Parents can play with their children while the train takes them towards their destination. Over longer distances the DB night train and motorail services save you from the strains of long car or plane journeys where movement is restricted.

Children up to five years travel free on DB trains, but need to pay 3.50 EUR for a seat reservation if they require a separate seat. Children from six to fourteen years pay nothing if travelling with a parent or grandparent (except for the seat reservation, if required), and just 50% of the standard fare if travelling alone.

Many long-distance services have designated parent-and-child compartments (for children up to 8 years) and/or a baby’s changing table.

The BahnCard 25 gives you up to 25% discount on DB services for one year. The Family version costs 53 EUR for the main BahnCard. Each additional card for a partner and/or child costs 5 EUR. Cards can be issued for parents and children up to 17 years who live in the same household.

The family members do not have to travel together in order to be entitled to the BahnCard reduction.