The picturesque countryside flashes by as I enjoy a glass of local wine and share a variety of Swiss cheeses with my family. While we can fly or drive from Zurich to Milan, we often choose to take the train. After over a decade of rail travel, we enjoy family train travel in Europe, but it’s not always easy. Experience is an excellent teacher, I hope these European Family Train Travel Tips Helping you board the ship with a smile.
1. Arrive early
Trains are usually on time and don’t spend long at the station unless you happen to board the train in the origin city. In my experience, trains roar by in minutes and don’t wait for anyone. One of the top tips for family train travel in Europe is to arrive early.
2. Get ready for the ride
Usually, survival of the fittest determines who boards the train first, so be prepared to board the train car with your children (if applicable) and luggage well in advance of your scheduled departure time.
Your train ticket will help you determine where to stand on the platform so that you can be close to your coach or carriage when the train arrives. The following information from the latest air tickets shows service class (1st class), carriage (2) and seats.
• 17:23 Barcelona Santes
• 21:16 Avignon TGV
• TGV 9724
• Car No. 1, Car No. 2, seats 32, 33, 34, 35
There should be a lettered section on the railway platform and an electronic layout of the train should be posted at the station. Check the information on your ticket to determine the class of service and compartment number. Then, refer to the electronic train layout to identify the letters you need to stand near the platform. If you end up on the wrong carriage, you’ll have to zigzag through the moving train to find your seat. Wandering across the train with kids and luggage isn’t fun, but it’s better than missing the train.
3. You are responsible for the custody of your luggage
I’ve heard that some train stations have porters, but I’ve never found one who could assist with boarding. If you are traveling by train in Europe, plan to take all your luggage with you on the train. Most carriages have luggage storage areas, but these tend to fill up quickly. If you are traveling with a child, a lightweight stroller is a great option.
4. Eat whatever you want, drink whatever you want
Train travel is wonderful because you can eat and drink as much as you like – walk to the dining car, order at your seat if you’re in first class, or bring your own food and drink on board.
5. European family train travel – 1st class or 2nd class?
First class (1) (comfort, reservable seats and enhanced services) and second class (2) are the most common options for train travel. Austrian trains also offer business class, which is superior to the first-class product. In addition to business class, some Italian trains offer executive class, which offers the highest level of service. Select your preferred service class when purchasing your ticket.
6. Select the primary level
In a double-decker train car, reserve a seat on the main level. If you have heavy luggage, children or have limited mobility, climbing the stairs to the upper floors may be difficult.
7. Bathrooms can be wild
Trains usually travel at high speeds and do not always travel in straight lines. If you’re traveling with kids, I recommend bringing hand sanitizer, tissues, and a toilet seat.
8. Don’t miss the discounts
Many train networks in Europe offer free or discounted train travel for certain age groups or families. For example, OBB train network For families in Austria Votelskawhich includes free train travel for up to four children under 15 years old when traveling with the card holder. Discount cards can be purchased at the address below and are usually valid for one year. Once you have the card, you should be eligible for these benefits regardless of how you book your train travel, i.e. through online booking rail europe Or go to the station in person.
Provided by Swiss Network SBB Swiss Family Card Children under 16 are allowed to travel free When at least one parent is present Swiss travel system ticket.
9. Buy tickets in advance
The best seats and prices are usually available in advance. rail europe Works with over 230 rail operators across Europe, allowing you to compare prices and routes. When buying tickets through Eurail, you should be able to use a discount card, such as the Family Vorteilscard.
What do you recommend Family-friendly European train travel Would you like to share? I’d love to hear about your experiences.