Top Tips for Family Train Travel in Europe

The picturesque countryside flashes past while I enjoy a glass of local wine and share an assortment of Swiss cheeses with my family. Although we could fly or drive from Zurich to Milan, we often chose to travel by train. After over a decade of riding the rails, we enjoy family train travel in Europe, but it hasn’t always been easy. Experience is an excellent teacher, and I hope that these tips for family train travel in Europe help you climb onboard with a smile on your face.

1. Arrive Early

Trains are typically punctual, and they don’t spend long at the station unless you happen to board a train in the city from which it originates. Based on my experience, the trains whoosh in and out in a matter of minutes and won’t wait for anyone. One of the top tips for family train travel in Europe is to arrive early.

2. Prepare to Board the Train

It often seems that survival of the fittest dictates who gets on the train first, so be ready to board your train coach, along with your children (if applicable) and luggage, well in advance of the scheduled departure time.

Your train ticket will help you determine where to stand on the platform so that you are close to your coach or carriage when the train arrives. The following information from a recent ticket shows the class of service (1st), the carriage (2) and the seats.

 • 17:23 Barcelona Sants

 • 21:16 Avignon TGV

 • TGV 9724

 • 1st, carriage 2, seats 32, 33, 34, 35

The train platform should have lettered sections, and an electronic layout of your train should be posted at the station. Review the information on your ticket to determine the class of service and carriage number. Then, refer to the electronic train layout to identify the letter you need to stand near on the platform. If you end up boarding the wrong carriage, you will have to weave your way through a moving train to find your seat. Lurching through the train with kids and luggage isn’t fun, but it beats missing the train. 

3. You are Responsible for the Luggage

I have heard that porters are available at certain train stations, but I have never found one to assist with boarding. If you travel by train in Europe, plan to carry all of your luggage onto the train. Most carriages include a luggage storage area, but it tends to fill up quickly. If you are travelling with children, a lightweight stroller is an excellent option.

4. Eat and Drink When You Want

Train travel is wonderful because you can eat and drink at your discretion – walk to the dining car, order food from your seat if you’re seated in First Class, or bring your own food and drinks onboard.

5.  Family Train Travel in Europe – First Class or Second Class?

First Class (1),(comfy, reservable seats and enhanced service), and Second Class (2) are the most frequent train travel options. Austrian trains also offer Business Class, which is superior to their First Class product. In addition to Business Class, some Italian trains offer Executive Class, which provides the highest level of service. Select your preferred class of service when purchasing your ticket.

6. Choose the Main Level

In the bi-level train coaches, reserve a seat on the main level. Climbing the stairs to the upper level can be difficult if you have heavy baggage, children, or mobility issues.

7. The Washroom Can Be Wild

The trains often travel at high speeds and don’t always move in a straight line. I suggest packing hand sanitizer, tissues, and toilet seat covers if you are travelling with children.

8. Don’t Miss out on the Discount

Many train networks in Europe offer free or discounted train travel for certain age groups or families. For example, the OBB train network in Austria offers the Family Vorteilscard, which includes complimentary train travel for up to four children under 15 years old when travelling with the cardholder.  The discount cards are available at and are typically valid for one year. Once you have the card, you should be eligible for the benefits regardless of how you book train travel, i.e. online through Rail Europe or in-person at the station.

The Swiss network, SBB, offers a Swiss Family Card allowing children under 16 to travel for free when accompanied by at least one parent holding a Swiss Travel System ticket.

9. Purchase Tickets in Advance

The best seats and prices are often available in advance. Rail Europe partners with over 230 rail operators throughout Europe, allowing you to compare prices and routes. You should be able to use your discount cards, like the Family Vorteilscard, when purchasing tickets through Rail Europe.

Do you have any tips for family-friendly train travel in Europe that you’d be willing to share? I would love to hear about your experiences.