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Can a 12 year old go on a train alone?

Author

Sarah Martinez

Updated on February 02, 2026

There is a consensus that 13 years old is a good age for a child to start travelling via train on their own. This is in line with many policies provided by train companies, which states they will not allow for children under the age of 12 to travel alone unless accompanied by an adult.

Can a 13 year old get a railcard?

Are there Railcards for children? Railcards for young people begin at the 16-17 Saver Railcard, which offers 50% off train travel for a year. Children aged 15 and below already benefit from heavily discounted tickets, so unfortunately, they aren’t eligible for Railcards yet!

How old do you have to be to get a student rail card?

The 16-25 Railcard gives you 1/3 off train fares throughout Great Britain. As the name suggests, the Railcard is only available for people aged between 16 and 25. However, you can also apply for one if you’re a mature student in full-time study, as long as you’re eligible.

How much is a railcard for students?

The Railcard costs just £30. So after three or four trips, the card will have paid for itself. And over a year, you could save an average of £189*. Your 16-25 Railcard will save you 1/3 off a wide range of tickets .

Can a 12 year old travel on a bus alone?

Children aged five to 10 They can travel unaccompanied and without a photocard on trams and buses. Find out more about 5-10 Zip Oyster photocard on the Transport for London website.

How old is a child on a train?

The age you pay for a child on the train is usually 4 and over, but in some cases it is 6. Child train ticket rules specify that passengers under a certain age may travel for free if they share a seat with an adult.

How can I get a free railcard?

Through a student bank account One of the main ways that students are able to get a free 16-25 railcard is through student bank accounts. Many banks offer similar student accounts so try to differentiate themselves from other banks by offering a free railcard. One of the main banks to offer such a perk is Santander.

Are trains free for under 16?

As soon as you’re 16, you have to pay full price fares unless you have a savings card. The best one to get is the one known as the “Young Person’s Rail Card”, which costs £30 a year and discounts a third off all fares in the UK for anyone aged between 16-25, or people above that age in full-time education.

Who is not eligible for the 16-25 Railcard?

To be attending a recognised college or university, for over 15 hours a week, at least 20 weeks a year. Unfortunately, Open University, distance learning and part-time courses do not qualify. To have the mature student section of the 16-25 Railcard application form completed by your College or University.

Can I get a free railcard?

One of the main ways that students are able to get a free 16-25 railcard is through student bank accounts. Many banks offer similar student accounts so try to differentiate themselves from other banks by offering a free railcard. One of the main banks to offer such a perk is Santander.

Can a 16 year old get a Railcard?

1. Get your Railcard 2. Buy your discounted train tickets 3. Have your Railcard with you when you travel

How much can I save with the Senior Railcard?

How Much Can I Save With the Senior Railcard? The Senior railcard costs just £30 so after just a few trips, the card will have paid for itself (the equivalent of paying £2.50 a month, if you buy annually). Alternatively, you can get it for 3-years for just £70, saving you £20 on the price of three 1-year Railcards.

What kind of Railcard do I need to take with Me?

Some Railcards will only give yourself a discounted fare, others will also cover the people travelling with you – and with some Railcards like the Family & Friends Railcard and Network Railcard you can take children at a reduced rate too.

Where can I buy a 1 year National Rail card?

Some 1-year Railcards can also be purchased at any National Rail staffed ticket office. You can book your train tickets online or in person, but in order to qualify for a reduced rate ticket you must be able to present your Railcard during your journey.