30 Things You Need To Take On An Interrail Trip
Last Updated on: 14th April 2026, 11:07 am
What To Take On An Interrail Trip
Planning an Interrail adventure is exciting. The thought of multiple countries, spontaneous stops, and unforgettable experiences all packed into one journey. However, when it comes to packing, getting the right balance between being prepared and not overloading your backpack can be tricky. You need to get the right balance for your Interrail trip to make it successful and easier for you.
The key? Pack smart, not heavy. You’ll be moving around all the time, hopping on and off trains. Sometimes navigating busy stations or European cobbled streets. Bringing the right essentials can make your trip smoother, more comfortable, and far more enjoyable. Here are 30 must-have items to take on your Interrail trip
Travel Essentials For An Interrail Trip
1. Passport
This might seem obvious, but it’s the most important item. Keep it safe and easily accessible. Make sure you have enough validity left on your passport, that it isn’t damaged in any way and that it has no more than 10 years left on it from the date it was issued.
2. Interrail Pass
Whether digital or paper, double-check it’s activated and ready to use. I much prefer the digital pass, as it is connected to the Railplanner app, and I can activate it with every journey. But if you lose your phone, you will also lose your pass. So make sure you have a copy of the pass, so you can contact Interrail to move the pass to another device.
3. Travel Insurance Documents
Always have a copy (digital and printed if possible) in case of emergencies. You might need to provide these pretty fast, so make sure they are easily accessible. Make sure you have correctly added all of your medical issues, too.
4. Debit/Credit Card + Some Cash
Most places accept cards, but small amounts of local currency are helpful. Don’t worry about getting the cash before you leave for your trip; you can get it from an ATM when you arrive. You don’t want to be carrying around a lot of cash.
5. Student, Disability or ID Card
You might get discounts at attractions, transport, or accommodations. If you have a disability and you are entitled to a disabled rail card, you will also be entitled to a free carer pass from Interrail.
Packing Smart
6. Lightweight Backpack
Choose something comfortable to carry for long periods. It doesn’t need to be stylish, just workable for the trip. Try not to get a backpack with a frame because that will add weight to the backpack. You can get backpacks with wheels too, if you want to alternate between pulling your bag and wearing it. You do not need a huge bag. My own daughter travels with a 15-litre school bag.
7. Packing Cubes Or Vacuum Bags
These keep your belongings organised and make unpacking easier. Packing cubes are good for rolling your clothes and keeping them free from creases. Vacuum bags are excellent, and they are my preference for storing clothes as I travel. But your clothes do crease a little more.
8. Reusable Tote Bag
Perfect for groceries, laundry, or day trips. You just need a little bag that folds up tiny and can be shoved in your pocket or handbag.
9. Small Day Bag
For exploring cities without carrying your main backpack. I like to carry a small handbag that I always put my important documents in. I carry this bag all of the time. And I carry it over my head and one shoulder, then I move it to the front, so I have my eyes on it all of the time.
Clothing (Keep It Minimal)
10. Comfortable Walking Shoes
You’ll walk a lot, prioritise comfort over fashion. You will not need to pack these as you will be wearing them already.
11. Flip Flops or Sandals
Useful for hostels, beach trips, showers, or relaxing days. They are also cheap to buy and very lightweight to carry in your backpack.
12. Weather-Appropriate Layers
Think light jackets, hoodies, or sweaters, depending on the season. We normally pack one hoodie, one lightweight long-sleeved top and a Pac-a-Mac.
13. Basic Outfits (Mix & Match)
Neutral pieces you can wear multiple times. You need to think about a capsule wardrobe. We take 3 short-sleeved tops, 3 bottoms (trousers, shorts or skirts). You can mix them up and create different outfits every day to make it look different. We also take clothes that are worn out to wear and throw away, especially the clothes that I was going to throw away anyway.
14. Underwear & Socks
Pack enough for several days, but not too many—you can do laundry. We sometimes take our old underwear and bin it. We do this if we are travelling on transport overnight and want to change our underwear. It saves carrying dirty underwear around until you get to your accommodation.
15. Sleepwear
Especially useful in shared accommodations. Also great for travelling overnight on public transport if you are travelling overnight. Make sure they are lightweight pyjamas to cut down the weight as you travel.
Toiletries & Hygiene
16. Travel-Sized Toiletries
Shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant are great for keeping it compact. But always check ahead, because your accommodation might have all of the toiletries that you need. And if you are staying a while in one place, you can buy stuff at your destination.
17. Microfiber Towel
Dries quickly and takes up minimal space. These are an absolute game-changer because you can tie them to your day bag for the beach.
18. Hand Sanitiser Or Hand Wipes
Essential for trains and public spaces. You do get dirty as you travel, and wipes can also be used to wipe down train surfaces before you eat your train picnic, etc.
19. Basic First Aid Kit
Include plasters, pain relief, and any personal medication. Painkillers can be very expensive in some countries in Europe. I spent £20 on some cold and flu relief in Switzerland last year!
Tech & Gadgets For Your Interrail Trip
20. Phone + Charger
Your main tool for maps, tickets, and communication. You cannot navigate a trip like this without a phone really. We normally bring an extra USB lead in case the one we are using gets lost or broken on the trip.
21. Portable Power Bank
Long travel days can drain your battery quickly. We keep power banks for real emergencies. We try to charge our phones up as much as possible on trains or in waiting rooms at train stations as we travel.
22. European Travel Adapter
Essential for charging devices across different countries. But always check which adapter you need for the countries you are visiting.
23. Headphones or Earbuds
Perfect for music, podcasts, or blocking out noise. My daughter takes 2 sets of earbuds, so she always has a set charged up in her bag.
Interrail Trip Travel Comfort
24. Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated and save money. Europe is really good for finding water fountains in public places. If not, you can always ask in a restaurant or cafe. If you have a water bottle that is insulated, you can buy a cold bottle of water and pour it into your bottle to keep it cold.
25. Plates, Cutlery, and Plastic Cups
Because train travel can involve travel over a few hours, we like to take plastic picnic plates and cutlery, so we can have a decent meal on the go. We will buy a salad, ham and cheese from a supermarket. Or even something hot if we are going to eat it straight away on the train. The plastic plates are also good for making sandwiches on the go.
26. Snacks
Train food can be expensive and is often not available. It is always best to bring your own for convenience and to save some money. Some sleeper trains that go for about 18 hours do not have places to buy food and drink, so always be prepared.
27. Travel Pillow And A Blanket
Makes longer journeys much more comfortable. I like a travel pillow and blanket to help me sleep as we are travelling on trains. The blanket also doubles as a picnic blanket on days out, and if you stay in accommodation with washing facilities, you can always keep it clean.
28. Eye Mask & Earplugs
Helpful for sleeping on trains or in hostels. When you sleep on trains, especially at night, they do not switch the lights off! So you might want to pack some of these. Although some train companies provide them.
Extras That Make a Difference For Your Interrail Trip
29. Notebook or Journal
Document your experiences, thoughts, and memories. We call this the holiday book. We pack the journal with Glue, pens and often a small black and white temu printer for photos.
30. Padlock or Bicycle chains
Important for hostel lockers and added security. Bicycle locks are great if you want to lock your luggage to the luggage rack on long and packed train journeys.
Final Tips for Packing
When it comes to Interrail travel, less really is more. You’ll thank yourself every time you lift your bag onto a luggage rack or carry it up a flight of stairs. Stick to versatile clothing, prioritise comfort, and only bring what you truly need. Remember that you can always buy things along the way if necessary. Most importantly, leave a little space in your bag for souvenirs, unexpected finds, and memories you’ll want to bring home with you.
Interrailing isn’t just about the destinations. It’s also about the journey itself. Packing well means fewer worries and more freedom to enjoy every moment, from scenic train rides to spontaneous city stops. So zip up your backpack, grab your pass, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
