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    Favorite Things I Pack for Train Ride; From Frequent Amtrak Traveler | Invesloan.com

    Updated:

    • Last year, I took 53 trips on Amtrak trains, so I’ve become an expert on what to pack for the ride.
    • I think high-quality luggage and a versatile travel bag are worth the investment.
    • I always pack a bag with snacks, noise-cancelling headphones, toiletries, and stationery.

    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.


    A blue checkered bag with pockets on top of a black suitcase.

    I love my small Baggu carry-on.

    Kylie Stoltzfus

    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.


    A black suitcase with wheels and a tall handle on a train platform.

    A hard-shell carry-on suitcase keeps my packing streamlined and compact.

    Kylie Stoltzfus

    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.


    Kylie wearing a pair of beige over-the-ear Sony headphones.

    In my opinion, noise-cancelling headphones are the perfect travel companion.

    Kylie Stoltzfus

    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.


    An unzipped bag with charging cables inside.

    I keep all my chargers in one place for optimal convenience.

    Kylie Stoltzfus

    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.


    A pair of black combat boots.

    I prioritize comfort over style when it comes to travel-day footwear.

    Kylie Stoltzfus

    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.


    An unzipped makeup bag filled with skincare and cosmetic products.

    My toiletry kit includes things like a toothbrush, concealer, and moisturizer.

    Kylie Stoltzfus

    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.


    A hand holding a tall green pill case.

    I carry a supplement case so my routine doesn’t suffer while I’m on the go.

    Kylie Stoltzfus

    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.


    A notebook that's been written in, a pen, and a cup of coffee on a train tray table.

    I always make sure to have pen and paper with me during a trip.

    Kylie Stoltzfus

    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.


    Kylie holds a blue checkered bag with pockets filled with snacks, and a can of Olipop.

    I like to keep my bag stocked with high-protein snacks.

    Kylie Stoltzfus

    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.


    A hand holding a red wallet with a $20 bill sticking out of the top.

    I make sure to have a few bills in my wallet before boarding.

    Kylie Stoltzfus

    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.

    This story was originally published on August 8, 2025, and most recently updated on October 17, 2025.

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