16 Train Commuter Essentials You Need in 2024

Train commuter essentials are those items that can make your daily journey more comfortable, less stressful, and—dare I say it—actually enjoyable.

As commuters, we don’t get to choose how long our train ride is, but we do have a say in how we handle the time spent getting to work. Over the years of traveling via commuter trains and metro services, I’ve learned a few tricks that help make the ride not so miserable. And trust me, the right commuter gear can make all the difference.

It’s no secret: commuting isn’t always a walk in the park. But with the right essentials, it doesn’t have to feel like a waste of time. In fact, with the right gear, your commute might just become something you look forward to.

Below are the items I consider to be my must-have train commuter essentials. I use most of these every single day—and they’ve seriously helped me make the most of my daily journey.

Wireless Earbuds: Commuting in Comfort and Style

Wireless earbuds are a game-changer for commuters. They provide easy access to your favorite podcasts, music, or calls without the hassle of tangled cords. Whether you’re catching up on work or enjoying some downtime, wireless earbuds are a must-have for making your daily commute more enjoyable and productive.

What to Look For:

• Long Battery Life (6+ Hours): Ensure your earbuds last long enough for your entire commute, with enough juice left for the rest of your day. A chargeable case will keep you powered up between trips.
• Comfortable Fit: Since you’ll wear these for hours, finding earbuds with an ergonomic, comfortable design is essential to avoid irritation or discomfort.
• Easy Pairing: Wireless earbuds should pair quickly with your phone or laptop, especially if you switch between devices often.
• Wireless Charging: Say goodbye to tangled cables. Look for a pair that supports wireless charging for a seamless experience.
• Noise-Cancelling Features: Block out the hustle and bustle of your commute for a peaceful listening experience.

Top Picks for Commuters:

• TOZO T6 True Wireless Earbuds: Affordable yet packed with features, these earbuds deliver excellent sound quality, a secure and comfortable fit, and a solid battery life. The TOZO T6 is an excellent option for budget-conscious commuters who don’t want to compromise on quality.
• Apple AirPods 3rd Generation: Known for their premium sound, seamless integration with Apple devices, and exceptional noise cancellation, the 3rd Generation AirPods are perfect for commuters who want a more upscale option with reliable performance.

Pro Tip: When choosing earbuds, consider the fit and style that best suits your daily routine. A pair that fits comfortably for hours will make your commute more pleasant and less tiring.ut given how much I use them, they’ve paid themselves off in spades.

Bonus Tip for Your Commute:
While wireless earbuds are fantastic, I still recommend carrying a pair of corded earphones in your bag as a backup. In case your wireless earbuds run out of charge, having a backup will save you from being without audio—which, for me personally, makes the trip a lot harder to handle.

Check out our round-up of the Best Corded Earphones with Mic to find the perfect pair for your backup needs.

Electronic Tablet: Boost Your Productivity on the Go

An electronic tablet can make a big difference in your daily commute. While your cellphone works well for quick tasks, the larger screen space of a tablet provides the room needed for work, entertainment, or both. Compared to a laptop, tablets are lighter, more portable, and comfortable to use on your lap—perfect for a busy commute.

For those who use their tablets for work, pairing it with accessories like a keyboard cover or stylus can turn your train ride into a productive work session, helping you get ahead on tasks and reducing tomorrow’s workload.

What to Look For:

• Cellular Connectivity: Wi-Fi is generally available, but cellular connectivity ensures you can access the internet no matter where you are—whether it’s a tunnel or a spot between stations. Look for 5G or 4G LTE for the fastest connection.
• Storage Capacity: Cloud storage is great, but a larger hard drive lets you store more files, music, and movies, especially when your connection is spotty. 64GB is the minimum, but 256GB-512GB is ideal for more flexibility. If you’ve got the budget, 1TB-2TB gives you plenty of room for all your media and documents.
• Accessory Options: Not all tablets support accessories like smart keyboards, so make sure to pick one that suits your needs. If you opt for an iPad, you’ll have access to a variety of high-quality accessories. At the very least, grab a protective case to keep your tablet safe from scratches while it’s bouncing around in your bag.

Top Picks for Commuters:

• iPad Pro (6th Gen): If you’re ready to invest in a top-tier tablet, the iPad Pro is an excellent choice. The flexibility in size and storage options means you can customize it to fit your needs. The latest generation offers fast performance, superb screen quality, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
• Microsoft Surface Pro 9: If you prefer a Windows-based device with more of a laptop experience, the Surface Pro 9 is an excellent option. With its detachable keyboard and touchscreen, you get the best of both worlds—tablet portability with laptop functionality.

Pro Tip: If you’re going to rely on your tablet for entertainment or work during your commute, consider downloading content like movies or documents ahead of time. This way, you can enjoy uninterrupted access even if the Wi-Fi drops.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Block Out the Commute Noise

Noise-cancelling headphones allow you to take control of your audio environment and block out surrounding noise.

If you’re looking for something a little more heavy-duty than wireless earbuds, a pair of noise-cancelling, Bluetooth headphones will upgrade your commuter arsenal to the next level.

Offering superior sound quality to most comparable earphones/earbuds, they transform that noisy train carriage into an audible sanctuary where the only sound is your Spotify playlist.

What to Look For:

• Price vs quality: The old saying, “you get what you pay for,” couldn’t be more accurate when looking for headphones. You don’t need to pay a fortune, but good headphones are a more premium product. Expect to pay at least $70 minimum for a decent pair. This can go into the hundreds for a serious set, but for a commuter pair that can be battered around in your bag, I wouldn’t recommend much higher than $70 personally.
• Active noise-cancelling: The over-ear design of headphones already helps block outside sound, but active noise cancelling (which uses battery power) ensures absolute silence. I love this technology, particularly on aeroplanes!
• Battery life: This is HUGE for wireless headphones. You want something that not only holds a charge for a long period but also has long play-time. The larger the charge capacity, the less you have to charge the headphones (though you still will, of course) and the more reliable they are with heavy use. Look for a pair that offers 20-30 hours minimum playtime.
• Headphone-mounted controls: Most sets have controls mounted on the side of the headphones, but some can be annoying to use. Some sets have very small or difficult-to-use buttons/sliders. I always recommend paying close attention to this particular feature before you buy and testing a pair in-store if possible.
• Microphone: Many sets have microphones mounted on the headphones, which is great for giving commands to virtual assistants. But with noise-cancelling headphones, not so much for phone calls! Be mindful that if you are talking on your cellphone through the headphones and have noise-cancelling activated, you’ll sound like you’re yelling to everyone else! Plus, it just feels weird talking when you can’t hear yourself. Many sets of headphones offer the ability to disable noise-cancelling, which helps here.

Top Picks for Commuters:

• JLab Studio On-Ear Wireless Headphones: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, these headphones are a great combination of sound quality, price, and sleek design.
• Sennheiser HD 450SE: If you have a little more cash to splash, these headphones offer exceptional sound quality, noise-cancelling performance, and comfort for long commutes.

Pro Tip: Keep the headphones’ ear cups clean. Regularly wipe them down to avoid buildup from sweat or dirt, especially if you’re using them during every commute.

Still undecided?
If you’re still on the fence, we’ve rounded up 5 of the best noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones, specifically for train commuters.

Sunglasses: Shield Your Eyes and Maintain Privacy

Sunglasses provide instant glare removal during the day and also function like a Do Not Disturb sign.

One of the drawbacks of commuting is that we’re often heading home late in the day, which also happens to be when the lighting is at its most glaring. This is only made worse by the train windows, which seem to amplify it.

Personally, I don’t go anywhere without sunglasses. I’ll admit I’m a bit of a wuss when it comes to sun glare, and I’ve had the unpleasant situation of being on the train without them a few times. For me, it was like a form of torture.

What to Look For:

• Glare reduction: Sunglasses should help to eliminate the discomfort caused by sun glare, especially when you’re heading home late in the day. Quality lenses do a much better job of this than cheap ones.
• Privacy: When I’m having a quick nap on the train, I like to hide my closed eyes behind my sunglasses. This helps me avoid unwanted attention and ensures I’m not disturbed.
• Do Not Disturb function: Some commuters simply love a good chat – often when you’re tired and not in the mood. When wearing sunglasses, they act like a built-in Do Not Disturb sign, signaling that you’re not available for conversation.

If you’re not particularly worried about your sunglasses getting scratched or losing them on the train, any cheap pair from a local grocery store or gas station will suffice.

However, personally, I advocate for quality when it comes to sunglasses and don’t mind spending a little extra. The difference in lens quality between a high-end and low-end pair is substantial. Since sunglasses are something I wear daily, investing in a quality pair with premium lenses is a non-negotiable for me.

Top Picks for Commuters:

• SUNGAIT Retro Sunglasses: These are very popular and offer great value for the price. With their stylish design and decent lens quality, they’re a solid choice for commuters.
• Ray-Ban Wayfarers (Tortoise/G-15 Green): For a top-tier option, nothing beats the classic Ray-Ban Wayfarers. With premium lenses and timeless style, they’re a solid investment for anyone who wants the best.

Pro Tip: Make sure to invest in a sturdy case to protect your sunglasses when you’re not wearing them. A scratched lens is a hassle, and losing them on the train is even worse!

Tip: protect your sunglasses from scratches when on the train
To avoid scratches on your sunglasses during your commute, I recommend storing them in a microfiber pouch. These pouches are inexpensive but highly effective at protecting your lenses from damage when they’re in your bag or pocket. Plus, they can double as a lens cleaner!

Sunglasses can be an investment, so taking a few extra steps to protect them will help prolong their lifespan and keep them in top condition for years.

Commuter Bag: Your Essential Travel Companion

A good bag is more than just a carrier; it’s the cornerstone of your daily commuting routine.

When it comes to commuting by train, your bag is likely the most essential piece of kit you’ll own. It has to balance between carrying everything you need and keeping things lightweight enough to be comfortable in crowded spaces. The bag you choose will directly impact whether your journey is a breeze or a hassle.

What to Look For:

Space for Essentials: The primary function of a commuter bag is to carry your daily essentials—laptop, phone, water bottle, headphones, and more. Make sure it’s roomy enough but not so large it becomes unwieldy.

Compact and Practical: Space is often limited on trains. Choose a bag that doesn’t take up too much physical space. Look for one that sits comfortably on your lap, is easy to carry when standing, and doesn’t make it difficult to navigate tight spaces.

Comfortable to Carry: Heavy or overstuffed bags can strain your back, shoulders, and neck. Opt for a bag with adjustable straps and padding that suits your body type. A messenger bag might be ideal for seated commutes, while a backpack might work better if you’re standing.

Stylish and Professional: Since your bag might double as your work bag, it’s important that it looks professional, too. A sleek, smart design goes a long way in making a great first impression.

Top Picks for Commuters:

1. Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag: Known for its durability and stylish look, this messenger bag is perfect for commuters who need a sleek, functional bag for carrying work essentials. It’s spacious, comfortable, and weather-resistant, making it ideal for the daily grind. Pro Tip: The adjustable shoulder strap and extra padded laptop compartment provide comfort and protection for your tech.
2. Nomatic Backpack: This backpack is a commuter’s dream, offering ample storage for your laptop, notebooks, and other essentials, all while maintaining a slim profile. The water-resistant fabric ensures your gear stays dry, and the multiple compartments keep everything organized. Pro Tip: The adjustable straps and breathable back panel make it comfortable to carry, even when fully loaded.

Tip: Keep Your Bag Organized for Easy Access
When commuting, it’s crucial to be able to find what you need quickly. I always recommend using smaller pouches or organizers within your bag to keep items like cables, pens, and business cards separate. This way, you’ll never waste time rummaging around for your keys or phone.
Check our picks for best messenger bags for train commuters

6. Water Bottle

A water bottle ensures you stay hydrated, no matter how long your commute.

A purposely designed travel bottle will save you money by no longer needing to buy water, won’t leak in your bag and will be easy to clean. Having water on demand will save you embarrassment if you’re hit by one of those coughing fits or to help swallow some Advil to knock out that headache.

• Size: Water bottles come in all shapes and sizes but for commuters, we don’t need a lot of water and a smaller bottle will be more easily carriable.
• Made from safe materials: Make sure your water bottle is BPA free to ensure it doesn’t deteriorate from use and those nasty chemicals make their way into your body (more of this below).
• Is easy to wash: You don’t want a water bottle which has a million parts and is a pain to wash because you absolutely need to wash your bottle on a regular (ideally daily) basis.
• Is leak-free: Go for a bottle which has a leak free spout and lid. Most often you’ll carry your water bottle in an outside pouch on your commuter bag, but if you’re carrying it inside your bag, the last thing you want is water all through your bag!

My personal choice is this A5 memobottle, specifically due to its narrow, bag-friendly design (also BPA free)

What is BPA free and should I be concerned about it?
BPA refers to a chemical called Bisphenol A which is a common element of resins and plastics (hence why it’s often in things like drink bottles). It’s not known as a definitive danger to humans, but in various animal studies there was a link between high levels of the chemical and infertility, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

In plain English – the chemical BPA can be released from the product when exposed to heat – aka the heat you’re using to clean your water bottles. Ultimately, it’s better to be safe than sorry and if you give me a choice, I’ll take my products as chemical free as possible!

7. Comfortable Shoes

Comfortable shoes with good soles are essential if you’re forced to stand for long periods on the train – a reality that sadly many of us face. If this is your daily commute, I’m sorry my friend, but that long commute truly sucks.

On the good days, we’re able to sit for most of the train commute – but on the bad days (and they happen) – we’re forced to stand.

A good pair of shoes makes a HUGE difference here.

This is even more important if you’re wearing hard-soled business shoes all day, a pair of purpose-bought commuter shoes can give your feet a well-deserved breather, not to mention can prevent ongoing foot and ankle pain.

Though in saying that, even with the best shoes, standing for an hour on a moving train carriage will wear get all of us in the end in which case a cheap foot spa might be the only solution!

Something comfortable like these loafers will do the trick (also available in men’s) I currently use a pair of New Balance Fuelcore trainers- call me silly, but I dont like the look of white sneakers when I’m wearing business pants and these black trainers blend in perfectly.

8. Corded Earphones

Corded earphones don’t require battery charge and are simply for backup.

If my earpods run out of charge, it’s akin to death.

Death by boredom.

We live by our chargers these days, in the office and at home, but running out of batteries can and does happen and to avoid that, I always carry a back-up set of corded earbuds with me.

Sound is the key to so many activities – from music to podcasts to movies and being without it – well I just can’t be one of those people who is happy for the carriage to hear what I’m listening to on speaker!

The best thing about corded earphones, they…

• NEVER run out of batteries!
• Are light-weight and take up very little room in your bag.
• Are my preferred means of taking phone calls (make sure you get a set with a built-in microphone control).
• Have surprisingly good sound quality.

You may think carrying both types is excessive but when it comes to audio, this commuter takes no chances.

As an iPhone user I’m very happy having a pair of corded earphones because they’re comfortable in the ear, terrific sound quality and the mic and control is very easy to use. If only Apple would stop changing the damned connections however…. (I’m still using lightning, but if you’ve got the latest iPhone, USB-C earbuds are what you’re looking for)

If you’re happy to splash a little more money and get an even better pair, my little brother swears by his Beats Flex (that yuzu yellow design though)

Tip: Protect your earbuds – they’re fragile.
We put together a guide on how to get the most life out of your earbuds: how to clean and protect your earbuds as it’s not uncommon for them to die just after the 12 month warranty has expired. We’ve also rounded up the best 7 corded earphones with mic if you’re looking for other options.

9. Warm Coat

A warm coat keeps you warm in the train or while waiting on the platform.

Trains can be cold, really cold and prior to boarding, shivering your butt off on the platform is a thing. I also find that on those super cold mornings where it’s even darker and more miserable than normal, the train is almost always delayed or cancelled! (grrr)

I have to make a small admission here, I actually look forward to the colder months as when I’m snuggled into my padded puffer jacket, it’s usually the most comfortable I ever feel on trains – but perhaps I am also just weird.

The key point however, don’t get caught out by the temperature/weather in or out of the train, invest in a decent jacket.

Find a jacket that’s:

• Weather proof: We’re talking wind-proof and proper fleece lining and won’t end up saturated if caught in the rain.
• Hooded: Keep the bitingly cold wind out of your neck!
• Zip’s up to the chin: Snug as a bug in a rug.
• Nice deep pockets: When zipped to the chin, hood up and hands in pockets, ice cold weather becomes a distant memory.

I swear by my lightweight puffer jacket similar to this classic hooded puffer by Tommy Hilfiger. This light down puffer by Orolay will offer similarly winter happiness with its interior cuffs and thumb holes to keep the warm in and the cold out.

10. Travel Mug

A travel mug lets you to bring coffee or hot chocolate with you in the morning, making the commute co much more enjoyable.

Save money on coffee, make your own and take it with you on the train.

The benefits of a good travel mug are obvious but like a water bottle, it’s worth spending a little more to ensure it’s made from safe materials and wont leak, because no-one wants to be that person on the train with the bag full of smoothie.

Make sure you look for:

• Leak free design: This applies to both the lid or hole/spout you drink from, and the seal between the lid and the mug itself.
• BPA free: Like travel water bottles, you want to ensure your travel mug is not made from potentially harmful chemicals.
• Easy to wash: Travel mugs can be surprisingly intricate in the way they’re designed which also can make them a pain to clean. Many mugs are designed in such a way that they’re as easy to clean as possible.

This beasty 20 oz YETI Rambler mug will be perfect for most train commuters but be careful not to leave it INSIDE your bag or you’ll be that person. It also comes in 19 different colors.

For more great travel mug options check our Best Travel Coffee Mugs for Commuters

11. Portable Phone Charger

A portable phone charger frees you from the anxiety of running out of charge, and these days, many modern backpacks can fit them into a hidden pocket.

If you don’t have the luxury of keeping your cell phone plugged into a charger at work or can be away from charging points for large parts of your day, a portable charger can save you from that fate worse than death…flat battery. Simply keep it in your bag and plug it into your device when needed. Just be sure to keep the portable charger itself charged!

Portable phone chargers are train commuter essentials because:

• High capacity: A charger which can hold around 26800mAh of power will charge most phones up to 6 times over, or tablets up to 2 times.
• High speed charging: Various portable chargers can be extremely slow to charge your device making it somewhat pointless.
• High speed recharging: Something around the 6 hour mark for a full recharge of the portable charger should be what you’re looking for, allowing it to charge comfortably overnight.

We recommend:

The Anker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger which you can find at Amazon will suit most commuters with their charging needs. It has all of the features listed above and also comes with 2x USB micro cables, a travel pouch and an 18 month warranty.

I’m currently rocking this backpack with the charging port – works great.

Check our run-down of the best portable phone chargers for commuters.

12. Lunch Box

A quality lunch box keeps your food inside the lunchbox and stops it from spilling in your bag.

I take my own lunch into work – I simply don’t have the disposable income to be buying food every day – and it’s not particularly healthy!

I try and avoid plastic bags wherever possible, but also find the protection of a good lunch box keeps my food from getting crushed. Plus I don’t overly like the thought of tiny microplastics floating around in my system…

This is particularly important given I usually have a banana every day – and mushed banana in my bag…bad.

Try and get a lunchbox with at least some of the following:

• Seal-able: You do NOT want your lunch box leaking in your bag.
• Microwavable: Not mandatory but extremely useful if you’re re-heating your food at work.
• Light-weight: The lunch box can take up quite a bit of space in your commuter bag, you want one as light as possible.
• Re-usable: Because we’re all about sustainability.
• Has multiple compartments: Helps to avoid soggy food!
• Scratch-free design: This will stop you scratching the heck out of the lining with cutlery and makes it much easier to eat straight from the lunchbox.

This Leak-proof Bento Box is the perfect portable lunch solution, made from BPA free materials, microwave safe and is easily washed – because the last thing you want to be doing after a long day at work is dealing with a difficult to clean lunchbox.

Compact Umbrella: Weatherproofing Your Commute

A compact, durable umbrella is essential for commuters who face unpredictable weather. It’s not just about staying dry; it’s about minimizing disruption to your routine. A small, lightweight umbrella that fits easily into your bag can be the difference between a comfortable, productive day and an unpleasant one.

What to Look For:

• Compact Size and Weight: The ideal umbrella should be small enough to stash in a bag but large enough to provide coverage.
• Durability: Wind-resistant umbrellas are vital for avoiding flips in gusty conditions.
• Quick Drying: Materials that dry quickly can prevent you from carrying excess water throughout the day.

Top Picks for Commuters:

1. Repel Umbrella Windproof Travel Umbrellas: This model is perfect for the daily commuter. With a slim design, it fits easily into any bag and provides excellent wind resistance, ensuring it won’t turn inside out.

Many reviewers absolutely love this Repel umbrella’s wind-resistant design, with one reviewer noting it feelt solid and well constructed with a strong fiberglass frame that held up well even in strong winds.

1. SY COMPACT Windproof Travel Umbrella: With one-handed operation, this umbrella is ideal for commuters who juggle bags and devices. Its sturdy frame and quick-dry fabric make it perfect for sudden rain showers.

The SY compact umbrella has almost 35,000 Amazon reviews with over 60% of them 5 star. One review commented that it was so sturdy, they wish they’d bought 2!

Pro Tip: When you’re done, make sure to store your umbrella in a protective case to prevent water from leaking into your bag, especially if you carry important documents or tech.

Also check our 10 Best Compact Travel Umbrellas For Commuters

14. Pocket Kleenex

Carrying pocket Kleenex in your bag on the train will prevent the unfortunate situation when sneezing on the train and suddenly having a super runny nose!

Small and often overlooked are the good old Kleenex.

In the past I’ve been caught out by sneezing. Just randomly, I’ll sneeze a couple of times and then I can NOT stop my nose running.

I suddenly became that person – that horrible, horrible person, who was sniffing non-stop while my fellow passengers looked at me with scorn.

The problem being, somehow if you dont blow your nose, it never goes away! I know, disgusting, but it taught me a valuable lesson – NEVER not have tissues in my bag. EVER!

Grab yourself an 18 pack and don’t be me.

15. Vanity Case

A portable vanity case saves you so much time in the morning on the way to the train.

Some mornings are just plain difficult, and that mad dash for the train can mean things like putting on makeup, breakfast etc, just don’t happen.

A travel vanity case will solve at least half of these problems, whilst also helping keep your cosmetics organized, and make it easy to find what you need while on the move.

Your bag should be compact yet easy to carry with plenty of internal pockets and dividers to keep things in their sectons and not moving around.

• Shake-proof: You don’t want your makeup moving all over the place leading to chaos!
• Light-weight: As with most commuter essentials, size and weight are particularly important.
• Good internal pocketing that’s customizable: Your bag needs to hold a large range of make-up in their own individual sections. The more this can be customized to your own needs the better.
• Wear-resistant: Your travel make-up bag will likely see a lot of use and the better quality the material the longer life you’ll get out of it.

This highly rated vanity case by Rownyeon is made from premium materials and has 3 seperate layers for maximum cosmetic organisation. Also a fantastic gift idea.

16. Pain Relief

Pain relief like Advil will protect you from headaches and similar when commuting.

Having to endure the rigors of a long daily commute can be bad enough let alone doing so while enduring a headache. After a long day of work when you’re tired, your heads thumping and you just want to be home, take comfort knowing you’ve painkillers handy.

Get yourself a travel pack of advil and relax.

And that brings us to the end of our Train Commuting Essentials. If you’re not actually a commuter yourself but on the hunt for the perfect gift for someone who is, check our Gifts For Train Commuters. I hope at the very least, this article has helped make your long commute suck just that little bit less.

If you have any items which help your daily commute, I’d love to hear about them below!

Happy commuting!