15 Things You Should Avoid Doing on Trains
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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.