I traveled over 8,000 miles on Amtrak last year. These are the 10 items I never board the train without.

In 2024, I took 53 Amtrak trips up and down the East Coast, totaling over 8,000 miles traveled.

Because I was almost always racing out the door to catch my next train, I needed a packing solution that worked with my chaotic travel tendencies rather than overcomplicating the process.

So, I created a simple packing list that saves me time and minimizes stress. Here are 10 items I never board the train without.

I swear by my versatile travel bag.

Whether I’m traveling for a quick work trip or for a week away, I never leave the house without a bag that holds all my essentials.

In my opinion, the best travel bags have lots of pockets, a built-in spot for a laptop, and a suitcase sleeve. For these reasons, the Baggu small cloud carry-on bag is my go-to for train trips.

In my opinion, high-quality luggage is worth the investment.

By the end of the year, the zipper on my cheap suitcase was busted and the wheels were rickety — a testament to just how many trips I’d taken. So, I decided to invest in luggage I could count on and use for years to come.

I opted for the chic Away carry-on bag, which is both spacious and compact. Best of all, it has a limited lifetime warranty.

I always keep a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones with me.

As a freelance writer, a long train ride simply means I have time to get work done.

When I invested in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones, my remote working experience improved dramatically. I could put my headphones on, turn on my favorite playlist, and lock in regardless of what was happening around me.

I opt for a pair with a built-in compact case, making it easy to throw in a bag on my way out the door.

Pro tip: If you’re looking for total peace and quiet, ask the conductor to point you toward the train’s quiet car. Here, the lights are dimmed, and phone calls or conversations are not permitted.

I come prepared to charge my devices on the go.

Most Amtrak trains have outlets on board, so I keep a small bag of all the cords I need when I’m traveling.

I always carry chargers for my phone, laptop, and headphones, as well as anything else I need to keep my tech running.

Comfortable shoes are a necessity.

When choosing what kind of shoes to wear during my journey, I make sure they’re comfortable, versatile, and can get me where I need to go.

I love wearing comfortable shoes that support a powerful speed walk — and the occasional sprint between connecting trains.

I never leave the house without a stocked toiletry kit.

Sometimes, I need to freshen up in a train station bathroom. So, I always carry a mini toiletry kit full of essentials.

My bag includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, a compact hairbrush, moisturizer that doubles as sunscreen, a cream blush that can be applied as a lipstick, concealer, and any products that bring a natural glow back to my skin.

A supplement case helps me stay on top of my daily routine.

It’s tough to stick to routines when traveling, but I find that carrying a compact case helps me keep up with my daily supplements.

I like to carry stationery with me.

I like having a place to quickly write down thoughts, so I always make sure to have a handful of pens and my favorite notebooks with me.

I also bring a planner, highlighters, and miscellaneous stationery supplies I might need when away from my desk.

I keep my bag packed with snacks.

Sometimes, I’m running late and don’t have time to grab a bite at the station before boarding the train. That’s why I always keep a few snacks in my bag.

I prioritize high-protein snacks, fruits, and vegetables that won’t go bad during the journey.

I always carry cash, just in case.

During my travels, I’ve noticed that sometimes the café car’s credit-card reader goes down. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s nice to have cash on hand.

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