NL
Backpacking by train is usually safe and relaxing. Crowded stations, full trains, and sleeper trains increase the risk of theft. Losing things is a constant risk. The best protection is a combination of keeping a close eye on your luggage, smart document storage, and extra vigilance when boarding and alighting. Know in advance what to do if something goes wrong. Simple measures make the difference between carefree travel and unpleasant situations.
Why train backpackers need to be extra alert
Train travel attracts pickpockets and luggage thieves because stations and trains are full of distractions. Travellers are busy with their phones, timetables, and connections. Thieves take advantage of that hustle and bustle, especially when boarding and alighting.
Those who choose a backpacking rail holiday often have all their belongings with them. That makes you vulnerable. A stolen passport, bank card, or train ticket can disrupt your entire trip. That is why preparation is important.
Sleeper trains and busy border crossings pose extra risks. There is less supervision there and a higher chance of undetected theft. Know the risks in advance, then you can take targeted measures.
‘ A small daypack or waist bag is much safer. ’
Always keep valuables close to you
Travellers who keep all important documents and money in one large backpack take unnecessary risks. A small daypack or waist bag is much safer. Keep your passport, phone, money, and bank cards in this. Keep this bag with you at all times, even when you go to the toilet or get something to eat.
A money belt or neck wallet makes it harder for pickpockets to reach your belongings. You wear this under your clothing. Distribute your money and payment methods across several places. If something is stolen, you won’t lose everything at once.
Large backpacks belong in the luggage rack above your seat or in your sight. Never place them in a rack far away from you or by the door. Check regularly if your bag is still there, especially during busy stops.
Use locks for extra security
A simple cable lock can secure your backpack to a rack, chair, or bed in a sleeper compartment. This deters opportunistic thieves who want to quickly take a bag. Also secure the zippers of your backpack with a small padlock.
On sleeper trains, experienced travellers advise locking the compartment door. Check if this is possible. Choose a compartment that feels safe and enter it early. You will then secure a good spot. Some travellers use an extra locking system or chain to literally attach their bag to their body. They do this while sleeping.
Locks are no guarantee, but they make theft more difficult and time-consuming. That is often enough to deter thieves.
Make copies of important documents
Before departure, take photos or scans of your passport, ID card, insurance papers, bank cards, and train tickets. Keep these separate from the originals. For example, use a secure cloud or save them offline as a file on your phone.
Documents can be stolen. These copies will then help with replacement and reporting. Some authorities accept digital copies as temporary proof. This saves a lot of stress and time.
Travel with others in the evening hours
Solo travel by train is usually safe during the day. In the evening and at night, it is wiser to travel in groups or choose well-lit, busy routes. Less occupied trains and empty platforms increase the risk of harassment or theft.
Are you travelling alone? Then choose a seat in a busier part of the train. Avoid empty carriages or compartments where no one else is sitting. Remain alert to people. Some show unusual interest in your belongings. Others try to distract you.
Also, be careful with alcohol. Being drunk on a train makes you more vulnerable and less alert. Know your drink limit and stay clear-headed enough to keep an eye on your surroundings.
‘ Some stations have a poor reputation in the evening hours. ’
Check reviews for high-risk areas and routes
Not all train routes and stations are equally safe. Some connections are known for pickpockets or luggage thieves. Read recent experiences from other travellers in advance on forums or in travel blogs.
Pay attention to comments about specific sleeper trains, border crossings, or large cities with multiple stations. Some stations have a poor reputation in the evening hours. If you know this in advance, you can adjust your route or take extra precautions.
Also check arrival times. Arriving late in an unknown city can cause unnecessary stress. It is better to plan an arrival during the day so that you can calmly find your next destination.
What you should arrange before you leave
Good preparation starts at home. Below are the most important steps:
- Scan or photograph all travel documents. Save them in a secure cloud. Also save them offline on your phone.
- Distribute money and bank cards across different places in your backpack. Also distribute them across places on your body.
- Check if your phone is fully charged. Take a power bank with you.
- Note down the numbers to block your bank cards. Keep these separate.
- Check the stations and connections in advance. Some cities have several major stations.
- Read current experiences of other train travellers regarding the routes you want to take.
These steps take little time but prevent many problems on the road.
Extra attention when boarding and alighting
Thieves mainly strike when boarding and alighting. Official travel information emphasises this. Travellers are distracted at these times. Crowds play a role. Also, looking for luggage and the right seat causes distraction. Pickpockets take advantage of this.
Always keep your small bag with you and check if your large backpack is securely in the rack. Count your belongings after every stop. This sounds simple, but many thefts are only discovered after alighting.
The risk is greater when changing trains. Build in extra time and keep a close eye on your belongings. Do not be distracted by people asking questions or showing unusual interest.
Stay alert on busy trains and stations
Look at your phone less. Look around you more often. This reduces the chance of theft. Pay attention to suspicious situations, such as someone standing too close to you or showing too much interest in your luggage.
Be careful with requests from strangers. Pickpockets sometimes work in duos: one distracts you, the other takes your bag. Remain polite but alert.
What to do if something goes wrong
If your luggage or documents are stolen, act quickly:
- Report the theft immediately to the train staff. They will help you. They will alert the police.
- Block stolen bank cards immediately via the bank’s emergency line.
- Note down train and journey details for a later report.
- File a report with the local police; this is necessary for insurance and document replacement.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport has been stolen.
These steps ensure you can continue your journey quickly and keep the damage limited.
Basic comfort for a safe sleeper train
A comfortable journey helps you stay alert. For sleeper trains, bring earplugs, a sleep mask, water, snacks, hand sanitiser, and optionally toilet paper. This makes the journey calmer and prevents you from becoming drowsy and vulnerable.
Ensure your phone and power bank are fully charged. A working phone is needed for navigation, tickets, and contact in case of delays or problems.
Discover more practical travel tips
Safety is just one aspect of successful train backpacking. On the Traveler Tips website, you will find much more information about routes, planning, equipment, and the best destinations for your rail holiday. From the best train connections to tips for budget travel and hostels. Discover everything you need to prepare your trip even better and set off with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep your luggage in sight as much as possible: store large bags in the rack above/next to you, and always keep your small bag with valuables (passport, money, phone) on your lap or securely attached to your body. Use simple extra security like carabiners or a cable lock to close zippers and attach your bag to a rack or seat, especially on busy or night trains. Be extra alert when boarding, alighting, and on escalators: these are favourite moments for pickpockets, so put your phone away and focus on your belongings. Distribute money and cards across several places and make copies or scans of important documents so that you don’t lose everything at once if they go missing.
Ensure your valuables are always close to your body (money belt/neck wallet) and keep your bag in sight, possibly secured to a bed or seat with a cable lock on sleeper trains. In sleeper trains, preferably choose a compartment that feels safe, close and lock the door where possible, and literally keep your most important belongings with you while sleeping. Plan arrivals in unknown cities during the day if possible; if you have to arrive late, find out in advance how to get from the station to your accommodation, which neighbourhood is safe, and which official transport options to use. Stay extra alert for distractions during crowds, connections, and alighting, and always check your luggage before leaving the train.
You can search for reviews and recent experiences from other travellers regarding specific routes and transfer stations in advance (for example, on travel forums, apps, and Google Reviews) to see how they are currently perceived in terms of safety. Check the official information from railway companies regarding station facilities, staffed times, CCTV surveillance, and the presence of security or police. Use travel apps or websites to look for crowd indicators, arrivals/departures in the evening, and possible alternative routes or transfers at busier, better-lit stations. Plan your transfers so that you don’t have to wait unnecessarily long late at night at small or remote stations.
Stay calm, ensure your own safety first, and move away from immediate danger (for example, to a busy, lit, or public part of the station or train). Alert emergency services (112) and/or train staff immediately and briefly describe what is happening and where you are. Follow their instructions and only help others if it is safe to do so. If possible, note down the time, place, and details of the incident for later reporting or filing a police report.
