The Europe Night Train Guide: Family-Friendly Routes
Traveling across Europe with children can feel overwhelming. Long airport lines, security checks with strollers, cramped plane seats, and cranky kids—it's enough to make any parent reconsider that dream family vacation. But what if you could skip the airport chaos entirely and turn your overnight journey into an adventure your children will talk about for years?
Europe's night trains offer a magical experience: sleeping on a gently rolling train, eating in the dining car, and waking to find a new country outside the window. For families, this isn't just convenient—it's transformative. Your kids get the thrill of sleeping on a moving train while you save the cost of a hotel and arrive refreshed, ready to explore.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about family-friendly night train routes in Europe—from choosing the right cabin type to booking the best routes for your family's needs. Whether you have toddlers or tweens, traveling by night train can be easier, more affordable, and far more memorable than flying.
Table of Contents
- Why Families Love Europe's Night Trains
- Understanding Night Train Accommodation Options
- Top Family-Friendly Night Train Routes
- Practical Tips for Night Train Travel with Kids
- Booking Strategies and Cost Savings
- What to Pack for Your Night Train Journey
Why Families Love Europe's Night Trains
Night trains solve the biggest pain points of family travel in one elegant solution. Switching from planes to trains eliminates lengthy airport queues, wrestling kids into seat belts, and arriving miles away from your destination. Europe's trains take you seamlessly from city center to city center, with space to stretch your legs and dedicated play carriages for younger kids.
The financial benefits are equally compelling. Night trains can replace the cost of a hotel plus flights on the same route. Expect to pay more than £150 when booking an individual night train for a family of four—far less than separate hotel and flight costs.
But the real magic is in the experience itself. Children have decided they prefer trains to planes, and parents appreciate the ability to move around freely with access to restaurant cars and charging points. Kids love sleeping on the train, and waking up in a new city feels like a treasure hunt—a family bonding experience to cherish.
The educational component shouldn't be overlooked either. Kids fall asleep surrounded by French menus and signage and wake up in a German-speaking world. This cultural immersion happens naturally, sparking curiosity in older children while younger ones simply enjoy the adventure.
Understanding Night Train Accommodation Options
Choosing the right accommodation type makes the difference between a restful journey and an exhausting night. Here's what you need to know about each option:
Seats (Avoid If Possible)
These are essentially regular train cars running overnight with slight recline, but children rarely sleep well in upright seats, and parents end up arriving exhausted. Only consider this option if you have absolutely no alternative.
Couchettes (Best Value for Families)
These are shared compartments with four or six bunks with basic but comfortable mattresses. Families often book all the bunks to keep the space private—usually the sweet spot for price versus comfort.
Why couchettes work brilliantly for families: Families as large as six can all fit in the same couchette compartment on most night trains. Larger families find booking all six bunks in a couchette more affordable than multiple sleeper cabins, and children usually treat the bunks as an adventure.
A family was able to book an affordable 6-berth room for themselves with bathrooms shared in the hallway, and the rocking of the train quickly put them all to sleep. One practical tip from their experience: The top berth was very hot while the air conditioner blasted at the bottom. Plan clothing layers accordingly.
Private Sleeper Compartments (Premium Comfort)
Smaller cabins with one to three bunks, often including a washbasin or private bathroom, are more secure with doors that lock, giving parents peace of mind. Adjoining cabins with a door that opens between them can be reserved for a family of four.
Deluxe Sleepers (Maximum Luxury)
Found on newer services like ÖBB's Nightjet, these feature proper beds, private bathrooms, and sometimes even breakfast service. The Nightjet carriages offer family-friendly options like private compartments that lock and deluxe sleepers with en-suite bathrooms—upgrades that often feel worth it for parents nervous about security or noise.
Special considerations for very young children: If you have very young children and don't want to share a bunk with them, consider bringing a lightweight travel cot; there's space on a sleeper compartment floor to set one up.
Top Family-Friendly Night Train Routes
1. Paris to Vienna (ÖBB Nightjet)
Why it's perfect for families: This route has quickly become one of the flagship examples of night train revival in Europe, connecting two major cities with plenty to offer families.
Departing Paris in the evening and arriving in Vienna around breakfast, the schedule aligns neatly with family routines—time for dinner in Paris, bedtime on the train, and a full day ahead.
Vienna's arrival point, Westbahnhof, is centrally located with easy tram and metro connections, meaning no long transfers with luggage and tired children.
Educational bonus: The sense of crossing a cultural border overnight sparks curiosity in older children, while younger ones simply enjoy waking up in another country.
Connectivity advantage: Vienna serves as a hub for onward travel to cities like Prague, Budapest, and Salzburg, with families building multi-stop itineraries around it.
2. Hamburg to Zurich (ÖBB Nightjet)
Gateway to Alpine adventures: This route is a gateway to the Alps, leaving Hamburg in the evening and arriving in Zurich by breakfast, ready for either a city break or onward travel into Switzerland's mountain resorts.
The journey takes about 12 hours—just right for a full night's sleep—with compartments including standard couchettes and upgraded sleepers, allowing families to book an entire couchette cabin to keep costs manageable while ensuring privacy.
Accessibility: It's accessible for travelers arriving from Scandinavia by ferry or connecting trains.
3. Rome/Milan to Sicily (Intercity Notte)
Epic Italian odyssey: For parents who want to avoid domestic flights or show children the length of Italy in one sweep, it's an unforgettable experience.
Arriving in Palermo or Catania without airport hassles, greeted by sunshine and the sea—the combination of train, ferry, and cultural shift from northern to southern Italy makes this more than just a journey; it's a moving lesson in geography and diversity.
Practical note: The compartments are basic compared to newer trains, and families should be prepared with their own food, especially breakfast items, since catering can be limited.
4. Brussels to Prague (European Sleeper)
Off-the-beaten-path adventure: The brand new Brussels to Prague night train stops in Dresden and Berlin, as well as Rotterdam and Amsterdam, offering sleeper cabins, couchettes, and seat compartments—especially designed to connect off-the-beaten-path Europe.
This company aims to add new sleeper train routes each year. Special offer: Between October 10 and November 2, children aged 4-11 can travel by night train for just €10 one-way in a shared Classic.
5. Stockholm to Berlin
Scandinavian-German connection: This route connects two capitals especially friendly to families, avoiding the hassle of flying between Scandinavia and Germany—departing Stockholm in the evening, arriving in Berlin by morning, taking around 16 hours and passing through Denmark, giving children a rare chance to travel across multiple countries.
The biggest advantage is simplicity: no plane changes, no security lines, and no overnight airport waits—families board once and disembark once with no interruptions.
6. London to Scotland (Caledonian Sleeper)
UK's finest sleeper experience: Fall asleep in London and wake up in the Scottish Highlands or Cornwall—both UK sleeper lines offer seats or cabins with beds and sometimes ensuite bathrooms, plus restaurant cars.
On the Caledonian Sleeper line, book connecting cabins for snuggling up by the window and reading bedtime stories with hot chocolate.
7. Amsterdam to Vienna/Innsbruck (ÖBB Nightjet)
Amsterdam's central location makes this Nightjet route an excellent choice for families combining northern and central Europe. The cultural contrast makes the journey more memorable, as children notice everything from language to food differences.
Practical Tips for Night Train Travel with Kids
Creating Comfortable Sleep Conditions
Air conditioning can be overzealous on sleeper services or non-existent on cheaper regional routes, so take base layers for night trains. Pack layers that can be easily added or removed throughout the night.
Packing Smart for Little Travelers
Load children up with their own small backpack to hold entertainment and essentials such as a tablet, book, water bottle, cuddly toy, pyjamas, toothbrush and wet wipes—or bring a Trunki suitcase they can drag around or ride on when tired.
Traveling light is crucial for families bouncing from city to city because you'll be carrying everything. Rucksacks are best when on the move—take only essentials and wash clothes as you go.
Managing Luggage on Board
The berth was large with enough space to store luggage at feet if needed, with a large luggage area at the top above the door and plugs in each berth to charge phones.
Arriving Prepared
A long sleeper journey is ideal for letting children get a good rest. Build in rest time on arrival day rather than packing your schedule immediately.
Maintaining Calm During the Journey
Children pick up on stress, so keep calm and treat any mishaps as part of the adventure. Most fellow passengers will help or politely ignore you—remind yourself they were kids once.
Special Amenities to Look For
On Austrian regional trains, find the Family Zone compartments where kids have room to play. On Swiss Federal Railways, all double-decker InterCity trains include a Ticki Park family coach—a jungle-themed play space.
On Dutch Railways ICE International trains, look for the Kleinkindabteil for families with tots aged 3 and younger. On Norwegian trains on the Bergen Line, enjoy a free playroom with an adjoining family area.
Booking Strategies and Cost Savings
Understanding Pricing
Interrail passes start at €258 for an adult for four days' travel within a one-month period, rising to €1,202 for unlimited first-class trains across three months. Children aged 11 and under travel for free, with youth tickets (ages 12-27) at 75% of the full adult fare.
Children aged four to nine pay a reduced fare; kids under four ride free but don't get a separate berth.
Booking Early for Best Selection
Family compartments and popular routes sell out weeks or even months in advance, especially during school holidays—the earlier you book, the better your chances of getting cabins together with bunks arranged sensibly.
Important for pass holders: While Eurail or Interrail covers the fare, sleeper reservations are still mandatory and often add significant cost.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
One family saved nearly €150 by doing the train journey the local way instead of the premium Bernina Express. Research local train options that cover the same scenic routes at a fraction of the cost.
Watch out for dynamic pricing and book as far in advance as possible to get discount fares as low as €39.
Using Rail Passes Strategically
The Eurail pass connects multiple train lines over 30+ countries, allowing you to ride to over 40,000 European cities—all you need is your Eurail pass for most of your trip.
Some sections require seat reservations booked in advance, costing a small extra fee, typically around €5-10 per person.
The Eurail Pass is for those traveling to multiple destinations. If traveling from one city to another, booking one train ticket on that specific carrier is more cost-effective.
Family Discount Opportunities
DB offers dedicated family reservations for IC and ICE trains costing only €8 per route covering up to 5 travelers, with ICE trains also having toddler compartments and family areas.
What to Pack for Your Night Train Journey
Essential Items for Comfortable Sleep
- Layered sleepwear (temperatures vary dramatically between compartments)
- Travel pillow for added neck support
- Eye masks and earplugs for light sleepers
- Lightweight blanket or sleep sack for young children
- Slippers or socks (shoes off in compartments)
Entertainment and Comfort
- Tablets loaded with movies (download before departure)
- Favorite stuffed animals or comfort items
- Card games or travel-size board games
- Books and coloring supplies
- Headphones for each child
Practical Necessities
- Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
- Change of clothes for morning arrival
- Toiletries in small containers
- Snacks and water bottles (dining cars close early)
- Small flashlight or headlamp (compartment lights can be harsh)
- Portable phone charger (though most compartments have outlets)
Documents and Tickets
The mobile version with QR code seemed enough for the conductor. Keep digital and printed copies of all reservations.
Making Night Train Magic Happen
Europe's night trains offer something rare in modern travel: an experience that solves practical problems while creating genuine family memories. You're not just getting from Point A to Point B—you're giving your children an adventure they'll remember long after the vacation ends.
The journey was just what families hoped for—a magical adventure without first-class luxury. It's lovely to coax children awake with the words, "Look out of the window, we're in Slovenia."
The night train renaissance sweeping Europe means more routes, better facilities, and increasing recognition that families deserve travel options beyond cramped budget flights. Europe is seeing a welcome sleeper train revival with compartments worthy of design magazines, largely due to increased environmental awareness and the reframing of slow overland journeys as enjoyable rather than endurable.
Start planning your family's night train adventure today. Book early, pack smart, embrace the rhythm of the rails, and discover why children who try night trains often prefer them to planes. Your family's European adventure is waiting—and it begins the moment you step onto the platform.
Sweet dreams and happy travels across Europe's magical night train network.