Tips for Making Train Travel With Small Children Easier*

It’s not secret that I do a lot of travelling by train with Little Miss. In fact, before she was 5 months old I’d already taken her from Lincoln to my home town, and from Lincoln down to Cornwall which was about a 10 hour journey. It’s no wonder at the age of 5 she’s such a seasoned traveller! I don’t drive so anything long distance is undertaken by train and over the years I have learned ways to make it easier which I want to share today.

No one should be put off by the daunting task of train travel with a child, in fact, most children relish at a trip on the train, there are no seat belts, you get your own table and you can move around. It’s much more exciting than travelling by car! However I do understand that there are elements of the journey that can be stressful from the cost, the changes and passing the time. So here are my tips on making for a smoother journey with small children.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help
I have taken the train from my home town to Gatwick airport three times with two large suitcases and a pushchair along with my small child. It is 100% do able but you need to be brave enough to ask for help. Train staff are more than willing to help you on and off the train, guide you to your platform and even take your luggage for you if you’re trying to juggle everything. I’ve even had someone help me from St Pancras to my platform in Kings Cross because LM was asleep and needed to be in the pushchair rather than it being strapped to a case and her walking. They don’t mind and it helps ease stress and worry.

Leave plenty of times for changes
If you do need to change trains on your journey, make sure you leave plenty of time to do so. Nothing worse than running blindly around an unfamiliar station with the sweat standing on you. It’s stressful for you and stressful for you kid (believe me, I’ve done it!) I find booking each leg of the journey and making sure I have at least half an hour between changes on those occasions I travel with LM and loaded with luggage. You can even grab a coffee while you wait.

Make sure you bring entertainment
The novelty of travelling on a train does wear off after a while so make sure you pack entertainment. I find bringing the iPad, a colouring book and pens, snacks and her soft toy helps as you can alternate between the iPad, colouring, food and a nap which helps break up the journey. You can buy some fab activity packs which connects the novelty of the mode of transport to keeping busy during the journey.

Explain what’s going to happen before setting off
If it’s a long haul get a map and show your child the journey you’re taking and point out any changes. Explain what a change entails and what happens. If your child understands what is going on they’re less likely to get stressed out. Explain you have to sit in your seat except to use the toilet. The more they know the more likely they are to understand.

Buy a Family & Friends Rail Card
Children under 5 do travel free however they are not entitled to their own seat. However you can get around this with a Family and Friends Rail Card. If you buy a ticket for your child and use the card you will get 1/3 off everyone in your party. In my experience with the 1/3 off and the child’s ticket it still works out cheaper than buying just an adults ticket. It’s been a saving grace on long haul journeys to London as I know we both have seats together and she isn’t trapped on my knee!

This year Virgin Trains are celebrating their 20th Anniversary, check out the video below of a celebratory pop up live performance at Euston Station.