A family trip abroad requires a separate check of children’s fares and documents for crossing the border. A concession on a domestic train does not necessarily mean it applies to another international operator.
Check each passenger
State the child’s correct age on the date of travel and check the required documents against the latest official regulations. The composition of the travelling party may be relevant for border checks. Do not rely on an old social media post. For each leg of the journey, check whether a separate seat is required and how the child’s ticket has been issued.
Minimise the number of complicated connections
Don’t just compare routes based on price: a long night journey, an early departure and a short connection can all be inconvenient when combined. Allow time for toilet breaks, water and moving your luggage. Check with all transport operators regarding pushchairs and large items. Keep your documents and a change of clothes to hand, without having to unpack your suitcase on the platform.
See also: Missed your train connection: the ticket inspection procedure; Kyiv–Budapest train: how to prepare for your arrival in the Hungarian capital.
Official sources
State Border Guard Service of Ukraine; Ukrzaliznytsia: official ticket search. Please check current services, prices and conditions for your specific travel dates; the photographs are illustrative of rail travel and do not confirm the composition of any particular service.
Image details
- Railjet Garnitur 49, Kalte Rinne, 09.07.2016.jpg — Liberaler Humanist; CC BY-SA 4.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. Licence terms can be found on the original page.
- Railjet 860 approaches Jenbach, 30 December 2016.jpg — Liberaler Humanist; CC BY-SA 4.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. Licence terms can be found on the original page.
Questions and Answers
Does the Ukrainian child fare apply everywhere?
No. Please check the age categories for each carrier.
What do I need to check for border crossings?
The current requirements regarding the child’s documents and accompanying adults in your specific situation.
Is the cheapest connection always the best option?
No. Work out the number of connections, overnight stops and the time you’ll actually have with your child.
Do you need to arrange for a pushchair?
Yes, check the transport and storage arrangements for all legs of the journey.