Easter 2026: family trips by night train across Europe
A night train with kids turns travel into an adventure: you board in the evening, sleep in your own little cabin and wake up in a new city. Easter fell on 5 April this year, and many families are now planning the rest of the spring holidays and May long weekends. Here are six family trips by night train across Europe, plus tips on booking, cabins and packing.
Why now: after Easter, before summer
Spring is the perfect season for a night train trip: cities are pleasant, prices are lower than in summer and there are still seats for May holidays. Booking now for May and June also gives you the best choice of family compartments, which sell out first. Many families who tried a night train at Easter are already planning the next one.
Top 6 family trips by night train
Vienna is Europe's night train hub, but Brussels, Amsterdam and Hamburg are also great starting points. Routes, days and timetables change, so always check the operator's website.
| Route idea | Operator | Destination highlight | Best ages | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamburg – Vienna | Nightjet | Schönbrunn Zoo, Prater | 3+ | mid-range |
| Vienna or Munich – Rome | Nightjet | Explora, Roman ruins | 5+ | mid-range |
| Zurich – Hamburg | Nightjet | Miniatur Wunderland | 3+ | mid-range |
| Brussels or Amsterdam – Prague | European Sleeper | Prague Zoo, castle | 3+ | mid-range |
| Prague or Berlin – Amsterdam | European Sleeper | NEMO, canals | 4+ | mid-range |
| Stockholm – Berlin | Snälltåget | Berlin museums and parks | 3+ | mid-range |
Price level for a family compartment one way: budget = under about €150, mid-range = about €150–350, premium = over €350. Approximate, prices change.
See family attractions in Vienna on the Kid.ooo map
Nightjet routes
Nightjet, run by Austrian Railways, connects Vienna, Munich and Zurich with cities like Hamburg, Rome, Venice and Amsterdam. Arrive in Vienna and head to Tiergarten Schönbrunn, the world's oldest zoo, set in the palace park. In Hamburg, Miniatur Wunderland is a must for train-loving kids. In Rome, the children's museum Explora is a fun break from ancient sites.
European Sleeper and Snälltåget
European Sleeper links Brussels and Amsterdam with Berlin and Prague. In Prague, Zoo Praha is one of Europe's best zoos, with a chairlift and children's zoo. In Amsterdam, the NEMO Science Museum is perfect after a night on the train. Snälltåget connects Sweden with Berlin, a lovely way to reach the German capital from Scandinavia.
Find kids attractions in Prague on the Kid.ooo map
Night train with kids: choosing your cabin
Book a private compartment, travel light and plan the day of arrival calmly.
- Couchette: four or six bunks, good value for families who book the whole compartment.
- Sleeper: two or three beds, more comfort, often with a washbasin or shower.
- Seats: cheapest, but hard to sleep, so not ideal for small children.
- Bikes and prams: check the rules; space is limited.
- Arrival: night trains often arrive early in the morning, so plan breakfast and a place to leave bags.
- Delays: long-distance night trains can run late, so avoid booking a tight connection or a timed ticket for the arrival morning.
Where to stay: family-friendly stays
Choose a hotel or apartment near the arrival station and ask for an early check-in or luggage storage. Some families book a room for the night before departure too, so the journey starts relaxed instead of after a long day of work and school. After a night on the train, children often have lots of energy, so plan a park or playground for the first morning. Apartments with a kitchen make breakfast and evenings easy.
Where to eat with kids
Pack a picnic dinner for the train, even if there is breakfast on board. Sandwiches, fruit, cut vegetables and a treat make the evening feel special. On arrival, look for a café near the station for a proper breakfast. Find kid-friendly cafés near your arrival station on the Kid.ooo map.
Rainy-day plan B
Every destination on this list has a great indoor attraction for wet spring days. Miniatur Wunderland, NEMO and Explora are all indoors, and Schönbrunn Zoo has warm houses for rainforest and polar animals. More ideas are in our guides to cycling holidays with kids for sunny days, Disneyland Paris 2026 and Easter city breaks.
Packing checklist
Pack one small overnight bag per person, so you do not need to open big suitcases in the cabin.
- Pyjamas, toothbrushes and a change of clothes
- A favourite cuddly toy and a small torch
- Slippers or socks for the cabin
- Snacks, water bottles and a picnic dinner
- Earplugs and a sleep mask for light sleepers
- Headphones and downloaded audiobooks
- Baby wipes and a small bag for rubbish
For family travel and photo tips, follow @macs_explore on Instagram.
Save your night train trip in Kid.ooo
Kid.ooo is a free kid-friendly places map where parents share playgrounds, cafés and attractions across Europe. Use it as your family travel app for Europe: save a breakfast café near the station and a playground for the first morning.
Plan your night train trip on the Kid.ooo map
Missing a place you loved? Add it to Kid.ooo and help the next family travelling by night train.
Frequently asked questions
Is a night train a good idea with young children?
Yes, for most families. Children usually love the adventure of sleeping on a train, and you save a hotel night and a travel day. Book a private compartment so the whole family can sleep together and lock the door.
What is the difference between a couchette and a sleeper?
A couchette has four or six simple bunks with bedding, while a sleeper has two or three proper beds and often a washbasin or private bathroom. For families, a private couchette compartment is often the best value.
Which night trains in Europe are best for families?
ÖBB Nightjet connects Austria and Germany with Italy, Switzerland and the Netherlands, European Sleeper links Brussels and Amsterdam with Berlin and Prague, and Snälltåget runs between Sweden and Germany. Routes change by season, so check before booking.
How early should I book a night train?
As early as possible, especially for school holidays. Family compartments sell out first, and the cheapest fares go quickly. Many operators open bookings about six months ahead.
Find family places near you
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