A Primer on Family Train Travel through Europe in 2024
This year it’s getting even easier (and more fun) for families to travel around Europe flight-free thanks to a host of new train routes launching across the continent.
It’s no secret— there’s a rail renaissance sweeping Europe.
As the flight-free philosophy gathers momentum, many of us are relearning how to travel. Trains can offer a reliable and sustainable alternative to today’s congested airports and highways. With shorter routes often rivaling air travel thanks to shorter wait times and delivery straight to city centers, the rail revival combines the values of the slow travel movement with the benefits of moving quickly. Countries across the globe are investing billions of dollars in new infrastructure to keep us cruising into the second half of the 21st century while leaving a smaller footprint in our wake. And Europe is so here for it. From boarding a sleek sleeper train to Scandinavia to hopping on a cross-country trailblazer, riding the rails around the EU has never been this convenient — or this fun.
Those with children may find that family train travel in Europe is already more convenient, cost-effective, and kid-friendly than air travel. Trains offer built-in sightseeing, the freedom for everyone in the family to relax, and room for exploration. Rather than serving only as a means of transportaion from point A to point B, riding a train is an experience unto itself. With many operators offering discounts for minors, joining the rail revolution is hard to resist.
Not sure where to start? Here are some of our favorite railway routes, old and new— for families traveling through Europe in 2024:
Family Fares in Italy:
Whether combining Italy with a longer tour through Europe or making it the sole destination, travelers will find that this crowd favorite truly has something for everyone. The super modern Frecciarossa trains operated by Trenitalia zip up and down the length of Italy, from Bolzano all the way to Calabria. With the Bimbi Gratis deal, kids 14 and under travel free and parents enjoy a discount on many lines. Trenitalia is known for connecting Italy’s larger cities with lesser-know areas, which opens the trip up to surprising discoveries and leans into the practice of responsible, second-city travel.
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By April 2024, travelers should be able to enjoy a new high-speed train route stretching from Milan in northern Italy all the way to Ljubljana, Slovenia. The roughly 7-hour ride will trail through dreamy landscapes and cities like Trieste, Venice, Padua, Verona and – in Slovenia – Divaccia, Sežana, and Postojna.
A train crossing the Landwasser Viaduct in Filisur, Switzerland. Photo by Stefan Lehner.
Snaking Alpine Adventures:
We’ve all seen the stunning views in the movies, but you don’t have to be a spy or a detective to experience the Alps through the window of a speeding train. The Swiss SBB long-distance trains make for a supremely kid-friendly experience, complete with a family game room, slides, and a play area. The Bernina Express, while offering less frills, has some of the best views of the Alps. Winding its way through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges, the Bernina Express gets up close and personal with the Landwasser Viaduct, one of the world's picturesque railway bridges, and carries passengers over the border to Tirano, Italy.
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The new GoldenPass Express runs all the way from Interlaken to Montreux thanks to the invention of adjustable bogies, a feat 100 years in the making. Aside from this tidbit of train trivia, there is plenty to love about this luxurious route crossing some of the most beautiful corners of Switzerland's German- and French-speaking regions.
Cozy Overnight Journeys:
The Austria ÖBB has played a major role in the overnight rail revival over the past few years.
It took some time to get neighboring countries onboard, but the new service called Nightjet now connects many European cities in an excitingly seemless way. With new routes opening up regularly and a fleet of 33 custom-built trains already trekking, there’s no need to book hotels or stand in time-sucking lines along the way.
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Families will love the couchette compartments on Nightjet trains. The private room with four bunks is modern and comfortable, the perfect vessel for an overnight trip between two iconic European cities. Some routes can even accommodate vehicle transportation, opening up the possibility of combined rail and road trips.
Jungfrau Bahn, Switzerland.
Dreamy Custom Rail Itineraries:
Our favorite approach to train travel is to take it slow and savor different cultural pockets along the way. Byway makes this type of train travel simple by taking care of the planning. Their online itinerary builder even lets travelers play around with possibilities before committing. Based on travelers’ interests, Byway customizes the route, books boutique and family-owned hotels, and even provides activity recommendations for down time. The priority is always placed on lesser-known destinations and responsible travel providers keeping tourism dollars in local communities. Founded by a woman seeking slow travel alternatives for her own brood, Byway makes family train travel in Europe a breeze.
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From sleeper trains to Prague with city stop-offs along the way to family ski trips to Saas-Fee combined with a day in Paris, Byway journeys are full of complementary treasures. This spring we’re dreaming of the fairytale Alsace trip through colorful medieval towns, rolling green landscapes, and picture-perfect waterways of the Franco-German region. Pro tip: If you don’t see your desired starting point on the website, you can always email Byway directly for a free sample itinerary tailored to you. [is this true, or was it just for us?]
