Child bus fare - ticket prices, travel conditions and required documents

🚨 Need information about bus travel for children?

We've gathered all the information you need about bus travel for children.

You'll find children's ticket fares, specific travel conditions, as well as tips to ensure a pleasant and safe journey for your little travellers.

Our goal is to make your bus travel experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, for you and your children.

Before buying a bus ticket, it's essential to know how to buy a bus ticket, the price of bus tickets, the bus timetables as well as the departure and arrival bus stations.

If you still have questions before heading off on a bus journey, we certainly have the answers:

• Need to cancel your bus ticket?
  Check out the page on bus ticket cancellations.
• What bus ticket refunds are you entitled to?
  Check out the bus ticket refund page.
• Not sure what luggage to bring on the bus?
  Here's the full luggage policy for long-distance buses.
• Do you have a bike?
  Visit the page to find out everything about the conditions for taking bikes on the bus.
• Want to travel with your pet?
  Visit the page to find out everything about the conditions for taking pets on the bus.

Travelling long distance by bus with children can be a pleasant and practical experience, provided you prepare well and know the specific rules.

1. Child safety on buses

Child safety is a priority on long-distance bus journeys. Here are some essential rules and tips:

• Special seats and seatbelts: Children must be seated in seats suited to their age and size, fitted with appropriate seatbelts. Some bus companies offer children's seats or allow parents to bring their own car seats.
• Parental supervision: Children must always be supervised by an adult during the journey. Make sure your children understand the importance of staying seated and not moving around while the bus is in motion.
• Emergency exits: Familiarise yourself with the emergency exits and evacuation procedures in case of an emergency. Explain them to your children in a simple, reassuring way.

2. Documents and formalities for a child's bus journey

Travelling long distance by bus with children sometimes requires specific documents:

• ID: Children generally need valid identification, such as a passport or national ID card.
• Parental authorisation: If children are travelling alone or with someone other than their parents, parental authorisation may be required. Check with the bus company for the exact formalities.
• Medical documents: If your child has specific medical needs, bring a copy of their medical records and any necessary prescriptions.

3. Services and comfort

To ensure a pleasant journey for your children, several services and tips can help:

• Entertainment: Bring books, toys, tablets with educational games or films to keep your children occupied during the journey. Some bus companies offer on-board entertainment systems.
• Meals and snacks: Prepare healthy snacks and drinks for the journey. Check whether the bus company offers meals suited to children or whether you can bring your own provisions.
• Comfort: Dress your children in comfortable clothing and bring pillows and blankets for long overnight journeys.

4. Fares and discounts

Long-distance bus travel can be affordable thanks to discounts for children:

• Flixbus: Children under 3 can travel free on their parents' lap. If a seat is required for a child under 3, a ticket must be purchased. Fares are the same for everyone, regardless of age.
• BlaBlaBus: Children under two must have a child seat and a ticket at 50% of the standard fare. For children aged 2 to 12, a booster seat is recommended but not mandatory, and the ticket is 75% of the standard fare. Minors must have ID for journeys within France, and additional documents for international journeys.
• Altibus: All children must have a named ticket. Fares vary depending on age and route. The company doesn't provide booster seats or child seats, but parents can bring their own, although seatbelts aren't always compatible.

5. Children travelling solo

Children can sometimes travel alone by long-distance bus, subject to certain conditions:

• Minimum age: Bus companies often have a minimum age for children travelling alone, generally around 12. Younger children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Special assistance: Some companies offer an escort service for children travelling alone. This service generally includes closer supervision and help with connections and arrivals.
• Safety procedures: Parents must provide the bus company with all necessary information, including emergency contact details and specific instructions for the child.
• Altibus: Children can travel alone at their own risk and that of their parents. For journeys passing through Geneva, parental authorisation is mandatory and will be checked by customs.