At a glance

How do I buy child tickets for trains abroad?

Enter the child’s actual age and other requested details when searching. Check the applicable child fare rules, whether a seat is included, whether an adult must accompany them and which documents to carry. Age, height and seating requirements vary by railway. Before paying, check the ticket type and total cost against order and operator rules.

Check the country, ticket type and whether the child needs a separate seat

Different railways may use age, height, a child's need for a separate seat or other criteria. Even within the same destination, products can have different rules, so check each new journey.

JR child tickets in Japan: check both age and seating

Under JR Central's ordinary ticket rules, children are generally aged 6–11 and adult fares apply from age 12. Infants and babies under 6 can generally travel free with an accompanying passenger, but need a ticket when occupying a reserved seat, reserved Green Car seat or berth. When more than two infants accompany one adult or child, the third and subsequent infants also need tickets.

Children's basic fares, limited-express charges and reserved-seat charges are generally half the adult amount, but Green Car and sleeper supplements are the same as for adults. Do not assume the entire order is half price. The official school-status exceptions for children aged 6 or 12 apply only to elementary schools established under Japanese law. Check the relevant rules and price breakdown for passes, discounted products and your booking channel.

Check each requirement when searching and booking

  1. Enter the child's actual age on the travel date or their date of birth.
  2. Confirm whether the child needs a separate seat or berth.
  3. Check whether an accompanying adult is required.
  4. Confirm which valid identity documents the child must carry.
  5. Before paying, check passenger categories, numbers, prices and change or refund conditions.

Carry the original documents required by your order

Check the child's details, accompanying passengers, ticket and identity documents together. For international journeys, also consult the authorities about guardianship, consent and entry or exit documents.

Travel reminder

There is no fixed child age or discount that applies to every country. Check eligibility, prices and seats in the current search results, order and operator's rules.

Related practical guidesThe complete booking processPassenger documentsE-ticketsBaggageSleepers

Frequently asked questions

Not always. Railways may consider age, height, seat use or ticket type. Follow the particular booking page and operator's rules rather than applying one universal standard.

Enter the child's details when searching, then check whether a free place or child ticket applies and whether a separate seat is needed. Follow the product's age, accompanying-passenger and document rules.

Document requirements depend on the railway, product and whether the journey crosses a border. Enter the child's own accurate details and carry the valid documents required by the order and authorities.

Official references

Official information and travel rules

Use these official channels to check boarding, baggage and entry requirements. Search schedules, fares and availability for your date, and check railway and station notices for temporary changes.

Sources checked:

Content updated: . This guide provides general checks and does not replace your order instructions or the latest railway and government rules. See Quitang Editorial and Fact-Checking Standards。