Can't use curl in n8n on Railway – using official Docker image

Questions
1

I’m using the official n8nio/n8n Docker image on Railway and need to use curl in a Shell Command node within n8n.

I tried setting the NIXPACKS_PKGS=curl environment variable, but it seems to have no effect — I believe that’s because this project is using a prebuilt Docker image and not Nixpacks.

Is there any way I can install or use curl in my existing Railway pr

Screenshot 2025-04-10 at 5.10.42 PM
Screenshot 2025-04-10 at 5.10.42 PM1628×1364 169 KB

oject, or do I need to create a custom Docker image and redeploy n8n through GitHub?

I’d really appreciate any guidance on the best way to handle this within Railway. Thanks a lot in advance! :pray:

2

Solution: Extend the Official n8n Docker Image
Create a Dockerfile

Add this Dockerfile to your Railway project.

In Railway:

Go to your n8n service settings
Under Deployments, make sure it’s set to use a Dockerfile (not Nixpacks or Buildpack).
If you were previously using the n8nio/n8n image directly, switch to building from this Dockerfile

4

Hi! Thanks for the instructions :raised_hands:

Quick question:
If I’m using a Primary + Worker setup on Railway (queue mode), and I switch to using a custom Dockerfile — do I need to apply the same Dockerfile to both services?

Also, after doing this, I noticed my login breaks (User.apiKey does not exist). Is there something extra I need to do to make sure DB migrations still run correctly with the Dockerfile?

Thanks! :pray:
I also tried reaching you on Upwork but my payment method didn’t get accepted there.