Russian Railways Expands Service for Kids Traveling Solo

Russian Railways has rolled out a supervised travel service for children aged 10 to 16 on more than 20 routes, starting June 1. Previously, this option was only available on the high-speed Sapsan trains, where it launched in 2013 and sees about 300 bookings a year from parents or guardians. Now, kids can ride alone on trains like the Aurora, Burevestnik, Lastochka, and Finist, covering routes such as Moscow–Smolensk, Rosa Khutor–Krasnodar, Taganrog–Novorossiysk, and Yekaterinburg–Tyumen.

During the journey, train staff—including the train manager and the conductor—keep an eye on the young passengers. To use the service, families must apply at ticket offices at least three days before the train’s departure from its starting station. At boarding, travelers need to show their ticket, a valid ID, the original and two copies of a responsibility statement (provided at the ticket office), and a receipt for the service fee.

At the destination, children are handed over to the person listed in the application. The service costs 1,500 rubles. Russian Railways says the expansion gives families more flexibility, allowing kids to visit relatives or attend events without an adult chaperone. It’s a practical option for parents who can’t travel with their children but want peace of mind knowing they’re in capable hands.