The train is a sustainable mode of transport to go on holiday. And more and more destinations are becoming easily accessible by train. The train network in Europe is currently expanding rapidly. Would you also like to enjoy sustainable train travel in Europe, but don't know where to start? Our Mascha is an experienced train traveller and has very useful tips for European train hotspots and for comfortable train travel.
Comfortable and sustainable trains in Europe
Just imagine! From a comfortable train seat, you can see the most beautiful European landscapes passing by your eye. No backseat terror, as your children can move freely and read, colour or play a game. And if you are tired, just close your eyes for a nap. You get off right in the centre of the coolest European cities. And your holiday starts relaxed en route, not at your destination. You have no check-in waiting time and can take as much luggage as you can carry. Many trains have a dining car to provide you with a snack, a cool drink or a hot coffee. And you also take your own food and drink very easily. Super convenient, especially with children! And then train travel is also a super sustainable way to travel. High time to discover Europe by train!
On holiday in your own country
Train travel in the Netherlands goes 100% on wind power. That makes it one of the most sustainable ways to holiday in your own country. And children up to 12 years old also travel free by train in the Netherlands! You buy an OV-chip card for them once, and then you can take a Kids Free season ticket order for 0 euro. Take a fun day trip to a museum or amusement park. Go on a city trip in your own country or to a holiday park by train. The Netherlands has the most beautiful places you can discover with public transport.
Train hotspots in Germany
Neighbouring Germany is very easy to visit by train. Children up to 14 years of age travel free on the Deutsche bahn. And up to the age of five, children do not need a ticket. There are family zones and children's compartments on German ICE trains, making train travel with small children super comfortable. The coolest city trips in Germany, which are very easy to reach by train:
- Hip Berlin (7 hours from Utrecht).
- Port city of Hamburg (5.5 hours from Utrecht).
- Cathedral city of Cologne (3 hours from Utrecht).
- Old mining town of Essen (2 hours from Utrecht).
- Burgundy Munich (8 hours from Amsterdam).
Train hotspots in Belgium
Trains at our southern neighbours are powered by electricity for 95%. This is a lot more sustainable than fossil fuels. Trains in Belgium are free for children up to 11 years old. That makes Belgium an eminently cool country to visit by train. Cool hotspots to visit by train:
- Antwerp (2 hours from Utrecht).
- Fairytale Mons (3.15 hours from Utrecht).
- Historic Ghent (2.5 hours from Utrecht).
- Child-friendly Mechelen (2 hours from Utrecht).
- Capital Brussels (3 hours from Utrecht).
Train hotspots in France
France has an extensive rail network, so all parts of France are well to reasonably accessible by train. You travel first by high-speed train to Paris, and from there explore the rest of France. Sustainable trains in France:
- Paris and Disneyland are very easy to train (3.5 hours from Utrecht).
- Lively Lille ( (5 hours from Utrecht).
- Fairytale Nantes (8.5 hours from Utrecht).
- European capital Strasbourg (6.5 hours from Utrecht).
- The Sun-Thalys runs direct to southern France on Saturdays in summer (9 July to 27 August 2022), reaching Aix-en-Provence in 7 hours (from Utrecht) and Marseille in 9 hours (from Utrecht).
Travelling by train with the family. On the Eiffel Tower and in Berlin, both city trips we did by train.
More train hotspots in Europe
Europe has so many beautiful places to explore by train:
- Child-friendly Copenhagen (10 hours from Utrecht).
- Across the canal to London (from 4.5 hours from Utrecht).
- Take the overnight train to Vienna, Munich, Innsbruck, Basel and Zurich.
- Or go even further afield to Prague (11 hours from Utrecht) or Budapest (15 hours from Utrecht).
- For a train adventure, book the NS Global Pass for trains in 33 countries.
Train travel tips
If you are not an experienced train traveller, here are some tips to make your train journey as comfortable as possible:
- A good preparation is a good idea if you are travelling by train. Book early and you are most likely to get low train ticket prices. Be well informed about prices for children. In many countries, children are free or get discounts, but you have to reserve a paid seat on high-speed trains like Thalys or ICE. You can buy most international train tickets directly from NS International or via their app.
- Ensure continued transport. By train, you often get off in the middle of the city. This is ideal for travelling further by public transport. Are you further away from the station? Find out in advance how to get to your destination by taxi, bus or metro. Or ask your accommodation if they can pick you up or have any tips.
- Take sufficient food and drink along for the journey. Many trains have a dining car or a vendor on the train, but this is often very pricey. Bringing your own food and drinks keeps the cost down and you know exactly what you have with you. Also take into account some delays along the way; an extra snack will keep your kids sweet.
- Take a bag with games, books and crayons along, so you have something to do. With older children, audio books, a phone with music or even a laptop or tablet are also recommended.
- Find the right place on the platform where the carriage stops with your reserved seat. That way, you board directly at the right place. This avoids lugging children and luggage around unnecessarily. On some trains, your reserved seat is also only held for 15 minutes.
- Find a wagon where you can get your stuff easily, if you are travelling with a baby or children in a pram or buggy. Especially on long journeys, it makes this extra comfortable. Inform in advance on the platform where this carriage stops. Platforms are often marked with letters and signs on the platform show which carriage stops where.
- One advantage of travelling by train is that there is a toilet on board, especially with children. Make sure you know where the toilets are, should your child need to go. But as these toilets are not always very fresh, a wet cloth for cleaning hands afterwards is a very good idea. Take several wet flannels with you in a wash bag, and also bring a bag for dirty wipes.
Find more information on train travel within Europe at Milieu Centraal, also for the most wonderful train routes.
Hotspots and tips for sustainable train travel in Europe
With these tips for train hotspots and tips for sustainable trains in Europe, you will already be well on your way to having a comfortable and fun holiday. Which destination have you already visited by train? Or where do you want to go again? Let us know! You can use thegreenlist.nl get in touch via the follow and contact buttons at the bottom of this page. This way, your tip can also be included in the article and the message will also reach me. We'd love to hear from you!
More sustainable travel tips from thegreenlist.nl
- On a train journey, of course, sustainable accommodation cannot be missed. Then read how to find those truly sustainable locations here.
- Still looking for a fun sustainable city trip destination in your own country? Then a city trip to Nijmegen is a great tip. This is the sustainable capital of Europe!
- Fancy a sustainable day out? Then the Green Light District Walk in the oldest part of Amsterdam is a great tip.
- Minimalism on holiday? These tips will help you drag less to the sun.
Photo credits: Aleks Magnusson (Pexels), Mascha Bongenaar.
