Taking a Pram on Trains and Buses in Germany, Czechia and the UK

Short answer: In all three countries you can take a pram on most trains and city buses. Deutsche Bahn has limited pram places in or near the small-children compartment, and children under six travel free on long-distance trains. České dráhy has dedicated pram areas on Railjet, InterJet and ComfortJet trains and on modern low-floor regional trains. On London buses a pram may use the wheelchair space when it is free, but wheelchair users have priority, so be ready to fold.

Public transport with a baby is mostly about space: where the pram goes, whether you can book it, and what happens when the train or bus is full. The rules differ by country, so here is what the operators themselves say.

Germany: Deutsche Bahn

Children up to five travel free on DB long-distance trains. Pram places are limited and are found in or near the Kleinkindabteil, the compartment for families with small children; family and multi-purpose areas are an alternative. There is no separate pram reservation, but you can reserve seats in the Kleinkindabteil by adding a child aged 0–5 when you book. On busy routes DB recommends travelling with a sling or a pram that folds easily.

Czechia: České dráhy

ČD’s Railjet, InterJet and ComfortJet trains have spaces set aside for prams, and modern low-floor regional trains also have pram areas, which makes boarding much easier. Conditions and any fees for carrying a pram can change, so check ČD’s current terms when you buy your ticket.

UK: London buses and the Tube

On London buses you can board with a buggy unless the bus is too crowded. Fold it if it is too wide for the doors or the aisle, and keep it out of the middle aisle. Wheelchair users have legal priority in the wheelchair space: you may use it when it is empty, but must share, fold or move if a wheelchair user boards — you cannot be made to leave the bus. TfL notes that most Tube and rail trains have buggy areas, except on the Central, Waterloo & City and Bakerloo lines.

Tips for calmer journeys

• Travel outside rush hour when you can.
• Practise the fold at home, with one hand, before the first trip.
• Keep the brake on whenever the train or bus moves.
• Pack the essentials in a backpack, so you are not lifting a heavy basket on and off.
• Use lifts and step-free routes — station maps show them.

Frequently asked questions

With a light pram and a little planning, trains and buses become part of the adventure.

Sources: Deutsche Bahn: travelling with children, Deutsche Bahn: Kleinkindabteil, České dráhy press release, TfL: getting around with your buggy. Checked October 2026.