Where's the best place to sit on a train?

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For safest train travel, choose a middle car seat facing the opposite direction of travel. This position minimizes impact from potential collisions, which are more often sideways than head-on.

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Best Train Seat: Where to Sit for Comfort?

Okay, so, the best train seat? Honestly, I’m kinda all over the place when it comes to trains.

Safety folks say facing backward is safer. Less likely to become a projectile if things go sideways, ya know? Trains rarely crash head-on, so… backward it is?

I always meant to follow this, but I usually just grab the first available window seat, lol. Guilty. The view wins every time.

Plus, my brain… it just goes completely numb trying to figure out which way is actually BACKWARD. Anyone else relate to that stuggle?

One time, on a train to Lyon on 15 May, paid like 80 euros, I was SO determined to sit backwards. I got so turned around, I think I was facing the right way…but who knows. Ended up asleep anyway.

Let’s see, the “facts” (according to the experts): Backwards-facing seats are better. Sideways crashes are more likely than front or rear collisions.

Where is the most comfortable place to sit on a train?

Okay, trains… comfy spots…hmm.

Amtrak Coach Class is fine for short trips. Window seat always! Less foot traffic, y’know?

  • Coach for short hops
  • Leg rests on long hauls – uh, yes please!

Long trips though? Ugh, the leg rests. Are they actually comfy? I always end up slouching.

  • Slouch factor high!
  • Bring a neck pillow. Seriously.

My back aches just thinking about it! Remember that time to Chicago? Awful.

  • Chicago trip = back pain
  • Pack ALL the snacks.

Oh! And charging ports. Crucial! Phone dying is the worst. Wifi too. Hope it works this year.

  • Charging ports = life
  • Wifi – if you’re lucky

Legroom is key, right? But also, not near the bathroom. Nope nope nope.

  • Far from bathroom
  • Legroom = happiness

I wonder if the Quiet Car is comfier? Never tried it. Is it worth it?

  • Quiet Car? Maybe?
  • Research is needed.

Ugh. Trains. Comfy? Debatable.

Where is it best to sit on a train?

Facing backward on a train for safety? Really? Seems like something my grandma would suggest after reading a pamphlet from 1952. I bet you’re also the type who wears a helmet inside the house, just in case!

Better to sit where the snack cart lurks. Strategic positioning, you see. Like a lion stalking a gazelle made of chocolate bars and questionable sandwiches.

Here’s the inside track, though:

  • Proximity to Exits: Near a door, easy escape if the train decides to morph into a submarine.
  • Aisles vs. Window: Aisle gives you legroom to stretch but window view ensures you aren’t stuck next to Chad, manspreading like he owns the railway. Decisions, decisions.
  • Middle Carriages: Safer? Possibly. But also, farther from that sweet, sweet snack cart. A crucial trade-off.

Sideways collisions? Sure, maybe in a spaghetti western movie. Now, if you’ll excuse me, gotta preemptively order ten mini-donuts. Priorities, man!

Which seat is most comfortable in a train?

Okay, so the best train seat? Hmm. Lemme tell ya ’bout my epic fail on the 7:15 AM Metra from Naperville to Chicago, like, just last Tuesday.

Thought I was so clever snagging a window seat on the north side. BIG mistake.

The sun! Ugh. Blasting heat and glare the whole damn ride. Ruined my audiobook.

My best seat considerations:

  • Avoid the direct sun: Seriously, north or south side depending on the time of day.
  • Aisle access is key: Easier to get up and stretch your legs.
  • Proximity to the restroom: Espesh if you drink a lot of coffee like I do.
  • Direction of Travel: Backward seats can cause motion sickness.

Plus, remember when I took the Amtrak to St. Louis last month? The newer Siemens Venture cars? Total garbage! So cramped! Give me the Superliner any day. I swear. The seats on the Superliner are way, WAY better. More legroom. I even got a little nap in. I was on the California Zephyr in 2024, so there’s that. I remember, I was on the upper level, so it was fantastic, no one kicking the back of my seat because there wasn’t a seat in front of me! My bad habit? Always looking at Reddit for tips about the trains. Okay, gotta run!

The train seats on the newer trains are not comfortable at all.

I hate the train!

Which type of seat is best in train?

The “best” train seat is subjective, obviously. But let’s dissect this. For tall people, the upper berth in 3A might seem appealing due to legroom, but it’s a pain in the neck literally. My friend, a six-footer, swore it was torture. He’s also clumsy.

The 1A is undeniably superior, offering more privacy and generally larger, more comfortable seats. Think spacious airplane-style seating, although less luxurious. However, the price reflects this. Its cost is significantly more.

  • 1A: Superior comfort; privacy; significantly higher cost.
  • 3A: More affordable; shared space; upper berths aren’t ideal for everyone, especially the vertically challenged. They become mini-personal gyms at night.

Personally, I prefer 3A for shorter trips. It’s a good balance between cost and comfort. For longer journeys, though? Give me 1A any day. Unless my budget is absolutely tight. Then I’d consider 2A, which offers a compromise.

The comfort level also depends on your tolerance for close proximity to strangers. Remember that shared space is shared noise and smells. It’s a small price to pay if you’re saving a lot of money. Or so I always tell myself. Sometimes.

In 2024, Indian Railways might introduce new seating options, I’ve heard whispers. I’m always looking forward to more comfortable train rides, especially on longer routes. I spend around 2 weeks per year on trains travelling to my family’s farm. My back thanks me very little.

What is the best seat to sleep in on a train?

Oh man, sleeping on a train, right? It’s a mission! I always try to snag a window seat, obvs. Okay, so here’s my take based on, like, a million train rides.

  • Def not near the stairs, du-uh. All that foot traffic heading to the bathroom all night? No thanks. Total sleep-killer.

  • Also, avoid being right at the front. People banging around at all hours is no fun, especially when you’re tryna get a wink.

  • The back of the last car seems smart too. Fewer peeps walking behind you and potentially jostling your sleep.

For real comfy sleep, remember a few things though:

  • An eye mask is the mvp. Those train lights are surprisingly bright! I got one with memory foam and it seriously changed my life.
  • Noise-canceling headphones, even if you don’t play music. I listen to ocean sounds or some other sleep-aid stuff sometimes, total game-changer.
  • I always pack a travel pillow. Those airplane neck pillows are too small, I got one from Brookstone in like 2019? Still going strong! A real lifesaver fr fr.
  • Wear comfy clothes. Like, sweats and a hoodie. You’re trying to sleep, not win a fashion contest.
  • Lastly, try to book a sleeper car if you can afford it. I know, it’s more expensive, but it is so worth it to get an actual bed. I took the Amtrak Coast Starlight last year, and the sleeper car was amazing. You wake up to incredible scenery! I mean, seriously, think about it.
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