Family Travel Made Easy
Travelling with children by train can be one of the most enjoyable and stress-free ways to explore the North of England and Scotland. Unlike car journeys, there is no traffic, no parking headaches, and no one asking "are we there yet" while stuck on the motorway. At TransPennine Express, we have designed our services to make family travel as comfortable and affordable as possible.
One of the biggest advantages of train travel with children is the freedom of movement. Children can stretch their legs, visit the toilet without stopping, and look out of the windows at the passing scenery. Our modern Nova fleet carriages are spacious and well-equipped, giving families plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the journey together.
Booking the Best Family Fares
Children under five travel completely free on all TransPennine Express services, with no ticket required. Children aged five to fifteen can travel for just one pound with a paying adult on many of our routes when you book Advance tickets online. This makes a family day out by train incredibly affordable compared to driving.
For even greater savings, consider investing in a Family & Friends Railcard. For a small annual fee, up to four adults can each get one-third off their fares, while up to four children travel for just one pound each. The Railcard pays for itself after just one or two family trips and can be used across all TransPennine Express services.
What to Bring on Board
Preparation is the key to a smooth family journey. Here are our top recommendations for what to pack:
- Snacks and drinks β Pack a selection of healthy snacks and water bottles to keep little ones fuelled
- Entertainment β Books, colouring materials, small toys, and tablets loaded with downloaded content
- Comfort items β A favourite blanket or toy for younger children who may want to nap
- Change of clothes β Accidents happen, so pack a spare outfit for toddlers
- Baby essentials β Nappies, wipes, and formula if needed
Onboard Facilities for Families
TransPennine Express trains feature accessible toilets with baby changing facilities, making it easy to manage nappy changes during your journey. Our TransPennine Kitchen offers a range of child-friendly snacks and drinks, including juice boxes, crisps, and chocolate bars.
If you are travelling with a pushchair or buggy, there is dedicated space in the vestibule area of each carriage. Our friendly onboard team are always happy to help you get settled and can assist with luggage and buggies at your destination station.
Making the Journey Fun
Turn the journey into an adventure by involving your children in the travel experience. Let them look out for landmarks along the route, count the tunnels, or spot different types of trains at stations. The TPExpress app includes route information that you can use to create a mini treasure hunt of things to see along the way.
For longer journeys, the scenery itself is a wonderful source of entertainment. From dramatic Pennine hills to coastal views and city skylines, there is always something new to discover through the window. Many children find the rhythmic motion of the train relaxing, so do not be surprised if little ones drift off for a peaceful nap.
With the right preparation and a sense of adventure, travelling with children by train is not just manageable β it is genuinely fun. Leave the car at home, relax, and let TransPennine Express take the stress out of your family day out.