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Europe's top kid-friendly rail companies

24 Nov 2023
Voyage
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It's not always easy to choose the right means of transport for a family vacation. Boat, plane, train? It all depends on the destination, the budget, the journey time and, above all, the comfort the children require. Train travel is a solution that many European families don't take lightly.

So what are the advantages of taking the train as a family?

Comfort, space, accessibility? Environmental impact? Many factors come into play, and several rail companies offer a family-friendly experience.

In France, SNCF and OUIGO

The SNCF, France's national railway company founded in 1938, offers a basic package for children traveling on its trains, the TGV Inou. The Junior & Cie offer includes a 100% organic snack option for €5 and a meal option for €10, so kids can feel good during the journey. Junior & Cie's little extra is an online competition and quiz to win comic books, which children can take part in free of charge.

OUIGO is SNCF's low-cost commercial rail service. Itoffers Toupti train tickets, "touptis prices for touptis z-children! Children aged 0-3 travel free on their parents' laps. For 4 to 11 year-olds, the seat is €8, an offer much appreciated by families. No welcome kit is included in the price of family tickets.

In Spain, Renfe

Renfe, Spain's national rail operating company, created in 2005, offers a children's offer with discounts of up to 40% on tickets for children under 14. From 0 to 3 years old, tickets are free. However, no children's kit is offered on board, to keep families occupied on long journeys across Spain.

In Italy, Trenitalia

Trenitalia is a railway company founded in 2000. Like its European counterparts, Trenitalia has introduced a special offer on children's tickets. The little extra is the free WIFI connection , which welcomes passengers to an entertainment portal.

In Portugal, Comboios de Portugal

The public company Comboios de Portugal operates national rail services on Portugal's rail network. Children aged 3 and under, accompanied by an adult, can travel free of charge, provided they do not occupy a seat.

For children aged 4 to 12 inclusive, a 50% reduction on the normal fare applies, entitling them to an individual seat. Family-friendly vacation offers.

Trains generally offer more room to move around than planes, and seats can be wider and more comfortable. This can be particularly important for families with young children. Boarding and security procedures can also be less stressful on trains than at the airport. Some long-distance trains offer amenities such as dining cars, sleeping cars and other on-board activities that can make the journey more enjoyable for the whole family. In Europe, travelers favor train travel over other modes of transport, so knowing how to welcome families in the right conditions is essential to keep the offer attractive and competitive for companies.