What I Wish I Knew Before Riding Swiss Trains with Kids

First: Swiss Trains Are an AMAZING Way to Travel with Kids

Clean. Scenic. Safe. On time to the minute. Our toddlers loved riding the trains (yes, really), and we loved not needing to drive, park, or Google how to use a toll booth in German.

But traveling Switzerland by train with kids does come with a few tricks. Here's what made our trip smoother — and what I wish I had known before we went:

⏰ Swiss Trains Are On Time — So Be Early

If your train says 10:32, it leaves at 10:32.
Plan to be on the platform at least 10–15 minutes early, especially with a stroller or luggage.
✅ Use the SBB Mobile app to check real-time platforms and train changes.

👶 Look for the Family Coach (Some Have Playgrounds!)

Yes — some Swiss trains have indoor playgrounds!
On longer InterCity (IC) routes, there’s sometimes a Family Coach (“FA” car) with:

• A mini play area (slide, tunnels, climbing wall)

• Space for strollers and diaper bags

To find them:

• Look for the “FA” icon in the SBB app or seat map

• Ask staff at the station

• Not every train has one — but it’s a huge win when they do!

💺 First Class vs. Second Class (What We Recommend)

🎫 Second Class:

• Clean, safe, and totally fine

• Can get crowded mid-day

• No assigned seating unless reserved

• You may have to split up if the train is full

✨ First Class:

• More space + way quieter (nap-friendly)

• More 4-seat clusters for families

• Room to park your stroller or stretch out
  We used the First Class Swiss Travel Pass and loved having extra room to breathe, especially on long scenic rides with sleepy toddlers.

🚆 The Swiss Travel Pass — When It’s Worth It

We debated whether to get the pass… and I’m so glad we did. Here’s why:

What it includes:

• Unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats

• Scenic routes like the GoldenPass & Glacier Express (seat reservation still required)

• 50% off most cable cars + mountain lifts

• Free admission to 500+ museums

• Kids under 6 ride free — and kids 6–15 ride free too with the Swiss Family Card (included)

When it’s worth it:

✅ You’re visiting 3 or more regions
✅ You want the flexibility to hop on and off trains
✅ You’re doing multiple scenic train rides or boats
✅ You like the idea of prepaid convenience (especially when wrangling kids)

We didn’t have to buy tickets for every train.We just got straight on when we made it to the station. It saved us time, money, and stress.

👶 Use the Accessible Cars for Strollers

Look for cars marked with a stroller or wheelchair icon.
They typically have:

• Low entrances (no need to fold strollers)

• Nearby bathrooms and changing tables

• Extra floor space — perfect for families

🍎 Snack & Toy Game Plan

Most trains don’t have food carts, so we always packed:

• Snacks for the kids

• A reusable water bottle

• A small “train toy” bag with stickers, books, or surprises
  Pro tip: save one toy or treat for when things get dicey... our go-to this trip was lollipops because they are small and convenient!

🚻 Restrooms Are Mostly Clean — But Not Guaranteed

Long-distance trains usually have bathrooms (some with changing tables). Short regional trains often don’t.
We aimed to do diaper changes or potty stops before boarding whenever possible.

🧳 Luggage is Easy — If You Know Where to Stash It

Most trains have:

• Large luggage racks near the doors

• Overhead shelves above your seat

• Under-seat space for smaller bags
  We always used packing cubes so we weren’t digging through the big suitcase mid-ride.

👧 Train Transfers Are FAST (Like, Blink-and-You-Miss-It Fast)

Some transfers are only 3–5 minutes.
✅ Have your next platform ready (use the app)
✅ Grab your bags early
✅ Know you might need to run up/down stairs, not all stations have elevators
We sometimes split up, one adult with the kids, the other with the bags.