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You know that feeling when you finally grab a seat, plug in your headphones, and then someone nearby starts a loud call on speaker? Or a backpack takes up the only empty seat like it paid for a ticket? Little things like that can turn a chill train ride into a headache. Trains are shared spaces, and how we act can make the ride better—or worse—for everyone around us.
This guide breaks down 15 things you should avoid doing on trains, with real moments you’ve probably seen (or done) before. From blasting music to blocking the aisle, we’ll cover the habits that annoy people fast and how to dodge them. Keep it simple, keep it kind, and your next ride will be smoother for you and everyone else on board.
Talk on Speakerphone
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Talking on speakerphone turns one person’s call into the whole train carriage’s problem. Your music, game, or chat echoes, mixes with train noise, and makes it hard for others to read, nap, or think. It’s not just loud—it feels like you’re dragging strangers into a private convo. If everyone did it, the train would sound like a jumble of voices, and nobody could hear anything.
Keep it simple: use headphones with a mic, hold the phone to your ear, or send a quick text. If the call can wait, save it for the platform or after you get off. Need to talk now? Step into a quieter spot between train carriages if that’s allowed, keep your voice low, and keep it short. Respect the space, and the ride stays calm for everyone.
Playing Music Too Loudly in Headphones
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Blasting music through your headphones doesn’t keep the sound to yourself. When the volume is high, it leaks, and everyone around you hears the beat, the chorus, and the tinny hiss. That makes it hard for people to read, study, nap, or just zone out. Many riders say loud headphone bleed is one of the most annoying parts of a trip, and it turns a quiet ride into background noise you didn’t ask for.
Fix it with small moves. Lower the volume so only you can hear it, use over-ear headphones that block outside noise better, or switch on noise-canceling so you don’t need to crank it. If you’re unsure how loud it is, take the headphones off for a second—if you still hear your song, others do too. Keep it considerate and everyone gets a calmer ride.
Placing Feet on the Seats
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Putting your feet on a train seat isn’t just rude—it’s dirty. Shoes pick up mud, gum, and germs from platforms and streets, and that grime ends up where someone else has to sit. Even bare feet or socks aren’t clean, and no one wants to sit where toes have been. It also takes up space, which matters on busy rides when people are standing and looking for a spot.
Keep it simple: keep your feet on the floor or use the footrest if there is one. If you’re tired, stretch your legs under the seat, not over it. Got a messy day? Wipe your shoes before boarding and sit normally. Respect the shared space and the next person won’t have to choose between a dirty seat and standing the whole trip.
Placing Bags on the Seats
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Saving a seat for your backpack is unfair when people are standing. Bags don’t need a view; humans do. On busy trains, spreading your stuff over seats slows boarding and sparks awkward standoffs. It also leaves dirt on the fabric—bag bottoms touch sidewalks, floors, and platforms, then someone has to sit there. If everyone did it, fewer passengers would find a place to sit, and the ride would feel tense fast.
Do the easy thing: keep small bags on your lap, between your feet, or under the seat. Use overhead racks or luggage areas for larger items. If the train is truly empty, fine—but move your bag the moment someone needs the spot. And if you find a bag in your seat, stay calm and ask politely. Most people will shift it right away. Keeping seats clear keeps the trip smooth for everyone.
Eating Smelly Food on the Train
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Strong smells spread fast in a closed train. A tuna sub, hot curry, or a peeled orange can fill the whole carriage, and not everyone wants that scent in their face at 8 a.m. Some people get headaches or feel sick from strong odors, and it sticks to the air and fabric long after you’re done eating. What feels like a harmless snack to you can turn the ride into a stink cloud for everyone else.
Keep it low-odor and low-mess. Go for quiet, simple foods like sandwiches, chips, granola bars, or chocolate. If you’re starving and only have a smelly meal, wait until you get off or eat on the platform in open air. Seal leftovers right away, use napkins, and clean up crumbs. A little planning keeps the train fresh and your neighbors happy.
Traveling with Pets on the Train
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Traveling with pets on a train can be tough because not everyone loves animals, and some people are scared or allergic. A cute dog can still bark, shed, or try to sniff strangers’ bags. Trains also get crowded, and a wiggly pet can block aisles or seats. Even quiet pets need space, water, and bathroom breaks, which aren’t easy while moving.
Be a thoughtful owner. Check the train’s pet rules, use a carrier or short leash, and keep your pet by your feet—not on seats. Bring wipes, a small blanket, and bags for any mess. Pick a quieter carriage if you can, and ask nearby riders if they’re okay sitting close. If someone seems uneasy and there’s room elsewhere, switch spots. Keep your pet calm with treats and toys, and give short walks before boarding so they’re tired and chill.
Blocking the Doors When People Are Exiting
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Crowding the doorway while people are trying to get off slows everyone down and causes mini traffic jams. Riders behind you can’t move, people inside can’t exit, and the train ends up stuck longer at the platform. It’s stressful, especially for parents with strollers, travelers with luggage, or anyone with mobility needs. Standing in the way also creates pushing and “excuse me” chaos that’s easy to avoid.
The fix is simple: stand to the side, let riders exit first, then board. Follow floor markings if there are any, and listen for the chime that warns doors are closing. Keep bags close to your body so you’re not blocking space without noticing. If you’re waiting by the doors, leave a clear path and step in only after the flow is out. Let out, then get on—it makes the whole ride faster and calmer.
Traveling While Sick Without Precautions
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Feeling sick on a train isn’t just rough for you—it can spread germs fast in a packed carriage. Coughs and sneezes travel, and surfaces like poles and seats get touched by lots of people. That means your cold could become someone else’s. Plus, riding while feverish or dizzy can make you feel worse by the time you arrive.
If you have to travel, take simple steps: wear a mask, carry tissues, and cough or sneeze into your elbow. Use hand sanitizer after touching rails or doors, and try to sit by a window or in a quieter area. Keep some space from others, avoid eating if you’re coughing, and bag any used tissues. If you can delay your trip, do it—rest helps you and protects everyone else.
Ignoring the Reservation System
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Taking a reserved seat might feel harmless if it looks empty, but it creates drama fast. The real passenger shows up, you have to move, and suddenly bags, jackets, and snacks are getting shuffled while the train is already rolling. It’s awkward, delays people settling in, and can split up friends or families who booked together.
Do the easy thing: check the screens or tags above the seats for reservation info, or ask a staff member if you’re unsure. If your seat is taken, stay calm and show your ticket—most people will switch without fuss. Want to swap? Ask politely and accept “no.” Respecting reservations keeps the ride smooth, fair, and way less cringe for everyone.
Ignoring Cultural Sensitivities
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Ignoring cultural sensitivities on a train can make people feel disrespected or unsafe, even if you didn’t mean it. Loud jokes about someone’s clothes, food, or language aren’t funny when they target their identity. Some riders prefer more personal space, dress modestly, or avoid certain foods for faith reasons. It’s a shared space, so small choices—like how you speak, sit, or eat—can impact everyone around you.
Be curious, not rude. Keep your voice down, skip slang that could offend, and avoid staring or taking photos of strangers. If a seat or area is marked for a group—like women-only or priority seating—respect it. When in doubt, follow local signs and copy what others are doing. A little empathy turns a tense ride into an easy one, and you’ll come across as someone people feel comfortable sitting next to.
Taking Up Too Much Space
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Taking up extra space on a train makes the ride harder for everyone. Spreading your knees wide, draping your jacket over two seats, or leaving your bag in the aisle means someone else has to stand or squeeze past. At night or early morning, people are trying to rest, and constant bumping or shifting is annoying. On busy routes, that one extra seat you block could help a parent with a stroller, an older rider, or a student with a heavy backpack.
Keep your stuff tight to your body and sit within your seat lines. Tuck backpacks under the seat, pull elbows in, and share armrests when you can. If you’re in a doorway or by the pole, step aside so others can pass. Quick check: can someone sit next to you or walk by without twisting? If yes, you’re being fair. Respecting space keeps the trip smoother for everyone.
Touching Others’ Luggage
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Putting your hands on someone else’s suitcase or backpack can cause problems fast. You might move it and scratch it, set off a bag alarm, or make the owner think it’s being stolen. People keep important stuff in there—laptops, meds, passports—so even a “quick shift” feels risky. Plus, if something breaks or goes missing, guess who gets blamed?
Do the simple, smart thing: leave it alone and ask. If you need space on the rack, find a staff member or politely ask, “Is this yours? Could we rearrange a bit?” Keep your own bag labeled and close to you so others don’t have to touch it. Respecting belongings keeps the ride calm, avoids awkward arguments, and helps everyone feel safe.
Blocking the Aisle with Luggage
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Blocking the aisle with suitcases turns the train into an obstacle course. People can’t pass to find seats, the snack cart gets stuck, and in a sudden stop, loose bags can roll and trip someone. In an emergency, a clogged path is dangerous—seconds matter when everyone needs to get out fast. It also stresses riders who have mobility aids, strollers, or heavy backpacks.
Keep aisles open by using luggage racks, overhead shelves, or the space under your seat. Stand big items on their wheels with the handle in, and tuck smaller bags between your feet. If racks are full, ask a conductor where to place your bag. Quick check: could someone walk by without twisting? If not, shift your stuff. Clear paths make the ride safer, faster, and less awkward for everyone.
Drinking from the Tap
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Drinking from the tap on trains isn’t a smart move. Those sinks are for washing hands, not filling bottles. The water tanks aren’t always cleaned often, and pipes can hold germs or metal taste from the system. On a bumpy ride, the faucet area also gets touched a lot, so it’s easy for bacteria to spread. A quick sip can lead to an upset stomach right when you need to get off at your stop.
Play it safe: bring a sealed bottle or fill up from a trusted source before boarding. Refill at stations with filtered fountains if available, or carry a small, portable filter. Keep a spare bottle in your bag for longer trips. If you’re really thirsty, buy a drink from the snack cart. Staying hydrated matters, but make sure the water is clean so your ride stays stress-free.
Smoking on the Train
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Last but definitely not least, this one’s obvious: don’t smoke on trains. Smoke lingers in tight spaces, makes people cough, and can set off alarms. Many riders have asthma or allergies, and secondhand smoke can mess with their breathing fast. Most rail networks ban smoking and vaping on trains and platforms, and fines are real. Plus, sparks near doors or bins are a fire risk—no joke when a carriage is packed.
If cravings hit, wait until you’re off the train and in a marked smoking area at the station. Chew gum, sip water, or use nicotine gum or patches for the ride. Keep your hands busy with music, a game, or a book. Respect the rules, keep the air clean, and save everyone (including you) from a headache, a warning from staff, or a ticket you’ll regret.
Wrap-up time: trains are easier for everyone when we use basic manners. Keep noise down, share space, and follow simple rules like not blocking doors or aisles. Little choices—asking before moving a bag, waiting your turn, cleaning up after yourself—add up fast. Do that, and you’ll be the rider people don’t mind sitting next to.
Now for the fun part. You know what not to do, so turn those good habits into awesome trips. Check out 20 Bucket List Train Rides Around the World for routes worth saving and stories you’ll want to share. Scroll the list, pick a favorite, and start planning your next ride. Your best journey could be one ticket away.