Smooth Bus and Train Journeys with a Baby and Toddler. Tips for Success.

So, you’ve decided to take your baby and toddler on public transport. Go you! It may seem like a big adventure (and trust me, it is), but with the right prep, it can be a breeze.

Imagine this: You’re hopping on a bus with your toddler happily munching snacks and your baby snug in the carrier. You’ve got your gear packed like a pro, and you’re breezing through the journey without breaking a sweat.

If you’re wondering how to travel on a train or bus with a toddler and baby, this guide has you covered. Whether it’s the art of stroller wrangling or keeping the kids entertained, I’m here to share my best tips for smooth, stress-free travels with your little ones.

We’ve got this! Ready to hit the road? Let’s dive in!

1. Pre-trip preparation

a. Who you might be

These might be many of the scenarios you are in :

• Long distance travel (hours or maybe days of train ride or bus journey across cities and states)
• Short distance travel (within the city short train or bus rides)
• Traveling in your own country
• On vacation traveling international
• Solo travel with toddler and baby
• Family travel on vacation
• On a travel group package with tour guides and private bus

b. Research routes and destination

Train or bus almost anywhere in the world has their route map. For some shorter journeys, it may be simple, and it may be complicated for longer journeys. It is a good idea to do a thorough research on the places you are planning to visit.

Check the bus or train schedules in advance and aim to travel during non-peak hours when things are less crowded.

When we had our visit to Taiwan with our toddler, we had plans of traveling in the city of Taipei as well as going on long travel to another state. For the inner city of Taipei, the MRT train lines were easy to access and travel around. For longer interstate journeys, there was the state of the art HSR and other trains as well.

Pro-tip : Research your same travel on blogs or YouTube. We planned our train ride watching reviews on YouTube and forums. You learn a lot!

c. Check toddler and baby friendly amenities

Traveling on a train or bus with a toddler or baby requires extra special attention. You may need to use diaper changing facility, hot water to mix milk or even a quick place to change clothes.

Check out if their stations provide these amenities or one of their stops are nearby any amenities. Some trains have dedicated baby rooms or breastfeeding rooms. Bus are unlikely to have these, so you need to rely on extra items such as breastfeeding cover, or travel tray. 

d. Pack wisely

Space on the bus or train is very limited. Similar to a plane or your own car ride. The trick is to pack just enough without overdoing it.

Keep a separate, easily accessible bag for items you’ll need often, like snacks and wipes, and stash the rest in your main bag.

Pro-tip : If you’re bringing luggage along with you, search for baggage store areas at train or bus stations. It is definitely much easier to travel without pulling and pushing your huge luggage in a tight or crowded bus. This will be helpful if you are traveling to a tourist spot for a short while and be back to get your luggage.

Pro-tip : You can leave your luggage at the hotel you were staying too. This is a good option if you will be coming back later on.

e. Baby gear

While a stroller is great for keeping your hands free and giving your toddler a place to rest, they can be bulky on crowded public transport. A baby carrier might be a better option for babies, as it keeps them close and leaves you free to navigate easily.

Choose what works best for your trip.

2. Choosing the best time to travel

Traveling with little ones is all about working around their schedule. Try to plan your train ride or bus trip during non-peak hours to avoid packed buses and trains.

If possible, plan your travel around nap times, so your baby or toddler can snooze during the journey, giving you a bit of a break.

3. Boarding the train or bus

a. Train station / Bus station

Navigating stations and bus stops with a stroller or a toddler in tow can take some time, especially if you’re dealing with stairs, elevators, or busy crowds. And imagine this with luggage or travel bags to carry around.

Give yourself a few extra minutes to get settled without the rush.

Research on the stations as well. Some major metropolitan or cities, have huge mall like stops that caters to multiple train or bus. Learn your ways, and locate nearest baby and toddler amenities.

Some smaller stops might be simpler to navigate but may not have toddler friendly amenities.

b. Seats

Choose the most appropriate seats. If you’re on a train with baby facilities, choose seats in those coach / room. If you’re lucky, there may be priority seating for families.

4. During the journey

a. Engaging activities

Bring a mix of activities for your kid, such as quiet toys, books, and maybe even a favorite show or app.  Stickers and coloring books are great because they don’t take up much space and can keep your toddler entertained for a while.

b. Feeding / Meals

Think pre-cut fruits, crackers, or cheese sticks. Avoid sticky or crumbly foods to keep things tidy. For babies, a bottle or nursing cover if you’re breastfeeding is essential for a smooth feeding time on the go.

c. Meltdowns / Tantrums

If your toddler has a meltdown, stay calm and collected. Distraction works wonders—point out interesting things outside the window or use their favorite toy that you’ve kept hidden until now. Babies respond well to soothing voices and gentle rocking, so keep calm and rock on.

d. Diaper change

Diaper changes on public transport can be a challenge, especially if there’s no designated space. If you’re on a train, check if there’s a family-friendly bathroom with baby amenities. On buses, you might have to wait for a stop, but keep a portable changing mat handy for any quick on-the-go changes.

5. Exiting

a. Prepare early

Start packing up your bags and getting the kids ready before your stop arrives. This gives you time to grab everything without feeling rushed.

b. Navigating a crowded exit

Keep your toddler close, and make sure you’ve got a clear path. Politely ask for some space so you can safely leave the vehicle if the exit is crowded. More often than not, there are kind people around to help you out.

c. Repacking your bag

Stay organized as much as possible with as little bags as possible. We had made mistakes in the past like bringing big luggage and multiple loose items on the bus and handling toddlers at the same time.

6. Safety tips

• Crowded buses and trains can be tricky to navigate with a baby and toddler.
• Make sure your toddler and baby stays close and is safely seated or held.
• Keep a watchful eye on your little ones and maintain your personal space.
• For older toddlers, keep reminding them before the trip and during on safety and for them to be close to you.

Ready to hit the road?

You’ve got this.