Travelling by Train with Kids: The Complete Guide

Travelling by train with kids

Family travel is always more enjoyable when the journey itself is part of the adventure. For parents considering VIA Rail, the good news is that travelling by train offers a comfortable, memorable and convenient alternative to flying or spending long hours in the car. Before booking, families naturally want to know what to expect and whether the experience is truly suited to their needs. Here’s everything parents should know about travelling with children on VIA Rail.

A More Relaxing Way to Travel

One of the greatest benefits of train travel with children is peace of mind. There’s no traffic to navigate, no frequent rest stops to plan, and no car seats to install. Once you’re on board, you can settle in and enjoy the journey. Children have the freedom to move around, change positions, gaze out the window or enjoy quiet activities while parents can focus on spending quality time together as a family.

Stations are generally designed to make travel easier, with accessible facilities and assistance available when needed. Unlike air travel, boarding is simple and straightforward. You arrive at the station, take advantage of priority pre-boarding, board the train, and your journey begins—making the experience significantly less stressful, especially for families travelling with young children.

Throughout the trip, attentive onboard staff are available to answer questions, provide assistance and help ensure a smooth travel experience.

Space Designed for Families

Space matters when travelling with children, and train travel offers plenty of it. Most trains are equipped with changing tables, and family or seat selection may be available depending on the route and availability. Storage areas are also provided for strollers and children's equipment, although configurations may vary by train and itinerary.

Comfortable, spacious seating gives families room to read, colour, play games or stretch out for a nap. Unlike more restrictive modes of transportation, trains allow children to get up, move around and enjoy the ever-changing scenery through large windows—often turning the journey itself into a highlight of the trip.

Family-Friendly Fares

Travelling as a family can be more affordable than many parents expect. Infants may be eligible to travel free of charge when seated on a parent’s or guardian’s lap.

Children and youth generally benefit from reduced fares, and from time to time, special promotions can make family travel even more affordable.

Taking a few minutes to review available fare options and current offers when planning your trip can help maximize savings and keep your travel budget on track.

Family Travel – Relax, save, and explore together

Kid-Friendly Meals and Snacks

Meals are an important part of any family trip, and VIA Rail offers options designed to make travelling with children easier.

Children’s meals are available on select trains, with offerings varying between Corridor routes and long-distance services.

In the Québec City–Windsor corridor, Business class travellers can pre-order a children's meal.

Travellers with specific needs

In Economy class, children aged 2 to 12 can also enjoy a children's meal that is selected and purchased during the booking process. These meals must be ordered in advance—between 60 days and 78 hours before departure—and are not available for onboard purchase in Economy class within the Corridor.

In addition, onboard menus feature a variety of sandwiches, snacks and refreshments made with Canadian products that appeal to travellers of all ages.

Menu, Food and Drinks on board

Parents travelling with infants should note that onboard microwave ovens are reserved exclusively for warming infant formula. Many families also choose to bring familiar snacks and foods to help keep young travellers comfortable throughout the journey.

Travelling with Luggage Made Easy

Travelling with children often means travelling with extra gear, and VIA Rail’s baggage allowances are designed with families in mind.

Allowance limits vary depending on whether a child is travelling as an infant or has their own seat. Essential items such as strollers, car seats and carry-on baggage are generally accepted onboard. As with many aspects of train travel, baggage policies and available space may vary by route and train type, so reviewing the guidelines before departure is always recommended.

The result? Less stress at the station and more time to get comfortable once you’re onboard.

Baggage for toddlers and infants (0-24 months)
Train baggage allowance

When the Journey Becomes Entertainment

Keeping children entertained is often a top priority when travelling. Where available, onboard Wi-Fi allows families to stream music, play games or enjoy digital activities. Power outlets at every seat help keep devices charged throughout the trip.

But one of the greatest sources of entertainment may be the journey itself. Watching forests, rivers, cities and countryside pass by the window can be surprisingly captivating for children, transforming travel time into part of the adventure.

Families are also encouraged to bring travel-sized games, books, colouring activities or other favourite pastimes. Train travel naturally creates opportunities for quieter moments, meaningful conversations and quality family time.

Extra Support When You Need It

For expectant parents or adults travelling alone with young children, a little extra assistance can make all the difference.

VIA Rail offers support services that may include priority boarding, assistance within stations and arrival support at select locations. These services are available through a special service request and should be arranged in advance to ensure availability.

If you think you may need assistance with your luggage or while boarding, please call 1-888-VIA-RAIL (1-888-842-7245) or 711 if you use a teletypewriter (TTY), and ask to be transferred to 1-855-321-8421 to let us know about your accessibility needs.

Before You Travel: Important Information

A few practical details are worth keeping in mind before departure:

• All children and infants require a ticket, including infants travelling on a parent’s or guardian’s lap.
• Depending on age and fare type, a separate seat may be required.
• Families travelling with infants may choose to keep them on their lap or purchase a separate seat. Approved car seats may be permitted according to VIA Rail guidelines.
• VIA Rail also has specific policies regarding unaccompanied minors, which should be reviewed before booking.

Understanding these requirements in advance helps ensure a smooth and stress-free boarding experience for the whole family.

Is Train Travel Right for Your Family?

Every family travels differently. For many parents, however, VIA Rail offers a more comfortable, flexible and family-friendly way to travel—one that better accommodates the realities of travelling with children. Train travel is also one of the most environmentally responsible transportation choices available, helping reduce your family's carbon footprint while introducing children to more sustainable ways of exploring Canada.

By knowing what to expect before you book, you can decide whether train travel is the right fit for your family—and turn the journey into a memorable experience that everyone will enjoy together.