NL
City breaks by train with children combine comfort, freedom of movement and sustainable travel, with the added bonus of arriving right in the city centre without the stress of flying. From play museums in Mechelen to harbour attractions in Bremerhaven and palace paradises in Copenhagen, Europe offers plenty of child-focused cities that can be reached within 2 to 12 hours with only a few changes. In this article you’ll find the best European destinations that you can easily reach by train with your family.
Travelling by train with children offers advantages that planes simply can’t match. Children have space to move around, play and watch the landscape roll by. There are no baggage restrictions for toys, no boring waits at security and no overtired kids when you arrive. In many cases you also step straight out into the middle of the city, so your holiday starts right away. Good preparation and choosing the right destination make the difference between a relaxed journey and an exhausting day full of hassle.
In this article you’ll discover which European cities are perfect for a family trip by train. You’ll find practical information on journey times, child-friendly attractions and tips to keep the journey itself running smoothly. Want more inspiration on city breaks by train? On Traveler Tips you’ll find extensive information on routes, destinations and preparation.
Why travelling by train is ideal for families
Travelling by train with children offers clear benefits that greatly improve both your planning and your holiday mood. First of all, you all have freedom of movement during the journey. Children can walk around, go to the toilet whenever they need to and play games at the table. That prevents boredom and restlessness.
On top of that, the train is sustainable and often cheaper than flying, especially if you book early. Many trains offer family compartments with extra legroom and sometimes even play areas. Another advantage is arriving right in the city centre. You don’t have to make a long trip to an airport with young children and luggage or wait for suitcases to appear.
The main things to consider when choosing a train journey with children are:
- Travel time: take your children’s attention span into account and, for young families, choose journeys of up to 6 hours
- Number of changes: limit the number of changes to one or two to reduce stress
- Value for money: compare tickets in advance via international platforms and book early for the best prices
- Comfort: choose trains with reservable seats and family compartments where available
‘ Mechelen combines culture with playtime fun without you having to cover long distances. ’
Mechelen: the children’s city close to home
Mechelen is only 1.5 to 2 hours away from Utrecht or Amsterdam. The city is known for being particularly child-friendly and offers lots of play areas, interactive museums and children’s theatres. The compact centre is easy to explore on foot, which is pleasant when you’re travelling with young children.
Highlights for families include the Toy Museum, the Planckendael zoo just outside the city and the Hof van Busleyden with family activities. You’ll also find playgrounds and water play areas dotted around the centre. Mechelen combines culture with playtime fun without you having to cover long distances.
Practical tip: combine your train journey with a visit to Planckendael. The zoo is a short bus ride from the station and offers playgrounds, animals and picnic areas for a full day of fun.
Bremerhaven and Bremen: science and harbour atmosphere
Bremen and Bremerhaven are about 4 to 5 hours away from the Netherlands. Bremen itself is home to the Universum science museum, where children can experiment with technology, nature and the human body. The museum is interactive and keeps children of different ages entertained.
Bremerhaven, on the coast, has the Klimahaus Bremerhaven 8° Ost. This museum takes you through different climate zones of the world. Children walk through deserts, rainforests and polar regions. The Deutsches Auswandererhaus tells the story of emigration in a playful way, with role play and interactive elements.
Both cities are easy to reach by train and, in addition to museums, also offer harbour attractions, ship visits and wide walking areas along the water. The journey time is suitable for families who can handle longer train trips, and the attractions easily justify a stay of several days.
Copenhagen: child-friendly Scandinavian paradise
Copenhagen is a longer trip at 10 to 12 hours, but it is one of the most child-friendly destinations in Europe. You travel via Hamburg and the connection over the Øresund towards Sweden. An overnight train option makes the journey manageable, especially if your children sleep well on trains.
Copenhagen offers Tivoli, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, where fairy-tale attractions and gardens enchant children. You’ll also find the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art with play areas and children’s activities, the aquarium Den Blå Planet and many playgrounds throughout the city. Public transport is straightforward and child-friendly, with spacious metro trains and buses.
Tips for the train journey to Copenhagen:
- Choose a night train to shorten travel time and avoid exhausted children
- Bring plenty of snacks and games for the longer daytime stretches
- Book window seats for young children who like to look outside
- Plan stopovers in Hamburg or other cities for a break or an extra day of exploring
‘ This makes exploring with children easy and affordable. ’
Other attractive destinations for families
Besides the cities already mentioned, Europe offers even more child-friendly options that are easy to reach by train. Antwerp is 1 to 1.5 hours away and has a beautiful zoo, the MAS museum with views over the harbour and many playgrounds. The city is ideal for a day trip or a long weekend.
Luxembourg can be reached in 4 to 6 hours and offers free public transport for everyone, including tourists. This makes exploring with children easy and affordable. The city has playgrounds, casemates to discover and compact walking routes.
Paris is 3 to 4 hours away via the high-speed line and, besides the famous sights, also offers children’s museums, parks such as Jardin du Luxembourg and the Cité des Sciences. You can reach London in 4 hours on the Eurostar, where you can take your children to museums, parks and on the Underground – an experience in itself.
Practical tips for a successful train journey with children
Good preparation makes the difference between a relaxing journey and a stressful day. Bring snacks, water bottles and small games to stave off boredom. Tablets with films or favourite series are fine, but alternate them with looking outside and playing games together.
Choose trains with family compartments or seats at a table, so children can draw or play. Reserve seats in advance to avoid disappointment. Avoid busy travel times, such as Friday afternoons or Sunday evenings, so you have more space and peace.
Once you’re in the city, it’s wise to choose hotels with family rooms or apartments where children have space. Look up child-friendly restaurants, playgrounds and attractions in advance. Many cities offer children’s passes or free public transport for young children, which saves money.
Other points to keep in mind are:
- Check that your passports or ID cards are valid for international travel
- Bring a small first-aid kit and any necessary medication
- Check the luggage options on the train and pack light so you can move around easily
- Allow plenty of time between connections, especially if you have pushchairs or lots of luggage
The season and timing of your trip
The time of year affects your experience. Summer holidays offer long days and lots of outdoor activities, but also crowds and higher prices. Spring and autumn are quieter, with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. The Christmas holidays are popular because of Christmas markets in cities such as Copenhagen, Bremen and Luxembourg, which add extra atmosphere.
Book tickets well in advance for the best prices. International train platforms often offer early booking discounts and combined train and hotel deals from around €69 per person. Also check children’s discounts and family passes, which are available in many countries.
‘ plan your next family holiday with confidence. ’
Discover more on Traveler Tips
On the Traveler Tips website you’ll find extensive information on train travel, destinations, routes and practical preparation. Whether you’re looking for tips for longer train holidays, information on regulations or inspiration for your next trip, there’s plenty more to discover. Explore the website and plan your next family holiday with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
First look at the maximum journey time that is realistic for your family (for example up to 4, 6 or 8 hours) and filter cities with a direct or high-frequency connection from a nearby station. Then check whether the city has enough child-friendly activities, such as zoos, interactive museums and large parks (for example Antwerp, Bremen, Hamburg or Luxembourg). Pay attention to practical matters such as family rooms, (free) public transport and the walking distance from station to centre. Finally, read recent experiences from other parents to see how child-friendly and calm the city is in practice.
Bring enough snacks, drinks and a few ‘special’ treats and plan fixed eating and break times during the journey. Provide variety in entertainment: colouring and activity books, audiobooks, (offline) films on a tablet and simple travel games. Let children stretch their legs regularly in the aisle, look out of the window and search together for trains, animals or special buildings outside. If possible, choose a window seat or a family compartment so they have more space and a better view.
Child-friendly activities close to train stations include Antwerp Zoo right next to Antwerpen-Centraal and the Universum Science Center a short distance from Bremen Hbf. In Hamburg, harbour attractions and child-friendly museums such as Klimahaus and the Deutsches Auswandererhaus are conveniently located in relation to the station. Luxembourg City offers easily accessible playgrounds and city parks from the station, with free public transport. In Paris and London, many parks, museums and family hotels are within a short metro ride or walking distance of the main train stations.
Book as early as possible via a reliable international train booking site and choose reserved seats in a quiet or family compartment with extra legroom. Avoid rush hours and very busy travel dates so you’re more likely to have a quieter train and empty seats next to you. Ideally choose a table seat with window places so children can play and look outside. Bring enough snacks, games and, if you wish, a tablet so everyone can travel comfortably and relaxed.