Russian Railways to Let Children 10–16 Travel Alone Starting 2026

Russian Railways (RZhD) will soon allow children aged 10 to 16 to travel alone on certain routes. Starting 1 June 2026, the new service aims to help families whose children study in another city or visit relatives. Strict safety measures will be in place to ensure their protection during the journey. To use the service, parents or guardians must submit a request at the ticket office at least three days before departure. Children will need to present an ID, the original and two copies of a signed liability waiver, and a payment receipt when boarding.

During the trip, the train conductor and attendant will supervise the young passengers. The service will cover over 20 routes, giving families more flexibility for travel. Safety remains the top concern. RZhD will verify all documents and record contact details of the responsible parties. Upon arrival, children will only be released to the designated person named in the application.

The new policy removes the need for adult supervision on select train journeys. Families with children travelling for school or family visits will benefit from the change. The system relies on document checks, staff supervision, and controlled handovers to maintain security.