There is something wonderfully simple about traveling through Europe by train with a toddler. You settle into your seat, find a window, unpack a few favorite snacks, and suddenly the landscape begins to change outside — without the long queues, airport transfers, or hours spent trying to keep a little one entertained in a confined space.
Of course, not every train journey is equally easy with a toddler. The best ones are long enough to feel like an adventure, but not so long that everyone starts counting the minutes until arrival. Scenic routes also have an advantage: when the scenery becomes part of the entertainment, there is a little less pressure to keep your toddler busy.
Here are some of the European train journeys that make particularly lovely family adventures.
The Strawberry Train — Madrid to Aranjuez, Spain
If you are looking for a short and memorable train adventure, the Tren de la Fresa is a charming choice.
The journey from Madrid to Aranjuez takes around an hour, making it much easier to manage with a toddler than a full-day rail journey. The train has a historic character, and the trip is connected to Aranjuez’s long tradition of strawberry growing.
The real pleasure, though, comes once you arrive. Aranjuez is known for its beautiful royal palace and extensive gardens, giving families plenty of space to slow down after the train ride. A stroll through the gardens, a picnic, and a little time to explore can turn a short train journey into a lovely day trip from Madrid.
Why toddlers might love it:
A short ride, a sense of occasion, and plenty of space to explore once you arrive.
Munich to Füssen, Germany
For a journey that feels like a little adventure without becoming an all-day commitment, the train from Munich to Füssen is a wonderful option.
The journey takes roughly two hours and carries you away from Munich and into the quieter Bavarian countryside. As the landscape changes, you begin to see meadows, villages, lakes, and mountains appearing in the distance.
And then comes the highlight: Neuschwanstein Castle.
Perched above the surrounding landscape, the castle looks almost too perfect to be real. Even if your toddler is far too young to appreciate its history, the setting itself can feel magical.
Once in Füssen, give yourself plenty of time rather than trying to fit too much into one day. With a toddler, the journey and the destination can both be part of the experience.
Why toddlers might love it:
Big views, changing scenery, and the excitement of arriving somewhere that looks like a storybook.
If you’re planning a longer European family trip, you might also enjoy our guide to the 10 Best European Cities to Visit with a Toddler.
Switzerland’s Scenic Railways
Few countries make traveling by train feel as effortless as Switzerland.
The combination of beautiful scenery, reliable rail connections, and comfortable trains makes Switzerland particularly appealing when you’re traveling with a young child. Instead of spending the day moving from one attraction to another, you can make the journey itself part of the holiday.
Two routes are especially worth considering.
The GoldenPass Line
The GoldenPass route connects some of Switzerland’s most beautiful landscapes, with lakes, mountains, forests, and charming towns appearing along the way.
For families, the biggest advantage is flexibility. Rather than attempting a marathon journey, you can choose a shorter section and stop somewhere along the way for a walk, lunch, or overnight stay.
The Bernina Express
The Bernina Express offers a completely different kind of scenery, crossing the Alps between Switzerland and Italy.
The journey is filled with dramatic mountain landscapes, bridges, valleys, and lakes. For a toddler, there is no need to explain every landmark — simply watching the scenery change outside the window can be entertainment enough.
The famous Glacier Express is another possibility, but its full journey takes many hours. With a toddler, it may be more enjoyable to experience only part of a longer route rather than attempting the entire journey in one sitting.
Why toddlers might love it:
Mountains, lakes, tunnels, bridges, and constantly changing scenery — without needing to leave the train.
The Rauma Railway — Dombås to Åndalsnes, Norway
If your family prefers dramatic landscapes to busy city sightseeing, the Rauma Railway in Norway is worth adding to your list.
The journey between Dombås and Åndalsnes takes around an hour and a half and travels through the spectacular Romsdalen valley. Along the way, you’ll see mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and some of Norway’s most striking natural scenery.
For a toddler, this kind of journey can be surprisingly relaxing. There is always something new to look at, but there is no need to rush from one attraction to the next.
And once you arrive in Åndalsnes, the surrounding landscape gives you plenty of opportunities for a gentle walk and some fresh air.
Why toddlers might love it:
Waterfalls, mountains, rivers, and the simple excitement of watching the landscape pass by.
A Few Essentials for Train Travel With a Toddler
A beautiful train route can make family travel easier, but a little preparation goes a long way.
Choose your journey carefully.
A two-hour scenic ride can be much more enjoyable than an eight-hour journey, even if the longer route is technically more spectacular.
Bring a compact stroller.
A lightweight stroller that folds easily can make a significant difference, particularly when navigating older stations or changing trains.
Allow plenty of time for connections.
A connection that looks perfectly manageable on paper can feel very different when you have a toddler, luggage, and a stroller. Whenever possible, leave yourself more time than you think you’ll need.
Pack snacks you know your child will eat.
Train journeys are not the moment to experiment with unfamiliar food. A few favorite snacks, water, and something small to eat can make the journey considerably calmer.
Bring a few quiet activities.
A small book, stickers, a coloring pad, or a favorite toy can be enough. You don’t need to pack an entire entertainment kit.
And perhaps most importantly, don’t feel that every minute of the journey needs to be productive.
Sometimes looking through the window, watching cows in a field, counting tunnels, or simply sitting together while the landscape changes is more than enough.
A Final Word
Traveling through Europe by train with a toddler may require a little more planning than traveling as a couple, but it can also create some of the loveliest family memories.
There is something special about watching a child discover a new landscape through a train window — the mountains appearing in the distance, a castle rising above the trees, or simply the excitement of seeing a train arrive at the platform.
Whether you’re chasing strawberries in Spain, heading toward the Alps, or watching Norway’s mountains unfold outside the window, remember that you don’t have to see everything.
With a toddler, sometimes the journey really is the destination.
For more ideas for traveling with little ones, read our guides to Flying with a Baby and Traveling With a Toddler: What Nobody Tells You. And if you’re planning a European city break, don’t miss 10 Best European Cities to Visit with a Toddler.
You can also explore more family-friendly destinations in our Travel section. 🌿
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