Why Family Train Travel in Europe Is the Ultimate Way to Explore Together

There’s something magical about watching the countryside blur past your window, a sandwich in one hand and your child’s hand in the other. When our family of four—my partner, our two kids (ages 6 and 10), and I—decided to explore Europe by train, we had no idea it would become our favorite way to travel.

If you’re planning a European adventure and looking for something less stressful (and more fun) than airports and rental cars, family train travel in Europe might just be your golden ticket.

Family Train Travel in Europe

Table of contents

• Family Train Travel in Europe
• Scenic Swiss Rail: Family Train Travel in Europe on the Glacier Express
• Fast & Fun: Family Train Travel in Europe with Renfe’s AVE Trains Across Spain

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Our First Journey: Amsterdam to Berlin

Our introduction to family train travel in Europe began with a route that perfectly balanced comfort, culture, and simplicity—Amsterdam to Berlin. After three days of bike rides through canal-lined streets, pancake breakfasts, and a visit to the NEMO Science Museum (a must with kids!), it was time to board our first international train.

We chose a direct Intercity Express (ICE) train, which runs frequently between the two cities and takes about 6 hours. To be honest, I was a little nervous about how the kids would handle a long ride. But those fears disappeared the moment we stepped onto the platform.

The family compartment we reserved was a game-changer. It had extra space, a table, and even power outlets for the kids' tablets—though they barely used them. They were far too fascinated by the changing views outside the window: windmills in the Netherlands, forests in western Germany, and towns that looked straight out of a fairytale.

This leg of our family train travel in Europe adventure made it clear just how different train travel feels from flying. There was no need to arrive hours early, no liquid restrictions, and no long queues or cramped boarding processes. We simply arrived at the station, found our platform, and boarded stress-free.

Snacks were key! We had packed fruit, sandwiches, and juice boxes in a small cooler bag, which kept everyone happy and full. There’s also a dining car onboard, but we only used it for coffee and a sweet treat. The onboard restrooms were clean, and the aisles were wide enough for little legs to stretch out when needed.

As parents, we were able to relax—really relax—for the first time in days. We played Uno, read books, and chatted about what we were most excited to see in Berlin. By the time we arrived at Berlin Hauptbahnhof, we were rested, connected, and ready to explore a new city.

Berlin turned out to be incredibly family-friendly. We stayed in a hotel near the Tiergarten, where we rented paddle boats and visited the Berlin Zoo. The kids loved the German Museum of Technology and splashing in the fountains at Alexanderplatz. Looking back, that smooth ride between Amsterdam and Berlin set the tone for the entire trip—and reminded us why family train travel in Europe is not just convenient, but truly enriching.

Scenic Swiss Rail: Family Train Travel in Europe on the Glacier Express

If there’s a crown jewel in family train travel in Europe, it’s the Glacier Express in Switzerland. Known as one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, this route gave our family a memory we still talk about every time we see snow—or a mountain.

Our kids had never seen the Alps before. When we boarded the Glacier Express in Zermatt, they pressed their noses to the panoramic windows, wide-eyed as we slowly climbed into a landscape of glaciers, gorges, and toy-like villages perched on hillsides. This wasn’t just a train ride—it was an open-air museum on rails.

We reserved family-friendly seats with extra space and a full view of the iconic route from Zermatt to St. Moritz. The ride is about 8 hours, but it never dragged—not even with two kids under 10 onboard. Between tunnels, spiral viaducts, and high mountain passes, there was always something new to see.

What makes this part of family train travel in Europe so special is how easy and stress-free it is. In Switzerland, everything runs with perfect timing. The stations are clearly marked, the staff is friendly (and often multilingual), and the onboard experience feels designed for families. There are clean restrooms, tray tables, and even a kids’ activity booklet available at some stations.

We brought our own picnic to save a little money (Switzerland isn’t cheap!), but you can also pre-order meals served right at your seat. Our kids were thrilled when their hot chocolate came with a small chocolate bar and a smile from the conductor.

Here are a few tips if you're planning this leg of your family train travel in Europe:

• Book early. The Glacier Express is popular year-round, especially in summer and during snowy winter holidays.
• Travel light. Luggage storage is available, but space is limited near seats.
• Bring binoculars. Spotting ibex, waterfalls, and alpine villages is part of the fun.
• Use the Swiss Family Card. It allows kids under 16 to travel for free with an adult holding a valid Swiss Travel Pass.

When we finally pulled into St. Moritz, the kids were buzzing with stories, facts from the audio guide, and about 200 pictures on their tablets. It was the kind of day where you forget about screen time and just enjoy being together.

If you’re building your own itinerary for family train travel in Europe, make the Glacier Express your centerpiece. It’s not just a mode of transport—it’s an unforgettable experience wrapped in mountains, magic, and the joy of traveling slow, together.

Fast & Fun: Family Train Travel in Europe with Renfe’s AVE Trains Across Spain

When most people think about family train travel in Europe, they imagine cozy Alpine journeys or scenic routes through the countryside. But Spain offers a different kind of train experience—fast, modern, and incredibly family-friendly—thanks to its impressive AVE high-speed rail system operated by Renfe.

We used the AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) to travel from Madrid to Barcelona, and it completely changed how we thought about long-distance travel with kids. The journey is just under 3 hours, with speeds reaching up to 310 km/h (193 mph)—yet the ride is so smooth and quiet that our youngest actually napped through most of it.

From the moment we arrived at Madrid Atocha Station, the family-focused infrastructure stood out. Clearly marked platforms, wide elevators, accessible restrooms, and helpful staff made navigating with strollers and suitcases a breeze. For any parent who's ever tried dragging tired kids through an airport, this alone is a game-changer.

Our assigned seats were spacious and clean, with a fold-out table that quickly became home to snacks, sticker books, and our trusty travel Uno deck. Some AVE routes even offer a quiet coach option, which is ideal if you want a calm environment for reading or napping kids.

The family train travel in Europe experience in Spain is also remarkably efficient. Unlike flying, there’s no need to arrive two hours early, no endless security lines, and no limits on snacks and drinks you bring onboard. We carried a small backpack cooler with fruit, sandwiches, and juice boxes—and there was still room for a few chocolate croissants we picked up at the station.

One of the best parts? The AVE trains arrive right in the heart of each city. When we reached Barcelona Sants, we were just a short metro ride from our hotel near Plaça de Catalunya. No taxis, no traffic—just off the train and into our next adventure.

This leg of our family train travel in Europe adventure gave us a new appreciation for how well Spain caters to traveling families. We spent our days exploring Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, watching street performers along Las Ramblas, and letting the kids run wild in Ciutadella Park. The smooth transition between cities made it feel like one continuous story, not a stressful travel day.

Here are a few quick tips for enjoying Spain’s AVE trains with your family:

• Book in advance to get “Promo” or “Family” fares at up to 60% off.
• Check for family seating areas when booking (Renfe’s site allows this).
• Use the Renfe app to manage tickets and check platforms in real time.
• Travel light, but don’t worry—there's generous luggage space above and below seats.
• Pair the trip with Renfe’s free Cercanías (commuter train) passes for short city trips.

If you're mapping out your family train travel in Europe, don't overlook Spain’s AVE network. It’s fast, reliable, and designed with modern travelers—including families—in mind. For us, it wasn't just a way to get from A to B; it was a fun, efficient, and memorable part of the journey itself.

Train Travel Tips for Families

1. Go for the Eurail Family Pass
The Eurail Global Pass offers great value for families. Children under 12 often travel for free when accompanied by an adult. It gives you the flexibility to be spontaneous while saving money.

2. Pack Smart
Pack light, but don’t forget essentials like snacks, reusable water bottles, and a few small toys or books. Most trains have dining cars, but it's always nice to have your own treats on hand.

3. Entertainment & Downtime
Bring headphones, download a few kid-friendly movies, and don’t underestimate the power of simple games like Uno or I Spy.

4. Choose Family-Friendly Trains
Many European countries have trains specifically designed for families—think play areas, nursing spaces, and extra luggage room.

Final Thoughts: All Aboard for Family Memories

Traveling by train gave us more than just a way to get around—it gave us space to connect, laugh, and experience Europe as a family. Whether you're gliding past tulip fields in the Netherlands or winding through Alpine valleys, family train travel in Europe turns the journey itself into an adventure.

Have you taken your kids on a European train trip? Drop your favorite route or story in the comments below—or start planning your next family getaway by rail!