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A train journey to the mountains with the family isn’t a wasted travel day, but a relaxing start to your holiday. You board in the evening and wake up in the morning surrounded by snow-covered mountains, without hours in traffic jams or car fatigue. Read on and discover how, with special deals, children’s berths and the right preparation, you can plan a comfortable and affordable train trip to the Alps.
Why families are increasingly choosing the train
Travelling by train to winter sports destinations offers families a number of practical advantages. You don’t have strict baggage limits and children can move around, play and meet new people. The holiday starts as soon as you set off, without delays at border control or on the motorway.
Travelling by train is also more sustainable. The CO2 emissions of a train journey are considerably lower than those of travelling by car or plane. You save on fuel and tolls. For families who want to make a conscious choice, the train is an attractive alternative.
Children often see the train journey as one of the highlights of the holiday. They gaze out of the window at snowy landscapes and discover the train itself. They arrive well rested. Long hours sitting still in a car seat are a thing of the past. You can read more about the options for train travel for winter sports in various places on this website.
‘ It pays to book early and compare these offers. ’
Family offers and discounts on winter sports trains
Various train operators offer discounts and special conditions for families travelling to winter sports. It pays to book early and compare these offers.
Eurostar Snow
Eurostar Snow runs direct services in the winter season from the Netherlands and Belgium to the French Alps. Children up to 11 years travel at a reduced fare. This varies per booking. You often pay between 30 and 50 per cent of the adult fare for young children.
The train leaves early in the morning, around 05:40, from cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Brussels. You arrive in the evening in ski resorts such as Les Trois Vallées, La Plagne and Tignes. A transfer bus takes you from the station to the slopes.
Nightjet family discounts
The ÖBB Nightjet connects the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany with Austria and Italy. Children up to 14 years travel free when sharing a sleeping or couchette compartment with an adult. They do need their own seat or berth, except for children up to 3 years old.
This arrangement is financially attractive for families. You book one compartment for the whole family and only pay for the adults. The train departs in the evening and arrives the following morning in ski areas in Tyrol and Salzburgerland.
TUI Ski Express
The TUI Ski Express is a night train that departs on Friday evening from the Netherlands and Belgium to Austria. The offer is aimed specifically at winter sports travellers and often includes packages with accommodation and ski pass.
Children up to 11 years receive a discount on the fare. Families can opt for a family compartment, where you travel together with up to six people in a private compartment. This offers peace and privacy during the night.
Taking the Nightjet to Austria with young children
Travelling with young children requires preparation, especially if you are taking a night train. The Nightjet offers various options that make travelling with small children more comfortable.
Children’s beds and sleeping arrangements
Fold-down beds are available in sleeping compartments. These beds are suitable for children up to around 10 years old. Young children can also sleep in bed with their parents, but this is less comfortable for a long night.
Children up to 3 years don’t need their own berth. They travel free of charge. From the age of 4, children need their own seat or berth. When booking, you can indicate that you are travelling with young children so you can be allocated a suitable compartment.
What to take with you for the night
The Nightjet provides bedding on board. You need to arrange entertainment and snacks yourself. For young children, take the following with you:
- A favourite cuddly toy or blanket for comfort
- Snacks and drinks, as the catering offer on the train is limited
- Nappies, wipes and a change of clothes
- Pyjamas and toiletries; you can get changed in the compartment
- A torch or night light for any night-time toilet visits
The toilets on the Nightjet are compact but clean. They are located at the end of the carriage. Prepare children for the movement of the train and the sometimes narrow corridor.
Boarding and alighting
Board in good time so you can store your luggage calmly and the children can get used to the train. The Nightjet usually departs between 19:00 and 21:00. Make sure the children are already in their pyjamas or get them changed as soon as you have found your compartment.
On arrival in Austria you are woken around 08:00 or 09:00. Allow plenty of time so you can disembark without rushing. Then change to the transfer bus or regional train, which will take you to your accommodation.
Entertainment for children on the Eurostar Snow
The Eurostar Snow runs during the day and takes around 12 to 14 hours. That’s a long time for children, especially if they aren’t used to train travel. With the right preparation, you can make the journey a lot more pleasant.
Games and activities
Take plenty of entertainment with you. This keeps the children occupied. Think of:
- Card games, puzzle books or colouring pages
- Tablets or laptops with films and series downloaded. Wi-Fi is not always reliable.
- Headphones so as not to disturb other passengers
- Small toys that don’t take up much space
Eurostar offers spacious seats with tables. Children can draw or play games here. There is also a catering carriage where you can get something to eat or drink. A walk through the train provides a welcome distraction.
Sorting food and drink
The catering carriage has a limited range. Prices are higher than in the supermarket. So take enough food and drink for the whole family. Sandwiches, fruit, biscuits and water are practical options.
Children can get hungry and thirsty during a long journey. Plan small snacks in between so they don’t have to wait too long for the next main meal.
The need to move
Children need to move regularly. Let them walk up and down the train now and then, or get off during a longer stop to stretch their legs outside. The train stops at several stations along the way, where there is sometimes time to get off for a moment.
Prevent boredom by regularly switching activities. Alternating between games, eating, sleeping and looking out of the window keeps children happy.
‘ Station platforms don’t always have a lift, and you sometimes have to go up or down stairs. ’
Taking luggage and ski equipment
One advantage of train travel is that you don’t have strict weight limits. You can take large suitcases and hand luggage without extra charges. You can usually take ski equipment with you for a small surcharge.
On Eurostar Snow you reserve a place for your skis or snowboard when booking. This costs around 30 euros for a return journey. A similar arrangement applies on the Nightjet. Check the conditions of the train operator in advance.
Make sure you can lift and move your luggage easily. Station platforms don’t always have a lift, and you sometimes have to go up or down stairs. Spread your luggage over several bags and make sure children also carry their own small rucksack with toys and snacks.
Best time to travel and booking tips
The winter sports trains run between December and March. Book early, because the night trains and direct services are popular and sell out quickly.
Travelling outside school holidays is cheaper. Travelling outside school holidays is quieter. If you are flexible, choose a departure date in January or early March. Prices are lower then and the trains are less busy.
Compare fares between first and second class. First class offers more space, quieter compartments and sometimes free drinks. For families with young children, this can sometimes be a worthwhile investment.
Arriving at your destination
Most winter sports trains arrive at stations close to ski resorts. From the station you take a transfer bus, taxi or regional train to your accommodation.
Ask your accommodation in advance whether they offer a pick-up service. Some hotels and chalets collect guests from the station. You then don’t have to carry luggage yourself and shepherd tired children onwards.
Plan an easy start to the day on arrival. Children are often tired from the journey and need time to get used to the new surroundings. Only start winter sports activities after a good night’s sleep.
‘ Take a look at the other articles and find out how to organise your next holiday by train. ’
Discover more about train holidays
On the Traveler Tips website you’ll find extensive information about train journeys to various destinations, practical tips for planning your trip and advice on routes and accommodation. Take a look at the other articles and discover how to organise your next holiday by train.
Frequently asked questions
Where possible, plan a direct (night) train to the ski area to limit the number of changes with children, and book early, as family compartments and berths sell out quickly. If you do need to change trains, choose generous connection times at logical hubs (e.g. Munich, Wörgl) so you’re not stressed if there are delays and can change calmly with children and luggage. Arrange onward transport in advance: check whether your accommodation offers a shuttle service from the station, or book a transfer bus, taxi or ski bus well ahead of time and note the exact departure points and times. When booking, take children’s discounts and seat reservations into account (for example, first class or reserved seats/berths together) so everyone can sit together and there is enough space for luggage and ski equipment.
Provide plenty of entertainment such as colouring and puzzle books, (card) games and a fully charged tablet with films or audio stories. Take enough snacks, drinks and a warm jumper or blanket so children feel comfortable and are not dependent on on-board catering. Turn it into an adventure by following the route together, looking out at the snowy landscapes and planning little ‘breaks’ (for example walking through the train). Where possible, choose a (night) train with reserved seats or a compartment, so children can move about a little and settle down more easily.
Use large, sturdy wheeled suitcases and a separate, well-closing wheeled ski bag so you can pull everything instead of carrying it; aim for a maximum of one suitcase per adult and one small rucksack per child. Distribute weight smartly (heavy items low down in the suitcase, ski boots in a rucksack or suitcase, helmet filled with gloves/balaclavas). On ski trains or international services, reserve seats or berths in good time close to the doors or luggage racks so you can store your luggage quickly, and allow plenty of time for changes. Let children carry a light rucksack themselves with toys, snacks and extra layers so you have your hands free for the large pieces of luggage and the ski gear.
Taking the train to winter sports with children can work out either cheaper or more expensive than travelling by car or plane, depending on your family composition, time of travel (day or night train), when you book and which route you choose. Families often benefit from children’s discounts (for example, free travel up to 14 years in Germany) and no or low baggage surcharges for suitcases and ski equipment, which can reduce the price. When calculating costs, you should factor in not only the train ticket, but also reservation fees, supplements for sleepers/night trains, any transfers from the station to your accommodation and the price of ski pass packages. Always compare the total travel cost per person, including fuel/parking (car), baggage and transfers (plane) and the train costs mentioned above.
A few winter sports destinations that are easy to reach by train and child-friendly include Wörgl, Jenbach and Zell am See in Austria, served by the TUI Ski Express, where ski areas and family accommodation are accessible via short transfers or shuttles. In France, the stations of Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Moûtiers (served by Eurostar Snow) are popular with families, with direct or short bus rides to child-friendly resorts such as Les Arcs, La Plagne and Les Trois Vallées. Several Swiss and German ski stations along main lines (for example towards Tyrol and Salzburgerland) also offer shuttle buses, ski schools and family-friendly facilities close to the station.
