7 Tips for a Fun Train Trip Vacation with Kids!
Train journeys not only offer a pleasant experience but also allow you to enjoy beautiful scenery while interacting with your children without worrying about traffic jams or fatigue from driving. Here are some tips to make a train vacation with kids fun and unforgettable.
1. Use the Access by KAI App
The Access by KAI app makes it easy to book train tickets. Download it from the Apple Store or Google Play, then log in using your phone number or Google account. Choose your travel date, destination, and departure schedule. The app offers various features, including additional services such as food orders, taxis, buses, and hotels. With the e-boarding pass feature, you don’t need to print tickets—just show the barcode or use face recognition if available. For children under 3 years old, even though regular tickets are not required, you still need to create an infant ticket through the app or at the station ticket counter.
2. Book Tickets Early
It is important to book train tickets well in advance, especially when traveling with children. Tickets can be booked through the Access by KAI app or the official KAI website and other official partners. Tickets can be purchased up to 30 days before departure. Booking early helps you get better prices and allows you to choose comfortable seats for you and your children.
3. Don’t Be Late to the Station
Make sure to arrive at the station early before departure. Check the schedule carefully to avoid delays. Try to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid traffic in big cities and to give your family time to enjoy the station atmosphere and even try some food there. It would be unfortunate if your vacation is ruined just because you missed the train.
4. Bring Only Necessary Items
Even when traveling with children, be mindful of your luggage. Bring only essential items for yourself and your child’s needs during the trip. Avoid overpacking, as it can make boarding and exiting the train difficult. If needed, you can use porter services available at departure and arrival stations. Always keep an eye on your belongings so nothing gets lost.
5. Always Supervise Your Children
Child safety is very important. As a parent, you must supervise your child’s activities, especially at stations and during train travel. Stations are often crowded and have active train operations that require caution. Supervising children is a shared responsibility to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
6. Use Child-Friendly Facilities
For parents with active children, there’s no need to worry. There are 36 children’s playground facilities available at various KAI stations. These playgrounds help children stay happy and comfortable while waiting for departure. There are also 129 nursing rooms equipped with sofas, refrigerators, and sinks, with air conditioning for comfort. On newer stainless-steel train sets, there are also foldable tables in women’s toilets that can be used for diaper changing.
7. Enjoy Meals with Railfood
A train trip with children is not just about reaching a destination, but also about the experience onboard. You don’t have to worry about getting hungry because various train food options are available during the journey. You can order meals directly from your seat through the “Railfood” menu in the Access by KAI app, and the food will be delivered to you. If you prefer a different experience, you can also visit the dining car located between passenger coaches, which offers a comfortable and modern setting, especially in the new stainless-steel train sets.
VP Public Relations of KAI, Joni Martinus, stated that traveling with children can be challenging for parents, but with proper planning, it can become a meaningful family experience.
“With complete child-friendly facilities at stations and on trains, as well as various services provided by KAI, train travel with family becomes a special experience. However, parents must always ensure children’s safety by supervising them at all times at stations and on board,” Joni concluded.