Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Travelling solo by train with 3 yo and baby

37 replies

Pippinsdiary · 01/03/2025 19:05

Just looking for a bit of advice really

Having to travel just under 4 hours on the train with my 3 year old and 6 month old baby next month. I’m not a seasoned traveler by public transport!

When booking my tickets, I see under 5’s are free, but how does that work in terms of seats? Does that mean my 3yo isn’t guaranteed a seat as obviously I can’t have them both on my knee. Or should I book an adult ticket to guarantee her a seat?

I also don’t know if you can request to be in the accessible bit so I can use my pram for the baby or whether it would need collapsing? (Obviously providing no wheelchair users need it)

Any advice would be appreciated

OP posts:
Original poster
Pippinsdiary · 01/03/2025 20:37

CatStoleMyChocolate · 01/03/2025 20:01

They do not mind if you use the Family and Friends railcard with children under 5 to guarantee seats. I’ve been doing it for years, no way was I gambling having a squirmy 4 year old on my lap! I was actually asked by an inspector whether he needed a ticket last time - I said no but I prefer to buy one as he needs a seat. Job done. They never mind you overpaying for train tickets, if you see what I mean!

Thank you and to whoever posted a link for the railcard. I’m all sorted now Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
Pippinsdiary · 01/03/2025 20:41

margitsziget · 01/03/2025 20:37

I used to do this with 2 kids of similar age on very long UK train journeys. We did the same as other posters - got a family rail card.

When I was travelling as the only adult I paid for 1 adult and eldest child as if they were over 5 to reserve a double seat. Non table seat so I could lift the middle arm and squeeze in all 3 of us with me on aisle to block them in.

When we all travelled we paid for both adults and both children as if over 5 to reserve a table for 4.

You really should not take up the accessible area with a buggy. Travel with a light umbrella fold buggy that you can put above seats and/or a carrier. With a 6 month old this should be ok. Travel systems are a nightmare for travel unless you really need the infant car seat at other end and cannot borrow one. I always swapped baby/toddler to carrier and folded the buggy on the platform to carry on - makes boarding and getting settled a lot easier.

Thank you. I’ve got a railcard now and it did work out a lot cheaper. I have small a compact travel buggy. I definitely won’t be taking up this area with it but I will use it for my baby to sleep in if no one else needs it.

OP posts:
redbusbeepbeep · 01/03/2025 20:47

margitsziget · 01/03/2025 20:37

I used to do this with 2 kids of similar age on very long UK train journeys. We did the same as other posters - got a family rail card.

When I was travelling as the only adult I paid for 1 adult and eldest child as if they were over 5 to reserve a double seat. Non table seat so I could lift the middle arm and squeeze in all 3 of us with me on aisle to block them in.

When we all travelled we paid for both adults and both children as if over 5 to reserve a table for 4.

You really should not take up the accessible area with a buggy. Travel with a light umbrella fold buggy that you can put above seats and/or a carrier. With a 6 month old this should be ok. Travel systems are a nightmare for travel unless you really need the infant car seat at other end and cannot borrow one. I always swapped baby/toddler to carrier and folded the buggy on the platform to carry on - makes boarding and getting settled a lot easier.

The accessible area is also for people with infants. I used to work on trains and we only ask for buggies to be collapsed if other people need the area.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

3 year olds 3-6 months old 6-9 months old Babies & sleep
ARichtGoodDram · 01/03/2025 20:58

When I did Birmingham to Edinburgh regular I took the car seat (the infant carrier type) while they were small as it gave a secure place to set them down while dealing with the older kids. Once bigger a set of reins with the handle strap around the seat makes an amazingly effective harness. Not super secure like a car seat, but enough to give you a free hand to open snacks and sort the toddler

margitsziget · 01/03/2025 21:02

@redbusbeepbeep I always found the idea of having to suddenly move if someone needing the accessible area got on more stressful that it's worth to set up there. With an umbrella fold/carrier and seat reservation I could take my booked seats and settle in knowing I would not be required to move suddenly if someone with greater need for the space boarded.

margitsziget · 01/03/2025 21:03

@Pippinsdiary sounds like you are all set - good luck!

margitsziget · 01/03/2025 21:06

Also agree with @ARichtGoodDram who reminded me I did same trick with a wee backpack with reins - older child wore that with the strap hooked over buggy handle so I had one hand for luggage and one for buggy and no risk of losing a child in a busy station!

JohnofWessex · 01/03/2025 21:32

I did Westbury to Stowmarket with my oldest when he was about 3

He marched across the concourse at Liverpool St going Chuff Chuff to everyone's amusement.

How about a big book of Thomas the Tank Engine stories?

caringcarer · 01/03/2025 21:36

Try to get a table because then your 3 year old can look at books and play with little toys on the table. It's also easier for eating too. Pack plenty of water, food and snacks. Personally I'd take a flask of coffee too. If anyone offers you any help, like to read a story to your DC just accept. I held on to someone's sleeping baby whilst a young Mum took 2 small DC to the loo before.

EmpressaurusKitty · 01/03/2025 21:41

If anyone offers you any help, like to read a story to your DC just accept. I held on to someone's sleeping baby whilst a young Mum took 2 small DC to the loo before.

Not exactly the same but I carried a small boy’s bike down the stairs at a station today while the parents dealt with 2 kids & a buggy. People often do offer help.

Haveiwon · 01/03/2025 21:56

I often take my children to visit relatives 4 hours away on the train. They are currently 1 and 3 but have been doing it forever.

I have never had a problem with seats. I always just paid for my seat and sit in the unreserved coach. Never been asked to give up my child’s seat. It’s normally first come first served with train seats in my experience!

Bring lots and lots of food. Can get a whole hour out of eating sometimes.

Lots of picture books, colouring and stickers. Toys I normally get much less use out of as there is just not enough space.

A well timed trip to the shop or the loo are great options.

If all else fails, we go into the vestibule area so no one can hear and having a nursery rhyme singing session 😬😂

CeeceeBloomingdale · 03/03/2025 06:10

Pippinsdiary · 01/03/2025 19:35

so do I have to book her a ticket and put her age as 5 to pay for it? Because when I put her age it obviously just comes up as free and only 1 adult ticket

Show quote history

yes just put her as 5

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread