Children free under 5 on UK trains -- any need to prove?

Children free under 5 on UK trains -- any need to prove? - Crop tiny feet of little child lying under white blanket on comfortable bed in light bedroom at home

I've got a a 4-year-old who's in school, and is quite big for their age. I've just booked a train journey, paying only for myself and relying on the fact that under 5s travel free (though quite possibly without a seat).

Is there ever a need to prove that the child is under 5 when relying on the free ticket (and if so how)? I'd rather not have to carry their birth certificate as it's a valuable document that won't fit in my wallet and travelling by train with a small person (and all their stuff) isn't easy without another valuable item to worry about. On the other hand I don't want any awkwardness from an overzealous official. I haven't been able to find anything obvious on the train companies' websites.






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Do children under 5 need train tickets?

Under-5s. Children under five can travel free at any time on all public transport without a ticket as long as they are accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket.

Does a 5 year old need a train ticket?

Children under the age of 6 travel free when accompanied by an adult or a youth aged 12 or over and do not require a ticket. Up to 4 children can travel free when accompanied by an over 12, and up to 8 children when accompanied by an adult. Additional children must purchase a child ticket.

Do 4 year olds go free on trains?

To improve young people's access to education, sport and leisure activities throughout the Capital. Up to 4 children aged 5 -10 years old can travel free on the following Transport for London services when accompanied by an adult travelling with a valid ticket.



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