Family train trips offer comfort and variety
Inspiring landscapes, a comfy lie-flat seat, and no long security lines? In a time when travelers are starting to book again and middle seats are quickly filling, relaxed travel might sound farfetched. But it’s a reality that’s both closer and more affordable than you might think. These, it turns out, are just some of the joys of train trips.
Families have a lot of flexibility when it comes to train travel. Destinations span the globe, trip lengths range from a few hours to two or more days, and there are abundant opportunities to get off and explore places en route to your final stop. Train trips have the added benefit of being a sustainable travel win: Rail travel is significantly lower in carbon emissions than driving or flying, and depending on the length of trip, train journeys can reduce emissions by up to 84%.
Whether you want to explore the best family vacation spots in the U.S. or the world, train trips can help you do it in comfort and style.
Domestic trips Amtrak: California Zephyr
Good for: Families of all ages The California Zephyr route is among the most scenic train trips in the United States. Traveling from the San Francisco Bay Area to Chicago, passengers will enjoy the beauty of the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountain ranges, cross the Colorado River, be amazed by the vivid Utah desert, and glide through the grain fields of the Great Plains.
While the Zephyr travels from San Francisco to Chicago in just over two full days, heading to Colorado (from either starting point) offers the perfect 24hour train ride for younger travelers. With five Colorado stops, families are sure to find the perfect mix of train ride and on-the-ground activities if they want to spend only one night on a train.
Alaska Railroad: A comfy window
Good for: Families of all ages. Alaska can be a daunting destination to plan for, which is what makes Alaska Railroad’s offerings extra appealing. Convenient, scenic and close to all that spectacular nature, this is a trip that can be tailored to any age and family size. Single-day excursions and multiday train trips, stops along the way, or direct train journeys – however you want it, you can build it.
The Alaska Railroad offers service to many of Alaska’s top tourist destinations, including Anchorage, Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park and Fairbanks.
Amtrak: Auto Train to Disney
Good for: Families with young children and anyone who want to avoid Interstate 95.
Pack the car, small boat, or even a jet ski on your next train trip. With Amtrak’s Auto Train, you and your ride – packed with everything you need – can hop on board and travel from the district to Orlando (stations are in the cities’ metro area).
The 17-hour train journey is perfect for families who want to experience the fun of overnight train trips but also want their vehicle when they get to their destination.
International trips
You’ll have to wait until more countries open their borders to experience these bucket-list trips, but put them on your “someday” list.
Europe: An introduction
Good for: Families of all ages. Ready to explore Europe by train? While it’s not a single route, the train trips possible with a Eurail pass are nearly endless. With a convenient booking app and one of Europe’s best travel deals for families with younger kids – each paying adult can add two child passes (ages four to 11) to their ticket at no additional cost – the Eurail pass is a must for any family looking to simplify their European vacation.
The Eurail pass works across a variety of train systems in 33 European countries with more than 40,000 destinations. A Eurail pass gives families the flexibility to plan a train trip that is just right for their family, whether that’s an overnight from Paris to Rome, tooling around Spain, or adding a Greek Island Ferry Pass as a way to explore the Greek Islands.
Canada: The overland express
Good for: Patient younger travelers, or families with teens.
It’s possible that Manitoba has never made it on to your list of must-see travel destinations. But that might change once you discover the town of Churchill, also known as the polar bear capital of the world.
The Via Rail two-day, two-night train trip from Winnipeg to Churchill is the perfect way to experience the vast and majestic Manitoba wilderness – think dense boreal forests and vast arctic tundra.
Switzerland: See the Alps
Good for: Families of all ages. Weaving through the Swiss Alps, dipping into valleys, crossing 291 bridges, and passing through 91 tunnels, the Glacier Express offers the ultimate in relaxed mountain sightseeing. Passengers will be glad not to miss a moment of scenery on this single-day train journey. The only direct train from Zermatt to St. Moritz, The Glacier Express offers nonstop scenery along the 300kilometer, eight-hour ride.
With views of the Matterhorn and a trip into the Rhine Gorge – known as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland – this train trip offers families ever-changing entertainment from comfortable seats in the fully sealed panoramic view cars.
New Zealand’s stunning sights
Good for: Families of all ages. With the longest journey at just 12 hours and a multi-day Scenic Rail Pass option, Kiwirail’s Great Journeys of New Zealand routes have something for everyone in the family. “Lord of the Rings” enthusiasts will want to ride the Northern Explorer line from Wellington to Auckland and travel through the volcanic heart of New Zealand. A stop at Tongariro National Park is a must as travelers can scale an active volcano and see Mount Doom from the movies.
Vietnam unification line
Good For: Families with teens. The Reunification Express is a 30hour-plus train journey running northsouth through Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The train travels through bustling urban neighborhoods, lush farmland, sleepy fishing villages, and dense jungles.
Not to be missed is the three-hour section between Hué and Da Nang along the Hai Van Pass. With jungle pushing in from one side of the tracks and tropical beaches lining the other, the stunning scenery gives passengers a glimpse into a Vietnam that is missed from the air.