Essential Train Etiquette Tips for Tourists in Asia

Asian trains are generally quiet, even on long-distance routes. Conversations tend to be brief and spoken at a low volume, and many passengers choose not to talk at all during the journey. Phone calls are usually avoided, and when they are necessary, travelers often keep them short or step into the space between carriages to avoid disturbing others.
Music, videos, and games should always be used with headphones and kept at a low volume. Many passengers silence notification sounds completely, especially on high-speed and intercity trains. As a general rule, if people seated nearby can clearly hear your device, the volume is considered too loud.

Train platforms in Asia are typically well organized, with clear markings showing where passengers should stand and exactly where doors will open. These markings are not decorative — they are actively followed, especially in busy stations and during peak travel times. Passengers line up in advance and wait calmly for the train to arrive.
When doors open, those exiting always have priority. Boarding begins only after the carriage has fully cleared, allowing movement to stay smooth and efficient. Standing directly in front of doors, ignoring queue lines, or pushing forward disrupts this system and is widely viewed as impolite, even if no one says anything directly.

On long-distance and high-speed trains, seating is assigned. Your ticket shows the exact carriage and seat number, and you are expected to remain in that seat for the duration of the journey. Sitting elsewhere, even if a seat appears empty, can lead to confusion when the assigned passenger boards later. Priority seating is clearly marked for elderly passengers, pregnant women, and people with disabilities, and should remain available whenever possible.
When traveling with Tours to Asia, itineraries are designed around the fastest rail connections available, combined with efficient transfers and carefully selected hotels. This approach minimizes unnecessary changes and ensures a smooth, well-paced journey from start to finish.

Crowding is common on urban and commuter trains, particularly during morning and evening rush hours. Even in tight conditions, passengers make an effort to reduce inconvenience to others and move as little as possible.
Backpacks are often removed and held in front of the body or placed near the feet. Arms are kept close, and wide movements are avoided. When standing close to others, people usually face forward rather than directly toward another passenger, which helps maintain a sense of personal space even when physical distance is limited.
These small adjustments are widely understood and appreciated, making crowded rides more comfortable and orderly for everyone onboard.

On long-distance trains, eating is usually allowed and sometimes expected, especially when journeys last several hours. On commuter trains and metro systems, eating may be discouraged or not permitted at all. Regardless of the rules, strong-smelling food should always be avoided, as odors can linger in enclosed carriages.
Passengers are expected to manage their own trash and leave their seating area clean. Bins may be limited or unavailable, so carrying rubbish until disposal is normal practice. Maintaining cleanliness is considered a shared responsibility and an important part of respectful train travel.

In several Asian cultures, feet are considered unclean, which affects how people sit and move on trains. Placing feet on seats, stretching legs toward other passengers, or resting shoes against shared surfaces is seen as disrespectful.
Sitting upright and keeping your posture contained is the safest approach. This is especially important in crowded carriages or on long-distance journeys where people share space for extended periods. Being mindful of posture helps maintain comfort and shows awareness of cultural expectations.

Luggage should never block aisles or doors. On long-distance trains, overhead racks or designated storage areas are provided and should be used whenever possible, especially on popular routes such as the Kyoto–Tokyo high-speed line, where efficient boarding and quick stops depend on clear passageways. On commuter trains, passengers keep bags compact and close to their bodies.
During busy periods, holding luggage vertically or placing it between your feet is common and appreciated. Thoughtful luggage placement helps maintain smooth movement through the carriage and makes boarding and exiting easier for everyone.

Some trains include quiet cars, family cars, or women-only carriages. These are clearly marked on platforms and on train doors, often with symbols or multilingual signage.
Quiet cars, in particular, have stricter expectations regarding conversation and phone use. Accidentally entering the wrong carriage can happen, especially for visitors, but remaining there while ignoring the rules may make other passengers uncomfortable. Checking signage before boarding helps avoid this situation entirely.

Passengers rarely confront each other directly. Politeness is shown through actions rather than words. Lowering your voice, stepping aside without being asked, or offering a seat quickly signals awareness and respect.
Showing frustration openly, raising your voice, or arguing in public is generally frowned upon. If an issue arises, passengers typically approach train staff quietly rather than addressing other travelers directly.