Travelling by train with a baby is often easier than going by car: your little one can be carried, fed and changed during the journey, and you stay free to look after them. In France, a child under 4 travels free on an adult's lap, without an allocated seat. The pushchair goes along at no extra cost.
Here's what you need to know about tickets, kit and planning, whether it's your first trip or a long journey.
Which ticket do you need for a baby on the train?
On TGV INOUI, TER and Intercités trains, a child under 4 travels free on your lap or in their baby carrier, without a seat reservation. SNCF Connect specifies that you need to mention the child when booking, with one child per adult.
If you'd rather have a seat for them, the Bambin fare (forfait Bambin) reserves one for €9. That seat lets you fit a car seat or infant carrier, for example, or let your child sleep lying flat on a long journey.
On OUIGO, children under 4 also travel free on your lap. A reserved seat costs €8 on OUIGO Grande Vitesse and €5 on OUIGO Train Classique. These prices were checked on the SNCF websites in October 2026 and may change.
Documents to bring
The ticket inspector may ask for proof of your child's age: a family record book (livret de famille) or an identity document. For a journey to another European country, every child under 4 must have their own identity document.
Pushchair, baby carrier or both?
The pushchair travels free of charge. It goes in the luggage areas, or folded between two carriages as long as it doesn't block the doors or the gangway. A compact pushchair that folds with one hand makes getting on and off much easier.
The baby carrier is still your best ally in stations: stairs, crowded platforms, tight connections. Lots of parents combine the two, using the carrier in the station and keeping the pushchair folded during the journey. To choose the right model, see our guide to the ergonomic baby carrier.
On-board services for families
- Baby changing areas. TGV INOUI, Intercités and OUIGO trains have nappy changing tables in a dedicated area.
- Bottle warming. At the bar on TGV INOUI trains, staff can warm up bottles and baby food jars for children under 3.
- The Espace Famille. On TGV INOUI trains, a second-class area is set aside for families at weekends, on bank holidays and during the school holidays.
- The Carré Famille. Four seats facing each other, handy for keeping everyone within arm's reach.
- Night trains. On Intercités de nuit sleeper trains, your baby travels free in a parent's berth, or in their own berth with the Bambin Nuit fare.
Check these services when you book: they depend on the line, the train and the time of year.
Choosing your departure time and seat
The departure time matters more than the length of the journey. Leaving at nap time often means your child sleeps through a good part of the trip. On the other hand, setting off during that restless late-afternoon spell makes the journey feel longer for everyone.
As for seats, an aisle seat makes it easier to pop back and forth to the changing area. A seat near the doors keeps you closer to the pushchair and luggage. If you're travelling alone with your baby, don't hesitate to ask for help lifting your bags: staff and other passengers are usually happy to offer.
Travelling by train with a baby: what to pack?
- nappies and a travel changing mat, in case the changing area is occupied;
- a full change of clothes for your child, and a T-shirt for you;
- food and milk, with a little extra in case of delays;
- a muslin or a light blanket, as the air conditioning can make the carriage chilly;
- two or three familiar favourites rather than a pile of new toys;
- bags for dirty nappies and wet clothes.
During the journey: keep things calm
Feeding your baby as you set off often helps them settle. Breast or bottle, there's no particular schedule to follow: follow their cues just as you would at home. If they get restless, a short walk along the aisle in the baby carrier is often enough to soothe them.
For a child who's already walking, the train has an advantage over the car: they can move about a bit. Keep them away from the doors and walkways, though, especially as the train pulls into a station.
What about the other passengers?
A baby crying on a train is nothing unusual. Most passengers understand. Stay focused on what you can do for your baby, rather than on other people's looks.
In winter, think about viruses
A packed carriage during bronchiolitis or flu season exposes a young baby to the viruses going around. If you can, avoid travelling at peak times with a little one. Wash your hands before touching them, and limit close contact with other passengers. Our article on preventing bronchiolitis explains the steps that help.
When you arrive: create a corner for your baby
Once you're there, having a familiar space helps your child settle. A foldable baby play mat, slipped into your luggage, creates a floor play area in seconds. Our tips for travelling with a baby cover this further, especially sleeping somewhere unfamiliar.
All our models are brought together on our baby play mats page.
For everyday trips around town, see our article on public transport with a baby. And if you're weighing up the road instead, compare with our guide to a long car journey with a baby.
Sources
- SNCF Voyageurs, ‘Voyagez avec un bébé’, accessed 3 October 2026.
- SNCF Connect, ‘L'offre pour les enfants et les familles’, accessed 3 October 2026.
- TGV INOUI, ‘Voyager en famille en toute sérénité’, accessed 3 October 2026.
