Traveling by night train with the family: practical tips and testimonials

It’s undeniably true that traveling by night train with children can be daunting. However, with a bit of organization, it can turn into an unforgettable experience for both young and old. In fact, the night train offers a unique adventure that often leaves a lasting impression on even the youngest members of the family, while also saving time and reducing accommodation costs.

In this article, discover all our tips and a few testimonials from our members to help you organize your night train trip, and make sure it goes smoothly for the whole family.

Why take the night train with the family?

If you haven’t taken the plunge yet, it’s useful to know that the night train offers several advantages for families. It allows you to:

• Experience a magical journey your children will remember for years to come. For the youngest, the night train will feel like a real adventure straight out of their favorite books. For teenagers, the sense of wonder is just as strong: imagine closing your eyes in Paris and opening them in Berlin!
• Make the journey more fun and kid-friendly. By choosing a private compartment, you can enjoy meal-times, play board games and more, without worrying about disturbing your neighbors. See it as a great opportunity to enjoy quality time.
• Optimize your travel time. By leaving in the evening and waking up at your destination in the early morning, you don’t “waste” a full vacation day in transit. You also avoid the stress and fatigue often linked to long car journeys, and the boredom of hours waiting at the airport.
• Choose a more sustainable mode of transport. The train is one of the least polluting means of transportation. Choosing the train also means committing to your children’s future, and showing them that another (better) way of traveling is possible.
• Save on accommodation costs. By combining transport and lodging, the night train can generate significant savings on this major holiday expense — especially for families (unless, of course, you’re doing a home exchange)!

6 tips for night train trips with children

1. Choose the right itinerary and schedule

First and foremost, choose a route whose duration suits your children’s sleep schedule (especially if it’s your first trip and they’re not used to long train journeys yet). For example, if you’re traveling with young children, avoid departures in the middle of the night or arrivals very early in the morning. Night trains usually cover long distances, which mean you can travel several hundred kilometers while the whole family sleeps.

2. Book the right comfort level

Traveling as a family makes it easier to book sleeper compartments or private cabins. Everyone will have a bed and personal space. This ensures more privacy during the journey, without the comings and goings of other passengers, and avoids potential stress in case your child cries during the night.

We recommend booking your tickets in advance to make sure you get the best seats and prices, especially if you're traveling in high season.

3. Ensure safety and peace of mind

Safety is a top priority when traveling by night train. Whatever your route or the company, be aware that compartments can always be locked from the inside. This is reassuring — especially with children in tow. As soon as you board, explain all safety instructions to your children and, if they’re old enough to walk around on their own, show them where the toilets are.

A few basic rules also apply: avoid displaying valuables in shared areas, carry a small bag with everything you’ll need overnight and your important belongings (ID, tickets, money etc), and leave only your suitcases in the luggage area.

4. Prepare an accessible bag with nighttime essentials

For all train journeys, think of packing a small suitcase or backpack that’s easy to access and contains some essential items for a good night’s sleep.

For example:

• Sleep essentials: eye mask, earplugs, extra blanket for those who get cold, comfortable clothes, comfort blanket or cuddly toy...
• Hygiene and well-being accessories: toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes, hand sanitizer, deodorant...
• Entertainment: books, quiet games for awake moments, podcasts...
• Other essentials: chargers, train tickets, credit card or cash, ID...
  The rest of your holiday luggage can be stored in the dedicated luggage compartments.

5. Think about snacks

Before departure, check the onboard services, which vary from one rail company to another. Some trains offer dinner and breakfast at your seat, some have dining cars, and others only offer snack options.

Even if meals are included, when traveling with children, it’s always a good idea to pack some of their favorite snacks that are easy to eat without any preparation. Consider cereal bars, cookies, fruit and the like. And don’t forget reusable water bottles so you can stay hydrated at night.

6. Anticipate your children’s sleep routine

Children may get excited or unsettled at the idea of sleeping on a train, so it’s a good idea to create a familiar bedtime routine (a book, a lullaby, dim lighting) to help them relax. Even though the rhythmic sound of the train often helps with falling asleep, earplugs or a sleep mask can also be useful (especially for older kids).

Ultimately, traveling by night train as a family means combining practicality and adventure. With a little planning and organization, this mode of transport can be a very pleasant alternative to the car or plane: more eco-friendly, often less stressful, and above all, it offers the chance to create plenty of shared memories!

Family night train travel: our members’ testimonials

At HomeExchange, we love train travel and our community shares our enthusiasm. So take a look below to discover some of their stories, along with practical tips from their experiences:

“We did a European tour with two night trains: Berlin/Budapest and Graz/Zurich. We booked 4-person cabins and we loved our little cabin-cocoon for the four of us. Rocked by the train, waking up in the morning not knowing which country you're in, opening the blinds to a sunrise over the Danube, the kindness of the train staff, chatting in the hallway with other travelers. We really enjoyed it and it’s now become a criteria for our trips — but unfortunately there aren't many night trains. We hope this will grow.” – Maëlle

“The money we save on accommodation thanks to HE allows us to spend a bit more on transport, so we treat ourselves to first-class cabins or ones with private bathrooms. Having our own space also makes it easier to put our 2-year-old to sleep on a thick blanket on the floor — no risk of a stranger stepping on her on the way to the toilet in the middle of the night. And a bonus for exhausted parents: the rocking of the train helped our little one sleep better than at home!” – Charlotte

“We regularly take the Paris to Latour-de-Carol train (after Toulouse) with our kids. It’s very clean, we sleep well, everything goes smoothly. We gain a full vacation day both going and returning. We leave from Angers by car, catch the train around 11 p.m. after parking at the secure lot near Blois station, and the next morning — bam, we’re in the mountains!” – Noelle

“We took a night train from Basel to Amsterdam with our two teenage daughters — it was perfect. It was an old carriage, but we were so tired after our working week that we slept quite well. I find it great to make the most of travel time while sleeping. It was a discovery for our daughters. On the way back, we had a more modern carriage with nicer sleeper berths. For one of the legs, we managed to book a cabin just for our family. It was great, and there was a good deal for traveling as a group of four.
We also took a Berlin–Basel night train. On the way there it was fully booked, unfortunately. On the way back, once again we loved the experience. I also think it’s great to leave our hosts’ home at the end of the day — it’s practical, as we have time to clean and take care of the house we’re staying in. It’s not the same vibe when you have to catch a flight at 6am. Since then, our daughters have adopted this way of traveling. They’ve been to Budapest, Vienna and Hamburg. We regret there aren’t more lines going south…” – Johanne

“With small children sleeping on the same bench, we recommend using the lower bench: it is wider. We put a suitcase behind the ladder to make a barrier. If you are 4, take a compartment for 4, they are more comfortable. In the morning, you have the possibility to turn the lower beds back into benches. Don’t forget to shake the blankets and sheets well to not forget anything. Finally, remember to close with the chain at night." – Isa

FAQs about night train travel

• Is it compulsory to book a berth for my child? It depends what country you’re traveling in. For example, on Intercités night routes in France, a child under 4-years-old can travel for free by sleeping in the same berth as you. If you wish to book a berth for them, they can benefit from the “Bambin” fare of €9.
• Can you bring a stroller on the train? Depending on the country you’re traveling in, you should be able to bring a stroller (or even 2!) with you. For example, in France you can bring your stroller on the train for free (maximum 2 strollers per family). However, it must be folded and stored in the luggage areas. We recommend arriving early to be sure to have space to store it.
• Can baby bottles be heated on board the train? Most countries offer train services that are child-friendly! To heat baby bottles, small jars or meals for your children, you can approach the catering staff.
• Where can you change your baby on the train? Double-check with the train provider you’re traveling with, but most modern trains will be equipped with a changing table to allow you to change your baby calmly.