Interrail with kids: children under 12 travel free – 2026 guide
Interrail with kids is one of the best-value ways to explore Europe this summer: children aged 4 to 11 travel free with a parent's pass, and under-4s need no ticket at all. With summer planning in full swing, and many families watching the football World Cup in North America from home, a rail trip is a great way to see several countries in one holiday. Here are six route ideas and practical tips.
Why now: summer planning
Mid-June is the time to buy passes and book the seat reservations you need for July and August. Popular trains, especially night trains and scenic routes, fill up quickly in summer. The World Cup runs from June to July across the USA, Canada and Mexico, so evening matches will be on screens in fan zones and cafés across Europe, a fun extra for football-loving kids.
How free child passes work
Each adult with an Interrail pass can take up to two children aged 4 to 11 for free; they get their own free child pass. Youth passes for 12- to 27-year-olds are discounted. You choose a flexible pass, for example a number of travel days within one or two months, or a continuous pass. Check the details on Interrail.
Interrail with kids: top 6 family routes
Switzerland and Austria are the easiest for families, Scandinavia combines cities and nature, and Italy adds sun and history.
| Route idea | Countries | Highlights for kids | Reservations | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine circle | Switzerland, Austria | scenic trains, lakes, mountains | some (scenic trains) | mid-range |
| Nordic capitals | Denmark, Sweden | Tivoli, Junibacken, ferries | some | mid-range |
| Train lovers' north | Netherlands, Germany | Miniatur Wunderland, canals | few | budget |
| Central Europe classic | Germany, Czechia, Austria, Hungary | zoos, castles, Danube | few | budget |
| Italian highlights | Italy | Rome, Florence, beaches | many (high-speed) | mid-range |
| Coast and countryside | France, Spain | beaches, Barcelona | many | mid-range |
Price level for reservations and extras per person and trip: budget = under about €30, mid-range = about €30–100, premium = over €100. Approximate, prices change.
See family trips across Europe on the Kid.ooo map
Switzerland and Austria
The Rhaetian Railway runs the famous Bernina line over viaducts and past glaciers, and the Glacier Express links Zermatt and St Moritz. The panoramic Bernina Express and the Glacier Express need paid reservations, while regular regional trains on the Bernina line do not; either way, the views are worth it. Add a lake day in Lucerne or a stop in Innsbruck. Many Swiss and Austrian lake boats give discounts to rail pass holders, which makes a boat trip an easy extra.
Scandinavia
In Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens is a summer must. In Stockholm, Junibacken brings Astrid Lindgren's stories to life, and Gröna Lund is a classic amusement park on the water.
Germany, Czechia and Italy
Train-loving kids will adore Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg. In Prague, Zoo Praha has a chairlift and lots of space. In Rome, the children's museum Explora is a cool break on hot days.
Find kids attractions in Stockholm on the Kid.ooo map
Getting there with kids: trains, reservations and stops
Plan shorter travel days with kids: three to five hours on the train is plenty.
- Reservations: needed on many high-speed and night trains; book them early in summer.
- Free trains: in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, many trains need no reservation.
- Night trains: a sleeper saves a hotel night; see our night train guide.
- Luggage: one backpack or small case per person is easiest.
- Breaks: plan a playground stop on travel days.
Where to stay: family-friendly stays
Stay near the main station, so you can walk with luggage and catch early trains easily. Apartments with a kitchen are great value and give you laundry facilities on longer trips. Plan at least two nights in each place to avoid packing every day. A slower rhythm also leaves time for playgrounds, swimming and simple days without sightseeing, which children need on a long trip.
Where to eat with kids
Pack a picnic for train days and buy snacks at station bakeries. A cool bag with sandwiches, fruit, cheese and crackers saves money and avoids hungry moments between stations, especially on regional trains without a buffet. Many long-distance trains have a restaurant car, which children love. In each city, find kid-friendly restaurants near your stay on the Kid.ooo map.
Rainy-day plan B
On rainy days, ride a scenic train: the views are still good and kids stay dry. Indoor ideas such as museums and aquariums are in our guide to the best children's museums. For bike-based trips, see cycling holidays with kids.
Packing checklist
Pack light and keep essentials in a day bag.
- Passes in the app and reservations on your phone
- A light backpack per person
- Snacks, water bottles and a picnic bag
- Headphones, books and card games
- Swimwear and sun cream for lakes and beaches
- A small first-aid kit and wet wipes
For family travel ideas from around the world, follow @fouraroundtheworld on Instagram.
Save your Interrail route 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 playground near each station and a family café for every stop.
Plan your Interrail trip on the Kid.ooo map
Missing a place you loved? Add it to Kid.ooo and help the next family travelling Europe by train.
Frequently asked questions
Do children travel free with Interrail?
Yes. Children aged 4 to 11 get a free Interrail child pass when they travel with an adult who has a pass, with up to two children per adult. Children under 4 do not need a pass at all. Seat reservations, where required, are still paid.
Is Interrail worth it for a family?
It is great value for families who want to visit several cities or countries, because the children travel free. For one or two long journeys, cheap point-to-point tickets booked early can be cheaper, so compare before buying.
Do I need seat reservations with Interrail?
On many high-speed, international and night trains, yes, and they cost extra. Regional trains and many trains in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands can be used without reservations.
Can non-Europeans use Interrail?
Interrail is for European residents. Visitors from outside Europe use the Eurail pass, which works in a very similar way, including free passes for children.
Find family places near you
Open the kid.ooo map in your browser – no download needed.