

It’s extremely dangerous to jump on and off a moving train, and if not timed correctly, it can lead to devastating results, such as the person falling underneath the train.

If, however, you manage to survive the journey without picking up any injuries, you still have to worry about being caught as well. Train hopping is illegal, and if caught, you can be fined or even arrested.

You can watch this interesting YouTube video if you want to learn more about train surfing:

Final Thoughts on Traveling on a Train Without Tickets

Traveling on a train without a ticket is illegal and can lead to being asked to get off the train, fined, and even arrested. Buy your train ticket ahead of time to ensure that you get to your destination on time and save money.

You can buy a ticket online, with an app, or at the train station, and you can easily pay with a credit card or cash.

Traveling on a train without a ticket might look like a good option if you are out of money, but it might cost you more in the long run.

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Traveling by train here is how you can travel without a confirmed ticket.

If you have not been able to get a confirmed ticket due to any reason, as per Indian Railways rules, you may still travel using the waiting ticket. To use this option you have keep in mind that the waiting ticket should be obtained from the ticket window. Online unconfirmed tickets are not eligible for this option.

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How to Travel by Train Without a Ticket

Traveling by train without a ticket, also known as fare evasion, is a serious offense that can result in fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record. In most countries, fare evasion is punishable by law, and train operators have a number of measures in place to prevent it. Here are some tips for avoiding fare evasion and traveling by train legally:

• Purchase a ticket: The most straightforward way to avoid fare evasion is to purchase a ticket before boarding the train. You can do this at a ticket office, through an online booking platform, or at a ticket machine. Make sure to have your ticket with you at all times during your journey and be prepared to show it to ticket inspectors if requested.
• Use a valid travel pass: If you have a valid travel pass, such as a season ticket or a railcard, you can use this to travel on the train instead of purchasing a separate ticket. Make sure to have your pass with you at all times and be prepared to show it to ticket inspectors if requested.
• Use a contactless payment card: Some train operators now accept contactless payment cards as a valid form of ticket. Simply tap your card on the reader when you board the train and you’ll be charged the appropriate fare.
• Consider alternative options: If you don’t want to purchase a ticket or use a travel pass, you may want to consider alternative modes of transport. This could include taking the bus, carpooling, or cycling.

In summary, the best way to avoid fare evasion and travel legally on the train is to purchase a ticket or use a valid travel pass. If you don’t have either of these options, you may want to consider alternative modes of transport. Remember, fare evasion is a serious offense that can result in fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record.

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Major and Minor Penalties in Railway

Passengers with short distance tickets found traveling in a coach reserved for long distance passengers..

A passenger holding a ticket for a short distance, found travelling in a coach reserved for long distance passengers, will be asked to vacate the coach at the station of detection unless he pays the difference between the fare for the minimum permissible distance for travelling in that coach and the fare paid.

Passengers with short distance tickets found traveling by restricted trains.

Where the distance between the station at which the passenger entrains and the destination of the train itself is less than the minimum distance prescribed for the train, he will be liable to pay the difference between the fare paid and the fare for the minimum distance.

But a passenger who holds a ticket for a station beyond the restricted distance and detrains short of the minimum distance, travel upto which is restricted, is not to be penalized in any manner.

Persons travelling in Postal Vans.

Railway Mail Service staff are supplied with metal tokens for travelling in postal vans. Any person in a postal van who is unable to produce his token, must be treated as a passenger travelling without ticket in a first class compartment. The matter should also be reported to the Divisional Commercial Superintendent for taking up with the postal authorities.

Mendicants travelling without ticket.

Faqirs, Sadhus and other Mendicants, who travel without ticket and have no money, should be sent up for trial under section 137, and not under section 138 of the Railways Act, as they obviously intend to defraud the railway. The charge-sheets with which such persons are made over to the police, must be carefully prepared showing that prosecution is, to be undertaken under section 137 of the Railways Act.

Checking of tickets and passes of passengers travelling by Goods Trains.

Guards in charge of goods trains must check tickets and passes of passengers who travel in their brake vans to ensure that the tickets or passes are actually available for such travel. It should also be seen by the Guards that such passes/tickets are collected by the staff at destination stations.

Checking of tickets of lady passengers travelling in compartments reserved for ladies exclusively.

The checking of compartments reserved for females will ordinarily be done by Lady Ticket Collectors/Examiners. Male Ticket Collectors or Travelling Ticket Examiners must not enter "Females" compartments but may check their tickets from the platforms only.

Travelling without a pass or ticket.

Fare from the station which he has travelled or from the station which the train originally started or from the checking point with equal amount of excess charge subject to a minimum of Rs. 250/- upto the point of detection.

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Indian Railways: Here’s how you can travel without confirmed ticket in train

As per Indian Railways rules, you can travel using the waiting ticket.

Hyderabad: Ahead of Diwali , getting a confirmed train ticket from Indian Railways can be challenging. At times, you don’t get a confirmed ticket even in the ‘tatkal’ ticket reservations system. However, there is a way you can still travel on Indian Railways trains without a confirmed ticket.

As per Indian Railways rules, you can travel using the waiting ticket. However, to avail of this option you need to get the waiting ticket offline at railway stations. Online unconfirmed tickets are not eligible for this option.

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Also, online unconfirmed ticket passengers are not allowed to travel inside the train as the ticket money is refunded to the passenger if the seat is not confirmed till the time of preparation of the departing train chart.

Once obtaining the waiting list or current booking ticket from the ticket window, the passenger can approach the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) of the train to find out whether any seat is still vacant after chart preparation.

The TTE cannot stop you from travelling by train if you have this ticket. Yet, the passenger won’t be getting a seat if the examiner says that no extra was left on the train.

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Without ticket train ride on the rise: 9 months of 2021-22 see 1.78 crore in net

Between april and december 2021, more than 1.78 crore passengers were detected travelling without ticket/with improper ticket and unbooked luggage. an amount of rs 1,017.48 crore was realised from them as fine..

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The Railways caught more than 1.78 crore ticketless passengers, and those with unbooked luggage, in the first nine months of 2021-22, a jump of around 79 percent from the non-Covid-hit fiscal of 2019-2020, according to an RTI response.

During the coronavirus impacted fiscal of 2020-21, when severe restrictions on traffic movement were in place, the number of such passengers stood at 27 lakh. The data was made available by the Railway Board in response to the RTI query filed by Madhya Pradesh-based activist Chandra Shekhar Gaur.

The RTI response also revealed that during April-December 2021, more than 1.78 crore passengers were detected travelling without ticket/with improper ticket and unbooked luggage. An amount of Rs 1,017.48 crore was realised from them as fine, it said.

Sources indicated that one of the major reasons for such a surge in ticketless travel is the fact that even now, when most of the Covid restrictions have been lifted, many express and superfast trains have only online booking and limited services.

As for the 2019-2020 fiscal, which was not impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, 1.10 crore people were caught travelling ticketless and a total fine of Rs 561.73 crore was recovered from them.

Related stories

Between April 2020 and March 2021 i.e. 2020-21 fiscal, 27.57 lakh people were caught travelling ticketless and Rs 143.82 crore was levied as fine on them. Passengers have also complained that there was a demand-supply mismatch as far as train services are concerned.

In fact, according to data provided by the Railways, over 52 lakh people who were on the waitlist after finalisation of seat reservation charts could not travel by trains in the first six months of the current fiscal, indicating a need for more trains on busy routes.

Till September of the financial year 2021-2022, 32,50,039 PNRs (passenger name records), against which 52,96,741 passengers had bookings, were auto-cancelled as they were in the waitlist status after the preparation of the charts.

The problem is that after the severe restrictions on travel over the last two years, people are now travelling more and more. Some because of emergencies and many more for leisures. While the number of travellers has increased, the number of trains, their frequencies have remained the same.

We have introduced clone trains and things will get better, said an official. According to Railways data, there has been a significant increase in the number of passengers availing train services from 2019-2020 to 2021-22.

In October 2019, when regular train services were in operation, the number of passengers who travelled by trains was 4.40 crore. In September 2021, with an improvement in the COVID-19 situation, the number rose to almost seven crore. The RTI also said that during April 2021 to December 2021, the overall occupancy of reserved accommodation was 99.65 percent.

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What can happen if I am on a train without a valid ticket?

30 March 2015

If you do not have a valid ticket or a valid reason for not having one and you board the train, the train company has a number of options:  

The full fare can be charged for your journey

Under the  National Rail Conditions of Travel ,  you could be charged the full fare for the journey. Typical examples of being found aboard a train with an invalid ticket include:  where you have a ticket but have forgotten your Railcard; or where you have an Off-peak ticket but travel in the peak; or where you have an Advance ticket but are on the wrong train. In some instances you may be charged the full Anytime (peak hours) fare; in others, it may be the cheapest fare available for journeys made at that time.  

If staff on the train consider that your ticket is not valid and that a full fare should be charged you can pay immediately and then, if desired, complain to the train operating company to seek redress. If you do not have the means to pay immediately – or if you choose to complain/appeal before paying – the inspector can issue an Unpaid Fare Notice (UFN). This is not a fine or a penalty but an ‘invoice’ for the fare for the train you are on. An Unpaid Fares Notice is different from a Penalty Fare.  

You can be issued a Penalty Fare

Penalty fares were originally introduced to tackle ticketless travel on suburban services whose frequent stops made effective on-train ticket examination impractical. They have since been introduced to other services. They require the passenger to provide a valid reason for not having a ticket. Penalty fares are not in use on all train routes, and where they are in use signs at stations should make this clear to passengers.  

If you are in a designated Penalty Fares area and you are not able to produce a valid ticket for inspection you are liable to pay £100 plus the price of the full single fare.   If paid within 21 days the charge will be reduced to £50 plus the price of the full single fare if applicable.  If you feel that you should not have been issued a penalty fare you may appeal.  Details of the appeals procedure are shown on the penalty fare notice issued to you.

Prosecution for fare evasion

The  Railway Byelaws  make it an offence to travel without holding a valid ticket and being able to show it on request. A breach of this bylaw is a criminal offence and, if found guilty, you would be subject to a fine An operator can also prosecute for ‘intent to avoid a rail fare’ under the Regulation of Railways Act 1889, s.5 (3) and you may be fined or sentenced to imprisonment for up to three months.   

If you are being prosecuted you may wish to seek legal advice.

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How To Travel By Train Without A Confirmed Ticket, Know Rules And Regulations

Many people are not aware that they can buy tickets from the platform and travel with that ticket. you can board the train and still buy the ticket later..

New Delhi: Generally, to travel by train you have to make reservation months in advance. For reservation, there are two ways that you can book. Tickets can be booked either through the reservation window or online. But what to do if you have to travel at the very last minute?

Most people consider 'tatkal' tickets as the only option for this. However, not many are aware that you can travel by train after purchasing a ticket from the platform.

How To Travel By Platform Ticket

There is no need to panic if you don't have a reservation. You can board a train with a platform ticket and can get it easily by going to the ticket checker. The person boarding the train with the platform ticket will have to contact the TTE immediately and get a current ticket made for his destination.

Know Rules Before Travelling

Sometimes you won't get a reserved seat when there's a full reservation but you'll be still allowed to travel in the train compartment. If you don't have a reservation, you will be fined Rs 250 along with the price of the destination ticket. 

Fare Applicable From Station You Bought Platform Ticket

The platform ticket gives the passenger the right to board the train. The advantage of platform tickets is that the passenger's fare will be calculated by determining the station from where he/she has bought the platform ticket. The same station will be validated while charging the fare. The class (1AC, 2AC, 3AC etc) will also determine the total fare of the travel.

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Your Cheap Fare Finder

The cheap fare finder from National Rail Enquiries shows the fares for all UK train operators on all routes.

Simply select your preferred dates and time of travel to find the best value fare you can purchase and get great savings on your journey.

Enter your journey details to find and buy train tickets.

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If you are flexible with dates and times for your journey, and can book in advance, you can often achieve huge discounts when buying train tickets. Whether you're travelling for work or leisure, the cheap fare finder is your one-stop shop to finding the best option for your selected point-to-point journey.

Our cheap fares are subject to these provisions .

Here are some other tips on ways to save money on train travel.

Use Railcards for Great Savings

Choose the right railcard that's for you and you can get a 1/3 off rail fares on your standard rail tickets. There are a range of national Railcards . There is also a selection of regional Railcards which can be used in specific areas of the country.

Find train tickets using National Rail Enquiries

Book in advance

Advance fares are single (one-way) tickets, offering great value for money on many journeys. Advance tickets are sold in limited numbers and subject to availability. The earlier you book, the more money you save. Buy train tickets up to three months in advance for the cheapest fares.

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Opal single tickets

If you don't have an  Opal card  or use  contactless payments , you can get an Opal single trip ticket. These tickets are designed as a back up option and are only available for metro/train, ferry and light rail services. It is usually cheaper and more convenient to tap on and tap off with a contactless-enabled credit, debit card or linked device, unless you need Child/Youth fares.

Opal single tickets are available as Adult or Child/Youth only. Child/Youth single tickets are for those aged 4-15 years old or eligible  secondary students . No other concessions are available.

You cannot break your journey or get return tickets with Opal single tickets. Each trip requires a new ticket. Remember to tap on and tap off  with an Opal single ticket, or else you are travelling on an invalid ticket and  you may be fined .

You can buy up to two Adult and two Child/Youth Opal single trip tickets at once and they are valid on the day of purchase until 4am the next day. Refunds are only available for faulty tickets.

Opal single trip tickets are available at select stations or wharves  from top up and single trip ticket machines. If your station or wharf doesn't offer them, use contactless payments or get an Opal card.

metro train Metro and train

Note: trips that include transfers between Sydney Metro, Sydney Trains and/or NSW TrainLink Intercity services are considered a continuous journey. No need to tap off and tap on again between services.

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You can purchase an Opal single trip ticket on-board the Newcastle Stockton Ferry.

Private ferries

Opal single trip tickets are not accepted on private ferries.

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Do I have to pay for my child’s ticket?

All trains in uk.

Children under 5

Most UK Train Operating Companies (TOCs) let you bring up to two children under the age of five with you for free, as long as they're travelling with at least one paying adult. You won’t need to buy a child ticket.

As the child won’t have a ticket it also means they won’t have a seat reserved and so if the train is busy they will be expected to sit on your knee.

If you want to guarantee them a seat then you will need to buy a child ticket. Child tickets are only available for the age range 5-15, so please select this even if your child is younger.

Children from 5 to 15

For children between the ages of 5 and 15 inclusive, you can get a 50% discount on most tickets. It'll be automatically applied when you choose a child’s ticket. If your child looks older than 15, you might want to carry some form of ID, like a passport, that shows their age.

If you’re travelling as a group with children, you’ll probably save money with a Family and Friends Railcard . This gives you a 33% discount for adults and a 60% discount for children, so long as you’re all travelling together. Just select the Family and Friends Railcard from the drop-down menu when you start your search.

Ceské dráhy (CD) - Czech Republic

Children under 6

Children under the age of 6 travel free. They require a complimentary ticket which can be obtained from the conductor.

Children aged 6 to 14

Children between the ages of 6 and 14 inclusive get a 50% discount on their ticket. It’ll be automatically applied when you choose a child’s ticket. Children between 10 and 14 should carry some form of ID, that shows their age.

CFL - Luxembourg

Children under the age of 12 travel for free when they are accompanied by someone over the age of 12 (adult/youth). This is valid for up to 4 children per adult/youth.

Deutsche Bahn - Germany

Children aged under 6

Children under the age of 6 do not need a ticket or seat reservation, if you add an under 6 to your booking, they will not appear on your e-ticket.

Children aged between 6 and 14

Children aged between 6 and 14 travel for free in Germany when they are travelling with their parents or grandparents. They must have a ticket to travel, so you should include them as a passenger when you make your booking. You must add the optional seat reservation if you're booking 2nd class. If you're booking 1st class, the seat reservation is automatically added.

For cross-border travel between Germany and France you must purchase a ticket for children aged between 6 and 14.

DSB - Denmark

Children aged 0 -11

Up to 2 children aged between 0 and 11 can travel free of charge for each paying adult travelling.

Children aged 12 -15

Children aged 12 and 15 travel at a reduced rate which. It will be automatically applied when you choose a child's ticket.

Eurostar - UK and France

Children under 4  

Children under 4 can travel for free, but he won’t have seat and will need to sit on your lap. In this case you don’t need to add the child during the booking process, otherwise a child fare will apply automatically. .

If you want them to have their own seat you'll need to buy a child ticket.

If you are travelling alone with two or more children under 4 then you'll need to take one on your lap and buy child tickets for the others.

Children from 4 to 11

Special fares for kids aged 4 to 11 years old are available in Standard class. Children, aged 12 and over, are eligible for our youth fares.

iryo - Spain

Children under 4 Children under the age of 4 travel for free without occupying a seat, sitting on the lap of the accompanying adult during the journey. They must be included in the reservation.

Children aged 4 to 13

Children aged between 4 and 13 travel at a reduced rate which will be automatically applied when you include them in the reservation.

They must be bought with an adult ticket.

Italo - Italy

Italo Family Offer

With the Italo Family offer children under 14 years of age travel free of charge with their family in Smart ambiance, if Adults purchase a Flex ticket. A family or group is composed of minimum 2 and maximum 4 people, with at least 1 passenger over 18 years of age. Infants under 36 months of age are not counted, as they can travel without a seat on an adult’s lap. If the offer is available, you will see it displayed in the fare conditions to the right of the timetables when you conduct a search.

Children under the age of 3 years (36 months) travel for free if they sit on an accompanying adult’s lap.

NS and NS International - Netherlands

Obb - austria.

Children under the age of 6 travel free when accompanied by an adult. They must be included in the reservation at the time of booking and will be issued with a ticket for free travel. Please note, that children travelling for free on night trains will not have their own bed. If you'd like to reserve a bed, you'll need to book a Child ticket.

Children between the ages 6 and 14 inclusive get a 50% discount on their ticket. The discount will automatically be applied when you enter their age

15 and over

Will be charged and adult fare.

Ouigo - France

All children under the age of 12 are charged a set fare depending on the departure and arrival stations-

• Departures and arrivals from Paris Center and Lille-Flandres stations cost €8
• Departures and arrivals for all other stations cost €5

Children aged 12 and over are charged a standard adult fare.

OUIGO España - Spain

Children aged 0 - 4

Children aged between 0 and 4 can travel free of charge for each paying adult travelling, they do not need to be included in the reservation.

Children aged 4-13

Children under the aged of 2

Children under 2 are charged 50% of a full fare, each child is required to be accompanied by at least one adult.

Children aged between 2 and 12

Children aged between 2 and 12 are charged 75% of a full fare.

A form of identification is required, it must have a picture and show the child's date of birth.

Renfe - Spain

• Children up to 3 years old travel for free without occupying a seat, sitting on the lap of the accompanying adult during the journey. They must be included in the reservation; If the route is on a Media Distancia train, it will not be necessary to obtain a free child's ticket.
• Children between 4 and 14 years old Get a 40% discount on the ticket price and occupy a place.

You will see that during the reservation process, our system asks to enter an identification document per person in the 'Passenger information' section. However, if you are traveling with a person under 14 who still does not have a DNI or passport, for domestic trips it will not be necessary to include it, so you can simply write "11111111" in the 'Number' field.   

Be sure to bring the Family Book as it is very possible that they will ask you for it.

It is important to bear in mind that, from the age of 14, it is mandatory by law to carry official identification document, which is why it's asked for when buying a ticket. 

SBB - Switzerland

Children under the age of 6 travel free when accompanied by an adult or a youth aged 12 or over. Up to 4 children can travel free when accompanied by an over 12, and up to 8 children when accompanied by an adult. Additional children must purchase a child ticket.

Children aged 6 to 15

Children between the ages of 6 and 15 inclusive get either a 50% discount on their ticket, or pay the minimum fare. The discount will automatically be applied when you enter their age

16 and over

Renfe-SNCF - Spain and France

Children under the aged of 4

Children under 4 travel for free and do not require a ticket as long as they sit on an accompanying adult’s lap. If a seat reservation is desired, child tickets start from €15 one-way and can be purchased by including the child as a passenger in the reservation.

Children aged between 4 and 14

For Children aged between 4 and 14, and if a seat is desired for under 4’s, there is a 40% reduction in the ticket price for the “Flexi” or “Essential” fares.

SNCB - Belgium

Sncf - france.

Children under 4 travel for free and do not require a ticket as long as they sit on an accompanying adult’s lap.

If a seat reservation is desired, a Forfait Bambin ticket can be purchased for €9 and can be purchased by including the child as a passenger in the reservation.

TGV Lyria - France and Switzerland

If a seat reservation is desired, Baby Pass tickets start from €9 and can be purchased by including the child as a passenger in the reservation.

Thello - France and Italy

Children under 4 years of age travel for free, and do not require a ticket, provided they share a bed or a couchette with an adult accompanying them. There is a limit of one child (under 4) per adult. If you are travelling with more than one child under 4 years old per accompanying adult, you need to book an additional bed or couchette.

Children between the ages of 4 and 14 must have their own couchette or bed and must be included in your reservation.

Trenitalia - Italy

Trenitalia’s child discounts differ depending on the type of train and route. On national trains, children aged 4 and under (on the day of departure) travel free, without a seat reservation. They are expected to sit on the lap of an accompanying adult for the duration of the journey. Children aged 4-14 receive a 50% discount. Anyone above the age of 14 is given adult fare on national trains. On all regional trains, except in the regions of Campania, Abruzzo, Lombardia, Sardinia and in the autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano (see below for details), children under the age of 4 (on the day of departure) travel free, without a seat. They are expected to sit on the lap of an accompanying adult for the duration of the journey. Children aged 4-11 receive a 50% discount. Children aged 12 and above pay full price on regional trains.

Tickets for children in the regions of Abruzzo, Bolzano, Lombardia, Trento, and Sardinia

Abruzzo : children under one metre in height, accompanied by an adult, travel for free, without a seat. Bolzano : children under the age of 6, accompanied by an adult, travel for free, without a seat. Child of the age of 6, as long as they are living in the province of Bolzano and are not yet attending school also travel for free, without a seat.

Campania : children under the age of 6 accompanied by an adult, travel for free, without a seat.  

Lombardia : children under the age of 4 (on the day of departure) accompanied by an adult travel for free, without a seat. Children aged 4-14 (on the day of departure) receive a 50% discount. Children aged 14 and above pay full price on regional trains. 

Trento : children under the age of 6 years accompanied by an adult (paying or with a free ticket or ticket pass) travel free, and can have a seat. An adult is allowed to travel with up to 5 children of under the age of 6 at a time.

Sardinia : children under the age of 6 accompanied by an adult, travel for free, without a seat (proof of age has to be supplied upon demand). If an adult is travelling with more than one child under the age 6, they must purchase a travel ticket at the appropriate full fare for every two children (e.g. one child travels for free, two children - one full fare ticket, three children - one full fare ticket, four children - two full fare tickets, and so on). 

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How to Travel Through Europe by Train Like a Pro

Last Updated on June 8, 2023

Traveling through Europe by train is a wonderful experience that offers a unique and authentic way to explore the continent. It is a cost-effective and sustainable way to travel that gives you a chance to see the breathtaking scenery of Europe. 

However, train travel can also be overwhelming for first-timers. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on traveling through Europe by train like a pro.

Make an Itinerary

The first step to traveling through Europe by train like a pro is to plan ahead. Research your destinations and create a rough itinerary of the places you want to visit, as well as the duration of your stay. You can use websites such as Rail Europe or Eurail to plan your train journeys and book tickets in advance. This can save you money, time, and heartache on your adventure!

Buy a Rail Pass

If you plan to take multiple train journeys during your trip, buying a rail pass is worth considering. A rail pass allows you to travel on most trains in Europe without purchasing individual tickets for each journey. Different types of rail passes are available, depending on the length of your trip and the countries you want to visit.

Utilize Nearby Luggage Storage

When traveling through Europe by train, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to store your luggage temporarily. This can happen if you arrive at your destination before your hotel check-in time or want to explore a city without carrying heavy bags.

Fortunately, many train stations in Europe offer luggage storage facilities. For example, if you’re spending the day in St. Pancras, simply look for luggage storage in St. Pancras . Now, you can explore the city with peace of mind — and no heavy bags weighing you down.

Choose Your Train

When traveling through Europe by train , you can take high-speed trains, regional trains, or overnight trains. High-speed trains, such as the Eurostar or TGV, are faster and more expensive than regional trains. However, they are a smart option for longer journeys or days you want to travel between two distant cities in a short amount of time.

Regional trains, on the other hand, are slower but cheaper. They are an option if you want to explore smaller towns and villages along your route. Overnight trains, such as the Nightjet, allow you to save time and money by combining transportation and accommodation.

One of the advantages of traveling through Europe by train is the ability to easily move from one place to another. However, this can be difficult if you are carrying a heavy suitcase. Therefore, it is important to pack light and only bring the essentials. A backpack or a small suitcase is ideal for train travel.

Arrive Early

You should arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before your train departure time. This allows you to find your platform, check the train timetable, and board the train stress-free. After all, when a train says it leaves at 10:00, you best believe it’ll be on the move promptly at 10:00.

Additionally, arriving early can give you time to grab a coffee or a snack from one of the many cafes at the train station.

Validate Your Ticket

If you have purchased individual train tickets, don’t forget to validate them before boarding the train. You can do this at the yellow validation machines located at the train station. Failure to validate your ticket can result in a fine if you are caught by a ticket inspector on the train.

Keep Your Ticket Handy

Once you have boarded the train, it is important to keep your ticket handy. Ticket inspectors may ask to see your ticket any time during the journey, so it is best to have it easily accessible. Additionally, some trains have a designated area for luggage storage, so be sure to keep your bags in the appropriate area.

Bring Your Own Food

While some trains have dining cars or food carts, it is always a good idea to bring your own food and snacks for the journey. This can save you money and ensure that you have something to eat if the train has no food options or limited options.

Enjoy the Scenery

Last but not least, one of the most important things to remember when traveling through Europe by train is to take the time to enjoy the scenery. Europe is home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and architecture, and traveling by train allows you to see it all from a unique perspective.

Happy Travels!

Traveling through Europe by train is a fantastic experience that offers a unique and authentic way to explore the continent. With these tips, you can travel like a pro and make the most of your journey. Remember to plan ahead, pack light, and most importantly, enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.

Related posts:

• Why you should travel by train in Europe (and how to book tickets)
• Exploring France by train: Our top five train rides in France
• How to Travel around Europe on the Cheap
• Things to Know Before You Board a Train from Vienna to Prague