How do you know where to sit on a train?

Decoding the Train Seat: Finding Your Perfect View

Choosing a seat on a train can feel like navigating a minefield. Will you be facing the right way? Will you be stuck next to a noisy engine? Fortunately, there’s a simple trick to finding the best spot for your journey: follow the locomotive.

The locomotive, the engine of the train, is your key to understanding the direction of travel. Simply locate it – usually at the front of the train, though some articulated trains have engines at both ends – and you’ve immediately established the direction your train is heading.

Once you know the direction, the next step is choosing your side. As a general rule of thumb, the left-hand side (as you face the direction of travel) offers the most scenic views. This is because, in many countries, the majority of train routes are designed with this in mind, placing the left side closer to the most interesting landscapes, be it mountains, coastlines, or urban panoramas.

Of course, this isn’t an absolute law. There are exceptions. Certain routes, particularly those with scenic viewpoints on both sides, may not follow this convention. Some heritage railways or routes specifically designed for certain views might deliberately reverse this pattern. Local knowledge can be invaluable in these cases; check online forums or local transportation websites for specifics about a particular route if you’re unsure.

However, for the vast majority of journeys, the “left-hand rule” remains a highly reliable starting point. By utilizing this simple technique, you can significantly increase your chances of securing a seat offering a memorable view, maximizing your enjoyment of the journey. So, next time you board a train, take a moment to locate the engine, and choose your seat accordingly. Happy travels!