Voyage en train de nuit en famille : conseils & témoignages

Indeed, night train trips with kids seem daunting. But for a small organization, for young people and older people, it can become an unforgettable experience. Indeed, night trains allow you to experience an original adventure, often marking the spirit of the youngest, but also save time and reduce the cost associated with accommodation.

In this article, discover all our advice and some proof from members to best organize your night train trips and do them in the best conditions for the entire family.

Why take the family night train?

If you are not surprised yet, know that night trains offer many advantages for families. It especially allows:

• Living on the magical route your kids will remember. For the youngest, the night train looks like a real adventure straight out of their favorite novel. For teenagers, miracles are like being present: imagine turning your eyes to Paris and reopening them in Berlin!
• Make the journey more fun and friendly. By choosing a private compartment, you can share a meal, play board games, and more without having to be afraid to bother your neighbors. This can be an opportunity to experience quality moments with your family.
• Optimize your journey. Starting from the evening, when you wake up, in the early morning, you won’t “spoil” the whole day of vacation in transportation. You also avoid stress and fatigue sometimes associated with long distance travel and the boredom of waiting at the airport.
• Choose a more sustainable transportation method. Trains are one of the least polluted modes of transportation. Choosing a train is also deadly for your child’s future and show them another way of travel is possible.
• Save accommodation costs. By combining transportation and accommodation, night trains represent an important expense in the holiday, especially for families (unless, of course, go to a change room).

6 Tips for Traveling with Kids

1. Select your route and schedule

First, choose a journey Duration to adapt to children’s sleep (especially if this is your first trip and they are not used to it yet). If you are traveling with your young children, for example, avoid setting out late at night or arriving in the morning. Night trains usually travel for a long time, which allows you to cross hundreds of kilometers while your entire family sleeps.

2. Keep appropriate comfort

Traveling with your family makes booking easier Berns or private cabins. Everyone has a bed and their personal space. This is guaranteed More privacy There is no other traveler start and action during the trip, but also avoid disturbing passengers’ thoughts while your child crys overnight.

We recommend booking tickets in advance to ensure the best place and best price, especially when traveling in high seasons.

3. Ensure your safety and peace of mind

Safety is a priority when you travel by night train. No matter your journey and company, know that the carriage can always be Locked from within. Enough to reassure yourself, especially with the kids. Also, from the installation on the train, remember to explain all Safety Instructions And show them where the toilet is if they are the age to move alone.

Then some Basic instructions for application : Avoid displaying valuables in areas that are accessible to everyone, bring a small bag with everything you need and important things (identity documents, tickets, money, etc.) to keep your suitcase only in your suitcase.

4. Prepare a suitcase that has access to essentials

During all train trips, remember to prepare a small easy-to-access suitcase or a small backpack that includes some essential accessories for a great evening.

For example:

• Basic objects with good sleep : Eye mask, noble ball, extra small blanket, cold, comfortable clothes, bedspread…
• Hygiene and well-being accessories : Toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, water alcohol gel, deodorant…
• entertainment : Books, calm games for the moment of awakening, podcasts…
• Various accessories : Charger, train ticket, credit card or currency, identity documents…

The rest of your leave can be stored in a dedicated luggage compartment.

5. Think of snacks

Remember to understand before departure On-board service and facilities from one railway company to another. On some trains, you can serve you, others can provide you with a restaurant, while others can provide snacks.

Even when planning a meal, when you travel with your kids, we recommend planning some snacks that are easy to eat on board: cereal bars, cookies, fruits… Don’t forget that your Gourdes can drink at night without having to wake up.

6. Foresee the smallest sleep

The idea of children sleeping on the train can quickly get excited or disturbed. The ideal is to build a Small ceremony at home (read, soft songs, dim light) to help them relax. Even if the regular noise from the train often helps sleep, earplugs or night masks can be useful (especially for older kids).

Finally, take a night train trip with your family, this is Conjugation Practice and Changes in Landscape. With a little expectation and organization, this mode of transportation becomes a pleasant alternative to a car or airplane: more ecological, usually less stressful, especially co-created memories!

Family Night Train Travel: Testimony of Our Members

At HomeExchange, we love train travel and our community shares our passion. Discover some of their testimony below, as well as practical advice in their experience.

“We made a tour of Europe with two night trains: Berlin/Budapest and Graz/Zurich. We had taken cabinets at 4 and we loved our little cocoon hut for us 4. Lulled by the train, wake up in the morning and no longer know in which country we are, open the blind and discover the sunrise on the Danube, the kindness of the on -board staff, the exchanges in the corridor with the other travelers. We really liked and this has become a standard for our trip, but unfortunately there are not many night trains and we hope it will be multiplied by – MaëlleBee

Thanks to him for allowing us to budget for transportation, so saving a good budget in a top-notch cabin or private bathroom. Give us a space. There is a space for us that makes it easier for our 2 year old daughter to sleep on the ground with big blankets, no risk, no stranger to train my journey at night. Charlotte

“We were used to restoring Paris-Rat-de-carol (after Toulouse) with the kids. Very clean, we slept well and everything went well. We won a day off to beat. We returned outside and returned. We left the train from Gilia and collected the train around 11am and left our car for the next morning station, our station was a secure parking lot in blois, we were blois and Zou no no no Mountains!

“We did a Basel-Amsterdam night train trip with our two teenage daughters, which is nickel.
It was an old station wagon, but we were pierced after work week so we slept well. I found it great to get my travel time through sleep. This is my daughter’s discovery. The same comes back, but the van and berth are more modern. On one of the trips we were able to book cabins specifically for our families. It’s great and there’s an interesting offer to travel at 4 years old.
We also took a trip to Berlin-Basel and unfortunately, the night train went out. To return, we were once again happy with the experience of the night train. I also found it great to leave the owner at the end of the day: it was practical, we had time to clean up and pamper the house we borrowed…our daughter took this mode of transportation when we had to fly at 6am. They went to Budapest, Vienna and Hamburg. We regret that there are not many lines in the south…” – Johnnet

The little ones sleep on the same bench, and we recommend promoting the bench at the bottom: it is wider. We put a suitcase behind the ladder to create a barrier. If you are 4 years old, take a 4 compartment and they will be more comfortable. In the morning, it is possible that you will put the bottom bed back on the stool. Don’t forget to shake the blanket and sheets, don’t forget to cover the closed cover, but forget the locked sequence.

FAQs about night train trips

• Do I have to keep berths for my children? When traveling at night, your kids under 4 can travel for free through the same berth as you. If you want to book a berth for him, he can benefit from the 9 euro “toddler” rate.
• Can we bring baby strollers on the train? Yes, you can bring your stroller to the train for free (with up to 2 strollers per family). On the other hand, it must be folded and stored in the luggage space. We recommend you arrive ahead of time to ensure there is room to store it.
• Can we heat bottles on the train? To heat your kids’ bottles, small pots or dishes, you can get close to the dining staff.
• Where to change your baby on the train? The nearest trains are all equipped with nursery space with changing tables that allow you to quietly change your baby.

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