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Last month, we took a train journey from London to Beziers with the children. They are now 10 and 12 so they are a little bit easier to travel with. Having said this, we took them on a PROPER train journey. Eurostar and TGV outbound from London and a EuroCity sleeper train adventure on the way back to Paris, then Eurostar again. It was a fantastic train holiday and just proved ourselves again how easy it is to travel from the UK to mainland Europe by train, it’s fun and very importantly: the most sustainable way to travel. We would definitely do it again, now that we know all about how to book the best and cheapest tickets.
Train journeys with children feel far more comfortable when you handle the booking stage with care. Families often need to think beyond departure time and fare, especially when seating, child details, food, luggage and journey comfort matter. A few thoughtful checks before payment can prevent avoidable confusion later.
From understanding child ticket conditions to keeping everyday essentials within reach, careful online train ticket booking helps create a smoother start. It gives parents more confidence before the family reaches the station.
Check the Child Ticket Rules
Child ticket conditions may depend on factors such as age, whether a separate berth or seat is required, and the accommodation selected. These details should be checked on the booking platform or official railway information before confirming the reservation for the family journey. Avoid assuming that the same condition applies to every child or every booking.
Before payment:
These checks help prevent confusion during the journey.
Choose Family-Friendly Seats
Seat choice can make a noticeable difference when children are part of the journey. Families may prefer arrangements that keep parents and children close together and make it easier to manage meals, sleep, movement and belongings. Available preferences can depend on the train, class and seat availability on the chosen service that day.
While choosing seats:
Thoughtful seating can make family train journeys more comfortable.
Book Tickets Early
Popular routes can become busy during school holidays, festivals and long weekends. Booking early gives families more scope to choose a suitable train, class and seat preference, rather than working around limited options. It also leaves enough time to review the journey without rushing through important details near departure.
Booking earlier can help you:
Early booking leaves families with more practical choices.
Select the Right Train and Class
A suitable family journey is not always the one with the quickest departure. Journey duration, boarding time, arrival time, stoppages and class can all affect comfort when children are travelling together. Look at the entire journey rather than choosing only by fare or schedule alone.
Before selecting a train do this:
A suitable train can make family travel easier.
Keep Children’s Details Ready
Entering passenger information correctly matters during online booking. Keep each child’s required details carefully ready before opening the payment stage so you are not searching for information midway through the process. Small spelling or age-entry errors can create avoidable concerns later during verification.
Keep these details always in reach:
Review every entry once before continuing to payment.
Carry Valid ID and Travel Documents
A confirmed booking should be matched with the documents required for the journey. Requirements can depend on the passenger, selected ticket type and applicable railway rules, so checking them beforehand is sensible. Keep the booking confirmation and relevant identification easy to reach rather than packed deep inside luggage during the journey.
Before leaving home:
Prepared documents can make journey checks much smoother.
Check Baggage and Food Options
Family luggage can grow quickly once children’s clothes, snacks and comfort items are added. Packing carefully with the train journey in mind keeps the coach space easier to manage. Food arrangements also deserve attention, especially when children have familiar preferences or dietary requirements during longer journeys.
Before the journey:
Simple preparation keeps meals and luggage easier onboard.
Keep Travel Essentials Handy
Children may need something at any point during a long rail journey, so one well-organised handbag can save repeated searching during the journey. Keep immediate-use items together and make sure another adult knows where they are. The aim is to handle small needs calmly without opening every suitcase during the trip.
Useful essentials may include:
Keep valuables separate and secure throughout the journey.
A comfortable family train journey begins with a careful booking rather than a hurried one. Checking child ticket conditions, keeping passenger details ready, choosing practical seating and carrying the right documents can remove many avoidable concerns. Food, luggage and everyday essentials also deserve attention before departure.
Families can use redBus to explore train booking options and complete reservations while keeping these simple checks in mind. A little preparation at the booking stage can make the journey feel calmer for parents and children alike from the station onwards.