Packing list
German rail travel gear
13 things worth packing for a German rail trip, grouped by the decision you actually have to make. Links go to Amazon search results so you can pick the size, brand and price that suit you — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Luggage
German trains have overhead racks and limited end-of-carriage luggage space — bags that fit both matter more than on a car trip.
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Carry-on hardshell case
Fits DB overhead racks and most airline cabins, so you never have to fight for luggage-rack space.
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Packable duffel bag
Useful as a second bag for day trips out of a home base, then flattens for the trip home.
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Slim daypack
Keeps essentials on you through platform transfers rather than digging through a suitcase.
Power & connectivity
Germany uses the standard European CEE 7 (type C/F) socket and 230V supply.
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Europe travel adapter
Type C/F sockets are standard across Germany and most of continental Europe.
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Portable power bank
Long-distance ICE trains have power sockets at most seats, but regional trains often do not.
Comfort on board
Regional and long-distance journeys can run several hours; small comfort items pay off.
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Travel pillow
Makes a difference on longer ICE legs and overnight Nightjet connections.
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Noise-isolating earbuds
Useful on busy regional trains and at stations during peak commuter hours.
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Reusable water bottle
Refillable at station fountains and cafés; German tap water is safe to drink.
Weather & clothing
German weather is changeable across all four seasons and varies noticeably between the north and the Alps in the south.
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Packable rain shell
Rain arrives with little warning in northern and central Germany, including in summer.
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Merino base layers
Layer for cold platforms and warm train carriages without overpacking.
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Comfortable walking shoes
Station transfers and city sightseeing both mean a lot of walking on hard surfaces.
Documents & planning
Physical backups are worth carrying alongside your phone.
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Travel document organiser
Keeps a printed pass confirmation, passport and boarding passes together through station checks.
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Germany rail map & guidebook
An offline reference for planning routes and regional connections.