Travelling Europe by train with children is slower than flying — but often less stressful once you know the fare rules, pack smart and pick the right night train. In 2026, family compartments on Nightjet and European Sleeper, generous child discounts and stroller-friendly stations make rail a genuine family option. Here is what to expect by country.
Child fares by country (2026)
| Country | Under 4 | Ages 4–11 | Ages 12–15 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Free (no seat) | Child fare (~50%) | Youth fare | Kinder-Ticket, Familienrabatt |
| France | Free (no seat) | 50% or free on TER | Jeune fare | Enfant+ on TGV |
| Austria | Free (no seat) | 50% | Vorteilscard Youth | Family compartments |
| Switzerland | Free (no seat) | Half fare (6–16) | Half fare card | Swiss Family Card |
| Spain | Free (no seat) | 40% | Youth discounts | AVE Niño |
| Italy | Free (no seat) | 50% | CartaFRECCIA Youth | FrecciaFamily |
| Netherlands | Free (no seat) | Child discount | NS discount | OV-chipkaart |
| Nightjet | Free (under 6) | Child price | Standard youth | Familienabteil |
Family compartments: Nightjet & European Sleeper
ÖBB Nightjet runs family compartments (Familienabteil) on several routes — a private 6-berth couchette for families with children under 15. Book at nightjet.com when selecting your accommodation type.
European Sleeper offers couchette cars on its Amsterdam–Brussels–Prague and planned expansion routes. Groups of four or more can book an entire compartment.
Night trains with kids
The Paris–Berlin Nightjet is one of the most family-friendly cross-border night trains in 2026 — one boarding, wake up in a new country. See our full Paris–Berlin night train guide for booking tips.
Nightjet also runs family-friendly services on Vienna–Venice, Munich–Rome and Brussels–Vienna. European Sleeper's couchette cars work well for families who want to avoid airport queues and hotel costs on multi-day trips.
Stroller & luggage tips
Foldable strollers go in the luggage rack or vestibule. Reserve seats near luggage areas on TGV and ICE. Many major stations (Paris Gare de Lyon, Berlin Hbf, Barcelona Sants) have lifts — check station accessibility if travelling with a non-folding pram.
- Pack a lightweight foldable stroller for city stations; use a baby carrier for night trains.
- Bring snacks, wipes and a charged tablet — dining cars on night trains welcome families.
- Book seats in the family zone on DB ICE and SNCF TGV inOui where available.
Interrail family discounts
With an Interrail Global Pass, children aged 0–11 travel free when accompanied by a parent with a valid adult pass (max two children per adult). Youth 12–27 get ~25% off. Read our Interrail 2026 guide for pass vs point-to-point comparisons on family trips.
Related routes & reading
Paris → Barcelona Paris → Berlin Madrid → Barcelona Interrail 2026 guide Paris–Berlin night train How to book train ticketsSearch live times and child fares — book in minutes via All Aboard.
For booking step-by-step, see how to book European train tickets.
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