Are trains loud while riding in them?

Question

Obviously, they are loud when they go by, but is it that loud when you are riding on it? Can you listen to an ipod or something and actually hear it? And, is there a plug or something so you can plug in a laptop or cell phone charger if needed?

Answer 1

OK Iam from the UK   trains are quiet to ride in except in a tunnel   Here you can eat and drink  ... some have  computer plugs   Luggage keep it with you .. muggings much as in the street  or a big store seldom  just in the wrong place at the wrong time ...   Enjoy

Answer 2

Amtrak coaches are amazingly quiet - upstairs, especially.

There's no engine noise, since the engine is way down at the locomotive.  (or the car is electric).  

Subway trains can be very loud especially going through tunnels.  I find BART downright deafening.

Answer 3

They are not too loud when you are in them. I was able to listen to music and read without noise distractions. If you have your window down it might be a bit noisier but not bad. Some of the trains i have been on have had outlets, and others havent. they are a great way to travel; you will get to see a lot of cool things and they are comfortable.  If you are spending the night on one though, lock your cabin door because train roberies are common.

Answer 4

I've never ridden an Amtrak train, but my understanding is that their coaches are sealed up pretty tightly. The windows don't open, the doors stay closed, and the running gear is designed for a smooth ride. In general, Amtrak runs on welded rail, so except for the switches, you shouldn't get much noise from the tracks either. Another Amtrak bonus is HEP, which stands for head end power. Instead of having diesel generators underneath the coaches, electricity is supplied by larger units in the locomotives. And, since the baggage cars are sandwiched between the locomotives and the coaches, you shouldn't get much engine noise.

Answer 5

If your near the engine, and on old train, yes.

Electric high speed trains only give a humming sound. Diesel trains get on my f****** nerves as they're so loud

Answer 6

In the case of Amtrak, which operates train in the U.S., they are relatively quiet inside--the windows don't open and the ends of cars are joined together, which blocks out the noise.

Again for Amtrak, there are plugs but not in every coach row.  If you book a compartment, there will be a plug.

UPDATE

To answer your additional questions, and again assuming you're talking about train travel in the United States...

--There are no robberies, such as in the movies, where someone attacks the trains.  It is possible that for a personal item to be stolen if left unattended, so take your purse with you when you walk around the train.

--Checked baggage will be safe.  No need to worry about it.

--You can take your own food with you, but Amtrak asks that you consume it at your own seat.  Depending upon the train, Amtrak has trains that offer full service dining cars, snack cars, and lounge cars with a snack bar.

Answer 7

You'll be surprised how quiet it is except for going over switches.A switch has a part called a frog that can be rough and noisy when the wheels pass over it.Some have outlets but i'm not sure if they all do.

Answer 8

The passenger compartment is isolated from the wheels and track. So..it should not be loud. Is the airplane loud when you're riding in them...same principal.

Answer 9

Aussie trains, quiet inside all you hear is clanking of the tracks, you can deffinatly listen to music...cept theres no power points..