7 Reasons to Choose a Train Trip for Your Next Family Vacation

With hotel rates and airfare prices soaring this summer, it might be the ideal moment to plan a train journey with your family.

Train travel is frequently more comfortable and less hectic than flying. While prices, comfort, and experiences vary widely—an Amtrak journey through the Rocky Mountains offers a different experience than zipping through the Italian countryside on the Frecciarosa, speeding across Japan on a bullet train, or riding the Eurostar from London to Paris—there’s likely a train option that suits your vacation budget and preferences.

Here’s why you should opt for a train trip for your next family getaway.

Train travel offers a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Navigating through TSA security at the airport can be quite stressful for families, especially if you're short on time or have packed poorly, leading to multiple attempts to get through.

Any security measures at a train station are typically much less strict than those at airports. You won’t have to stress about packing small liquids in your carry-on or worrying if your backpack exceeds the allowed dimensions—there are fewer restrictions on luggage weight, size, and contents. Trains also impose fewer rules regarding bicycles, strollers, and other family-friendly items.

These more lenient regulations contribute to a more enjoyable trip overall. Typically, train stations are situated in the city center rather than on the outskirts, making departures and arrivals—especially for city dwellers—much easier and more economical. Seats on trains offer more space and recline further. You might find four seats facing each other, and you’ll nearly always be seated next to your family and friends without any additional charges for seat selection.

Additionally, without the hassle of takeoffs, landings, or turbulence, the whole family can board the train, settle in, and move around as needed, avoiding tears from uncomfortable seats or ear pressure issues.

Train travel can be a more budget-friendly option.

While train fares vary globally, they can sometimes be more economical. In many cases, trains can offer quicker door-to-door travel than flying—especially with high-speed rail options in Asia and Europe. However, some journeys may take significantly longer, so it’s essential to balance comfort, experience, and cost for each trip to determine what suits your family best.

For instance, consider a summer Amtrak fare for a family of four traveling from Atlanta to New Orleans compared to airfare for the same two-week vacation. Even the base fare on Spirit ($1,173, excluding additional costs like baggage or seat selection) is considerably higher than the round-trip coach train fare ($274). However, the train journey takes nearly 13 hours, while flying takes less than two.

However, prices for private rooms on this route begin at $1,400 for a round trip, which is significantly less than the domestic business class round trip fare of $2,469 on Delta. Keep in mind that private rooms are not available in Delta's domestic business class.

If you’re comfortable spending an entire day on the train (and don’t forget, you can get up and move around, plus enjoy a bar car), this could be a more luxurious, comfortable, and cost-effective choice for your family.

For those on a budget, it’s advisable to investigate your preferred route, comparing prices, travel times, and cabin or train car classes to find the option that offers the best value and comfort for your family.

Train travel can be a source of entertainment.

Taking the train is more than just a way to reach your destination; it's often a part of the adventure. Many kids find trains fascinating, making a journey thrilling as they witness stunning landscapes in the U.S. or around the globe. Plus, for teenagers who might get restless, they won’t need to switch their phones to airplane mode—they can stay connected throughout the trip.

Traveling by train also fosters family bonding, as some trains feature seating arrangements for four around a table or even private rooms. Families can enjoy meals together in the dining car or relax in the bar car. There’s also ample space for kids (and adults) to roam the aisles and stretch their legs. On certain routes, travelers can even hop on and off during stops.

Certain scenic train journeys offer families the chance to witness breathtaking landscapes in unique destinations. For instance, Peru's Vistadome train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, features panoramic windows that let everyone marvel at the majestic Andes. Amtrak's Coast Starlight route on the West Coast provides stunning views of the sparkling Pacific Ocean and lush forests. In Switzerland, countless routes allow you to soak in the snow-capped Alps, or you can lean out of the train window in Sri Lanka to enjoy the cool breeze and vibrant tea plantations between Ella and Kandy.

A train journey doesn't always need breathtaking scenery to leave a lasting impression. Children can find joy in watching the world go by, and memorable family moments can unfold even when the views are more ordinary.

Train travel can be both leisurely and speedy.

Certain train journeys, like those offered by Amtrak across the U.S., may take a significant amount of time. However, this aligns perfectly with the idea of slow travel.

Slow travel is all about savoring the experience. It's a chance to move at a relaxed pace, giving you the opportunity to connect with locals and dive into the local art, cuisine, music, and culture. Traveling by train offers families a unique way to embrace this concept, focusing on enjoying each moment and appreciating the beauty of the destinations and cultures you encounter, whether in the southern U.S. or Southeast Asia.

Other train journeys prioritize speed, and modern high-speed trains are truly impressive. For a taste of the fastest trains in the world, consider traveling to China, South Korea, Japan, Italy, France, and Spain. Some of these trains can reach speeds of nearly 200 mph.

Traveling by train is a more sustainable option.

According to a study by The Guardian, trains contribute to less than 2% of global transportation-related carbon dioxide emissions, while planes account for 12% and road vehicles exceed 70%. By opting for train travel, you're making one of the most sustainable choices among these three options. With ongoing developments toward zero-emission trains, train travel is likely to become an even greener alternative in the future.

Amtrak (and other rail services) offer loyalty programs.

Earning and using points isn't limited to air travel and hotels. With Amtrak's Guest Rewards program, you can earn and redeem points on train tickets. Regular Amtrak riders might also consider applying for the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard, which provides benefits such as upgrades, lounge access, bonus points, and a companion coupon.

Frequent train travelers in Europe can take advantage of loyalty programs like Club Eurostar in the U.K., Mas Renfe in Spain, CartaFreccia in Italy, or Grand Voyageur in France.

Discovering new and exciting train routes around the globe.

Looking for some trainspiration? Check out these new and unique routes that might spark your next railway adventure:

Rocky Mountaineer U.S. Route

Introduced in 2021, this route takes you from the stunning red rocks of Utah to the breathtaking Colorado Rockies. Traveling from Moab to Glenwood Springs and then on to Denver, you'll traverse the Continental Divide, journey through deep canyons, and glide alongside the Colorado River, all while enjoying spectacular views from glass-domed train cars.

Egypt's inaugural high-speed train

Utilizing a German train line, this new high-speed Siemens train will allow you to travel over 600 miles from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean in Egypt, expected to welcome passengers by 2023.

Al-Andalus train in southern Spain

For a more unique experience than the usual RENFE high-speed trains between Madrid and Seville, consider a luxurious journey aboard the Al-Andalus. This train visits stunning Andalusian cities such as Seville, Granada, Jerez, Ronda, Córdoba, and Cádiz, complete with living room and game room cars. Seven-day itineraries are available starting at $6,999 per person, which includes meals and excursions, for June or October 2022.

Discover more breathtaking train journeys to inspire your travels in this related article: 14 of the most picturesque train rides around the globe

(Featured image by Alexander Sorokopud/Getty Images)