Just as there is a proper way to hold a teacup, there is a correct etiquette for traveling by train. It’s all about making those around you feel comfortable. What starts as a joyous journey can quickly turn into something much less fun when faced with discourteous passengers, smelly dogs, or disruptive children.
Take, for example, my usual journey from London Paddington to my hometown of Bristol. I was halfway home during a recent trip when I noticed a fellow passenger pulling something rather hefty from their suitcase. To my horror, it was a set of DJ decks.
Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, England. Image Credit: Getty Images, Paul C Stokes
The budding disc jockey spent the next half-hour treating everyone in the carriage to an impromptu set of drum and bass tunes, complete with commentary on the tracks in a heavy Bristolian accent. I still haven’t recovered from the shock. Being British, of course, I said nothing at the time, but had I not had my noise-cancelling headphones, I may not have let them off so lightly.
Determined to prevent such nonsense from affecting other passengers, I’ve partnered with Trainline to create an etiquette guide. As we reach the height of summer, everyone should be able to enjoy the rail network's destinations without worrying about the discourtesy of others. I urge everyone to follow these guidelines to ensure train journeys are even more comfortable than they usually are.
Ignore these rules at your own social peril.
Getting on the train
Exercise patience when boarding
Let others off the train before you try and get on and stand to the side of the train doors to allow disembarking passengers to exit easily. Neatly line up on each side of the door and remember, like many things in life, it’s first come, first served. Queue up in the order you arrived — it’s not a race.
While you’re riding
No bags on seats
We all love having extra space, but your bag is not entitled to its own seat. Many people lack the confidence to ask you to move it — the confrontation simply isn’t in our British psyche — but people should not have to stand up unnecessarily. Place bags in overhead compartments, luggage racks, under your seat, or on your lap. Keep the aisle clear. Trainline data shows that over one-third of people find spreading out over multiple seats to be the most annoying passenger behavior.
See also: What on-board amenities do UK and European trains have?
Respect the reserved sign
Sit in your designated seat. If you have reserved a seat, please use it, rather than crowding the unreserved carriage. Equally, if someone else has reserved one, don’t sit in it unless all other seats are taken and they’re clearly a no-show. Remember, there’s an exception to this rule: always offer your seat to someone less able to stand than you. If the train is busy and no seats are left, stand in the vestibule if you are able, and please do not sit on the floor, making people step over you.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Mark Liddell
Pet protocol
Your Bichon Frisé may be the apple of your eye, but that doesn’t mean everyone is a fan — and others may even be allergic! According to Trainline data, 1 in 4 people said sitting next to someone’s pooch was something they found uncomfortable. Next time you’re on the train, be mindful of others. And if it is busy, step into the vestibule area with your furry friend.
See also: The differences between standard and first class on trains in Europe
Smelly food is a no-no
Strong-flavored crisps, fishy foods, or anything with a pong that lingers should not be consumed on the train full stop. In fact, 28% of those surveyed by Trainline listed smelly food as their most frustrating faux pas. The same goes for foods that people are easily allergic to, such as nuts. Remember, what could be a tasty snack to you could be an olfactory assault to others.
Don’t be a mobile miscreant
Need to take a call? Please do so in the vestibule; no one needs to hear your friend’s latest gossip or be privy to the nuances of whatever business deal is going down. The train is a shared space, not an extension of your office, or the local pub.
See also: How to use trains for the first time in the UK and Europe
Image Credit: Getty Images, BalkansCat
Respect shared space
If there is a stranger next to you then be respectful of their space. The window blind should be in a position mutually acceptable to both of you, and it is not actually an arm rest between you but an elbow rest, so there is no reason that you can’t happily share it. As for tables, use only your allocated quadrant — others might want to make the most of this luxury too.
Watch out for leaky earphones
Some headphones leak when they’re too loud, making your favorite playlist a public nuisance. I hate to say it but not everyone will be a fan of your audio tastes. And if someone is blasting their tunes too loudly, there is nothing stopping you from signaling to your ears and politely pointing out the issue. You won’t be alone in your grievance, with data from Trainline finding that people playing loud music makes for the most uncomfortable train experience.
See also: Why train travel beats plane travel in Europe
Keep conversations civil
While chatting is fine, unless in a designated quiet carriage, it isn’t necessary for half the train to hear your discussions, especially if they are about sensitive, political or potentially lewd topics. Save it for later when you’re somewhere more private. And if you are in that quiet carriage, the longest conversations should be whispers about passing the biscuits.
No manspreading
Manspreading is never acceptable, no matter how busy the train. If you’re a victim of encroachment from a neighboring passenger, you are well within your rights to ask them to make more room. Or, if you prefer non-verbal communication, a gentle nudge will do.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Maskot
Your return journey
Drink with dignity
Whether you are enjoying a tipple at your destinations or a drink on your way home, moderation is key. No one likes a drunk, especially not in public. By all means enjoy a drink or two to while away a scenic journey, but don’t get silly, please. Know your own limits and stay well under them.
See also: 10 most scenic train rides in Europe
Leave the beach at the beach
There’s nothing nicer than the feeling of sand between your toes. But if you’ve been on the beach, it should be customary to clean your feet properly before getting the train home. Rinse those toes before boarding, and remember, beachwear belongs on the beach. On the train, shoes and shirts are not optional; they are essential.
Now that you're equipped with train etiquette tips and tricks, download the Trainline app and book your next train excursion today.
