Traveling by train with a baby – check what you need to know | PolishTrains

Is traveling by train with a baby a good idea? Of course, it is! However, you need to prepare properly for such a trip, and then everything will surely go smoothly. Contrary to appearances, traveling by train with a small child is very convenient.

You need to prepare properly for a train journey with a baby. Besides formal issues, related to buying a ticket and choosing the right seats, do not forget to bring useful items with you.

The most important is a supply of diapers and food, depending on whether your child is already eating solid food or is still drinking milk. A good idea is a thermos with warm water for making a mix, as well as dry snacks, which will also provide entertainment for the child. A favorite toy will also be useful, for example one that does not take up much space, can be attached to the window or is simply an interesting book to look at.

During a train journey with a small child, you will also find it useful having spare clothes placed somewhere on top of the bag. You will not stress that the child will get dirty, and if necessary, you can easily change it also in the compartment.

The stroller that you take with you should be foldable. The corridors in the train are narrow, therefore a model that folds flat and can be put on the luggage shelf or placed in a special place for transporting larger hand luggage will be useful. Some have a convenient strap, so you can hang them on your shoulder and not get nervous during getting on and off the wagon, which will make the train journey with an infant more peaceful.

Also, don’t forget about the possibility of the child moving around in the train corridors. A bit of exercise will prevent boredom and digestive problems.

In case of troubles, don’t hesitate to ask the train staff for help. Everyone usually approaches families with children very sympathetically, and there will definitely be someone helpful.

How much does a family ticket at PKP (Polish State Railways) cost? 

Children up to the age of 4 travel by law for free. They are entitled to a 100% discount on the ticket price, but be careful, only in 2nd class. 1st class does not have such discounts. Also, remember that the child travels for free but requires a zero ticket, which you will collect at the ticket office. You also need to have a document confirming the child’s age.

Older children too, even before starting school, can take advantage of discounted travel. In this case, the amount of the discount is the same as for students, i.e., 37%.

Another option for saving is buying tickets for several people, including children. How much does a PKP (Polish State Railways) family ticket cost? It applies to a group of 2 to 5 people, of which at least one person must be a child who has not yet turned 16. In this case, all persons receive a 30% discount. During the inspection, you must have a document confirming the age of the child on board. Importantly, even if one person from the traveling group gets off the train early, the family ticket will still be valid. It is enough that at least two people, including one under 16 years of age, will continue the journey.

You can also buy such a family ticket on the PolishTrains website. Just check the appropriate box, and among the travelers, there will be at least one adult and one child. Thanks to this, the discount will be applied to all tickets. You will travel cheaper, so it’s really worth it.

What is a family carriage with a children’s section?

A family carriage with a children’s section means a special place which you can reserve already at the time of buying the ticket. This space is prepared for the youngest and their guardians, who can travel in the surroundings of similar families.

Combo is the name of new multifunctional wagons of elevated standard, which PKP Intercity introduces to their trains on popular routes. This is being done as part of the Accessibility Plus program. What is such a compartment for a person with a child under 6 years old? These compartments are soundproofed, the walls are decorated with colorful pictures. The wagon has space for disabled people moving in wheelchairs, and there is also room for parking a baby stroller.

Additionally, in the compartments for pregnant women and parents with children up to 6 years old, the chair seats are connected, making it comfortable to sleep in them. There are electrical and USB sockets on site, perfect for connecting a food warmer. There is also a changing table in the toilet.

These wagons can be found on popular routes, such as:

• ​​Szczecin – Tri-City – Olsztyn – Białystok;
• Wrocław/Zielona Góra – Poznań – Gdynia/Olsztyn – Białystok;
• Kraków/Lublin – Katowice – Wrocław – Zielona Góra – Szczecin – Świnoujście;
• Przemyśl – Lublin – Warsaw – Bydgoszcz – Gdynia/Piła – Kołobrzeg/Gorzów Wielkopolski;
• Suwałki – Białystok/Lublin – Warsaw – Poznań – Szczecin/Gorzów Wielkopolski/Zielona Góra.

Compartments for children up to 6 years old in InterCity (IC) trains are not present in all trains. Parents of small children can decide to travel in an open-space wagon or use the services of a carrier that does not offer such special compartments at all. Even there, however, you can take advantage of designated seating areas for pregnant women and small children. However, there is a risk that there will be more such travelers and you will not be able to secure such a place. On a shorter route, this is of course not a problem. It’s worse if you are planning a bigger journey.

Are there family compartments on Pendolino?

Pendolino also has family compartments, even 3 of them. These are intended for pregnant women and caregivers with children up to 6 years old. Such facilities make the already fast and comfortable journey by this train an even nicer experience.

Compartment for a mother with a child in Intercity – what is it and how to buy it? 

In trains, you can take advantage of a special convenience, which is a compartment for a mother with a child. Intercity guarantees appropriate conditions there so that a journey with even a small child can be a really enjoyable experience. In this compartment, places can be reserved by people traveling with a child up to 6 years old. For this reason, your travel companions will only be other parents. No one will be bothered by crying or noisy behavior of a child. These compartments are placed at the front of the wagon, so it is easier to get in and it is closer to the toilet. Some are also equipped with a changing table.

Also, remember that in Wars wagons you have the possibility to boil a bottle and heat a meal for a child for free. A children’s menu has also been introduced, so even the biggest fussy eater will find something in it.

Do you have to pay for a stroller on the train?

At PKP, it is also possible to travel with a child in a stroller. It is best to choose a lightweight and handy model that is easy to fold flat, as it is definitely easier to handle. Transporting a stroller is possible not only if you have a place in the family compartment, but also in a regular one.

If you are wondering whether you have to pay for a stroller on the train, it is exempt from fees if you are able to fold it and place it under or above the seat. This also applies to a carrier or a travel cot. In some cases, however, a fee for transport is required. However, this applies to travel without a child and models in which the stroller can’t be folded. The fee and its amount depend on the specific carrier and you should look for information on this subject in its regulations.

Traveling by train with a child is undoubtedly harder than by yourself. However, PKP provides some facilities, such as a compartment for a mother with a child in Intercity. Patience and understanding are key in this case. Just prepare yourself for the fact that traveling with a baby can be stressful. Be patient and flexible, try to adapt to the needs of the child and deal with any surprises. Plan what you will take with you, but try to limit extra luggage, especially if you also have a stroller to take.