What to Wear When Traveling by Train With Kids – 6 Outfit Ideas 2025

When traveling by train with kids, comfort is key. Five years ago, I took a 30-hour train trip from Florida to Niagara Falls with my 3-year-old daughter Olivia, my sister, her kids (8 and 4 years old), and my parents. 

It was a long journey, and what we wore made a huge difference in how comfortable we felt.

In this post, I’ll share exactly what each of us wore, including why my mom (who has arthritis) and my dad (who’s diabetic) made specific clothing choices. 

Hopefully, my experience helps you decide what to wear when travelling by train with kids.

Also Read: How to Make Travel Plans When Traveling with Kids 

What I Wore on a 30-Hour Train Journey

When planning what to wear when traveling by train with kids, comfort was my top priority. 

With Olivia by my side, I needed to be ready for anything—a nap, a snack break, or keeping her entertained for hours. 

Here’s what I wore to stay comfortable and still feel put-together.
Underscrubs comfort tee, long cardigan with pockets, Grey Leggings, patchwork casual sneakers

Leggings for Comfort

I chose soft, stretchy leggings. They were perfect for a long train ride because they allowed me to move easily, especially when getting up to tend to Olivia. 

Unlike jeans, leggings didn’t feel tight or restrictive after hours of sitting. Comfort is everything when you’re sitting for long stretches, especially with a toddler in tow.

Breathable Top for All-Day Wear

For my top, I wore a lightweight, breathable cotton t-shirt. Trains can go from warm to cool depending on the time of day, so having a comfortable base layer was key. 

The breathable fabric kept me cool when the train heated up, and it was easy to pair with layers.

Cozy Cardigan for Easy Layering

Over my t-shirt, I wore a cozy cardigan. Layers are a lifesaver when traveling with kids, especially on a long train trip where temperatures can change quickly. 

I could easily take it off when I got warm or throw it on when Olivia and I settled in for a nap.

Sneakers for Practical Footwear

I went with my trusty sneakers. They were easy to slip on and off, perfect for walking around the train or even chasing Olivia down the aisle. 

Plus, they kept my feet comfortable and supported during the journey. When it comes to comfortable outfits for train travel, practical shoes are a must!

Also Read: Twinning with My Mini-Me: Stylish & Comfy Summer Looks

What My 3-Year-Old Daughter Olivia Wore for the Journey

When thinking about what kids should wear when traveling by train, comfort and flexibility were key for Olivia, who was 3 years old at the time.

I knew a long train ride could be tiring for her, so I made sure her outfit would keep her cozy and happy throughout the trip.

Soft Cotton Clothes for Comfort

I dressed Olivia in soft, breathable cotton leggings and a matching top. She’s always been sensitive to scratchy fabrics, so soft cotton was a must. 

The material kept her cool when the train got warm but was cozy enough to help her feel snug during naps. 

Cotton is always my go-to for long journeys because it’s gentle on a toddler’s skin.

Layering for Temperature Control

Since train temperatures can be unpredictable, I made sure to dress Olivia in easy-to-remove layers. She wore a zip-up hoodie over her t-shirt, which was perfect for when the train got chilly in the evening. 

I could easily take it off when she felt warm, or throw it back on when she needed a bit more warmth. 

Layers are essential when you’re figuring out what kids should wear when traveling by train.

Comfortable Shoes for Little Feet

For Olivia’s shoes, I went with her favorite soft sneakers. They were easy for her to walk in when we strolled through the train aisles, and simple to take off when she wanted to relax.

Choosing comfortable, slip-on shoes for kids is always a good idea, especially for long travel days. Plus, they make bathroom breaks or snack runs a breeze.

Favorite Comfy Jacket

Olivia’s favorite item was her cozy zip-up jacket. She loved it because it felt like a blanket, and it kept her warm during nap times. 

Whether she was curled up in her seat or walking around, her jacket was her go-to for comfort. 

Having something familiar, like a favorite jacket, made the trip more enjoyable for her.

Practical Outfit Ideas for Older Kids: My Nephew and Niece’s Clothing Choices

When deciding what to pack for kids on a train journey, I took inspiration from what my sister chose for her two kids, aged 8 and 4.

They needed outfits that were comfy, easy to move in, and good for long hours of travel.

Comfortable Jeans and Sweatpants for Flexibility

My nephew, who was 8, wore comfortable sweatpants, while my niece, who was 4, opted for stretchy jeans. Both kids needed clothes that allowed them to move freely. 

Whether they were sitting, playing, or walking around the train, these outfits let them do it all without feeling restricted. 

My sister chose these options because they were both practical and durable for active kids.

Hoodies for Temperature Control

Just like with Olivia, my sister made sure her kids had easy-to-remove layers. Both her son and daughter wore lightweight hoodies over their t-shirts. 

This worked well for the changing temperatures on the train, and it was easy for them to manage themselves. 

My niece, in particular, loved having her hoodie when she curled up to watch a movie or nap. This was an essential tip when figuring out what to wear when traveling by train with kids.

Shoes for Easy Movement

My nephew and niece wore slip-on sneakers. These shoes were perfect because they could easily take them off when sitting for long periods but still be ready to walk through the train whenever they needed. 

Comfortable shoes that older kids can manage on their own are a must for long trips. My sister specifically mentioned how this made bathroom breaks and snack runs a lot easier.

Keeping Entertained with Comfy Outfits

Since kids are always on the move, having comfortable outfits allowed them to play games, watch movies, and even do some drawing during the trip. 

My sister’s kids were able to entertain themselves without feeling fussy or restricted by their clothing.

This made the journey much smoother for all of us, and it’s something I always keep in mind when packing for long trips.

Special Considerations for Grandparents: What My Parents Wore on the Train

When thinking about what to wear for seniors when traveling by train, my parents had specific needs due to their health conditions.

Comfort, warmth, and ease of movement were key for them during the long journey.

Loose-Fitting Pants and Soft Sweater for My Mom

My mother, who has arthritis, needed an outfit that would keep her warm but not restrict her movement. She wore loose-fitting pants that were easy on her joints, paired with a soft, cozy sweater. 

This combination allowed her to sit comfortably for long periods without feeling stiff or restricted. We packed extra layers, like a shawl, just in case she needed more warmth.

Layering for Warmth and Comfort

Train rides can get chilly, especially at night, so layering was essential for my mom. I made sure she had a scarf and a light jacket to add or remove as the temperature changed. 

Since she feels the cold more due to arthritis, having these layers helped her stay comfortable without overheating. 

This is an important tip when deciding what to wear when traveling by train with kids and seniors.

Comfortable Shoes for My Dad’s Diabetic Feet

My dad, who is diabetic, focused on comfortable shoes that accommodated his swollen feet. 

He wore supportive sneakers with extra room, which kept his feet from feeling cramped during the 30-hour trip. 

Loose-fitting socks also helped improve his circulation. Comfortable shoes are crucial for seniors, especially on long journeys, as they prevent discomfort and allow for easy movement.

Loose Clothing for Ease of Movement

For my dad, wearing loose, breathable clothing was key. He opted for soft cotton pants and a lightweight pullover that didn’t restrict his movement. 

Loose clothes not only made him feel relaxed but also allowed him to walk around the train without feeling confined. This made the trip more enjoyable, ensuring he could stretch and move easily throughout the journey.

How Their Clothing Helped Them Enjoy the Journey

Both my parents’ outfits played a huge role in ensuring they could relax and enjoy the trip, despite their health conditions. 

They stayed comfortable, warm, and flexible, which made the long journey much more pleasant. 

As we all know, traveling with family—especially with kids and seniors—requires thoughtful planning, and their clothing choices were a big part of making the trip stress-free.

Accessories That Made the Trip Easier

When thinking about what to wear when traveling by train with kids, it’s also important to consider the accessories you bring. 

Small essentials can make a big difference during a long journey.

Shawls and Neck Pillows for Extra Comfort

For myself and my parents, shawls and neck pillows were a must. The shawls were perfect for wrapping around ourselves when it got chilly in the train car, and they were lightweight, making them easy to pack. 

Neck pillows made sleeping on the train much more comfortable, especially during those long hours. 

If you’re planning a long train ride with family, I highly recommend bringing these along to keep everyone cozy.

Olivia’s Comfort Items: Blanket and Stuffed Animal

For Olivia, having her favorite blanket and stuffed animal was a lifesaver. She was only 3 years old during this trip, and these comfort items helped her feel more at ease. 

Her soft blanket was perfect for naps, and her stuffed bunny kept her entertained and calm throughout the journey. 

If you’re traveling with young kids, I suggest bringing something familiar from home to help them relax.

Hats and Sunglasses for Added Protection

We also packed hats and sunglasses for everyone, especially for when we got off the train at various stops. The sun can be strong, and hats provide extra protection from the elements. 

For the kids, it also kept them comfortable and shaded, making it easier for them to enjoy the sights.

Entertainment and Snacks for the Kids

Apart from comfort items, we made sure to pack plenty of entertainment for the kids. My nephew and niece brought small toys, coloring books, and their favorite snacks. 

It’s essential to keep them entertained on long journeys. Snacks that are easy to eat and don’t make a mess are a good idea. 

This kept everyone happy and made the journey more manageable.

Practical Bags for Easy Access

Lastly, we carried small, practical bags with all the essentials easily accessible—things like wipes, tissues, and hand sanitizer. 

This way, I didn’t have to dig through large suitcases every time we needed something. A small backpack or tote with your most-used items is a must for a smooth journey.

Having the right travel accessories for train journeys made our trip much more comfortable and enjoyable. 

These small items might not seem like much, but they truly made a big difference in keeping everyone happy and relaxed during the trip.

Clothing Considerations Based on the Season: Why Autumn Was Unique

When deciding what to wear when traveling by train with kids, the season plays a major role, especially in autumn. 

Autumn weather is unpredictable, with cool mornings, warm afternoons, and chilly evenings. Our trip in the fall made it essential to pack versatile outfits for everyone. 

Layers were key to staying comfortable throughout the day.

Lightweight Jackets for Cool Mornings and Evenings

For both myself and the kids, lightweight jackets worked wonders. In the early morning, when the air was still crisp, we all bundled up in our jackets. 

By midday, as the train warmed up, it was easy to take them off. My jacket had deep pockets, perfect for storing small items like Olivia’s snacks and my phone. 

A lightweight jacket is a must-have for train travel in autumn—it’s easy to carry, and you can quickly layer it on when needed.

Scarves for Added Warmth

Scarves were another great choice for our autumn journey. I wore a cozy yet lightweight scarf that I could quickly take off or put on, depending on the temperature. 

Olivia loved playing with her small scarf, which kept her warm without being too bulky. I also had a scarf for my mother, who has arthritis and needs extra warmth for her joints. 

Scarves are ideal for train travel because they’re simple to pack and add an extra layer of warmth.

Layering with Long-Sleeve Tops and T-Shirts

For my family, layering was the secret to staying comfortable. We all wore long-sleeve tops paired with short-sleeve T-shirts underneath.

This combination helped us stay cool when the train got warmer but allowed us to stay warm in the evenings. 

My nephew, who loves running around, wore a long-sleeve shirt that kept him comfortable without overheating. Having layers made it easy to adjust to the changing temperatures throughout the day.

Autumn can be tricky when it comes to deciding what to wear on a train in autumn, but these layering techniques ensured we were comfortable the entire trip.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to what to wear when traveling by train with kids, comfort and layers are key. 

Our experience taught me the value of practical, easy-to-remove clothing for both adults and children. My biggest tip for mothers: plan ahead and pack versatile outfits that suit changing temperatures.

I’d love to hear your experiences! Feel free to share in the comments or ask any questions.