What to Pack for Train Travel in Europe With Kids (+ FAQs)

Traveling by train in Europe with kids can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Between navigating crowded stations, managing long journeys, and keeping little ones entertained, deciding on what to pack for train travel in Europe with kids can make all the difference.

To help make your family trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve compiled a list of must-have items for train travel on top of your already packed basics.

From essentials that keep your kids comfortable to clever gadgets that save space, these are our favorite items to pack for train travel in Europe with kids that will make your journey easier and more enjoyable for everyone onboard.

We’ve included a helpful FAQ section with information on luggage storage, which European train operators offer free tickets for kids or family carriages, and more!

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Important Note: This guide is based on our personal experiences traveling by train with our child across various European countries. Europe consists of many different countries, each with its own train networks and operators, but these tips reflect common themes and general practices shared by most European train systems.

Key Tips for European Train Travel With Kids

👍 Flat-shaped items are your best friend—always think compact, compact, compact!

🧥 Dress in layers. Train climate control can be unpredictable, so being able to adjust for warmth or coolness is key.

🎦 Download your kids’ shows ahead of time. Streaming isn’t always available, so it’s best to be prepared.

💊 Keep essential medicines easily accessible; don’t bury them at the bottom of your bag.

🎟 For longer train rides, consider booking an upper-class ticket or family seating, if available.

👣 Let your kids wander around on larger trains with multiple levels and various carts. It’ll help them stay active and not get bored.

Packing List for More Enjoyable Train Rides in Europe With Kids

Travel Gear

• Seat Extender / Travel Bed – Can be used on trains, in cars, and even on airplanes, turning any seat into an extended space where your child can comfortably play or sleep.
• Joovy Caboose Tandem Stand-on Stroller – A top-rated compact stroller for traveling with multiple children, featuring a traditional seat along with a secondary seat or step for older kids. It’s been described as a lifesaver!
• Travel Backpacks – Choose backpacks with secure and hidden compartments to help your little ones organize their own things. Toddlers will love being in charge of their own belongings!
• Plastic Bags – You never know when you’ll need a standard plastic bag or Ziploc bag for accidental cleanups. They come in handy in unfortunate situations, such as dealing with soiled clothing.

Health & Safety

• Flushable Wet Wipes – Flushable wet wipes are multipurpose; you can use them for cleaning up messes, wiping your child’s hands, and during bathroom time.
• Pocket Tissues – As parents, you know that there’s no such thing as having too many tissues.
• Travel First Aid Kit – Stay prepared for little accidents that can happen at any moment. Instead of flagging down an attendant (and perhaps not being able to communicate), pull out your own first aid kit to handle emergencies more quickly.
• Toilet Seat Covers – Restrooms on trains and in train stations aren’t spotless. Save yourself the stress by always keeping toilet seat covers on hand.
• Hand Sanitizer – This is the most important thing to pack for train travel in Europe with kids. Children have a knack for touching everything you don’t want them to when in a public space.
• Medicine Organizer – An organizer to separate adult medications and prescriptions from your kids’ is a game changer, especially when you need something urgently. It also helps save space in your luggage.

Toys

• A Busy Book – This product is ideal for kids under 3 years old and is proven to keep them occupied or distracted when parents need it the most. Everything is also intact, so you don’t have to worry about making a mess.
• Activity Book – Older kids who are a bit more self-sufficient can easily get lost in these types of activity books, making them perfect for train rides and road trips.
• Dry Erase Travel Pack – Any product that has the words “travel pack” in its name has us swooning! It’s easy to bring, use, and requires little to no cleanup.
• Magnetic Dress Up Dolls – Playing dress-up never gets old, and these magnetic sets make it so easy to bring along on the go. Everything fits neatly into one box and doesn’t require you to haul around actual dolls.
• Sticker Books – We recommend finding reusable sticker books if you’re traveling with young children because it becomes less of an issue when they start decorating the train windows, seats… and the hair of the person sitting in front of them.
• Anti-Roll Triangular Crayons – Triangular crayons don’t roll around, which helps keep parents sane. Enough said!

Electronics

• Kid-Friendly Pens for Touch Screens (iPads) – One of the best travel hacks for bringing fewer items is to have kids use a touchscreen pen for drawing on iPads instead of a set of pencils or markers. This approach usually works best with older children.
• Bluetooth Headphones – It’s a bit of a necessity for making not only your kid’s time on the train more enjoyable but also that of fellow passengers. Pay it forward!
• Digital Camera – If you’re on holiday and naturally taking a lot of photos, your kids may want to do the same. Encourage them to take loads of meaningless yet memorable photos, even during the train ride!
• Portable Charger – While most seats (even in 2nd class) have chargers available, they aren’t always in top working order. Bring a portable charger for your phones, laptops, and iPads just in case.
• Electronics Organizer Travel Case – Save space in your luggage by organizing your electronics into a compact masterpiece instead of a bird’s nest.
• Foldable iPhone or iPad Holder – Avoid holding a phone or iPad directly in your child’s face (i.e., it’s not good for their eyes) and use a holder instead.

Reasons to Travel by Train in Europe With Your Kids

1. Environmental Impact
If you’re planning a journey across Europe covering thousands of kilometers, why not take advantage of the continent’s extensive, efficient train network? Train travel in Europe is far superior to that in the U.S., with faster, more frequent connections, a vast and integrated network, and family-friendly amenities that make it easy to navigate entire countries without a car. Use it!

Driving these same distances can be costly, and handling a toddler alone in a car for hours presents its own set of challenges. Trains, on the other hand, offer a more sustainable way to travel while allowing you to enjoy the scenery without the stress of driving.

2. Flexibility and Comfort for Families
Trains offer an easier way to keep kids entertained, thanks to family-friendly amenities designed specifically for parents and young children. Many European trains have designated family compartments with added luggage space, game tables, and the best even mini cinemas where kids can sit on tiered seating just like in a theatre! You’ll also find other families on board, making it easier for parents to lend each other a hand.

Above all, one of the great benefits of train travel is that children can move around freely, stretching their legs and exploring safely. A much better scenario than being confined to a car seat for hours—making for a much more enjoyable journey for both kids and parents.

FAQs Train Travel in Europe With Kids

Do kids travel for free on trains in Europe?

Free travel policies for children on trains are similar to those for airplanes but tend to be a bit more flexible. While train operators must still consider seat occupancy—meaning that a child not sitting on a parent’s lap occupies a seat—many European countries offer free or discounted travel for children up to a certain age, making family journeys more affordable.

Here are a few notable examples of free train travel for kids in Europe:

Dutch Railways (NS) allows children up to age 11 to travel free when accompanied by an adult, with the requirement of a free Kids Vrij pass.

In Germany, with Deutsche Bahn (DB), children under 6 travel free on all trains without needing a ticket, while those aged 6 to 14 can ride for free when accompanied by a parent or grandparent.

Austria’s ÖBB Railways allows children under 6 to travel for free, and those up to 15 can travel at half price. The ÖBB “Vorteilscard Family” also enables one adult to bring up to four children for free on a single ticket. Some routes feature family zones with amenities like game tables and even a children’s cinema.

In France, on SNCF trains, children under 4 can travel free if seated on a parent’s lap, while those between 4 and 12 can book discounted seats.

Luxembourg offers free rail travel for everyone on national routes in standard class, benefiting families traveling with children.

Where is luggage stored on the train?

Most trains in Europe are set up in a similar style, whether for short or long hauls. Typically, you’ll find a luggage storage area right at the entrance of each carriage, where you’re encouraged to leave larger items like strollers or oversized bags.

Above the seating, there are metal racks (luggage shelves) for smaller bags, backpacks and luggage, assuming they fit. Many travelers prefer this option for luggage storage since it keeps their belongings in view, just overhead.

In our experience, luggage is always stored within easy access of the passenger. If someone suggests a different location, be wary, as it may not be a legitimate practice.

Do you need to book train tickets in advance?

Despite what movies portray, you usually can’t buy tickets at the last minute and simply jump on the train across three countries.

Particularly for long-distance journeys, it’s best to purchase tickets in advance to ensure availability. If you’re traveling as a family, you definitely don’t want to risk encountering sold-out seats—a situation that happens more often than you might think.

Additionally, train ticket prices tend to fluctuate based on when you buy them. Generally, the earlier you buy, the cheaper they are.

Do trains charge extra to stow strollers?

Similar to checking a stroller on a flight, most railway companies in Europe do not charge additional fees for bringing a stroller. In fact, many don’t even monitor the amount of luggage you’re bringing, let alone accessories like strollers.

Strollers are essential when traveling with kids, and European countries are generally very understanding of this. Don’t worry about bringing a stroller on the train—even fellow passengers are often more than willing to help you stow it in tight spaces.

Also, feel free to disregard dimension regulations. In practice, no one will mind the size of your stroller when you board.

Is it worth reserving first class seats when travelling with kids?

The specifics will, of course, depend on the train operator and a few other factors, but generally, the extra cost of a first-class train ticket is well worth it for parents traveling with children.

First-class seats on European trains usually provide more comfortable seating (wider seats with extra legroom), food and beverage service, onboard entertainment, and access to exclusive carriages.

Best of all, upgraded seats typically don’t cost significantly more than standard tickets—unlike the major price differences you see with flight classes.

Should you bring a car seat on a train?

Car seats are bulky and unnecessary when traveling by train in Europe. In our extensive experience with train travel across various European countries, both for short and long journeys, we’ve never seen a parent use a car seat for their child.

Is there Wi-Fi on the trains?

Most train operators in Europe offer free Wi-Fi throughout all carriages. However, coverage can be unreliable, and the network may be spotty. We don’t recommend relying on a solid Wi-Fi connection at all times during train rides, so if you need dependable connectivity, have a backup option, such as mobile data.

Additionally, Wi-Fi may sometimes be marketed as an added feature or upgrade, but it’s generally available across all carriages. Be cautious of unnecessary extra charges, and consider doing a quick check on your train’s amenities before committing to additional fees.

Are there family-friendly seats or compartments you can book?

This feature depends on the country or countries you are traveling through or to by train, as well as the train operator you choose. However, it’s worth keeping in mind when selecting your tickets during the online booking process.

Several European train operators offer dedicated family carriages designed to make journeys more enjoyable for families with children. These carriages typically include features like extra space, play areas, and sometimes child-friendly entertainment.

Here are some popular operators that provide family carriages:

• Germany:
  Deutsche Bahn (DB) – ICE trains
• France:
  SNCF (French National Railways) – TGV InOui high-speed trains
• Austria:
  ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) – Railjet and Nightjet trains
• Switzerland:
  SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) – InterCity (IC) trains
• Italy:
  Trenitalia – Frecciarossa and Frecciargento trains
• The Netherlands:
  NS (Dutch Railways) – NS Intercity trains

Are there bathrooms on trains?

Yes, it’s standard for trains in Europe to have bathrooms in all classes, whether on city trains (for shorter journeys) or regional and international trains (for longer trips). Keep in mind that, as public bathrooms, they may not always be the cleanest. However, they’re available and convenient, especially when traveling with kids.