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Consider taking a snowy train trip in the US or Europe this winter.
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Many operators provide discounts for children.
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Amtrak’s California Zephyr and Europe’s Glacier Express are among BI’s favorites.
As the holidays approach, it can be difficult to think of fun activities the whole family will enjoy.
Winter train journeys are a fun and affordable option; especially since many railway operators offer discounts or allow children under a certain age to travel for free.
Below are the best train journeys around the world for you and your family to take in the snowy scenery.
Amtrak’s California Zephyr is the ultimate cross-country winter experience.
Amtrak’s California Zephyr According to Amtrak, it is a 51-hour train route across the United States, starting in Chicago, Illinois, and ending in San Francisco, California. Web site.
The website calls this route “one of the most beautiful train trips” in North America, and it’s not hard to guess why. This trip offers a unique opportunity to see a wide variety of the country’s natural landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains, Colorado’s Gore Canyon, and Winter Park, which transforms into a snow-covered wonderland during the winter months.
Ticket prices vary depending on the selected route and departure station. According to the website, children under the age of two travel free, while children between the ages of two and 12 receive a 50% discount on all Amtrak services.
The Polar Express in upstate New York is a family favorite during the holidays.
The Polar Express is a Christmas-themed train operated by the Adirondack Railroad in Utica, New York, from November 17 to December 18, according to an online press release.
The two-hour ride departs from Utica’s Union Station and ends in North Pole, a town in New York City.
This train ride is a favorite for families with young children. Passengers will be treated to hot chocolate and cookies, and families will be visited by Santa Claus, the website says. Guests are also encouraged to stay comfortable and wear pajamas throughout the trip, according to the website.
Ticket prices start from $47 for adults and $39 for children.
The Glacier Express is one of Europe’s most luxurious winter train journeys.
The Glacier Express train in Switzerland is also known as the “window to the Alps” because it offers panoramic views of various mountain ranges, according to its website. The route takes eight hours and ends in St. Petersburg, a resort town in southeastern Switzerland. It starts in St. Moritz and ends in Zermatt, another town in southern Switzerland.
Prices vary depending on departure station and ticket type. A standard adult ticket, known as the Glacier Express classic, starts at 159 Swiss Francs, or about $179, for the entire route, according to the website.
The “Excellence Class” ticket includes many luxury amenities, including a five-course meal and concierge service. The website states that prices start at 470 Swiss Francs or $529.
The website states that children under the age of six travel free, while children between the ages of six and 16 will receive a 50 percent discount.
Bernina Express travels on the highest railway tracks in Europe.
Bernina Express, Switzerland’s St. It departs from the city of St. Moritz and ends in Tirano, a town in Italy close to the Swiss-Italian border.
According to the website, this train journey, which passes along the highest rails in Europe and the steepest in the world, will offer a bird’s eye view of glaciers and mountain ranges.
Whether you’re thinking of going on a ski trip with your family or want to enjoy the snowy view from afar, the views from this train are likely to be one of the highlights of your European holiday.
The website says adult ticket prices start at 132 Swiss francs round-trip, or about $148.
The website adds that children under the age of six travel free, while those between the ages of six and 16 travel at a 50 percent discount.
In Scotland, the West Highland Line gives a romantic look to winter.
West Highland Line It is a five hour and 30 minute journey operated by Scotrail.
The route starts in the country’s largest city, Glasgow, and finishes in the town of Mallaig on the west coast of the Highlands. This train is best known for crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which was used as the backdrop for the fictional Hogwarts Express train in the “Harry Potter” movies.
During winter, the viaduct is often surrounded by icy lakes, snow-covered trees and mountains.
Adult ticket fares start at £42, or about $51, round-trip, according to the website. As part of Scotrail’s “kids for a pound” campaign, which is part of a larger government trial allowing all train passengers in Scotland to travel without a permit, tickets for children aged five to 15 are available for as little as £1 or £1. Around $25. Peak tickets at any time of day until March 31, 2024.
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