The Magic of European Train Travel
When my parents got married in the 1960s, they embarked on a honeymoon that took them across Europe. As graduate students with a thirst for knowledge and limited funds, they relied heavily on Arthur Frommer’sEurope on 5 Dollars a Dayas their guidebook. A Eurail Pass gave them the freedom to hop on trains and explore the continent without breaking the bank. Even decades later, they still reminisced about the authentic experiences that train travel offered.
I’m sure that the iconic sights of Europe thrilled these two kids from the Bronx. However, it was the people they met on the trains—like the friendly Italian family who shared their simple meal of bread and cheese or the pro-Franco Spaniard who my anti-fascist father debated with for hours—that left a lasting impression. Trains have always been a key part of how many Europeans travel, offering an organic way to connect with locals.
As a teenager, I also traveled across Europe, armed only with wanderlust and an inexpensive Eurail pass. The pass allowed me to broaden my horizons, meet new people, and visit multiple countries within my budget. It was an incredible experience that shaped my love for travel.
Europe Family Travel Tips
Traveling with kids can be a rewarding adventure if you plan wisely. Here are some essential tips for making the most of your trip:
What’s a Eurail Pass?
If you want to jump on a train in Paris and wake up in Rome, a Eurail Pass makes it easy and economical. It allows you to travel across a vast rail network, making it ideal for visiting 33 European countries. Non-European residents can purchase it online before their trip. Since its launch in 1959, over a million travelers have used a Eurail Pass, proving its long-standing appeal.
Big Discounts for Families
Families can take advantage of significant discounts when purchasing a Eurail Pass. Up to two children under the age of twelve receive a free pass with every adult pass. For example, if you’re traveling with two adults and four kids, all four children can travel for free. Children under four don’t need a pass but may have to sit on your lap if the train is crowded.
Teens and young adults up to age 27 can enjoy discounts of up to 25 percent off the adult rate. Additionally, adults over 60 get a 10 percent discount on all passes, making it a great option for multi-generational trips.
Which Eurail Pass Is Right for You?
There are several types of Eurail Passes available. The Continuous Global Eurail Pass is valid for a continuous period of travel ranging from 15 days to three months. The Flexi Pass allows for four, five, or seven days of travel within a one-month period, or 10 or 15 days within a two-month period.
Eurail also offers single-country passes for those looking to explore a specific country in depth. You can choose between first- or second-class travel, with first-class being more expensive.
To Reserve or Not to Reserve?
Many trains don’t require reservations, but high-speed, night trains, and certain scenic routes do. Seat reservations come at an additional cost, typically between 10-20 euros per seat. Keep in mind that while children don’t pay for a Eurail Pass, they do need to pay for seat reservations or couchette berths on night trains.
Holiday Dreams: Best European Christmas Markets for Families
I prefer spontaneity and often travel without seat reservations. If a train doesn’t have a seat available, I simply switch to a later train or a different destination. However, I wouldn’t recommend this approach with kids, especially during peak travel seasons when trains are often packed.
Get the App
Originally, a Eurail Pass was made of paper. While the paper version is still available, the Eurail Rail Planner Mobile app is a modern alternative. It’s free to download and makes planning your itinerary, checking schedules, and booking seat reservations effortless. If you’re traveling with your family, you can link accounts and book seats next to each other, which is especially helpful when traveling with children.
Is Eurail Pass Right for Your Family?
Train travel is a form of slow travel, where the journey itself is part of the experience. For my family, it’s our favorite way to explore Europe. My children are now young adults, but they still cherish their childhood memories of exploring trains, dining in the car, and watching stunning scenery roll by as we cuddled in our comfortable seats.
The environmental impact of travel is a big consideration for me. Train travel is a greener option, which is very appealing. A Eurail Pass gives you the freedom to make as many or as few stops as you want. We’ve used ours to visit popular cities like London and Paris, as well as hidden gems like Cologne, Germany, where we spent hours viewing pop art at the Museum Ludwig. In Locarno, Switzerland, we splashed in Lake Maggiore for hours.
Without unlimited train travel, we probably wouldn’t have discovered these enriching destinations.
