Many have asked how to have a fun train trips with our children in Germany and therefore I wrote some tips based on our experience.
Hello traveller,
Traveling by train in Germany can be a great adventure for the whole family. Whether you’re heading from one city to another or exploring the scenic countryside, train journeys are comfortable and easy, especially with kids.
Besides being efficient and environmentally friendly, trains can also be a fun experience for families with children. Especially if travelling in a larger group, train travel will be an exciting experience for children.
Taking a train for a long journey across the country or choosing a train for only a short regional ride, trains provide ample opportunities to entertain, educate, and create memories. However, keeping children entertained and engaged during a train ride can sometimes be a challenge.
Fortunately, with a little planning and creativity, you can turn your train journey into a fun and memorable experience. Here are some tips to ensure everyone has a great time on your next trip!
First Tips Train Trips with Children
Before embarking on your journey, it is worth considering the best train options for families. In Germany, there are various train companies. However, there are only two companies, Germany’s Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Flix Train, that cater for long-distance journeys.
We have travelled by train from both companies. The most frequent is using DB which serves more train lines than Flix Train.
DB or Flix Train?
So far, our choice of train company depends on two things. Firstly, we consider the cost of the ticket. If there is a big difference in ticket cost, we tend to choose the cheaper ticket price. However, travelling with children requires us to consider their comfort so we also consider the duration of the journey between trains in these two companies.
A low price but a much longer journey duration is usually not something we would choose. For example, train A is 50 Euros with a journey duration of 7 hours while train B is 80 Euros with a journey duration of 5 hours. We prefer train B.
The train journey schedule is not an important factor for us. Our children are used to travelling by train since childhood, so early morning or midnight schedules are not a problem for them. Flix Train’s timetables are not as extensive as DB’s, so if your child is not used to flexible time travelling this could be a consideration.
Stroller friendly
DB’s trains now have carriages dedicated to families. Whether in the great room or the family compartment, both provide more space and comfort for parents with children. The family compartment referred to as the ‘parent and child compartment’ usually has a mini play area or activities to entertain the little ones. This compartment is usually more for those with infants or toddlers. This special space provides privacy and more space for families.
If you’re travelling with a stroller, don’t worry, there’s a place to put your stroller in this family carriage. A special tip for strollers is to bring one that is foldable, compact, and lightweight so that it is not a hassle to load and unload from the train.
Flix Train does not have a special carriage for children. However, you can choose a seat close to the door when booking your ticket. In this area, there is a little space for children if they get tired and bored of sitting during the journey.
Train ticket for children in Germany
Children under the age of 6 travel for free on Deutsche Bahn trains. For children aged 6 to 14, tickets are typically discounted if they travel alone. As long as these children travel with someone aged up to 15 years old and over, particularly their parents or grandparents, the ticket is free.
As for Flix Train, anyone who rides the train will be charged a ticket fee. At the time of purchasing the ticket, it is asked how many adults and children but there is no difference in price.
There is an extra charge for seat reservation for both DB and Flix Train. For family reservation in DB, the cost in the second class carriage is 10.40 Euro. This is for up to 5 people. On Flix Train the cost depends on the type of seat selected. The price of one seat is in the price range of 3 – 7 Euros.
If travelling with children I recommend making a seat reservation. Your family will be more comfortable on the journey until you arrive at your destination.
Pack a Fun Travel Kit
Bringing along a few entertainment options can make a world of difference during the journey. This is my second tips for train trips with children.
If you’re travelling on DB trains, whether an ICE (InterCity Express) or IC (InterCity) train, check in advance to see if family-friendly services are available. Also, don’t forget to ask the attendant for a child’s ticket when your tickets are checked on the train. With this child ticket, your child can receive a gift to accompany them on their journey.
There’s no need to worry about your seats looking full and cluttered with kids’ stuff. You will see and feel that most locals travelling with their children by train will bring plenty of toys, travel kit, and food as a strategy to prevent children’s boredom on the journey. Here are some ideas to include in your children’s travel kit.
Games and puzzles
Pack small travel-friendly board games, card games, or puzzle books. Look for travel-sized versions that are easy to carry. Popular games like “Dobble” or “Uno” are perfect for the train.
Coloring materials
Children love to get creative, so bring along some crayons, markers, and coloring books. You can also give them a blank sheet of paper to draw their own scenes of the trip, like the passing landscapes or the train itself.
Books and/or audiobooks
Bring along a few of their favorite books or load up your tablet with audiobooks. Listening to stories together can be a relaxing way to pass the time.
My son always brings his books in his backpack. These books will keep him busy for a while before he turns his focus on playing cards or small toys.
Small toys or action figures
Familiar toys can provide comfort and distraction. Consider bringing a small selection of their favorite figurines or stuffed animals.
Travelling with train: Railjet.
Explore the Train
If your children are curious and energetic, encourage them to explore the train with you. Many German trains, especially those traveling long distances, have onboard amenities that can be exciting for little ones.
Some trains offer a dining car or snack trolley where kids can see and choose snacks, drinks, and small treats. Let them pick out something they enjoy, which can also be a fun way to introduce them to local German snacks, like pretzels or candy. If you sit in the family carriage, it is usually adjacent to the restoration carriage.
One of the most magical things about traveling by train is the chance to watch the changing landscape. From cities to forests to fields, there’s always something new to see. Encourage your kids to notice the details around them, and maybe even start a “scavenger hunt” to spot things like animals, bridges, or certain colors in the scenery. These are other tips for train trips with young children.
Screen Time During the Trip
While it’s important to limit screen time, sometimes a little technology can be a lifesaver on long journeys.
- Download kid-friendly apps: There are tons of educational apps for children that can both entertain and teach. Puzzle games, memory games, or interactive learning apps can engage their minds during the ride.
- Watch movies or TV shows: Download a few of your kids’ favorite movies or TV episodes in advance. Make sure to bring headphones so the sounds don’t disturb other passengers. Consider downloading German-language content to give your children a bit of exposure to the language!
- Free entertainment: utilise the entertainment provided by DB which can be accessed through the ICE Portal during the journey.
Make it a Learning Experience
Train journeys are not only about having fun. They can also be an opportunity for learning and discovery.
Use the journey to talk to your children about how trains work, how the rails are maintained, or the history of Germany’s rail system. Make it interactive by asking them questions like, “What do you think happens if the train stops on the tracks?” or “Why are the trains so fast?”
Research the areas you’ll be traveling through and tell your children interesting facts about the regions. For example, if you’re heading through the Bavarian countryside, share stories about castles or legends from that area.
Travelling with train: Metronom.
Snacks and Meals
A hungry child can quickly turn a peaceful train ride into a stressful one. Hungry children are often fussy children, so keep some snacks handy to avoid meltdowns.
Bring along a variety of snacks and drinks to keep their energy up. While trains often have bistros or restaurant cars, your own stash of healthy snacks, sandwiches, and treats will save time and money.
Stay Calm
Train travel with children can sometimes get unpredictable. Delays, crowded carriages, or restless kids are all part of the journey. Stay calm and flexible, and remember that train travel is about the experience.
Allow yourself and your children the space to enjoy the journey, even if it doesn’t go exactly as planned. Please, be mindful!
Travelling with train: Ticket in Germany.
So, traveling by train in Germany can be a fantastic experience for the whole family. With a little preparation and a bit of creativity, you can keep your children entertained and engaged throughout the trip. From games and activities to learning opportunities and exploring the train, there are plenty of ways to make the journey enjoyable for everyone.
I always enjoy travelling with my family by train. Even when we’re travelling with the baby, it’s still a comfortable and enjoyable journey for the four of us. These are my tips for train trips with children. I hope, you will have the same experience like ours.
So, pack your bags, get ready for the adventure, and most importantly have fun!
Happy travelling,
Amelia
