Travelling around Europe with kids is easy thanks to Rail Europe and, for the third year in a row, Australian travellers have come in as the top country for Rail Europe’s ticket sales! As a nation of travellers we love Europe in all seasons and families, in particular, find the comfortable, hassle-free, kids-in-tow pleasures of a scenic rail journey the perfect way to get around.
Rail Europe -Fast Facts for Families
A major advantage of travelling by train with the family is being able to spend good quality time together talking or playing, etc. Children can also rest properly on the large seats or sleep if travelling on a sleeper train such as the Elipsos Trenhotel.
First class offers a lot more space than second class, which is a huge plus for children who like moving around. These seats can be reserved in advance, which is great when travelling during peak seasons. Children under four travel for free while those between four and 11 eligible for half price fares on most routes.
Eurostar is one of the most popular trains carrying more passengers than all of the airlines combined on both routes out of London. Families with young kids will also enjoy the fact that Eurostar also has a Disneyland Paris service.
Travelling to Switzerland is FREE for kids under 16 years. The Swiss Family Card is free and valid when purchased with a Swiss Pass, Swiss Flexi Pass, Swiss Transfer Ticket or Swiss Card. Children not accompanied by their parents receive a 50% discount on Swiss Passes & Swiss Transfer tickets.
Check out the kid's facilities on different trains/journeys. Some include children's play areas and dedicated baby-changing facilities. Family spaces are sets of 4 seats set around a folding table with board games and colouring books.hey’re slightly set apart from the rest of the passengers, so parents don’t need to worry if the kids are a bit noisy.
For more information see Rail Europe's FAQ on Family Travel.
Travelling to Switzerland?
- MySwitzerland iPad App has a brand new eBrochure for Winter 2012-13.
- Kids will love this - Two of the country‘s favourite bearded Swiss men are once again ensuring no one is disturbed this season, not even by cuckoo clocks. For a preview of how hard the two men are working, click here.
- For travellers interested in the snow, MySwitzerland provides the latest on snow reports. Visitors can watch the snow pile up at any Swiss resort with the new cutting-edge snow report, which goes live in November.
