You’ll never regret traveling by train in Europe with your children.
Yes, there will be times when the journey is equal parts scenic and scary, but the lifelong memories will far outweigh the momentary stresses.
And let’s be real: traveling with kids can elicit a few ‘f’ words stronger than frustrated, fed up, and freaked out. Thankfully, traveling by train offers a few softer ‘f’s like fast, flexible, and fun.
From scenic rides through Switzerland to car-free cruising around Italy, create an unforgettable family vacation with our tips for stress-free train travel with kids.
Image Credit: Getty Images, AleksandarNakic.
Tips for train station trekking with tots
Before the train ride, make sure you’re prepared for the platform.
- Research station amenities. There are tons of kid-friendly stations. You’ll find Paddington Bear at London’s Paddington Station and Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station. Gare du Norde in Paris has plenty of food options even for the pickiest eater.
- Be aware of train strikes. You can easily research scheduled train strikes to see if yours might be impacted. You should be able to find an alternate train going to your destination on the same day, so familiarize yourself with the station map before traveling.
- Arrive early. No, you don’t need to head to St. Pancras five hours early for your train to Paris, but you should leave an hour of wiggle room for most routes — especially if you’ve got a little one who likes to take their time on the potty.
Tips for short-distance trains with kids
Make a trip short and sweet, literally.
- Pack light. The last thing you want is to lug around eight bags for four people. Pack essentials and pack for comfort. Remember, we do have the same stores you do back home if you need something from the pharmacy or toy store.
- Pack snacks. Most trains have either a dining car or a food cart, but the right snacks are key to keeping kids happy. Many stations have convenient stores full of their favorite grab-and-go food and drinks.
- Pack backup entertainment. Short train trips aren’t as simple as they seem. An hour jaunt isn’t long enough for a movie; four hours is a bit long to rely on a book alone. Bring age-appropriate backup activities like coloring books, video games, or travel board games.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Photo and Co.
Tips for long-distance trains with kids
Limit the "are we there yet"s for as long as possible.
- Make Steam Train, Dream Train a reality. Overnight trains in Europe are, well, dreamy. From airline-style reclining seats to full-on bunk-beds, let your kids sleep through hours of travel and wake up ready for fun.
- Splurge on first-class cabins. The differences between first-class, business class, and standard class tickets are significant for the discerning traveler (aka your moody teen or tantrum-prone toddler). More comfortable seats, at-seat meal service, and quiet cars for tuckered-out tots can make all the difference.
- Be wary of WiFi. The WiFi is free and available, but it’s not futuristic. Signals may be weak at times so pre-download your kids' favorite shows and movies. Don’t wait until the last minute, either. Streaming rights may be different in Europe and the UK — good luck explaining why your two-year-old can’t watch Cocomelon or Bluey on the same device they use at home.
Planes vs trains
Why should parents choose the train over the plane? Firstly, there are the amenities that airlines don’t have.
- BYBO then drink it without shame.
- Free WiFi means Ms. Rachel watches them while you watch The White Lotus.
- No worry of your little one leaving toys in luggage packed beneath the plane.
- Step off the train into the city center and regret nothing.
Download the Trainline app and purchase e-tickets ahead of time so it’s one less worry. We’re here for you throughout your trip, just send us a message if you need help.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Hispanolistic.