Russian Railways to let children aged 10–16 travel alone from 2026

Russian Railways (RZhD) will soon allow children aged 10 to 16 to travel alone on its trains. The new service starts on 1 June 2026, giving families more flexibility when children need to visit relatives or attend school in another city. Safety measures and strict procedures will be in place to ensure their protection throughout the journey. To use the service, parents or guardians must submit a request at the ticket office at least three days before departure. On the day of travel, children will need to show an ID, the original and two copies of a signed liability waiver, and proof of payment before boarding.

During the trip, young passengers will be supervised by the train conductor and attendant. The service will operate on over 20 routes, with staff verifying documents and recording contact details of the responsible adults. Upon arrival, children will be handed over only to the person named in the application. This practice is already common in parts of Europe and Asia, where children as young as 10 to 12 often travel by train without adult supervision. Russian Railways has designed the system to match these standards while keeping safety as the top priority.

The new service will provide a practical solution for families whose children need to travel independently. With clear rules and supervision in place, it aims to ensure a secure and smooth journey for young passengers. The first trips under the scheme will begin in mid-2026.