I’ve been going on 20-hour Amtrak rides for over 7 years. Here are 9 things I need to pack for every trip.

• I’ve been taking 20-hour Amtrak trips for over seven years, so I know which items to pack.
• Bringing your own snacks and a water bottle can help you curb your hunger and save some cash.
• A neck pillow and zip-up hoodie will provide some extra comfort and can help you sleep better.

For the past seven years, I’ve taken quite a few 20-hour train rides back and forth from New York and South Carolina.

As someone who’s been on my fair share of Amtrak adventures, I’ve narrowed down my packing list to a few essential items. Here are nine must-have things I bring on every long trip.

I store everything in my backpack

Water is arguably the most important thing to have with you, but relying on the bar cart isn’t a good idea since they aren’t open 24 hours.

An insulated bottle will keep your water colder for much longer than plastic, which comes in handy when you’re on a super-long train ride.

I save some cash by bringing my own snacks

The biggest thing you’re going to fight on a long trip like this is boredom, so it’s paramount to bring a variety of entertainment.

I bring my Nintendo DS with a couple of different games along with a book so that I can keep myself occupied and pass the time without getting bored.

Heavy-duty headphones are perfect for blocking out noise

There’s almost nothing worse than your gadgets dying on a trip.

I always have a designated pocket in my backpack where I keep my phone, laptop, and game chargers and my micro USB organized in different baggies — eyeglass cases are also perfect for storage.

This story was originally published on February 15, 2022, and most recently updated on October 24, 2024.