red and white train near trees during daytime

The Ultimate Packing List for Stress-Free European Train Adventures

February 26, 2025 Francesca 7 min read

Let’s be real: Nothing kills the vibe of gliding past Swiss Alps or Italian vineyards faster than realizing you forgot your phone charger… or worse, your passport.

But fear not—this isn’t another “pack socks and underwear” list.

We’re talking strategic packing. The kind that turns you into a train-travel wizard, ready for delays, snack emergencies, and seats that recline exactly 2.3 degrees.

Ready to become the MacGyver of rail travel? Let’s go.

1. Documents: Your Golden Ticket to Not Getting Stuck

A neatly arranged flat lay depicting essential travel items such as a German passport, wristwatch, and euro bills on a desk.

Your passport is obvious, but let’s talk backups. Snap a photo of it and store it in a secure app like Google Drive or Dropbox.

For tickets, download the Rail Europe or Trainline app—most European trains accept e-tickets, but always screenshot them in case Wi-Fi ghosts you.

If you’re country-hopping, the Eurail Pass is your best friend. Buy it via Eurail.com and pair it with the Rail Planner app for offline timetables.

Pro tip: Pack a physical copy of your itinerary with hotel addresses. Why? Because “Ich habe mein Handy verloren” (I lost my phone) is a phrase you don’t want to practice.

2. The Bag: Small, Smart, and Theft-Proof

A woman walks with a suitcase outside an airport terminal, ready for travel.

Forget hiking backpacks. A 30–40L carry-on-sized bag (like the Pacsafe Venturesafe 45L, €160) lets you skip checked luggage fees and sprint through stations.

It’s slash-proof, lockable, and fits overhead racks. Pair it with a foldable tote (€10) for market hauls or impromptu picnics.

Inside, use packing cubes (€25/set) to separate clothes by category. Trust me, digging for socks while balancing on a speeding ICE train is no one’s idea of fun.

3. Comfort Essentials: Because Trains Aren’t First Class (Unless You Are)

Young couple in a railway station, ready for travel. Bright morning scene with backpacks and luggage.

Even in first class, train seats can feel like medieval torture devices after hour three.

Fix this with a TRTL travel pillow (€30)—it’s scientifically proven to be 150% less dorky than the horseshoe kind.

Add a lightweight fleece blanket (€15) for when the AC goes full Arctic.

For overnight journeys, slip-on compression socks (€12) fight swollen ankles, and an eye mask (€8) blocks out the guy across the aisle binge-watching Money Heist without headphones.

4. Tech Survival Kit: Stay Charged and Sane

Close-up of black wireless headphones on a white desk in a modern setting.

A universal adapter (€20) with USB ports is non-negotiable—Swiss outlets laugh at your American two-prong.

Pair it with a Anker PowerCore 20K (€40) to juice up during delays.

Download shows on Netflix or Prime Video for signal-dead zones.

Noise-canceling headphones (Sony WH-1000XM5, €380) are worth the splurge when toddlers three rows back hit octaves only dogs hear.

5. Snacks: How to Avoid €10 Train Station Croissants

Trains have cafes, but prices will make you weep. Pack a collapsible lunchbox (€12) with:

KIND bars (less crumbly than granola).
Dried mango (nature’s gummy bears).
Peanut butter packets (for emergency toast sessions).
Instant coffee sachets (because train brew tastes like despair).

For hot meals, the Sea to Summit X-Set (€25) lets you whip up ramen with boiling water from the café car. Yes, you’ll get envious stares.

6. Clothing: Dress Like a Onion (Layers, People)

European weather is moodier than a teenager. Pack:

A packable rain jacket (Columbia Watertight, €60).

Merino wool base layers (Icebreaker, €70) for sweat-free sightseeing.

Comfy sneakers (Allbirds Tree Runners, €120) that don’t scream “tourist.”

Roll clothes to save space, and toss in a dry bag (€10) for laundry or sudden downpours.

7. Hygiene Hacks: Stay Fresh Without the Fuss

Train bathrooms are… an experience. Arm yourself with:

Biodegradable wet wipes (€4/pack) for sticky hands or seat cleaning.
Mini hand sanitizer (TSA-approved, €3).
Toothbrush caps (€5 for 10) to keep bristles germ-free.

For long hauls, Lush shampoo bars (€12) lather up without liquid limits. Bonus: They smell like a spa, not a chemical plant.

8. Security: Outsmart Pickpockets Like a Spy

European cities are safe, but crowded trains are pickpocket playgrounds. Wear a money belt (€15) under your shirt for cash and cards.

Use a Tarriss GPS tracker (€35) in your bag to ping its location if stolen.

Lock your bag to the luggage rack with a Pacsafe Retractasafe (€20). It’s like a seatbelt for your stuff.

9. Entertainment: Beat Boredom Without Data

A Kindle Paperwhite (€140) holds library books for weeks.

For analog fun, grab a pocket-sized travel journal (€10) or Lonely Planet phrasebook (€8) to decode menu mysteries.

Play “train bingo” with free printable sheets (search Pinterest)—spot a cow, a red hat, a cyclist. Winner gets first dibs on the window seat.

10. The “Oh Crap” Kit: Fix Anything in 5 Minutes

Ziploc this lifesaver:

Duct tape (wrap some around a pencil).

Safety pins (fix broken zippers or hems).

Mini sewing kit (€3 from H&M).

Pepto-Bismol tablets (because train food roulette is real).

Add a foldable tote bag (€5)—sudden souvenir? No problem.

Pro Tips from Seasoned Rail Ninjas

Book Early, Save More: Sites like Omio or Trainline drop prices 12 weeks ahead. Snag a €19 Paris-Barcelona ticket instead of €80 last-minute.

Seat Strategy: Use Seat61.com to find scenic routes. Always pick forward-facing seats to avoid motion sickness.

Learn Lingo: “¿Dónde está el baño?” and “Wo ist der Bahnhof?” (Where’s the train station?) prevent panic.

FAQs: Your “But What If…?” Moments Solved

Q: What if my bag gets stolen?
Use the Apple AirTag (€35) or Samsung SmartTag (€30) to track it. File a report at the station—most have lost-and-found offices.

Q: Can I wash clothes on the go?
Yes! Book Airbnbs with laundry, or use Wash & Coffee shops in cities like Berlin (€6/wash).

Q: Do trains have Wi-Fi?
Most high-speed trains (Thalys, Eurostar) do, but it’s slower than a sleepy sloth. Hotspot from your phone instead.

Final Thoughts: Pack Light, Breathe Deep, Enjoy the Ride

Let’s be honest: Overpacking is the enemy. You don’t need three pairs of jeans or a hairdryer. Europe has stores (and dryers).

Focus on what lets you hop off a train in Rome, Lisbon, or Budapest feeling like a local—not a sherpa.

So, zip up that bag, double-check your passport, and remember: The best adventures start with a well-packed carry-on. All aboard!