Planning to travel this festive season? Not knowing the rules for children's tickets could be detrimental...

When your family is traveling by train, it's crucial to understand child ticket rules. Many people still don't know at what age a child ticket is required and at what age the full fare is payable. According to a Railway Ministry circular dated March 6, 2020, children under 5 years of age are not required to travel without a ticket, unless a separate seat or berth is requested. Parents can accompany such young children without any charge. However, if you wish to book a separate berth for them for convenience, the full adult fare will be charged. Many families travel long distances during festivals and holidays, so this rule is crucial for budget planning.

Two Fare Rules for Children 5 to 12 Years
Indian Railways offers flexible fares for this age group. If a separate seat or berth is not required for the child, a reduced fare, known as the Child Fare, is applicable, reducing family expenses. However, if the journey is long and the child requires a separate berth, the adult fare is charged. This option gives parents the freedom to make decisions based on their budget and comfort. Therefore, it's crucial to accurately enter children's ages and needs when booking tickets.

After 12 years, no child, full fare will be charged.
Children aged 12 and above are considered adults under railway rules. This means that full fare must be paid on both reserved and unreserved tickets. Providing accurate age details is crucial, as providing incorrect information may result in a penalty during checking. This rule directly impacts both fare calculation and seat availability on long-distance travel.

How to book a child's ticket on IRCTC?
When booking tickets online, the system automatically determines the correct fare based on the child's age as soon as you enter the child's date of birth. For children under 5 years of age, if you don't want a separate berth, they simply need to be added to the 'Additional Passenger Information' form—no additional payment is required. Parents can also enforce this rule for offline bookings by clearly specifying the child's age in the form. Knowing these rules not only makes travelling easier but also saves you from unnecessary expenses and last-minute hassles.

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