Deutsche Bahn launches chaperone service for solo child travellers

Deutsche Bahn, the German rail company, is launching a new chaperone service to allow children aged six to 14 to travel more independently in the country. The DB Junior Express programme will commence on August 21, providing a chaperone for children traveling independently. Currently, children under six travel for free, while those aged six to 14 travel for free when accompanied by someone aged 15 or older.

Children traveling with a chaperone need to purchase a ticket, but parents can avail a 50% discount if they book a standard or saver ticket for their child.

To utilize the chaperone service, parents must book the chaperone up to 24 hours before their child's journey using the Deutsche Bahn website or DB Navigator app. Upon arrival at the departure station, parents will meet two Deutsche Bahn employees who will supervise groups of up to 14 children. These chaperones will also organize activities to keep the children engaged during the journey.

The service will initially be available on six ICE connections between Berlin and Munich, Munich and Cologne, and Frankfurt and Hamburg, operating on Fridays and Sundays.