Europe Train Travel Tips with kids
🚆 Europe Train Travel Tips with Kids - Everything we have learned the hard way
If you’re planning a family trip to Europe, chances are you’ll be taking at least one train but probably will be one of the main ways you get around. Train travel in Europe can be amazing with kids… but there are definitely some things we wish we knew ahead of time.
After traveling by train through countries like Italy, France, the UK and Switzerland with our kids, here are our best tips, plus a few mistakes to avoid so your trip goes smoothly.
Why We Love Train Travel in Europe with Kids? Train travel is one of our favorite ways to get around Europe as a family
No long airport security lines
City center to city center - so much easier with kids
More space to move around
And the views are sometimes.. incredible!
That said, every country does things a little differently and those nuances matter when traveling from country to country.
Here are our top tips that we have learned after years of traveling all over Europe with kids, and living in the UK and Italy for months.
1. You Don’t Need to Arrive Super Early
You do NOT need to get to the train station hours early like you would at an airport. Most train stations will not even announce the platform where the train will be leaving from until about 10 minutes before. We typically arrive about 20 minutes before departure, and that’s plenty of time in case we need to grab a snack or use the restroom.
There’s no traditional security line, and boarding is quick and efficient! If you are on a local train you can just hop on in any car and any seat, if you are on a longer fast train route, then you will most likely have a car number and a seat number! Make sure to check this on your ticket.
2. Watch Your Connection Times
If your route includes a connection, pay close attention as they can be very tight.
Some transfers are really tight like 5–10 minutes in between and although that may seem like enough time to get from one train to the next, you may be on side of the station and need to walk far. Also you may need to find a train board with all the routes to look up what platform to go to. Some stations like Florence are smaller and the trains are all pretty close.
Most important things to remember:
Platforms can change
Stations can be large and confusing
You may be carrying luggage, kids, snacks and these things will slow you down when getting on and off a train
Our rule: If traveling with kids, aim for longer connection times whenever possible. This way you can use the restroom, grab a snack or drink and most importantly have a little more time to navigate in foreign city (especially if it’s in another language).
3. When to Book Train Tickets
Most European train tickets are released: 90–120 days in advance. This is for high speed longer train routes.
For example: Milan→Sorrento.
If you’re not seeing tickets yet, it likely just means they haven’t been released. Book early for cheaper tickets but you usually can still get seats on the train you want even up to a few days before. Most busy routes run multiple trains in a day and some run upwards of 10 trains in a day for one specific route. So if you don’t know your exact travel plans far ahead that is okay. We just booked a last minute train ticket from Florence → Naples just a few days before for 6 people for €65 each way per person and were still able to pick our seats and sit together.
With that being said:
Prices are usually cheapest when first released
Waiting until the last minute often = much higher fares
This is for longer high speed train routes, not your local regional train that goes from one small city to the next. (For ex: Pisa→
4. How to Find the Best Routes
We use Omio to both look up routed and book the trains. We love Omio because then we have all the tickets in one spot and you can even add them to your apple wallet and making changes are super easy. Just make sure to have your phone charged or bring a charger & local adapteras they have outlets at every seat. We never start a long travel days without having a portable charger as on hand.
The website or app shows:
All route options with times and if there are stops or transfers
Different train companies
Travel times + price estimates
You can also book directly through these local train companies:
Italy: Trenitalia or Italo
Switzerland: SBB
France: SNCF
5.Understanding Train Stations
European train stations can feel chaotic if you don’t know what to look for. It is super important to know before you go. This will save you tons of time doing research and some stress when you get there. If you take anything away from this guide, let it be the below point.
A few key things for every country:
1️⃣ Platforms are often posted just 10–15 minutes before departure
2️⃣ Look for the TRAIN NUMBER!! Do not just look for the destination or departure time.
For example:
If you’re going to Rome but the train continues to Naples, the board might only say Napoli—not Rome.
This trips people up all the time. Make sure to follow your TRAIN NUMBER not just the destination!!
6.Seat Reservations - Varies by Country
This is where things differ across Europe:
🚄 Italy & France High-speed trains
Assigned seats are usually included - you can pick for no cost or a few dollars
Much more structured
🚆 Regional trains (all countries)
No assigned seats
First come, first served on seating options
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Seat reservations are often optional
Very flexible system
But with any train we book with kids, we personally try to buy seats whenever possible to make sure we can all be together.
🇬🇧England
The local city trains in cities like London there are no assigned seats. On certain routes within the city limits you may not even get a seat and have to stand. I always compare their transit to NYC’s metro except it usually ALOT cleaner.
Easy to navigate - very clear signs telling you where to go
Local routes in the city of London you don’t need to purchase the underground card, you can just tap in and tap out with the same card.
Longer routes further outside the city will usually have assigned seats you can choose when booking
7.Tickets + Boarding
Most tickets are digital now. Which makes it super easy because you can board without scanning anything! But a conductor will come by to check tickets, so be ready. They will come by and scan them whether you have a digital or physical ticket. Make sure your phone is charged!!
Pro tip (yes, we learned this the hard way):
Take a screenshot of your tickets AND QR code
Also screenshot your full route
WiFi and cell service on trains can be very spotty, also keep your phone charged if you have digital tickets. Most trains will have outlets under your seats - just make sure you have the right adapter like we stated before.
8. Always Have Your Passports
Even on trains between countries, we’ve had passports checked onboard. It doesn’t happen all the time but frequently enough so make sure they are handy but hidden.
• Keep them easily accessible at all times but in a zippered or hidden pocket.
9. Keep Your Luggage Close
This is especially important in certain countries (AKA Italy). We always keep our luggage: within eyesight & close to our seats. Most of the longer, high speed trains will have luggage racks and places for storage above your head. On these trains there are assigned seats so you most likely won’t be able to have your luggage just sitting next to you. Put it on a luggage rack with a lock or as close to you as you can!
Unfortunately, theft does happen, especially on busy routes so just just cautious, you don’t need to be afraid.
10.Packing for Train Travel
If there’s one thing we’d emphasize, it’s this: Having the right gear is CRITICAL.
1️⃣ Pack light
Many smaller stations don’t have elevators or escalators. And even if they do, they could be small and may have longer wait times. You want to be able to carry everything you have with ease up and down stairs. This is critical when trying to navigate and reach a tight connection. We recommended only carrying a backpack if possible. For longer trips, we use a smaller carry on luggage. We linked our favorite pieces that have lasted us 20+ trips! But these are the things we LOVE and actually use.
➡️ Samsonite Backpack
➡️ Away Luggage Carry On
➡️ Away Luggage Overnight Bag
➡️ Universal Travel Adapter
➡️ Portable Charger
➡️ Compression Packing Cubes
2️⃣Use a Collapsible stroller
You are going to thank yourself for being able to carry this through crowds and on and off the train. This is the item I waited way too long to purchase. It can fit in the overhead compartment on planes but also on high speed trains. This is a GAME CHANGER for:
Navigating stations
Folding quickly when boarding
Storing easily onboard
➡️ Link to our Travel Stroller
3️⃣ Minimal luggage = less stress
Trust us—those “just in case” items are not worth dragging up and down platforms. If you really need something you can most likely buy it. Only pack essentials and there are stores, specifically Pharmacies (drug stores) everywhere, not just in big cities. I promise you when I tell you, it is rough navigating getting on and off trains with lots of luggage and kids in crowds so the less you have the less stressed you will be!
🗝️ Some Key Differences by Country
🇮🇹 Italy
More chaotic stations
Higher risk of pickpocketing - You need to be VERY aware.
Affordable high-speed trains
Platforms posted last minute
🇫🇷 France
More structured system
Stations still busy, but easier to navigate
Seat reservations common
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Extremely punctual
Clean, efficient, very family-friendly
Easy connections but still move quickly
More expensive, but incredibly smooth experiences
Can buy passes through Swiss Railways and you most likely should depending on how long you will be in the country and what you will be doing.
You can read all about this in our Switzerland Itinerary.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom (London + beyond)
Feels different from mainland Europe
👉 Key things to know:
You’ll go through ticket gates before reaching platforms
Platforms often posted 10–15 minutes before departure
Trains labeled by final destination + departure time
Seat reservations:
Available on longer routes, but not always required
Can get crowded during peak times
Booking:
National Rail or Trainline
Prices increase closer to departure
👉 Feels like a mix between subway + long-distance rail—more structured, but still fast-paced
Easy to navigate
Clear signage and structured boarding
Main Points To Remember:
Train travel in Europe with kids can feel intimidating at first—but once you get the hang of it, it’s honestly one of the best ways to explore.
A little planning goes a long way:
Book early
Pack light
Stay flexible
And don’t stress if things feel chaotic at first, once you take the trains one or two times it feels ALOT easier - no matter what country you are in.
If you’re planning a Europe trip with kids, you are most likely going to need to take a train and once you figure it out… you might actually prefer trains over flying!
FAQ
Q: Is it easy to travel Europe by train with kids?
A: Yes it’s one of the easiest ways to travel between cities and countries in Europe as a family. Train stations are usually located right in city centers, which means less time dealing with airports, security lines, and long transfers. In places like Switzerland, Italy, and England, the train systems are incredibly well connected and surprisingly family-friendly.
Q: What is the best European country for train travel with kids?
A: Switzerland is by far our favorite for train travel with kids. The trains are clean, punctual, scenic, and easy to navigate! Plus the actual train rides become part of the adventure. Some of the best views we have seen is from the train car window. Kids love the mountain trains, cable cars, gondolas, and boat connections throughout the Swiss Alps. Italy is wonderful for high-speed city travel, and England is very convenient for families exploring London and nearby towns.
Q: Do children need their own train ticket in Europe?
A: It depends on the country and the child’s age.
In Switzerland, many children travel free with a Swiss Family Card.
In Italy, younger children often ride free if they sit on a parent’s lap, while older kids receive discounted fares.
In England, children under 5 usually ride free, and older children often receive reduced fares. In London, on the underground local trains, kids 11 & under ride free.
Always double-check the train operator’s policy before booking!
Q: Should you reserve train seats when traveling with kids in Europe?
A: Yes, especially on high-speed trains in Italy or longer train journeys during busy seasons. Seat reservations help ensure your family can sit together and make travel days much less stressful.
Q: Are European trains stroller friendly?
A: Mostly yes, but it varies. Switzerland tends to be the easiest with elevators, ramps, and spacious trains. Some stations in Italy and England are older and may require carrying a stroller up stairs. We always recommend bringing a lightweight travel stroller that folds easily.
Q: What should I pack for train travel with kids in Europe?
A: A few things that make train travel much easier:
Easy snacks
Refillable water bottles
Portable chargers
Small activities or coloring books
Layers (European trains can vary in temperature)
Downloaded movies/shows for longer rides
One of the best parts of train travel is that you can bring your own food onboard. Most train stations have great options to get food and bring on the train.
Q: Is it better to fly or take trains in Europe with kids?
A: For many routes, trains are actually easier and less exhausting than flying with kids. When you factor in airport security, baggage claim, and transportation into cities, trains are often just as fast — especially between places like London and Paris or Zurich and Milan.
Q: How much luggage should you bring on European trains?
A: Less than you think. Most European trains do not have checked luggage, so you’ll be carrying your bags on and off trains yourself. Packing lighter makes a huge difference when traveling with kids.
Q: Are bathrooms available on European trains?
A: Yes — most long-distance and high-speed trains have onboard bathrooms, and many include baby changing tables. Regional trains may have more basic facilities, so we always recommend using the station restroom before boarding if possible.
Q: What are the most scenic train rides in Europe for families?
A: Some of our favorite scenic train rides with kids include:
The GoldenPass Line in Switzerland
The Bernina Express from Switzerland into Italy
Train rides through the Jungfrau region
Coastal routes in Italy
Countryside routes from London through England
The scenery alone keeps kids entertained for hours. There are a lot of the train routes we have traveled that are very beautiful!
Q: Is Switzerland expensive for families traveling by train?
A: Switzerland is definitely one of the more expensive European countries, but the transportation system is incredible and often worth it for families. Travel passes, family cards, and staying in apartment rentals can help lower costs significantly.
Q: How early should families arrive before a train departure in Europe?
A: Usually only about 20–30 minutes early. Unlike airports, European train travel is much quicker and more relaxed. Larger stations like London St. Pancras or Milano Centrale may require a little extra time to navigate.
Q: What is the biggest mistake families make when traveling Europe by train?
A: Trying to do too much too quickly. One of the best things we learned traveling Europe with kids is to slow down, stay longer in fewer places, and build in downtime between travel days. The train journeys themselves often become some of the most memorable parts of the trip.
