Whether you’re a rail‑curious newbie or seasoned traveler, here’s your ultimate guide to making this multi‑country route smooth, scenic, and stress‑free.
We wanted a train route through Europe that started in Paris and ended in Slovenia. After some research, this option stood out as the best fit. It allowed us to stretch the trip over about a month, while keeping each leg to no more than five hours—perfect for traveling with little kids.
Our goal was also to minimize the number of stops, making the journey smoother and easier for the whole family. Paris and Hallstatt, Austria were our top two must-see destinations. And Kara was set on adding Lucerne to the list so we could see the famous Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden bridge in Europe.
1. The Route Itinerary (Simplified)
Here’s a clear and comfortable outline of your journey with family-friendly highlights:
- Paris → Basel (France → Switzerland)
- Basel → Lucerne
- Lucerne → Sörenberg (Swiss Alps villages + trails)
- Sörenberg → Interlaken (lakes, Jungfrau region)
- Interlaken → Obertraun (gateway to Austrian lakes & caves)
- Obertraun → Hallstatt (idyllic lakeside village)
- Hallstatt → Ljubljana (Slovenia’s charming capital)
2. Tickets: Pass or Point-to-Point?
Eurail Global Pass (for non-European residents): Offers flexible, multi-country access—perfect for France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia.
Considerations:
- Flexibility vs Cost: Passes allow spontaneous changes but may cost more if you buy individual tickets early.
- If your itinerary has 5+ legs, a Global Pass often becomes more convenient and economical. Eurail+3www.europe-train-passes.com+3Rick Steves Community+3
Point-to-Point Tickets:
- Can be cheaper if booked far in advance.
- Best for fixed itineraries with no flexibility needed.
Tip: Budget for seat reservations on high-speed or international trains—typically €10–€20 per train.
3. When to Book
- Advance Booking Window: Most tickets open 2–4 months in advance; Germany and certain high‑speed lines (e.g., Eurostar) open up to 6 months prior.
- Optimal Booking Time: Aim for 7–12 weeks in advance to secure the best fares.
- Why Book Early: Last-minute fares increase dramatically, especially for families needing to sit together.
4. Tools & Where to Book
- Eurail Rail Planner App / Website – ideal for pass users to check schedules and reserve seats.
- Trainline & Omio – excellent for comparing routes and prices across operators.
- Rail Europe – screen multi‑country trips and often easier for families. Eurail+10Condé Nast Traveler+10The Sun+10
5. Seat Reservations & Upgrades
- With large groups and long rides, always reserve seats—especially to stay together in 1st class if you’re upgrading for comfort.
- In Switzerland, class upgrades can be purchased online or via the SBB app; route-specific or even day‑long upgrades are often available. SBB Online Portal+. You can also buy “Supersaver upgrades” which offer up to 50% off — but you need to buy early!
6. Family Travel Tips
- Children under 4 often travel free—check if they can sit on laps. Ages 4–11 may travel free or at reduced cost with accompanying adult passes. Eurail
- Group Reservations: Always reserve early as grouped seats run out quickly.
- Pack Smart: No trams, buses, or metros are covered by rail passes—budget separately. Eurail
7. Money-Saving Hacks
- Comparison sites like Trainline/Omio can uncover cheaper fares across routes.
- Choose trains with a single transfer to save money versus nonstop fares.
- Be flexible with travel times—off‑peak dates or mid‑week travel can slash costs.
- Avoid unnecessary reservation fees by taking regional trains where possible.
- For overnight legs, sleeper trains save on both lodging and time—book months ahead.
8. Sample Budget Breakdown
ItemEstimate (Family of 5)Eurail Global Pass (e.g., 10 days flexi)€800–€1,200 totalSeat reservations (5 legs x €15)€75Class upgrades (optional)Varies by routeApps/bookingsRail Planner, Trainline, Rail Europe
Final Checklist Before You Go
- Pick your travel style (flexible vs. fixed) → Pass or point-to-point.
- Mark your booking window using 2–4 (up to 6) months ahead, ideally 7–12 weeks.
- Use centralized tools (Rail Planner, Trainline, Rail Europe).
- Reserve seats ASAP, especially as a family.
- Upgrade wisely for comfort on longer legs.
- Track fares and travel smart —opt for flexible/unpopular times to save.
- Plan for extras: local transport, luggage, sleeper accommodations, etc.
Happy travels!! Xoxo Kate & Kara