Travelling by coach with children: age rules, play ideas and safety

If well planned, travelling with children turns into an enjoyable experience. The coach gives children room to move on their own, look out of the window and take short walks during toilet breaks. Below we summarise both ticket rules and practical suggestions for families.

Age and ticket rules

• Ages 0–6: free on a lap; a child ticket is bought if a seat is requested
• Ages 7–12: child ticket at 25% off
• Age 13 and over: full fare (15% off for students)
• Children under 15 travelling alone need parental consent

Choosing a seat

When travelling with a child we recommend double seats in the front-middle section. The window side is advantageous for a child's safety; ask our host for a seat-belt extender if needed. If you will use a baby carrier or car seat it is fixed to the seat with the three-point belt; in that case a separate seat ticket must be bought for the baby.

What to bring

• Nappies, wipes, a changing mat and spare clothes
• Non-messy snacks: fruit, crackers, nuts (do not give large pieces to small children because of choking risk)
• Quiet toys, colouring books and storybooks
• Headphones for watching cartoons on the personal screen
• Medication for children prone to motion sickness (with a doctor's approval)

Break and sleep routine

Taking a break every two to two and a half hours is enough when travelling with children. Letting children run at break points makes it easier for them to sleep in the second half. On night journeys, a light meal followed by pyjamas and a blanket speeds up sleep.

Safety

Make sure your child always wears a seat belt. When a child lies down across a seat, watch the lap section of the belt. Do not let children walk in the aisle while the vehicle is moving. Every vehicle carries a first-aid kit and trained staff; in an emergency contact our host immediately.

Entertainment on the journey

The personal screen carries children's content; word games, colouring books and magnetic game boards are practical solutions. Simple games such as 'count cars in ten different colours out of the window' keep children's attention throughout the journey. If the trip is long, show the child on the live tracking app how many minutes remain to the next break.

Showing the child the route on a map before the journey also raises excitement and involves the child in the trip.