Taking the train is an exciting way to
travel for families as part of a
Train travel can offer
a relaxing, economical alternative to flying or driving
long distances with scenic views of the countryside and
time to enjoy each other's company.
We offer some tips to
keep in minding when planning, packing and travelling by train
with children.
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SPECIFIC TIPS OR SCROLL THE PAGE TO VIEW ALL TIPS
For more travel tips see PARENT
TRAVEL TIPS
PLANNING THE TRIP
Here are some tips for planning to ride the rails as part
of a family vacation:
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If the trip involves
visiting friends or family, then your train route
should probably be the most direct route available.
-
Look for the most
direct route to a destination to reduce or avoid the
necessity of changing trains. This will reduce
stress of the trip and the chances of missing a
connecting train as a result of delays. It also
reduces the risk of losing luggage.
-
If you haven't chosen
a final destination for the vacation, do some research
and look into scenic train routes that will add
picturesque views to the trip. For example,
taking the train from Edmonton to Vancouver through the
Mountains can be a thrilling adventure for kids
as they watch the mountains pass by, go through
tunnels and over train tressels.
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Children under two
years and not occupying a seat are usually free on
most trains - check with the rail company - when
riding in parent's lap. If booking a seat,
consider taking a car seat for children under two
years of age.
-
Most rail companies
offer reduced rates for children under 12 years of age
and if purchasing a seat for children under two.
-
Check with the rail
company for packages that may include accommodations,
rental cars and discounts.
-
If the trip is longer
than six hours, consider travelling at night and
booking a sleeper car - most children really enjoy
sleeping in the bunks. It is more expensive to
book sleepers, but it is worth it for a long trip.
-
Take a trial run - look
for a local heritage or site-seeing short duration
train trip (one that is about an hour in length) to
take the kids for a ride on. This gives you a
chance to familiarize all of you with a train, and
perhaps go over some guidelines for safety and
behaviour on the train prior to the actual trip.
-
Reserve a window
seat. Ask if the seats allow seats facing each other if travelling as
a family of four (2 adults/ 2 Children). This
way each child has a window seat.
-
Inquire if a dining car
is available and if you can reserve a seating time -
take an early seating if possible.
-
Some trains offer
special domed cars or cafe cars that may have lounges
offering a chance for families to walk through the
train for a change of pace.
-
Book seats at either end of the car -
especially if travelling with toddlers - this allows
for walks to one end and back again. It may be a
bit louder at the ends, but this may work to your
advantage to muffle any noise children may be making.
-
Ask ahead of time for priority
boarding.
-
See links to
additional tips.
Click here to return to
list
PACKING TIPS Packing
for a rail trip is similar to travel by air - you may have
a little more room if booking a sleeper car but most
luggage should be stored in baggage. See Air Travel Tips
for additional tips along with these additional
suggestions for packing on a train ride:
-
Limit each member to one carry-on
piece - while the size restrictions are not as
limiting as airlines, especially when travelling in a
sleeper.
-
Bring along some snacks, toys and
activities to keep children occupied. Some rail
lines now have activity cars that may offer board
games, scheduled activities and even video games and
movies.
-
Bring comfortable shoes and a change
of clothing for each member of the family.
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Carry all medication on board.
-
Pack a toothbrush for each member in
carryon luggage.
-
Delays can occur so be prepared,
especially if meeting a connecting flight, bus or
train at your destination.
-
Bring all baby-care items if you are
travelling with an infant, including food.
-
Bring headphones for a tape player.
-
See links to
additional tips.
Click here to return to
list
ON THE TRIP
When your family is ready
and set to go on a trip, take advantage of these tips to
help make your adventure an enjoyable and safe trip for
all:
-
Arrive at least an hour before your
train's scheduled departure to check your luggage and
give your family time to find the departure gate and
familiarize yourself with the train station.
Take the time to find out where you will also depart
the train and pick up luggage on your return trip.
-
If you have arranged to pre-board,
or even if you haven't, ask the Ticket handler if you
can pre-board with children.
-
Review Safety Concerns with children
before boarding and after you have boarded.
-
Supervise
young children when using the restroom - see Safety tips for Using Public Washrooms
-
Settle into your seats as soon as
possible to allow other passengers to settle in.
-
Remind children to respect other
passengers and Service Attendants at all times.
-
Locate the washroom facilities.
-
Introduce yourself to the Service
Attendant and inquire where any special cars that you
can visit may be and particulars of any meal service.
-
Try to respect other passengers that
may be napping or sleeping on the train - especially
during the late evening and early morning hours.
-
Feel free to tip Service Attendants.
-
Take advantage of train stops that
allow passengers to disembark for some fresh air and
to stretch your legs - but make sure you reboard the
train on time.
-
Avoid high sugar and caffeine snacks
and drinks for children.
-
Ask the Service Attendant if any
activity books or toys are available for children.
-
See links to
additional tips.
Click here to return to
list
SAFETY
TIPS
Safety
tips to keep in mind for children and adults riding the
rails:
-
Keep well back on train platforms and
keep children close - especially toddlers.
-
When embarking,
disembarking and walking beside the train keep hands
and feet away from underneath the train.
-
Never let
children near the train wheels. The Train can
move at any time.
-
Never cross the
rails or play on the rails. Teach children never
to play on rail lines at any time or go on rail
bridges.
-
Never cross in
front of a train.
-
Teach children
not to play with any emergency braking systems.
-
Children should
not play or touch any exterior doors or emergency
windows.
-
Use caution when
embarking and disembarking. Take advantage of
the assistance offered by Service Attendants.
-
When travelling
between cars, teach children not to put fingers
anywhere other than the door handles and watch your
step.
-
Young Children
should not wander the trains at will. If
children are going to be permitted to visit other
areas of the train on their own (over 12 years of age
only) set guidelines for where they may
go.
-
Children should
never go in the washroom or sleeper car with another
passenger.
-
If children are
in another car or area of the train, they should
return immediately to their seats if the train stops
at a station or at any time.
-
Use caution when
walking or moving in the train as a sudden stop can
occur at any moment. Sudden movements can also
occur after the train has stopped.
-
If children are
sleeping in upper bunks, look for a harness or rail
that will reduce the risk of falling out during the
night. Some trains have a harness system.
If a harness system is used that has openings - tell
children not to put their head in the openings.
-
See links to
additional tips.
Click here to return to
list
UNACCOMPANIED MINORS
Rail Lines may allow
children between the ages of 8 and 11 to travel as
Unaccompanied Minors on direct routes. Sleeper
accommodations do not permit Unaccompanied Minors.
Check with the Rail Line for specific requirements and
also see Tips for Children Flying as Unaccompanied Minors
for more tips and suggestions.
Click here to return to
list
LINKS
TO MORE TRAVEL TIPS
See the following Tips for
more suggestions:
All Tips are offered as suggestions only
While we have tried to provide you with
a list of suggestions to help parents when travelling with
children to keep them safe, unfortunately, we can’t
think of everything and it is the responsibility of
parents to ensure their children’s safety.
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For information on VIA Rail Canada go to
VIA Rail Canada's Policies, Fares and Services for Children on the Train
For Tips on Who and What to Tip Click Below:
Click below to find out how easy
it is to Enjoy Canada by Rail
For Travel Tips for Unaccompanied Minors
Click Below:
For links to great sites to find toys to help entertain
kids on the Train go to:
Kids Travel Products
Crayola Products
For
Games to Play while travelling, Click Below
For Tips on buying Toys for
Children Click Below:
See the following sections for specific tips:
For General Travel Tips
Click on
For Travelling with
Teenagers Tips Click on
For Travel Tips - Children with Severe
Allergies Click on
For
Tips on Eating out with Children Click Below:
For Tips on Travelling with Grandchildren Click Below:
For Spring Car Care Tips Click Below:
For Winter Driving Tips Click Below:
For Tips on Enjoying Live Theatre with
Children Click Below:
For Tips on Taking Pictures Click Below:
For Tips on Protecting Your Home Click Below:
For Amusement Park Tips Click Below
For Car Travel Tips Click Below:
For Air Travel Tips Click Below:
For Winter - Ski
Holiday Tips Click on
For Tips on Taking a Dude Ranch Vacation Click on
For Travel Safety Tips Click
Below
To Return to Travel Tips Click Below
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