Deutsche Bahn is launching a service enabling children aged between 6 and 14 to travel alone on long-distance trains, under the constant supervision of specially trained companions. The DB Junior Express will cost EUR 69 each way, plus the child’s ticket.
Children aged between 6 and 14 will be able to travel unaccompanied on certain ICE trains in Germany, being met by specialist staff at the departure station and handed over to the designated person at their destination.
Deutsche Bahn (DB), the German rail operator, is launching the DB Junior Express service on 21 August, aimed at families who wish to send their children on long-distance train journeys unaccompanied.
Initially, the service will be available on Fridays and Sundays on six ICE routes, in both directions:
- Berlin – Munich;
- Munich – Cologne;
- Frankfurt am Main – Hamburg.
The service can be booked from 12 August, no later than 24 hours before departure.
EUR 69 for the escort service, plus the train ticket
The escort service costs EUR 69 per journey, plus the price of the child’s ticket.
Children aged between 6 and 14 travelling alone normally benefit from a 50 per cent discount on the standard fare or Deutsche Bahn’s promotional fares.
“With the DB Junior Express, we offer children travelling alone by train a reliable escort service. For families, this means safety and flexibility, and for our young passengers, greater independence and a positive travel experience,” said Michael Peterson, a member of Deutsche Bahn’s management board responsible for long-distance passenger transport.
A maximum of 14 children and two accompanying adults
Once the booking has been made, the child and their parent or legal guardian meet with DB staff at a designated point in the departure station.
Each group may consist of a maximum of 14 children and two accompanying adults.
They travel together in a reserved area of the train, and staff remain with the children for the entire duration of the journey.
DB states that the accompanying adults are trained, including in educational matters. During the journey, the children will be provided with age-appropriate activities, ranging from reading and board games to creative activities.
On arrival, the child is not simply left at the station. The attendants personally hand the child over, at a designated point, exclusively to the person or persons specified at the time of booking.
Deutsche Bahn expands its offering for families
Apart from the DB Junior Express, Deutsche Bahn will continue to offer free children’s entertainment programmes on Fridays and Sundays on certain domestic trains.
The German operator also has areas dedicated to families and young children on all ICE trains and Intercity 2 services. These are located, where possible, close to the luggage compartments, toilets and baby-changing facilities.
For young children, there are also special compartments with play areas, space for pushchairs and changing tables.
Children under the age of six travel free on Deutsche Bahn trains, whilst those aged between 6 and 14 can travel free when accompanied by someone aged 15 or over and are listed on that person’s ticket.
The new DB Junior Express thus offers an additional option for situations where children have to travel long distances on their own, but their parents want them to be supervised from departure to destination.
Share on:
