7 things passengers should never do on a train, according to an etiquette coach

October 6, 2026 adminsr

Fall is a popular time for train travel, but passengers shouldn't forget to pack their manners.

Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Inconsiderate passengers can make traveling an especially stressful experience.
Etiquette expert William Hanson shared seven things travelers should never do on trains.
Hanson said travelers should avoid talking on speakerphone and placing their bags on seats.

Each fall, travelers fill trains to catch some of the US’ best foliage views.

But whether you’re taking a scenic ride or a regular rail journey, inconsiderate passengers can quickly spoil the experience.

To make sure you’re not one of them, Business Insider previously spoke with British etiquette coach William Hanson to learn some of travelers’ biggest etiquette faux pas on trains.

From placing bags on empty seats to blasting music, here are seven things travelers should avoid doing.

Don't talk on speakerphone.

Passengers use their cell phones on Acela trains. — Passengers should avoid using cellphones to avoid bothering other passengers.

Jacob Silberberg/Getty Images

Hanson said he understands not wanting to keep your phone pressed to your face for long periods of time, but that it doesn’t excuse talking on speakerphone.

“It explains it, but it doesn’t excuse it,” he told Business Insider in a 2024 interview through his partnership with Trainline, a European train booking app.

Hanson added, “If we were all doing that, let’s think we were all on our phones, on the speakerphone making calls in a carriage, it would be a cacophony. You wouldn’t be able to hear anything.”

Although Trainline said its research found that only one in 10 people reported feeling bothered by others on their phones, it’s more polite to just wait until you disembark to catch up on your calls.

Please, don't place your feet on the seats.

A person's feet stick out from a pair of seats on a Greyhound bus. — Don't put your feet on seats on public transport.

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And no, it’s not better if you take your shoes off.

“Your socks — or heaven forbid you’re not even wearing socks — your feet still have germs,” Hanson told Business Insider. “And it is not your own personal seat. It is a seat that is shared by numerous passengers on numerous rail journeys.”

Bags don't belong on seats, either.

A woman works on a train. — Do not put your bags on open seats.

Erik Gonzalez/500px/Getty Images

Trainline reported that over a third of people think spreading out over multiple seats is the most annoying behavior from fellow passengers.

Hanson recommends keeping your purses or small bags in your lap, on the floor in front of your seat, or in designated luggage areas.

“The only time you can have a bag on the seat next to you is if you’re basically on an absolutely deserted carriage and there are clearly numerous seats for people to go and sit on,” he said.

If you do come across another passenger’s bag occupying your designated seat, Hanson recommends keeping the conversation reasonable.

“If you are reasonable, they will be able to move their bag,” he said.

Try to avoid eating overly fragrant foods, like oranges.

A person holds a bag of fast food on a Metro-North train. — Take foods on board that won't bother other passengers.

Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images

Eating on a train is perfectly fine, especially during long journeys, but Hanson recommends being mindful about your snack choices, especially ones that are particularly fragrant or might be loud.

One option he discourages people from bringing is oranges.

“However delicious an orange is and full of vitamin D, it can actually be quite objectionable as a smell if you are not the one eating it,” he said.

Instead, try to stick to options like sandwiches, sweets, nuts, dried fruit, or other fresh fruit, such as grapes.

Be careful not to play your music too loudly in your headphones.

A person listens to audio on their phone via headphones. — Keep the volume down, so other passengers can't hear it.

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

“Some headphones leak when they’re too loud, making your favorite playlist a public nuisance,” Hanson wrote for Trainline’s “Mind the Manners” guide to train etiquette. “I hate to say it but not everyone will be a fan of your audio tastes.”

Trainline reported that loud music is the most uncomfortable train issue for travelers.

If you're traveling with a pet, don't expect everyone to be comfortable.

A dog on a train with its owner. — Pet owners should be thoughtful of other passengers.

Anastasiia Voloshko/Getty Images

Most trains in the US permit pets on board, although it depends on factors including the company, the size of your pet, and the length of your journey.

If you are able to take your pet on board, the important thing to remember is that others may not love your furry friend as much as you do. Trainline research found that 25% of people are uncomfortable sitting next to a dog.

Hanson recommends that those traveling with their dogs be proactive in opening the lines of communication and asking fellow passengers about their comfort levels.

“If you do see some hesitancy and there are many other empty seats to go and sit in that are not reserved, you’re going to move,” he said.

He added that context in these situations is important, too. If the dog owner is the second to arrive, it would be their responsibility to move; but if the dog owner is already seated and someone new comes along, it would be their choice to sit or go elsewhere.

The simplest advice? “Talk and be reasonable,” Hanson said. “We as humans, we mood match. So, if you go in all guns blazing, then you’re going to get a similar reaction back.”

And finally, try to let people off the train before you board.

Passengers board a train. — Travelers should let passengers come off the train before boarding.

Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

This tip doesn’t need much explanation, and yet it remains a common nuisance for travelers, commuters, and locals alike.

“There will be more room for people when you get on if the people have come off the train first,” Hanson said.

He added, “If you’re standing by the doors anyway, you can get on, and there’s often a beep or a signal before those doors close. So everyone just needs to just remember: It will be fine.”

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in September 2024, and most recently updated in October 2026.

Read the original article on Business Insider