The picturesque countryside flashes as I enjoy a glass of local wine and share various Swiss cheeses with my family. Although we can fly from Zurich to Milan, we often choose to travel by train. After more than a decade of tracking, we love family train trips in Europe, but it’s not always easy. Experience is an excellent teacher, I hope these Tips for European Family Train Travel Helps you have a smile on your face.
1. Arrival early
Trains are usually on time and they don’t take long at the station unless you happen to board the train in the city of its origin. In my experience, trains come in and out within minutes and will not wait for anyone. In Europe, one of the main tips for family train travel is to get up early.
2. Prepare to board
OK, the right survival seems to determine who gets on the train first, so be prepared to board the train coach with your kids (if applicable) and luggage before the scheduled departure time.
Your train ticket will help you determine where to stand on the platform so that you can get close to the coach or carriage when the train arrives. The following information in the recent ticket shows the service level (1st), carriage (2) and seating.
•17:23 Barcelona Sect
•21:16 Avignon TGV
•TGV 9724
•First, carriage 2, seats 32, 33, 34, 35
The train platform should have a letter part and the electronic layout of your train should be published at the station. View the information on the ticket to determine the category of service and transport numbers. Then, see the e-train layout to determine the letters you need to stand near the platform. If you end up on the wrong carriage, you have to weave your own seat on the moving train. It wasn’t fun to hang out on the train with kids and luggage, but it beats the train.
3. You are responsible for luggage
I heard that there are porters at some train stations, but I never found a porter who can assist with boarding. If you are traveling by train in Europe, plan to bring all your luggage to the train. Most cars contain luggage storage areas, but tend to fill quickly. A lightweight stroller is an excellent choice if you are traveling with your kids.
4. Eat and drink when you want
The train trip is great as you can decide to eat and drink – walk to the dining cart, order from your seat if you are in first class, or bring your own food and drinks.
5. Family train trips in Europe – first-class or second-class?
First Class (1), (comfortable, reserved seats and enhanced service) and second (2) are the most common train travel options. Austrian Train also offers business class, which outperforms their top-notch products. In addition to business class, some Italian trains also offer executive classes, providing the highest level of service. When purchasing a flight ticket, select your preferred service category.
6. Select the main layer
In the double-decker train coach, one seat is reserved for the main floor. If you have heavy luggage, children, or mobility difficulties, climbing the stairs can be difficult.
7. The bathroom can be wild
Trains often travel at high speeds and do not always move in a straight line. I recommend packing hand sanitizer, tissues and toilet seat cover if you are traveling with your kids.
8. Don’t miss the discount
Many European train networks offer free or discounted train trips for certain age groups or families. For example, OBB Train Network Provide for family members in Austria Vorteilscardwhich includes free train trips for up to four children under the age of 15 when traveling with the cardholder. Discount cards are available, usually valid for one year. Once you have this card, you should be eligible for the benefits no matter how you book a train trip Railway Europe Or face to face at the station.
Swiss Network SBB provides Swiss Family Card Children under 16 are allowed to travel Free When at least one parent holds one parent Swiss Travel System ticket.
9. Buy tickets in advance
The best seats and prices are usually available in advance. Railway Europe Throughout Europe, working with over 230 railway operators allows you to compare prices and routes. When purchasing tickets through Rail Europe, you should be able to use discount cards, such as Family Vorteilscard.
Do you have any tips European family-friendly train trip Are you willing to share? I would love to hear your experience.
