10 Items You Should Always Bring On A Long Train Ride & 10 To Leave At Home
Set Yourself Up for a Smooth Ride
Long train rides are one of the easiest ways to slow down without actually sacrificing any real travel time, but a little preparation makes the difference between “pleasantly scenic” and “why didn’t I think of that?” You’re sharing space, dealing with temperature swings, and relying on whatever the onboard situation happens to be that day. That may sound like you need to pack the kitchen sink, but instead, you just need to follow our guide on useful items!
1. A Refillable Water Bottle
You don’t want to spend the whole trip rationing tiny cups or paying for overpriced drinks at every stop. A sturdy bottle keeps you hydrated without constant interruptions, and it’s easy to refill when you get the chance.
2. Snacks That Won’t Make a Mess
Train food can be hit-or-miss, and sometimes it’s simply not available when you’re hungry. If we’re being honest, it’s also pretty expensive, even in economy. Bring a mix of filling and simple options—just stick to low-odor choices so you don’t apologize to everyone within three rows.
3. Headphones You Actually Like Wearing
Even a quiet car has its moments, and you’ll be glad you can control your own soundscape. Comfortable headphones let you listen longer without that annoying pressure on your ears. It’s even better if you’ve got noise-canceling ones onboard.
4. A Portable Charger and the Right Cable
Outlets can be scarce, loose, or already taken, and your battery won’t care about the inconvenience. Portable chargers keep your phone alive for tickets, messages, and entertainment when you need it most.
5. A Light Layer
Temperatures on trains can swing from stuffy to surprisingly chilly, sometimes within the same hour. Do yourself a favor and layer up with something soft, like a cardigan or a wrap! Even if you don’t need it, at least you can tuck it away without hassle.
6. Hand Sanitizer
You’ll touch armrests, tray tables, door buttons, and plenty of other mystery surfaces along the way. Keeping your hands clean makes snacks more appealing and helps you feel less grimy near the end of the ride. Wet wipes also come in handy for quick cleanups when something inevitably goes sideways.
7. A Small Toiletry Kit
You don’t need a full bathroom cabinet, but a few basics go a long way on a multi-hour trip. Lip balm, tissues, and a toothbrush can refresh you without making a big production. That quick reset also makes you far more put-together when you arrive.
8. Offline Entertainment
Wi-Fi can be spotty, and cell service loves to disappear when you’re mid-scroll. Not only that, but you’re on a train with a massive window—unplug a little! Having something that works without a connection keeps you entertained and saves your data plan from an unnecessary meltdown.
9. A Notepad and Pen
Hey, we all need this classic duo once in a while. You might want to jot down a schedule change. Maybe you just had a thought you don’t want to lose. Either way, a simple notepad is small, reliable, and won’t die at 12% battery.
Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash
10. A Luggage Safeguard
Bringing a lock doesn’t make you paranoid; when you’re in a public space, bags shift, and people come and go. A small lock or simple luggage strap adds a layer of security when you’re dozing off or stepping away briefly. It also helps you relax, which is kind of the whole point of a train ride in the first place.
On the other hand, overpacking is a very real issue, even on trains. If you focus on what you’ll realistically use, you’ll enjoy the trip more. So let’s dive into what you should leave at home.
1. A Full-Size Pillow
You might love it at home, but huge pillows are bulky and awkward to carry through tight aisles. If you want extra comfort, a compact travel pillow does the job without taking over your bag (or other people’s space).
2. Multiple Outfit Changes
Unless you’re traveling for days, you don’t need a wardrobe rotation for a single ride. One comfortable outfit plus a light layer usually covers temperature shifts and general comfort. Bringing extra clothes “just in case” often turns into dead weight you resent by the first connection.
3. Heavy Hardback Books
A stack of big books sounds ambitious, but it’s a lot to lug around for something you may not open. Instead, grab one book you’re excited about over three you’ll feel guilty about. An e-reader or a phone download also keeps your options open without the shoulder strain.
4. A Portable Speaker
A train isn’t the place to blast music, even if your playlist is flawless. Most people count on a quieter ride, and speakers can turn into a quick source of tension. Be a good seatmate and stick with headphones.
5. Hair Styling Tools
Curling irons, straighteners, and dryers aren’t practical for a seat-side routine. Even when outlets are available, they’re not guaranteed to be convenient or even safe to use. Keep it simple with whatever helps you look presentable.
6. Strongly Scented Perfume or Cologne
Strong fragrance is overwhelming when people can’t step away. A subtle deodorant or light body wipe does more for comfort than a cloud of scent ever will. If, on the other hand, you do want to freshen up, choose low-key options that won’t announce your presence from two cars away.
7. Noisy Snacks
Crinkly packaging and constant rustling can get old fast, especially in a quieter car. You can still snack without turning it into a sound effect performance, just choose a few items in quieter containers.
Esperanza Doronila on Unsplash
8. Every Gadget You Own
It’s tempting to bring a tablet, laptop, handheld console, extra camera, and two backup devices—well, you get it! But more electronics also mean more chargers, more cables, and more chances to misplace something. Pick one or two that you’ll actually use and let the rest stay home.
9. Bulky Paperwork and Printed Reservations
Most tickets and schedules are accessible on your phone; paper copies can get wrinkled or lost. If you’re worried about battery life, a portable charger is a smarter solution than bringing a folder packed with documents.
10. A Large First Aid Kit
For a standard train ride, you don’t need a kit that looks ready for a wilderness expedition. A couple of bandages and any personal medication are usually enough for minor issues. If something more serious happens, onboard staff and emergency services are the right support.
