9 Beautiful Train Routes Perfect For A Family Adventure

On track for family fun

If you’ve ever dragged your tired and grumpy kids through airport security at some dreadful hour in the morning, you’ll understand the appeal of a long-distance train trip. Enjoy stunning sunsets, clean sheets and a sense of adventure on one of these great jaunts for families – some close to home, while others are further afield.

Click through the gallery for nine of the world's finest family-friendly overland escapes...

Vancouver–Lake Louise, Canada

The quintessential Canadian adventure, hop aboard the Rocky Mountaineer for an epic rail journey through this stunning mountain range. Spend some time exploring Vancouver beforehand – consistently voted among Canada’s most liveable cities – then take the train to Kamloops for an overnight stop in British Columbia’s interior. 

Vancouver–Lake Louise, Canada

En route you’ll enjoy jaw-dropping views of some of Canada’s best countryside, including Fraser Canyon and the Cascade Mountains. After breakfast in Kamloops, you’ll depart again for Lake Louise in Alberta. One of the country’s most beautiful bodies of water, this lake is fed by a glacier giving it perfectly turquoise waters.

Vancouver–Lake Louise, Canada

The two-day journey provides plenty of visual entertainment for kids, especially with the domed, all-glass windows and roof on the Rocky Mountaineer. In Lake Louise, family adventures on the water and along the hiking trails will be loved by all.

Chicago–Memphis–New Orleans, USA

Three cities with big personalities: what better way to see them all than by a brilliant family rail adventure? Start in Chicago and visit the Willis Tower to get a view over the entire city from the Skydeck and explore the Shedd Aquarium, then board Amtrak’s famous “City of New Orleans” train at Union Station (pictured) to begin your journey to Memphis.

Chicago–Memphis–New Orleans, USA

The double-decker train has wide windows and a panoramic carriage, and come night-time you’ll be able to bed down in your own room (sleeps up to four). In Memphis, indulge in the city’s barbecue scene and tour musical landmarks like Elvis Presley’s mansion, Graceland.

Chicago–Memphis–New Orleans, USA

The following day on board will see you pass through Mississippi and into Louisiana, arriving in New Orleans around 3.45pm. The Big Easy has an infectious party vibe almost every day and kids will love the street musicians performing in the French Quarter, and the fairy-tale castle-like Saint Louis Cathedral (pictured).

 

Dusseldorf–Innsbruck, Germany and Austria

One of the few car trains left in Europe, this journey on the Urlaubs-Express from Dusseldorf in western Germany means you can jump off in the Alpine enclave of Innsbruck with your onward transport already to hand! Rent a car in Dusseldorf, or – if you’re coming from the UK – drive to the German city and park on board the autoslaaptrein (motorail).

Dusseldorf–Innsbruck, Germany and Austria

On board, you can book a sleeping car (or spacious junior suite) for one to three people or a six-berth couchette and enjoy dinner in the restaurant car, as well as breakfast in your compartment. See night transform Germany's cities and scenery before bedding down, ready to wake up in Austria.

Dusseldorf–Innsbruck, Germany and Austria

Awaiting in the Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck are amazing winter sports experiences that will be the talk of your child's playground for weeks after your return. But there's plenty for culture-loving kids too, with a historic old town and imperial palaces to explore. The Alpine Zoo (the highest-altitude themed zoo in Europe) and the Swarovski Crystal Worlds will also be sure-fire hits with family members of all ages.

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London–Scotland, UK

The Caledonian Sleeper is one of just two sleeper services available in the UK. The Sleeper, managed by the Scottish government, operates routes to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Fort William and Aberdeen out of London's Euston Station.

London–Scotland, UK

As well as the obvious attraction – arriving in Scotland in time for breakfast directly from central London – children will love the bunk beds with individual reading lights and crisp white sheets, and you can book breakfast in the morning. Under-fives go free, but they’ll have to share your bed.

 

London–Scotland, UK

The Edinburgh and Glasgow services leave late in the evening, giving you time to take in a West End show before hopping aboard, so this might be best suited to older children. The Highland routes will give younger children a full night’s sleep or an older family the chance of a civilized meal in the lounge car before bed.

Bangkok–Chiang Mai, Thailand

Get up into the hills in Thailand by taking the night train from capital Bangkok to Chiang Mai, where the kids can visit an ethical elephant sanctuary and learn about Indigenous culture. Getting the train is cheaper and quicker than flying, and it will save you paying for a hotel.

Bangkok–Chiang Mai, Thailand

Thai trains come with several classes, with first-class night trains offering lockable two-berth compartments and the possibility of adjoining doors between carriages for families. Second-class (pictured) carriages provide less privacy, but are still comfortable, with curtains for privacy. All sleeper cars offer clean sheets and pillows.

Bangkok–Chiang Mai, Thailand

There’s food available on board, though it may not be to everyone’s taste. Booking tickets in advance through an agency like 12go.asia shouldn't cost more than about $53 per person. If you time it right, you'll be able to enjoy northern Thailand’s stunning scenery as the sun rises over Chiang Mai when you arrive.

 

Delhi–Varanasi–Agra, India

Some of India’s greatest sights are an easy night-time journey from Delhi by train. Leave India’s capital just after 9pm and arrive in the holy city of Varanasi for breakfast 11 hours later.

Delhi–Varanasi–Agra, India

Once you’ve seen the city's sacred temples and the ghats of the revered Ganges, hop on a second night train to Agra and arrive early enough to see the Taj Mahal without the crowds. Reserving rail tickets can be done online (though you might find the process a little convoluted) via the IRCTC website; the booking window opens 60 days prior to departure. The AC1 (first class) and Sleeper classes will both offer a comfortable ride with bunks and clean sheets. There’s more privacy in AC1, but less chance of interacting with the local people.

Delhi–Varanasi–Agra, India

Food is sold on the train, but it's safer (and more fun) to order your dinner from companies such as TravelKhana or RailRestro. Representatives from rated local restaurants will hop on at your chosen stop and hand you a fresh thali. An IndRail pass, allowing unlimited train travel, starts at around $80 for an adult's 15-day Sleeper ticket. Children aged five-11 are half price and under-fives go free.

Cusco–Puno–Arequipa, Peru

For a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure, the Belmond Andean Explorer's two-night Peruvian Highlands itinerary will set an impossibly high bar for all family vacations that follow. This one might appeal more to families with older children, so that everyone involved can truly appreciate the level of luxury on offer. 

Cusco–Puno–Arequipa, Peru

You'll begin your journey in Cusco, capital of the ancient Inca civilization, before an after-lunch excursion to the archaeological site of Raqch'i. Day one ends with a climb into the La Raya mountain range, while you'll wake on day two in Puno – gateway to Lake Titicaca and its mystical islands. En route to Arequipa on the third and final day of the tour, you'll see the eight-millennia-old petroglyphs of the Sumbay caves, returning to the train for lunch before your arrival in the volcano-fringed 'White City' of Arequipa.

Cusco–Puno–Arequipa, Peru

The Belmond Andean Explorer's Peruvian Highlands journey departs from Cusco every Thursday morning. Included in the price tag are all your excursions listed in the itinerary, as well as all onboard accommodation, meals, beverages and entertainment.

 

Da Nang–Hue, Vietnam

In family-friendly Vietnam, a train trip can save time as well as being a great way to see the country. The views from the so-called Reunification Express (officially known as the North-South Railway Line) between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are spectacular, particularly on the stretch between Da Nang and Hue, when the tracks hug the coast. 

Da Nang–Hue, Vietnam

Da Nang is the gateway to explore historic Hoi An, which is around 19 miles away by taxi. Its well preserved old town is a truly delightful place to wander around, with grand old colonial architecture along pretty canals and ancient Chinese temples.

Da Nang–Hue, Vietnam

Four trains leave in both directions of the journey every day, each with five different ticket options. For the most comfortable experience for parents and children alike, book a place in a soft berth, which comes with cushions and sleeps four people; hard berths are for six, but offer no additional padding.

Darwin–Adelaide, Australia

Linking the northern and southern reaches of this vast nation, the Ghan crosses from Darwin in the Northern Territory to Adelaide in South Australia over four days, slicing through the red and wild interior of this vast island.

Darwin–Adelaide, Australia

The all-inclusive expedition includes stops in Katherine, Alice Springs (where you'll have dinner under the stars) and the opal mining town of Coober Pedy, with the option of upgrading to an excursion that allows travelers to lay eyes on the fabled sandstone monolith, Uluru.

Darwin–Adelaide, Australia

It's one of the world's most scenic train journeys, showcasing some of Australia's dramatic landscapes that are not only steeped in natural wonders, but in rich history and ancient cultural significance too. The Ghan welcomes children of all ages; those aged up to 15 years old will benefit from a 20% reduction on their tickets when riding Gold Service.

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Now check out the earliest photographs taken in Australia