Train etiquette
- Thread starter Melvil
- Start date
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mjr
Comfy armchair to one person & a plank to the next
- Location
- mostly Norfolk, sometimes Somerset
Keep the phone conversations out of the seating area, but other than that, you often get an impression of whether anyone's willing to chat. It varies massively, even within one local area.
Feet on the seat is the most common bad behaviour, but the worst I've seen is probably throwing glass bottles around, smashing the doors.
robjh
Legendary Member
- Location
- Cambridgeshire - almost Essex
I don't think the etiquette is really any different between the UK and other parts of Europe. Take your cue from the people around you - if they want to talk then join in (language allowing), otherwise just read your book/look out of the window or whatever. That said, some of the most memorable train trips I've had abroad have been when I have talked to people.
I think a special case may be long overnight journeys in a compartment of open bunks or couchettes with other people, where you often end up sharing a word or two with your neighbours, but I don't think there are many of them left in (Western) Europe. Now the Trans-Siberian is another matter entirely....
I think a special case may be long overnight journeys in a compartment of open bunks or couchettes with other people, where you often end up sharing a word or two with your neighbours, but I don't think there are many of them left in (Western) Europe. Now the Trans-Siberian is another matter entirely....
mjr
Comfy armchair to one person & a plank to the next
- Location
- mostly Norfolk, sometimes Somerset
Not as many as there used to be but probably still more than most people think https://www.seat61.com/sleepers.htm plus London-Cornwall and London-Scotland.
That's incredible! (Incredibly bad). I never would have thought that would be tolerated.
DaveReading
Don't suffer fools gladly (must try harder!)
- Location
- Reading, obvs
In Italy it's considered rude not to at least make polite conversation with your immediate companions. If you get off the train before they do, you should wish them "buon viaggio".
AndyRM
XOXO
- Location
- North Shields
Depending on how busy the train you're getting on is, be prepared to take no prisoners with your luggage.
MossCommuter
Guru
- Location
- Salford
In Britain it is considered customary to occupy the aisle seat only and use the window seat as a handy baggage store. It is also considered good practice to make sure that your headphones and music volume are carefully adjusted so as to ensure that the occupants of seats immediately in your vicinity can easily enjoy the tsshhh tsshhh tsshhh of the, preferably repetitive, treble notes.
If you find that you are able to occupy a table seat the usual rules of aisle vs. window seat and using the seat to conveniently store your baggage apply but in addition don't forget to allow your neighbour opposite to admire your footwear by extending your legs as much as possible. Don't deny them the opportunity to admire your phone, laptop and tablet either by selfishly keeping them towards you but instead be sure to spread.
You may find that a seat has been reserved; this reservation guarantees the customer the absolute right to the seat even if either they don't turn up or the train is not within the zone of the reservation; seats with reservation tickets must be left empty at all times.
Also, don't forget to leave the vestibule luggage racks empty and wheel your suitcases down the aisle to provide an entertaining high jump for any passengers trying to walk down the train.
Where a train has a bicycle compartment, this is for the exclusive use of those passengers who have to get off the train first and need to be by the door five miles before their station so don't expect them to move elsewhere allowing the seat to fold up and your bicycle to be safely stowed. The other passengers love having to squeeze by your bicycle too.
In the event that there is no seating left (because is is rightly occupied by luggage) it is essential that you cram into the vestibules and in no circumstances should you stand inside the car or make way for those who would like to.
On the subject of food, it is traditional to keep your fellow travelers enticed by wafting as much of the aroma of your burger or sandwiches in their direction as is possible. Don't forget to leave the wrappers behind the tray table either - that way even those people getting on after you have long since left will get to appreciate your dining choices.
I am sure that the same etiquette applies elsewhere and so I hope this helps.
If you find that you are able to occupy a table seat the usual rules of aisle vs. window seat and using the seat to conveniently store your baggage apply but in addition don't forget to allow your neighbour opposite to admire your footwear by extending your legs as much as possible. Don't deny them the opportunity to admire your phone, laptop and tablet either by selfishly keeping them towards you but instead be sure to spread.
You may find that a seat has been reserved; this reservation guarantees the customer the absolute right to the seat even if either they don't turn up or the train is not within the zone of the reservation; seats with reservation tickets must be left empty at all times.
Also, don't forget to leave the vestibule luggage racks empty and wheel your suitcases down the aisle to provide an entertaining high jump for any passengers trying to walk down the train.
Where a train has a bicycle compartment, this is for the exclusive use of those passengers who have to get off the train first and need to be by the door five miles before their station so don't expect them to move elsewhere allowing the seat to fold up and your bicycle to be safely stowed. The other passengers love having to squeeze by your bicycle too.
In the event that there is no seating left (because is is rightly occupied by luggage) it is essential that you cram into the vestibules and in no circumstances should you stand inside the car or make way for those who would like to.
On the subject of food, it is traditional to keep your fellow travelers enticed by wafting as much of the aroma of your burger or sandwiches in their direction as is possible. Don't forget to leave the wrappers behind the tray table either - that way even those people getting on after you have long since left will get to appreciate your dining choices.
I am sure that the same etiquette applies elsewhere and so I hope this helps.
nickyboy
Norven Mankey
- Location
- You want hills? We got hills
I have to say I rarely see anyone knocking one out on the Manchester - London service. Maybe it's more common on Network SouthEast
Sorry about that.....
byegad
Legendary Member
- Location
- NE England
The worst behaviour I've witnessed was heading North from 'that there Lunnon' a very loud Suvvener spent the journey from Kings Cross to Durham talking loudly on his mobile phone to his poor secretary, many. many times, his wife, several business colleagues and even a client where we all got to know how much they were paying for a new 'system', what could and couldn't be included and how it would work once installed in their factory.
Only the presence of Lady Byegad saved him from an abusive tirade and his phone from a free trip into the 6 foot at 125mph. Had we been staying on the train to Newcastle I suspect his phone would have gone for a swim in the Tyne and possibly him too.
Only the presence of Lady Byegad saved him from an abusive tirade and his phone from a free trip into the 6 foot at 125mph. Had we been staying on the train to Newcastle I suspect his phone would have gone for a swim in the Tyne and possibly him too.
twentysix by twentyfive
Clinging on tightly
- Location
- Over the Hill
Always flush while standing in the station 
classic33
Leg End Member
Use the toilet in the station.Always flush while standing in the station
twentysix by twentyfive
Clinging on tightly
- Location
- Over the Hill
They have toilets in stations now?
