How old before DC could travel alone by train?

[chicaguapa]

Hopefully that doesn't sound too !! We are moving a fair way from MIL and are considering how long it would be until we would be happy to put DCs on a train to go and stay with her. We would see them off at the station, it would be a direct train, a 3.5hr journey and MIL would meet them the other end.

What do you think?

14? Maybe 12-13, if mature and has phone and is sensible.

I think it probably depends on the individual child, but as it's quite a long journey I'd say 10+. Or even 12+.

How old are they now?

8 & 5 I realise it's a few years off yet! They can fly with Flybe on their own from 6 but it costs £64 each for a return trip for supervision fees. Could probably fly with them and back for that!

Well, really they need to be old enough to know that they only get off the train at the right station - not a problem with a plane.