What To Pack Interrailing Europe: Packing List Essentials

Some links in this post contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you use the links at no extra cost to you! Happy reading 😀

What to pack interrailing: Use this interrailing packing list to make sure you have everything for your European adventure!

So, you’re interrailing Europe? How exciting!

If you’ve booked your ticket, (or if not, you can book it here!), and you’re all set to go, you’re going to need to know exactly what to pack interrailing.

My first interrailing trip was a bumpy ride. From travelling SE Asia just before it, I was shocked at just how much money 4 weeks of interrailing would cost.

That’s why I want to make sure you have everything on your interrailing packing list before leaving home.

Although, if you do forget something, you are going to be able to pick it up in Europe. 

Pretty much every item you could ever need can be bought in Europe, but it’s good to save those £££ and take it from the start if you can. 

If you’re in a rush, I’ve included a breakdown list right at the start. But for those who want further info on bags, luggage, tech and clothes, just keep scrolling.

Oooh, and if you’re backpacking Europe for the first time, don’t forget to check out my 5000-word blog post on just how to do it, step by step. I mean, it’s 5000 words, it’s bound to be helpful somehow!

🗺️ STILL NEED YOUR INTERRAILING PASS? Grab your interrailing pass here!

What to Pack Interrailing: Packing Essentials for Europe

#1 Interrailing Packing Tip

Pack LIGHT.

I can assure you, I did not listen to my own advice with this one. 

My earliest memories of travelling were having 2 backpacks and a suitcase stuck to my arm. Not ideal.

Whilst interrailing, you’ll be hopping on and off of trains, buses and god knows what else, so make sure you pack light. 

You will not need half of the things you have in your backpack right now.

But, more on that later!

Want to interrail on a budget? I’ve got you covered! Read my recent post: How to Interrail on a Budget: Interrail Europe CHEAP! (2022)

What To Pack Interrailing: A Quick Checklist

I’m not here to waste your time, so here’s a quick interrailing packing list of essentials. 

◼️ Your passport and interrail pass. Duh.

◼️ A driving license (if you have one)

◼️ Some emergency cash (Euros), or an international bank card like Monzo

◼️ Checked luggage – I recommend at least 65L (unless you’re a total minimalist). This Osprey bag is my favourite. 

◼️ Hand luggage – a small(ish) backpack will do. I always use this Aerolite backpack, which is perfect for tech, a book and my valuables.

◼️ Whilst out during the day, I use a tote bag to hold my belongings like my camera, notebook, purse and Microfibre towel. It’s easier to pack away than a big beach bag, and can be neatly tucked away when you don’t need it!

◼️ Camera – our go-to is this Canon EOS 6D Mark II, but any camera will do! I also use my Insta Mini 11 to take photos on all of my trips. As they print instantly, they’re perfect for making a scrapbook and writing in all your favourite and funniest memories. I’ve even got my boyfriend, Tom, joining in on it now too!

◼️An additional memory card and hard drive for saving your photos on the road!

◼️ If you’re travelling Europe, make sure you pack a Microfibre towel (and this one linked is super pretty too). They make life easier when getting in and out of the water, they’re portable and easy to carry on any kind of day trip. I’ve had mine for years and use it on every beach trip!

◼️ A padlock for lockers in hostels.

◼️ Solo travelling but still want to take photos?  📸 I’ve found the most perfect adjustable tripod that’s lightweight and easy to set up (you don’t want any awkward moments alone, I know how it feels!)

◼️ The tap water around the world isn’t always safe to drink, so I use my filter water bottle pretty much every day to keep myself hydrated. I take it everywhere with me, and it works in every country where you can’t drink tap water! You can grab yours here. 🚰

◼️ Waterproof phone case, especially if you’re going to be by the sea! We use ProCase for beach and scuba days.

◼️ World travel adapter and an extension lead (in case you only have 1 outlet in a hostel)

◼️ A portable power bank. Don’t get caught short and lose your phone battery whilst travelling! If you’re solo travelling, you’re going to rely on it to get you from A to B.

◼️ Hanging wash bag – I use this one for EVERY trip, big or small. You can hang them up in hostels or Airbnbs so you don’t confuse your belongings with anyone else or lose anything. 

◼️ Packing cubes – because it’s 2022, and everyone is obsessed with packing cubes. 

◼️Suncream, as it can be mega expensive in Europe. I highly recommend Sun Bum, because it’s coral reef safe and environment friendly.

◼️ Solo travelling on your interrailing trip? Stay safe by carrying your cash or card in a money belt. I know it sounds silly, but Europe can be chaotic and pickpockets are known to work in busy areas. it’s better to be safe than sorry!

◼️Speakers. Because who doesn’t want to shower in the morning with a singalong (I just don’t recommend doing this in hostels 😂). 

Optimising your luggage for interrailing

Doesn’t seem like a lot, does it? That’s because really, you don’t need much whilst interrailing Europe! 

Apart from these packing essentials, you’re good to go. 

I really do recommend taking the items on the list above, and I’ve written about some of them in more detail below.

Plus, all of these items can be used across multiple trips. Whether you’re travelling Asia, Europe or Australia – every item can be reused. So it’s totally worth the investment.

Why haven’t I included toiletries?

Well, it’s down to you if you pack toiletries.

Personally, I buy most on the road to save on baggage weight. I’ll always pack a razor and my toothbrush, but apart from that, it gets heavy!

Alternatively, you can just pack up your wash bag and then use it for multiple trips (another thing I have done). It just weighs down my bag and makes me aggy. So, the choice is yours!

Buying your interrailing pass

Don’t forget to BUY your interrailing pass before travelling to Europe!

There are a few different options to choose from, and they all depend on the duration of your trip and how many countries you want to visit.

You can find out more and book your interrailing pass here.

Want to interrail on a budget? I’ve got you covered! Read my recent post: How to Interrail on a Budget: Interrail Europe CHEAP! (2022)

Should I take a backpack or suitcase interrailing?

I will always say a backpack. Backpacks are easy to manoeuvre and lug around in difficult places or cramped trains. 

BUT, I have now up levelled in the world of backpacks. Oh yes. I have invested in a wheeled backpack, which has changed the travel game entirely for me. 

If you don’t like holding heavy items (like your 15kg backpack) I highly recommend the Osprey wheeled backpack. Then you can have the best of both worlds!

Some days I wheel it. Some days I carry it. It looks pretty. It holds 65L. It’s perfect.

However, I have friends who swear by suitcases, and if I’m honest, I do think it’s a personal preference. 

But if you’re a newbie to backpacking, you want to feel like a backpacker, right? 

Get the backpack.

OSPREY 65L WHEELED BACKPACK – BUY HERE

What size backpack do I need?

The question that is debatable across the Internet and between genders. 

Again, this is a personal preference. 

I have had all different size backpacks. From 70L, to 65, to 90! 

90L, I’ll admit was too big. I felt like I was on an RAF mission up a mountain carrying bricks or something. I sold it shortly after I bought it.

My 70L bag was perfect (and I still miss it). However, as my backpacking style changed, I sold that and downsized it to a 65L. 

Now, a 65L backpack is a good size for me. I’m working hard on bringing out the minimalist in me, so a 65L backpack should be enough.

Think about your own packing style. I’ve seen men on blogs say they can travel Europe with a 40L backpack. 

My hand luggage is 40L. 

But, think about what you own. Tom’s is small, and he only packs 5-6 t-shirts and a couple of pairs of shorts. 

If you’re still unsure, here is my middle-man advice.

• 90L is BIG. Like, really big. Not many people carry an 80-90L backpack with them around the world (or Europe).
• 60L-70L backpacks are a good middle ground. If you’re a twenty/thirty something female, a 60-70L backpack will be just fine. Especially if you have packing cubes. 
• 40-50L backpacks are for extremely tight packing (I mean, I couldn’t do it). 

But, think about your own needs and how you can manage when it comes to backpacks. The smaller and lighter the better!

Oooh, and don’t forget your packing cubes. They’ll change your packing game entirely!

Hand luggage for Interrailing Europe

As I’ve travelled over the years, my hand luggage style has changed. 

Whilst I used to take a backpack, a handbag and a small purse-type bag, I now only take my 40L hand luggage backpack. And it is perfect.

My advice: take a tote bag (or an easily foldable bag) to use on a daily basis when you’re exploring Europe. 

You do NOT need a huge handbag that you’d use in England, trust me.

I even use my tote bag on the beach. It is perfect to pack away and barely weighs anything. 

In your hand luggage, keep your laptop, drone, earphones, speakers, camera and all the other valuable tech you may have. 

BUY YOUR AEROLITE HAND LUGGAGE BACKPACK HERE.

#2 Interrailing Packing Tip

You know that awkward bit where you struggle on the plane to get everything you need out in time, before the line behind you starts huffing and puffing? (The pressure is REAL). 

Prep everything by storing it in your laptop case. 

I put my earphones, book, snacks, laptop and everything else I’ll need on the plane in there, so when the line behind me is getting antsy, I can just whip out my laptop case and everything is ready to go.

No more aggy plane passengers waiting for you to pull out your ever-missing earphone. 

Need a laptop case with pockets? Grab yours here!

What To Pack Interrailing: Clothes and Shoes

What to pack for interrailing clothes wise is really going to depend on the season, and your personal preference. 

If you’re heading to the coast of France, Spain and Italy in summer, you’re going to dress differently to a stop off in Lapland in the winter.

Personally, I’d recommend interrailing during the summer months (June-September), and for this time of year, you can pack the following items.

This interrailing packing list of clothes is based on a 4-week’s trip. You will need to do laundry en route.

Again, it is very personal and just changes to your own personal preference. If you don’t wear dresses, shorts, or something else on the list, just change accordingly to your own style!

My biggest tip for women is to MIX AND MATCH. 

Take everything plain coloured (it can be stylish, I promise) and mix and match. 

For example, a black bandeaux paired with a coloured skirt. Then mix this with another top another day. 

Voila, you have a brand new outfit.

Women’s Interrailing Packing List: Clothes and Shoes

• 2x dresses
• 5x tops (in whatever style feels good for you)
• A scarf or shawl to style
• Running/hiking boots or trainers
• Flip flops or sandals 
• Waterproof jacket (IF you have a light one. If not, it isn’t essential).
• 2 x baggy jumpers for chilling or colder evenings
• Demin shorts
• Cycling shorts 
• 1 or 2 pairs of shorts or skirts
• 2x Leggings 
• Socks and underwear (you decide how many and how often you want to do laundry)
• Sunhat and sunglasses (optional)
• Swimwear (you only need ONE bikini or swimsuit, I promise. No one cares if your bikini is different every day or not). 

My favourite hiking boots that won’t break the bank! Buy them here.

Men’s Interrailing Packing List: Clothes and Shoes

Obviously, I’m not a man, so Tom has listed out his interrailing packing list and exactly what he took for 4 weeks on the road (or should I say, train).

• 3-4 t-shirts
• Swim shorts
• 2 pairs of shorts
• Jeans 
• Jogging bottoms/comfy shorts
• 1 shirt
• 1-2 baggy jumpers 
• Light waterproof jacket
• Sunglasses and hat (optional)
• Flip flops
• Running/hiking trainers or boots
• Socks and underwear (enough to last at least a week)

What To Pack Interrailing: Technology

In terms of what to pack interrailing and technology, Europe is a relatively safe country and you don’t need to worry about it being stolen or robbed from you on the street. (Of course, still be vigilant like anywhere else in the world).

You can openly use your camera or laptop in public, so feel free to take any technology suited to you.

I’ve listed below the tech that’s great for an interrailing trip, but of course not necessary. Even if you have your iPhone and your Insta Mini for polaroid snaps, you’re good to go!

CAMERA

DRONE

LAPTOP

KINDLE

SPEAKERS

EARPHONES

HARDDRIVE

WATERPROOF PHONE CASE/DRY BAG

Staying in hostels whilst interrailing? 

If you’re interrailing as a young adult and as one of your first backpacking trips, chances are you’re going to be staying in hostels. 

Hostels are one of the BEST ways to meet people on the road, and if you have any doubts, I can honestly say they are one of the best things about backpacking.

If you’re still unsure, check out my hostel guides below:

• Shared Hostel Rooms: 8 Ugly Truths & Harsh Realities
• Making Friends in Hostels: A Complete Guide
• Shared Hostel Rooms: 8 Ugly Truths & Harsh Realities

Quick hostel packing list

• A padlock: to keep your valuables secure when you leave your hostel room.
• A hanging wash bag: to make sure all your toiletries are kept in one place, and won’t get confused with anyone else
• Speakers: because, well, who doesn’t love music? Just make sure everyone in your room gets a chance to pick a song! (And no one minds you playing the music)
• A microfibre towel: Not all hostels will provide you with towels for free. Bring your own to save extra ££.
• Earphones: for loud nights and disruptions to your sleep.
• Flip flops: if you’re using shared showers.
• Eyemask: for uninterrupted sleep.
• World travel adapter or an extension lead: so you’re not using more than one plug!
• Your laptop or tablet: for movie nights, of course! 🍿

🗺️ Booking hostels? I always use Hostelworld as their deals are usually the cheapest. They also have reviews from other backpackers, and explain the vibe of the hostel (party, chill, social…) so you know exactly what you’re booking.

What NOT To Pack Interrailing

Well, there are obviously thousands of things that could go on this list. Donuts. A surfboard. A family heirloom. Lol.

But let’s get real. There are things we think we should pack that we totally DO NOT NEED. 

Take it from me, the girl who packed HEELS on her first backpacking trip. 

You do NOT need to pack, under any circumstances:

• Heels. Really reiterating that one.
• Smart shoes (men especially). It’s unlikely you’ll need them, and if by some strange reason you do, you can buy them whilst in Europe. 
• Big heavy books or guide books. Take a kindle if you like to read and do all your research on blogs (just like this one!)
• Sleeping bag. Not needed if you’re staying in hostels/Airbnb’s/hotels. 
• Going out-out clothes. No one cares when you’re travelling. Wear whatever you want.
• Your entire make up bag. Especially if it’s summer. I just take mascara and a bit of bronzer to top up but I rarely use make up when travelling (and rarely meet girls who do!)
• Hair tools like straighteners, curlers, etc. Most hostels/hotels/Airbnbs will have a hairdryer. And you are not going to be straightening your hair when everyone else is exploring the brand new country. 
• A big towel – a Microfibre towel is perfect for getting in and out of the shower, pool or sea. 

#3 Interrailing Packing Tip

Not into reading on a Kindle? I recently had a reader reach out to me and share the most *wonderful* idea.

She actually does take a book with her but swaps it along the way with other travellers who also carry books. Meaning she will only ever carry one book at a time, but will have something new to read every few days!

If you’re happy to swap books and speak to others in hostels about reading, I think this is a lovely idea!

Interrailing Packing List: Bonus Tips

Finally, here are some packing tips I’ve picked up over the years and would love to share with you to make your life a *tad* easier. 

🤩 USE PACKING CUBES.

They are perfect for over-packers like me. Alternatively, roll your clothes as tightly as possible to maximise your luggage space.

🤩 PUT RIBBON OR A BADGE ON YOUR BACKPACK.

This one’s helpful yet cute. 

Tie a piece of string, ribbon or sew on a badge to your backpack to really make it your own. It will help you to spot your bag a mile off at the airport. 

🤩 USE A HANGING WASHBAG FOR TOILETRIES.

Like I said earlier, using a hanging washbag is a game changer. It helps to keep all of your small items or toiletries together and doesn’t get in anyone’s way. 

They’re super accessible and can be hung anywhere!

🤩 GET A LARGER HAND LUGGAGE BAG WITH POCKETS

My hand luggage backpack is perfect for stuffing extra clothes, tech or valuables in when I’m in a rush. It also has so many different pockets that I can keep everything organised.

I highly recommend investing in a backpack like this one, as it will last multiple trips!

What To Pack Interrailing: In a Nutshell

Well, you’ve made it!

Hopefully, you now have more of an idea of what to pack interrailing, but if you have any questions, feel free to contact me on Instagram or leave a comment below!

I hope you have the most wonderful time interrailing, and if you need any help with planning, be sure to check out my Beginner’s Guide to Travelling Europe post here.

Happy travelling! 

Jennie 🙂 x

Want to interrail on a budget? I’ve got you covered! Read my recent post: How to Interrail on a Budget: Interrail Europe CHEAP! (2022)

LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT!📍