I spent 53 hours on an Amtrak train. Here's what I'm glad I packed, wish I'd brought, and should have left at home.

The author rode the California Zephyr, the longest train ride in the US, and made some packing mistakes.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider I took Amtrak's longest train, the California Zephyr, from Illinois to California in 53 hours.

I've been on several overnight trains, so I knew what to pack to stay comfortable and entertained.

There were still some items I longed for, and others I regretted bringing.

I didn't even use the biggest thing I packed.

And the item I longed for most could have fit in my jacket pocket.

I didn't think I'd make packing mistakes on my most recent long-distance Amtrak adventure.

As an experienced overnight train traveler, I've had plenty of time to learn exactly what to pack for a night on the rails.

But this wasn't just any overnight Amtrak train .

In February 2026, I took the 53-hour California Zephyr , the longest train ride in the US.

I'd spent 30 hours on the rails on multiple occasions.

I'd even spent back-to-back nights on different routes.

Still, this was my first time spending three days and two nights on one train.

I booked a $2,200 bedroom for the three-day journey.