There's nothing worse than finishing work, rushing to the train station and finding you can't get a seat on your 45-minute commute back home.

Instead, you'll have to stand shoulder-to-shoulder, crammed like sardines, next to the receptionist with a head cold and the 18-year-old listening to music so loud that you can identify each song.

For many, this happens several times a week.

And that's not even counting the occasions where the previous train gets cancelled or delayed.

But, fear not. Here is a list of tricks that will help you get a seat when the next 5.30pm service offers standing room only.

Hop on at first-class coach

Taunton Train Station
Taunton Train Station

"When there's a will, there's a way," one commuter told Somerset Live.

One commuter, Dave, who takes a rush-hour train from to Bath to Taunton, says he jumps on the first-class coach when the train arrives at the station as it's nearly always half-empty.

Here, you are less likely to meet dozens of tired commuters trying to get on and off.

From there, you can walk down the quiet arriage towards the standard fare seats.

Most people board on the opposite end, so getting to the vestibule as the last person gets off can give you a great advantage.

"This will help you beat the hordes," he said.

Stand on the platform where the lines are worn

The Great Western Railway train pulls up at platform one
The Great Western Railway train pulls up at platform one


Another commuter, Olivia, told Somerset Live she guarantees herself a seat by positioning herself at just the right spot on the platform.

A bit of strategy goes a long way.

All station platforms in the UK have a safety line drawn about a foot from where the tracks begin.

Its purpose is to ensure people are standing back far enough away from the tracks when the train rolls in.

However, constant footfall on this line often causes it to wear - and the worn bits can tell you where the train most often comes to halt.

By planting yourself in these areas, you stand a better chance at being one of the first people on board, guaranteeing you'll find a place to rest your weary legs.

Look toward the middle of your carriage

A little strategy goes a long way.

When you're in a hurry for work, or you've just finished a long day, the last thing you want to do is queue to get off the train.

As a result, most people tend to crowd the areas around the exits, leaving plenty of empty seats in the middle of most carriages.

Being a distance from the exit may add on a few minutes to your trip, but it will spare you from standing.

Hover by first-class to score an upgrade

Ahhhh, the uncrowded luxury of first class train travel.

Let's be honest, first-class tickets are expensive and they rarely sell out.

That means, while standard fare carriages are rammed, the quaint first-class people carrier is full of unused seats.

It's not unusual to come across an empathetic conductor that will open the doors of first-class and allow seat-less travellers to find a spot.

If you're hovering nearby, you'll be one of the first people to spill over into the lap of luxury.

Reserve a seat

The new railcard gives millennials one-third off rail tickets.


This might seem obvious, but it's an option few people take advantage of.

If you regularly take the train to work and you're tired of standing around for the commute, book your seat in advance.

Most companies allow you to reserve a seat for your leg of the journey, meaning you can take your time getting there with no risk of an unpleasant journey.

Have any travel tips to add? Get in touch by email at or on Twitter @Jillian_MacMath.

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