Travelling with Children by Train in Germany: Complete Guide 2026

Last updated: May 2026

Quick Summary: Children under 6 travel completely free on Deutsche Bahn trains. Children aged 6–14 also travel free when accompanied by an adult (15+) — you just need to add them at booking. One adult can take up to 4 children for free. Special family compartments with changing tables and stroller space are available on ICE trains.

Travelling by train across Germany with kids is one of the best experiences a family can have. No airport queues, no car sickness on the Autobahn, and the kids can move around freely. Germany’s rail network — run by Deutsche Bahn (DB) — is one of Europe’s most comprehensive, connecting virtually every major city and many scenic regions. This guide covers everything English-speaking families need to know: free travel rules, family compartments, the special 2026 family ticket, booking tips, and practical advice for a stress-free journey.

How Old Do Children Travel Free on Deutsche Bahn?

Germany has some of the most family-friendly rail rules in Europe. Here’s the breakdown:

Important: Always add children aged 6–14 at the time of booking — you cannot add them to a ticket after boarding. One adult can bring up to four children aged 6–14 free of charge on a single long-distance ticket.

The DB Family Ticket Summer 2026: €99.99 for up to 5 People

Deutsche Bahn has launched a special DB Familienticket for summer 2026: for just €99.99, a group of up to five people can travel anywhere in Germany on long-distance trains (ICE, IC, EC) — seat reservations included.

Key Facts about the DB Familienticket

• Price: €99.99 flat (with seat reservation)
• Valid: Late June to mid-September 2026
• Who qualifies: Groups of up to 5 people — up to 2 adults (15+) and up to 4 children (6–14). Children under 6 travel free on top.
• Coverage: All domestic long-distance routes in Germany
• Train-bound: You must choose specific trains — no flexible rebooking
• How to book: Appears automatically in DB search results when you add children to your journey

This is an exceptional value for families: a return journey Berlin–Munich for a family of four would normally cost well over €200. The Familienticket makes summer rail travel genuinely affordable.

Family Compartments on ICE Trains

Deutsche Bahn has designed special zones on its long-distance trains to make family travel more comfortable. There are two distinct areas to know about:

The Family Area (Familienbereich)

Found in 2nd class on almost all ICE trains, the Familienbereich is a seating area designed for families with primary-school and kindergarten-age children. It’s located near an entrance, a luggage storage area, and a lavatory — exactly where you want to be with kids. Seats here are grouped in four-seat bays facing each other, perfect for games and snacks.

The Toddler Compartment (Kleinkindabteil)

For babies and toddlers (ages 0–5), the Kleinkindabteil is a semi-enclosed family compartment available on all ICE trains and most IC/EC trains. It’s usually located between the dining car and first class or directly next to the bistro.

What’s inside:

• Fold-out changing table — in the compartment or the adjacent accessible toilet
• Child-safe electrical outlet — to plug in a bottle warmer
• Stroller storage space — dedicated area for buggies
• Extra floor space — room for crawling and playing
• Privacy — a more enclosed, calmer atmosphere than the open coach

How to Book the Family Compartment or Toddler Area

When booking on int.bahn.de (the English-language DB website), add your children under “Passengers.” You can then select seat preferences and choose the family area or toddler compartment in the graphic seat planner. A seat reservation costs €4.90 in 2nd class or €5.90 in 1st class. You can book up to 12 months in advance — recommended for summer travel.

Strollers and Pushchairs on the Train

You can bring a pushchair or stroller on Deutsche Bahn trains free of charge. However, space on board is limited — particularly on busy weekends, public holidays, and during school holidays.

Practical tips for strollers:

• A compact, foldable buggy or a baby carrier/sling is the most convenient option
• Full-sized prams can be stored in the toddler compartment (Kleinkindabteil) or at a luggage rack near the entrance
• On crowded trains, stroller space cannot be guaranteed — arrive early on the platform to board quickly
• The train coach sequence (showing where the family car is) is visible in the DB Navigator app and on platform displays before the train arrives

Regional Trains: Different Rules Apply

The free travel rules above apply to long-distance services (ICE, IC, EC). On regional trains (RE, RB, S-Bahn), slightly different rules apply:

• One adult can generally bring up to 3 children free of charge on regional trains
• Some transport associations (Verkehrsverbünde) have their own child fare rules
• The Deutschlandticket (€63/month for unlimited regional travel) covers children under 6 for free — but children aged 6 and over need their own Deutschlandticket
• Many German states offer special regional day tickets (Ländertickets) that allow multiple people to travel together cheaply — great for day trips

Travelling to Austria and Switzerland with Children

Planning a cross-border trip? The family-friendly rules extend to neighbouring countries:

• Children up to age 5 travel free to Austria and Switzerland when accompanying a parent or grandparent
• Children aged 6–14 also travel free to Austria and Switzerland — they must be added to the adult ticket at booking
• For travel to France, London, Sweden, or Czech Republic via international Saver fares, different child rules may apply — check the booking process for each route

Tips for a Smooth Family Train Journey in Germany

1. Book early and reserve seats: Especially during school holidays and summer, the family compartment fills up fast. Book as early as possible — up to 12 months ahead for summer trips.
2. Download the DB Navigator app: It shows real-time train platform positions (coach sequence), so you know exactly where to stand on the platform before the train arrives.
3. Pack entertainment in your carry-on: Headphones, tablets with downloaded shows, drawing materials, and snacks go a long way. The journey from Berlin to Munich takes about 4 hours on an ICE.
4. Board at the right coach: Check the platform display for the coach sequence and board at your exact coach number — this avoids a scramble through the train with a stroller.
5. Use the dining car: The DB Bordrestaurant serves hot food, snacks, and drinks. Kids love going there for a mini adventure mid-journey.
6. Free WiFi on ICE trains: Most ICE trains have free onboard WiFi (speed varies). ICE 3 and ICE 4 trains offer the most reliable connection.
7. Check for family surprises: On selected routes, especially weekends, DB has “family stewards” (Familienbetreuer) on board offering activities like crafts, drawing, or storytelling for children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do children travel free on Deutsche Bahn?

Yes — children under 6 always travel free. Children aged 6–14 travel free when accompanied by an adult (15+) on the same ticket. You must add the children during booking. One adult can bring up to 4 children aged 6–14 for free on a long-distance journey.

What is the DB Familienticket for summer 2026?

The DB Familienticket is a flat-rate ticket for €99.99 valid during the summer holidays (late June to mid-September 2026). Up to 5 people can travel anywhere in Germany on long-distance trains (ICE/IC/EC), including seat reservations. At least one member of the group must be a child (under 15). Up to 2 adults and 4 children aged 6–14 can travel together.

What is the Kleinkindabteil (toddler compartment)?

The Kleinkindabteil is a dedicated family compartment on ICE trains for families with babies and young children (0–5 years). It features a fold-out changing table, child-safe power outlet, stroller storage, and extra floor space. To reserve it, add at least one child under 5 at booking and then select the Kleinkindabteil in the seat planner.

Can I take a stroller on a German train?

Yes, strollers can be taken free of charge. Space is limited, so a foldable buggy or baby sling is recommended. On weekends and holidays, the stroller space in the toddler compartment may already be occupied — boarding early and reserving the Kleinkindabteil helps.

Do children need a ticket for the Deutschlandticket?

Children under 6 travel free with the Deutschlandticket without needing their own ticket. Children aged 6 and above need their own Deutschlandticket to travel on regional trains. The free travel rules for 6–14 year olds apply only to long-distance tickets (Fernverkehr), not the Deutschlandticket.

Can children travel alone on Deutsche Bahn?

Yes. Children aged 6–14 travelling alone (without a companion aged 15 or over) receive a 50% discount on their ticket. DB offers a “Kids Service” on selected routes where station staff can accompany children to the train. For unaccompanied children, book directly via bahn.de and note any applicable age restrictions per route.

How do I book the family area or toddler compartment?

Book on int.bahn.de (English interface). Enter your travel details and add children under “Passengers.” After selecting your ticket, choose a seat reservation and select “Family area” or “Toddler compartment” in the graphical seat planner. Reservations cost €4.90 in 2nd class.

Conclusion: Why Germany by Train is Perfect for Families

Travelling with children by train in Germany is genuinely hassle-free compared to flying or driving. Kids travel free, the trains are spacious and comfortable, and dedicated family compartments mean you don’t have to worry about disturbing other passengers. With the 2026 Familienticket making long-distance journeys affordable for the whole family, there’s never been a better time to explore Germany by rail.