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Travelling with children
Save 56%* on average with an LNER Family Single. *Average saving is based on two adults and two children travelling with an LNER Family Single vs Advance fare.
Mums and Dads, you deserve a medal. But how about free travel for up to two children under five instead? After all, kids love trains. However, you might have to sit them on your lap if we're busy.
Travelling with older kids? You can save money on travel with the LNER Family Ticket. Up to two adults and four children can travel for one great price.
Alternatively, with a Family and Friends Railcard you can save up to 1/3 on adult fares and up to 60% on most child fares.
Prams and buggies on trains
Prams and buggies are welcome on all LNER trains. Whilst there are no designated places to put them, there are some things you can do to store them whilst you travel.
If you are able to, you should fold your prams before boarding. This helps you get onboard faster, helping you get on your way without a delay. Once onboard, your folded prams and buggies can be stored in the luggage racks at either end of your carriage.
If you can't fold your pram or buggy up, if there is an empty wheelchair space, they can be stored here. Please keep in mind that if a customer requires wheelchair space, you'll need to move the pram. So please don't leave your pram unattended in a wheelchair space or store other luggage or bags here.
Make boarding a breeze
Getting to your seat doesn't have to be a mad rush, even with little ones in tow. In as little as 30-seconds, you can take any stress out of boarding a train in one of our stations.
When you get to the station, check your platform on one of the screens - or look out for your LNER Assistant notification if you have our app and booked with LNER.
Check your ticket for which coach you're in - it will be a letter, followed by two digits for your seat number. If you don't have a reserved seat, you can reserve one for free before your journey.
Check the information screens to find your coach's zone on the platform - Platforms have zones marked on the floor (i.e. Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3). Find your coach on the information screens and look for the zone number below it and make your way to that zone.
With these three simple checks, boarding becomes a breeze and avoids any mad dashes down the platform.
Onboard facilities for parents
Baby-changing toilets onboard
On our Azuma trains there are baby-changing facilities in every toilet.
On our other trains, you’ll find baby-changing facilities in the toilet compartments of coaches G and L.
Window Seater
Our Window Seater app tracks your location and turns every train ride into an adventure for the little ones. As you journey along the East Coast Main Line, Window Seater reveals fascinating facts, stories and landmarks that bring the view outside to life. Keep the kids entertained and let them learn something new along the way! Don't forget the headphones and just scan the QR codes onboard to open Window Seater.
See more
Free activity packs
Grab a free activity pack and crayons when you ride with us. These are filled with games, puzzles, stickers, and more and are themed around some of the wonderful destinations across our route.
Order your pack using the Let’s Eat At Your Seat QR code and we’ll bring it straight to you.
Baby-changing toilets onboard
On our Azuma trains there are baby-changing facilities in every toilet.
On our other trains, you’ll find baby-changing facilities in the toilet compartments of coaches G and L.
Window Seater
Our Window Seater app tracks your location and turns every train ride into an adventure for the little ones. As you journey along the East Coast Main Line, Window Seater reveals fascinating facts, stories and landmarks that bring the view outside to life. Keep the kids entertained and let them learn something new along the way! Don't forget the headphones and just scan the QR codes onboard to open Window Seater.
See moreFree activity packs
Grab a free activity pack and crayons when you ride with us. These are filled with games, puzzles, stickers, and more and are themed around some of the wonderful destinations across our route.
Order your pack using the Let’s Eat At Your Seat QR code and we’ll bring it straight to you.
Top tips for travelling with kids
We’ve also got a few tips to make every journey that little bit smoother for everyone.
Bring things to entertain them
Train journeys can be a long time to sit still for little ones. Bring thier favourite books, toys or small screens (with some headphones) to keep them occupied. Or order a free Eleanor activity book from the onboard QR code.
Give them the window seat
Window seats are always a big hit with little people. They love to watch the world whizz by at 125mph!
Always be prepared with a snack
Snacks are always great to keep them occupied, too. Be sure to pack plenty of snacks for the kids (and yourself!). If you run out, you can always order more by scanning the QR code for Let's Eat At Your Seat and have them delivered to you.
Sit near the toilets
Choose a seat near the toilets, for those who leave it to the last minute. You can check our seat maps and choose your own seat in your account if you booked directly with LNER.
Bring things to entertain them
Train journeys can be a long time to sit still for little ones. Bring thier favourite books, toys or small screens (with some headphones) to keep them occupied. Or order a free Eleanor activity book from the onboard QR code.
Give them the window seat
Window seats are always a big hit with little people. They love to watch the world whizz by at 125mph!
Always be prepared with a snack
Snacks are always great to keep them occupied, too. Be sure to pack plenty of snacks for the kids (and yourself!). If you run out, you can always order more by scanning the QR code for Let's Eat At Your Seat and have them delivered to you.
Sit near the toilets
Choose a seat near the toilets, for those who leave it to the last minute. You can check our seat maps and choose your own seat in your account if you booked directly with LNER.
Our Family Lounges
London Family Lounge
Take a seat, put your bags to the side, and let your children explore our Family Lounge in London King's Cross.
The London Family Lounge, created by LNER along with other train operators, offers a space for children to play and explore, whilst parents can take a break.
Open during travel centre hours, the area is a welcoming space for families travelling by train. The Family Lounge is located in the main station concourse, next to the Travel Centre. Please be aware that children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
York Family Lounge
This welcoming new space will help keep the little ones entertained while you wait for your train. The lounge features a play area inspired by the city’s historic walls, beach huts with tabletop games, soft flooring and more.
There is plenty of space for parents and carers to sit back and relax as well as a comfortable area for breastfeeding.
The Family Lounge is located on the main concourse, opposite WHSmith. Please note that children must always be accompanied by an adult in our family lounges.
Edinburgh Family Lounge
Take a moment to relax and let your kids enjoy the dedicated Family Lounge at Edinburgh Waverley.
Designed as a welcoming space for families, the lounge features a castle-inspired play area, beach huts with tabletop games, soft flooring, and more to keep little ones entertained before your journey.
While children explore, parents and carers can unwind in the spacious seating area, with a dedicated spot for breastfeeding also available.
Located in the Main Travel Hall, It’s the perfect place to take it easy together ahead of your trip. Please note, children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
London Family Lounge
Take a seat, put your bags to the side, and let your children explore our Family Lounge in London King's Cross.
The London Family Lounge, created by LNER along with other train operators, offers a space for children to play and explore, whilst parents can take a break.
Open during travel centre hours, the area is a welcoming space for families travelling by train. The Family Lounge is located in the main station concourse, next to the Travel Centre. Please be aware that children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
York Family Lounge
This welcoming new space will help keep the little ones entertained while you wait for your train. The lounge features a play area inspired by the city’s historic walls, beach huts with tabletop games, soft flooring and more.
There is plenty of space for parents and carers to sit back and relax as well as a comfortable area for breastfeeding.
The Family Lounge is located on the main concourse, opposite WHSmith. Please note that children must always be accompanied by an adult in our family lounges.
Edinburgh Family Lounge
Take a moment to relax and let your kids enjoy the dedicated Family Lounge at Edinburgh Waverley.
Designed as a welcoming space for families, the lounge features a castle-inspired play area, beach huts with tabletop games, soft flooring, and more to keep little ones entertained before your journey.
While children explore, parents and carers can unwind in the spacious seating area, with a dedicated spot for breastfeeding also available.
Located in the Main Travel Hall, It’s the perfect place to take it easy together ahead of your trip. Please note, children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Travelling while pregnant
Life doesn't stop for you while you carry a new life, but we understand that it can add some more requirements to your journey.
Toilets
A common question we're asked about travelling whilst pregnant is the location of our train toilets. The location of toilets depends on the type of train (whether it is an Azuma or an Electric train) and the number of coaches (5, 9, or 10-coach).
When booking your tickets online, select "Let me choose my seat", click "Reserve" and then "View/edit seat map". Here you'll be able to see the location of the toilets on your train and choose a seat in your preferred location. Please note that there are accessible toilets in the end carriage on all Azumas (A, E, F, and M).
Priority seats
Also, on our Azuma and Electric trains, there are priority seats that can be used by those with reduced mobility such as people who use wheelchairs or if you are pregnant.
If you require a priority seat, please contact our Assisted Travel team who can reserve a priority seat for you.
Reserve a priority seat with Assisted TravelTravelling with children FAQs
Can I take my pram onboard the train with me?
Can I take my pram onboard the train with me?
We’re very happy for pushchairs, prams and buggies to be on our trains, just as long as you make sure they’re folded at all times and stored the same way as any other item of luggage.
If this is not possible, then please speak with the Train Manager.
Can I book assisted travel for my pram?
Can I book assisted travel for my pram?
Unfortunately, we cannot offer assisted travel for help with prams, buggies or pushchairs. However, our station and onboard staff will be happy to help you when and where they can.
Will you be able to heat baby food or my own food onboard the train?
Will you be able to heat baby food or my own food onboard the train?
Unfortunately, we cannot heat any baby food products onboard, including bottles. The reason for this is that the equipment that we use onboard is a lot more powerful than what is in your kitchen at home. We are obligated to keep all our customers safe and can only heat products that have been thoroughly tested by our catering team.
At what age can children travel on your trains unaccompanied by an adult?
At what age can children travel on your trains unaccompanied by an adult?
Children should not travel on their own on an LNER train until they are mature enough to understand the risks involved with rail travel. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to make this decision.
LNER staff are unable to provide a chaperone service and if we notice a child travelling on their own and we are worried about their safety we will contact the British Transport Police for assistance.
You'll find some helpful guidance for children travelling alone by the British Transport Police here.
At what age do children have to pay to travel?
At what age do children have to pay to travel?
Up to two children, aged 4 years old and under, can travel free of charge with a fare-paying adult. Please bear in mind that as they do not have a ticket or a seat reservation, so on busy trains they will be expected to sit on your lap. You can purchase a childs ticket or Family Return to reserve a seat.
If you're travelling with more than two children under 5 and one adult, you will need to purchase a childs ticket for the additional children,
If your children are aged between 5 and 15 we offer discounted fares which are available on our website.
If you're travelling as two adults and between two and four children, the Family Return ticket might also be a great saving for you and it offers a flexible return ticket, find out more here.
Are there baby-changing facilities at the station?
Are there baby-changing facilities at the station?
Some stations have baby-changing facilities, but not all. You can check a specific station using our Station Information page.
Our new LNER Azuma trains have baby-changing facilities in all toilets. On our electric trains, there are baby-changing facilities in coaches F and L. You can view our seat maps to see how close you are to the onboard baby-changing facilities when you book a ticket, or from your account if you already have a booking. If you would like to change your seats you can use our seat reservation tool.
Stations we call at that do not have baby changing facilities:
