Everything About Train Holidays with Children

A successful train holiday with children and family depends on good preparation. By planning the trip smartly, the train journey becomes a sustainable and comfortable means of transport and an essential part of the holiday experience. The journey itself is the destination, without the stress of traffic jams or long waiting times at an airport. Discover how to make your family’s train journey a smooth and memorable experience.

Travelling by train offers families a unique combination of peace, space, and experience. Unlike a car journey, where your attention is constantly on the road, on the train, you are fully present for your children. There is time for a game, a good conversation, or to watch the landscape glide by together. This way of travelling offers benefits for both the environment and the atmosphere. The result is a relaxed start to your holiday. View the possibilities for various inspiring train holidays and discover what suits your family.

Preparation: from dream to route

Good preparation is the key to a relaxed train journey. Start by mapping out a realistic route. Long travel days are tiring for young children. Therefore, break up a long journey into shorter stages. A stopover of one or two nights in a pleasant city along the way, such as Brussels or Berlin, makes the trip considerably more enjoyable. Involve older children in planning the route and activities. When they are jointly responsible for the choices, this increases their involvement and enthusiasm for the trip.

Choosing Destinations: Europe for Children

Europe lies at your feet with an extensive rail network. For a first family train holiday, destinations that are relatively quick and directly accessible are a sensible choice. Cities like Paris, London, or Düsseldorf are ideal. They offer an abundance of child-friendly activities, from museums to parks and boat trips. Look for destinations that align with your children’s interests. Consider cities with a rich history for curious explorers or areas with plenty of nature for active families.

Travel Times and Duration: Optimal Planning with Young Adventurers

When booking your tickets, consider your children’s rhythm. Travelling outside peak hours is often quieter and cheaper. For longer distances, over six hours, a night train is an excellent option. Children often find sleeping on the train a great adventure. Moreover, you save on accommodation and arrive rested at your destination, ready to explore. Preferably plan the return journey for late morning, so you can have breakfast and pack without rushing.

Train Types and Facilities: Comfortable Travel for Everyone

Onboard comfort varies by train type. High-speed trains such as Eurostar or Thalys offer great comfort and speed over long distances. Intercity trains are ideal for shorter journeys. Enquire about facilities in advance. Most modern trains have toilets with changing tables, a restaurant car, and sometimes even special play areas for children. Also, check the possibilities for bringing a pram; there are often special places where you can store it.

Seating and Sleeping Arrangements: Space for Relaxation

Reserving seats is almost essential for a family trip. If possible, opt for a four-seater with a table in the middle. This creates your own ‘home base’ where you can eat, play, and store belongings. For an overnight journey, a private sleeping compartment offers the most privacy and comfort. Close the door and enjoy an undisturbed night’s sleep. It’s often worth the investment, as you’ll be fitter the next day.

Smart Luggage Packing: Convenient and Light Travel

Travelling by train means you have to carry your own luggage at stations and platforms. Therefore, limit the amount of luggage to a minimum. Use several compact suitcases or backpacks rather than one large, heavy case. A backpack keeps your hands free to hold a child’s hand. Pack a separate bag with essentials for the journey, such as snacks, drinks, games, and an extra set of clothes. This way, you don’t have to rummage through your entire suitcase if you need something.

Transfer Strategies: Stress-Free from Train to Train

Changing trains can be a stressful moment, especially with children and luggage. Plan enough time for each transfer, at least 30 minutes, or an hour. Look up the platform numbers for your connecting train in advance using a travel planner app. This prevents rushing at the station. Make sure you are ready to disembark at least fifteen minutes before the first train departs. Keep snacks and drinks handy to make any waiting time pleasant.

Onboard Entertainment: Boredom is a Thing of the Past

A long train journey requires good entertainment. Bring a selection of favourite toys that don’t take up too much space. Consider:

• colouring books and pencils
• (travel) games like Quartets or UNO
• reading books or puzzle books
• a tablet or phone with headphones and pre-downloaded films or series

Alternate screen time with other activities. Look outside together, name what you see, and follow the route on a map. This way, the journey itself becomes an educational experience.

Food and Drink: Energy for Little Travellers

Although many trains have a restaurant car, it’s wise to bring enough food and drink yourself. This way, you are not dependent on the offerings and opening hours. Choose snacks that are easy to eat and don’t crumble or stick too much. Think of sandwiches, fruit, breadsticks, and vegetable snacks. Don’t forget to bring refillable water bottles. You can fill these at many stations.

Budgeting and Booking Tickets: Smart Choices for Your Wallet

A train holiday can be budget-friendly if you book smartly. Tickets are often cheaper if you book far in advance. Many railway companies in Europe offer special family discounts or favourable rates for children. In the Netherlands, for example, children up to and including 11 years old travel free with a Kids Vrij subscription. Compare different ticket providers and be flexible with your travel dates if possible. This significantly reduces costs.