Best Train Trips for Families: Scenic Routes Kids Will Love

There’s something magical about train travel— the rhythmic sound of the tracks, the ever-changing scenery, and the excitement of exploring new places without the stress of driving or airport security. Family fun starts on the train! Adventure, relaxation, and fun—that's what travel should be. Keeping kids happy is a priority.

The origin. From mountain railways to the nostalgic chug of steam trains, it's a journey through time. I've compiled a list of the very best—for you.
Train rides the whole family will enjoy! On every continent. People from all different countries. Whether you’re looking for a quick scenic ride or a multi-day adventure , these train journeys will delight kids and parents alike!

1. Best Family Train Trips in North America

🚂 The Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)

• Route: Vancouver to Banff
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • Glass-domed train cars provide spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and wildlife like bears and elk.
  • Family-friendly service with spacious seating and meal options.

🚂 The California Zephyr (USA)

• Route: Chicago to San Francisco
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • A cross-country adventure through majestic landscapes , including the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada.
  • Observation cars offer floor-to-ceiling windows for incredible views.

🚂 The Grand Canyon Railway (USA)

• Route: Williams, Arizona to Grand Canyon National Park
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • A vintage train ride with Western-style entertainment , including cowboy musicians and train robber reenactments.
  • It finishes there. Experience the Grand Canyon. Awe-inspiring. It's the best of both worlds: adventure and sightseeing!

🚂 The Polar Express (USA & Canada – Seasonal)

• Route: Offered in multiple locations during the holiday season
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • Inspired by the beloved book and movie , this train experience includes hot cocoa, Christmas carols, and a visit from Santa !
  • A short, festive ride perfect for young children.

2. Best Family Train Journeys in Europe

🚂 The Glacier Express (Switzerland)

• Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • Known as the “slowest express train in the world” , this ride offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps .
  • Perfect for relaxing and taking in the snowy peaks, bridges, and deep valleys .

🚂 The Jacobite Steam Train (Scotland)

• Route: Fort William to Mallaig
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • The real-life “Hogwarts Express” —perfect for Harry Potter fans!
  • Crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct , one of the most famous train bridges in the world.

🚂 The West Highland Line (Scotland)

• Route: Glasgow to Mallaig
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • Offers breathtaking coastal views and even passes by castles .
  • A great alternative to the Jacobite Steam Train with similar scenery.

🚂 Eurostar (UK to France, Belgium & Netherlands)

• Route: London to Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • A quick and easy way to explore multiple countries without airports.
  • Kids love the experience of traveling under the English Channel in just a few hours!

3. Best Train Adventures in Asia

🚂 The Shinkansen Bullet Train (Japan)

• Route: Various routes, including Tokyo to Kyoto
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • One of the fastest trains in the world , giving kids a futuristic travel experience .
  • Super clean and efficient , making travel easy even with young kids.

🚂 The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (India)

• Route: New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • A heritage toy train that chugs through tea plantations and mountain scenery .
  • Offers a charming, old-fashioned travel experience .

🚂 The Kandy to Ella Train (Sri Lanka)

• Route: Kandy to Ella
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • One of the most scenic train rides in the world —lush green landscapes, waterfalls, and endless tea fields.
  • Open windows and doors let families enjoy the fresh mountain air.

4. Best Family-Friendly Train Trips in Australia & New Zealand

🚂 The Ghan (Australia)

• Route: Adelaide to Darwin
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • A multi-day outback adventure , perfect for seeing Australia’s vast landscapes .
  • Let's talk about what this thing can actually *do*. Keep an eye out for animals, immerse yourself in the local culture, and look up at the incredible night sky – it's truly stunning.

🚂 The TranzAlpine (New Zealand)

• Route: Christchurch to Greymouth
• Why It’s Great for Families:
  • A picturesque ride through the Southern Alps , with stunning mountains, rivers, and glaciers .
  • Experiencing something amazing starts here. New Zealand's scenery will take your breath away. Skip the long drives.

5. Tips for Making Train Travel Fun for Kids

✅ Pack Snacks & Drinks – Many trains have dining cars, but bringing favorites keeps kids happy.
✅ Bring Entertainment – Books, travel games, and tablets help on longer journeys.
✅ Let Kids Explore – Walk through train cars and check out observation decks when available.
✅ Turn it into a Learning Experience – Talk about landmarks, geography, and train history along the way.

We've reached the end.

There's a lot more to train travel than simply transportation; it's an experience. Expect thrills, incredible views, and plenty of laughs—it's a family adventure! Facing a journey? Picture this: the Swiss Alps, a trip through the Scottish Highlands, or a whirlwind bullet train ride across Japan. These scenic routes are packed with amazing vistas; you won't be disappointed.
Making memories, one family at a time.

🚂 Which train journey would your family love the most? Plan your next train trip now and make memories that will last a lifetime! 🚆✨