Packing for a train journey across Europe

Feel comfortable, stay fresh and don’t have too much heavy luggage. Here’s how to pack for a train trip across Europe.

Packing for a train trip around Europe doesn’t have to be a nightmare. While most people spend hours and hours choosing what to take and what to leave, I simply find it a waste of time.

While some of us have a list of what to take and what to leave, others simply go by instinct. Here are some of my best tips to pack your bags when traveling on train around Europe.

Packing Clothing, shoes, and accessories

When traveling by train through Europe, you’ll want to feel comfortable but at the same time look good. Instead of packing your all favorite outfits, choose stylishly, well cut classics and accessorize with bold statement pieces. For example, pack for a train trip a well-fitted black jeans, t-shirts and polo necks look chic alone. For a casual day look, pair with sneakers and a denim jacket. At night, add formal flats and a piece of statement jewelry.

Make sure to pack a large scarf. As well as wearing for warmth if it’s chilly or to add flair to your outfit, a big scarf can act as a blanket while you relax on your train ride. You can even use it as a picnic blanket or a makeshift beach towel.

When it comes to bags, bring one large shoulder bag that can hold shopping or beach essentials. You’ll need a backpack or cross-body bag for day-to-day tourist activities and one small, formal clutch for evening, so do it right when you pack for a train trip.

Read more: How to plan an interrail trip in Europe

Don’t forget toiletries and medication

For trains journey, it’s worth buying travel-sized beauty products or a travel container set you can fill with your own products. If your trip is longer than a week or two, consider buying more shampoo and shower gel during your trip, rather than bringing a full-sized container in your bag – adding weight and taking up space. You can also ask for samples at your local beauty counter. They will often be able to provide you with smaller versions of all your necessities, like mascara, serum and night cream.

Don’t forget your prescription medication, as well as a small first aid kit. Painkillers, nausea medication and band-aids don’t take up too much space, and if you need anything more specific, you’ll be able to find it at an Italian pharmacy or drug store.

Read more: How to do Interrail on a budget

Essentials: Entertainment, electronics and documents

A railway journey is a perfect time to catch up on reading, however, books are bulky and heavy. A kindle, tablet or smartphone with a reading app is a great way to stock up on reading material while still keeping your luggage light. You can also download audiobooks and enjoy the view from your window while listening to your novel.

Along with your necessary physical travel documents, you could also take photos of or scan important documents and email copies to yourself. That way, if your smartphone or tablet isn’t available, you can log into your email remotely and access the documents you need.

Just in case: Overnight bag

When taking an overnight train trip, you’ll need to remember to keep all your essentials in a small bag in your backpack or cross-body bag. Include basic toiletries like a toothbrush and paste, hairbrush or comb, facial wipes and moisturizer. If you’re a light sleeper, you might want to add earplugs and a sleep mask to your overnight bag.

You will also need some lightweight pajamas, or if you prefer, comfortable clothes you can sleep in, like track pants or leggings and a vest or a tank top with hidden support. Don’t forget your big scarf, which you can roll up and use as a pillow or an extra blanket. 

Read more: Which are the longest and most iconic train rides in the world