The Ultimate Interrailing Packing List
Interrailling in Europe is indeed an adventurous journey—exploring many countries, enriching different cultures, and returning home with unforgettable memories. You will be helped in making your journey in the best way possible with the art of wise packing. Never carry anything that doesn’t have a potential use. If something doesn’t have any specific use, it simply doesn’t deserve your precious luggage space. You will soon realise while travelling what things are essential for you and what aren’t. Before your departure day do a trial run and double-check your packing list, ensuring that all your essential documents are in order because no matter what you pack you won’t get anywhere without your passport and tickets!
Efficient packing is crucial when interrailing, here’s why…
Comfort, Mobility and Security – You’ll be carrying your bag on and off trains, through stations and to accommodation. An efficiently packed and lighter bag makes this constant movement so much easier as well as less physically tiring. A smaller, well-organised bag is also easier to keep safe. It is easier to keep it with you on trains and in crowded areas, which reduces the chances of theft.
Space constraints – Trains often have limited luggage space, especially in seated carriages. Well packed bags take up less room and are easier to stash without causing hassle to other train passengers.
Flexibility – With a manageable bag you can take those spur-of-the-moment side trips or explore the cities between connections. You will not be held back by cumbersome luggage and be able to adjust more easily to changing weather and varied activities without being overburdened by your luggage.
To make sure you are totally prepared for your train adventure, here is the ultimate interrailing packing list…
Choose the Right Luggage
Backpack (40-60 litres as your main bag)
Day pack (for daily use)
Money belt or hidden pouch
What to Pack
Essential Documents and Money
Interrail Pass (ensure it’s activated and keep it safe at all times)
Passport (valid for at least six months beyond your return date)
Travel insurance documents
Visa documentation
Driving licence (as an additional form of ID)
Credit and debit cards (Inform your bank about your travel plans)
Cash (some euros and local currencies for countries not using the euro)
Emergency contact information (written down and stored separately from your phone)
Clothing
T-shirts or tops – Take a mix of short and long sleeve options
Comfortable pants or jeans – Choose darker colours to hide dirt
Jacket or fleece – For cooler evenings or air-conditioned trains
Waterproof jacket or poncho – Compact and essential for unexpected rain
Underwear – Quick-dry fabrics are ideal for easy washing
Socks – A mix of regular and hiking socks
Sleepwear – Suitable for overnight train journeys
Swimwear
Workout clothes
Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes
Sandals or flip-flops
Optional: 1 pair of dressier shoes if planning upscale outings
Toiletries and Personal Care
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Shampoo / Conditioner / Body Wash / Soap (use solid bars to save space and eliminate liquids)
Moisturizer / Sunscreen / Lip balm with SPF
Hair brush or comb
Razor and shaving cream
Feminine hygiene products
Nail clippers / Tweezers
Prescription medications (in original packaging with a copy of the prescription)
Basic first-aid kit (painkillers, plasters, antiseptic wipes)
Electronics and Gadgets
Smartphone -With offline maps and travel apps downloaded
Portable charger/power bank
Universal Travel Adapter
Headphones
E-reader or book
Camera – If you prefer dedicated photography equipment
Portable Wi-Fi device – if you want to stay connected between destinations
Padlock – For hostel lockers
Reusable water bottle
Travel Pillow / Eye Mask / Earplug
Microfiber towel
Plastic bags – For wet clothes or shoes
Miscellaneous Items
Notebook and pen: For journaling or jotting down travel tips
Playing cards or small games: For entertainment and socialising
Sunglasses / Hat or cap
Travel umbrella: Compact and useful for unexpected weather
Basic sewing kit: For quick repairs
Tissues and wet wipes: Always handy while travelling
Hand sanitiser: To maintain hygiene on the go
What NOT to pack
Valuable jewellery or sentimental items: Leave these at home to avoid loss or theft
Too many shoes: Stick to a versatile pair of walking shoes and sandals
Full-sized toiletries: They’re heavy and take up too much space
Too many clothes: You can do laundry during your trip, so pack light
Heavy guidebooks: Opt for digital versions or tear out relevant pages to save weight
Packing Top Tips
Use the “Rule of 3”: Pack three of most clothing items (except underwear and socks). This allows for one to wear, one to wash and one as a spare.
Employ the “Bundle Wrapping” technique: This method involves wrapping smaller items inside larger ones, reducing wrinkles and maximising space. Start with a core of socks and underwear, then layer larger items around it and roll your clothes instead of folding to save space.
Utilise packing cubes: These small, lightweight bags help organise your belongings and compress clothes. They make it easy to access items without unpacking everything and help maintain organisation throughout your trip.
Choose multi-purpose items: Pack clothing that can serve multiple functions. For example a sarong can be a beach cover-up, a blanket or even a towel.
Opt for lightweight, quick-dry fabrics: These materials are easier to wash and dry overnight, allowing you to pack less. They also tend to be less bulky, saving space in your bag.
Use compression sacks: These are especially useful for bulky items like jackets or sleeping bags. They can significantly reduce the volume of these items in your pack.
Wear your bulkiest items while travelling: This saves space in your bag. For instance, wear your hiking boots and jacket on travel days instead of packing them.
Digital over physical: Use e-books instead of physical books, download travel guides to your phone, and use digital copies of documents instead of carrying paper versions.
Plan for laundry: Pack a small amount of detergent and a portable clothesline. This allows you to wash clothes regularly and pack less overall.
Use every bit of space: Stuff socks into shoes, use hollow spaces in your bag to store small items, filling every nook and cranny.
Invest in lightweight gear: If you’re buying new items for your trip, prioritise lightweight versions. This applies to everything from your backpack to your rain jacket.
Practice pack: Before your trip, pack your bag and carry it around for a while. This will help you identify if it’s too heavy or if items are difficult to access, allowing you to refine your packing before you leave.
Use this list and customise it as per your own requirements to make the perfect personalised interrailing packing list. Try to remember that you can usually pick up most forgotten items during your travels, so don’t let it cause too much stress if you overlook something. Always keep in mind that really good travel adventure comes from the parts that aren’t planned out so a little space for spontaneity and new experiences will be the most important elements of your travels.