Here’s Everything You Need to Survive an Overnight Train

If you decide to stick it out on a regular seat, it’s imperative that you get yourself a solid neck pillow, one that’ll prevent your head from dipping forward or—even worse—falling onto the shoulder of a stranger. The TikTok-famous Trtl travel pillow is, dare we say it, kind of life-changing. The ergonomic design provides a lot of support for catching some Z’s, and—best of all—it doubles as an eye mask, so you can swaddle your face in case the cabin gets a little too rowdy. 

Sure, many trains will have outlets for powering your devices. But in case you have issues accessing an outlet (or can't find one in the viewing or dining car you've decided to park yourself in for the duration of your journey), it's a good idea to bring a portable power bank. After all, you need to keep your phone juiced up to document the gorgeous scenery outside the train windows.

If you’re spending a considerable amount of time in transit, there’s a chance you’ll get a little motion sick—especially if you’ve accidentally chosen a backward facing seat, or if your trusty steed keeps rocking and stopping. It’s always a good idea to carry some Dramamine with you, which the CDC cites as a commonly used form of relief. Keep in mind that it can cause some drowsiness, but depending on where you are in your train journey, that might be a good thing. 

There are so many reasons why it's a good idea to bring a scarf on board a train. Use it as a throw blanket, or fold it up for use as a pillow. Wear it over a rumpled or stained outfit to hide the worst effects of your journey. Or simply tie it to the handle of your luggage and never wonder which bag is yours ever again. 

Trains like Amtrak have showers for customers who reserve private rooms, and while it’s certainly a luxury to rinse off, the showers themselves are not exactly five-star. To protect your feet from all kinds of shower floor germs, be sure to pack a pair of lightweight rubber flip flops that you can wear in the stall. 

There's something about being alone with your thoughts as the scenergy wizzes by that makes a person want to write. Record all the details of your trip or the good ideas it's inspired in a high-quality journal. We like this one from Moleskine because it's unlined, so you can also use it to sketch portraits of your fellow passengers. 

You’re on a train with a group of friends, sharing a table seat, and a late night game of cards is in order. You could settle on Poker or Go Fish, but we’d like to put you on to Dutch Blitz, a highly energetic, multi-player version of Solitaire. It’s really easy to get the hang of, and you’ll be so engrossed in emptying pile after pile that you won’t even realize you’ve arrived at your destination. 

Be sure to pack a water bottle so you can stay hydrated for the duration of your train ride. You'll want to look for one that's insulated so you're not stuck sipping lukewarm water throughout the night. This one also has a straw-style lid, so you won't spill even if the train hits a bump or zooms around a curve in the tracks as you sip.

If your train journey spans a few days, it’s possible that you’ll get through a few books. Instead of carrying around multiple paperbacks (and maybe even a book light), consider making the switch to a Kindle. We like the latest release of the Amazon Kindle, which is super light and compact. Put it on dark mode and read late into the night without disturbing your neighbor. And you won’t have to worry about constantly plugging it in, as a single charge can last up to six weeks. 

Your overnight train will certainly have a bathroom, but it's not as convenient to visit for every handwash as it might be at home. Instead, pack some cleansing wipes in case you want to clean up before a meal or wipe sticky granola bar residue off your hands after a snack. You can even use these to freshen up if you don't have access to a shower on board.