The Train Travellers Spotting Guide

Trains and train stations are a fascinating place for people watching, all the hustle and bustle of a busy station, there are always a mismatch of characters from all walks of life coming together for a journey. It’s one moment where everyone is going to the same place at the same time but for completely different reasons. When you next travel by train take a moment to stop and really look around you. It’s not just a platform of strangers but a whole host of different individuals with their own lives and stories to tell but with one thing in common — the journey ahead. When you travel by train take this handy train travel spotter guide and look out for these ten travel types:

1. The Last Minuters

No one plans to run late yet there will always be a couple of people you see rushing through the station careering round corners and very nearly crashing into people. What must be most frustrating for them is that their platform is always the one that is furthest from the entrance. Best to keep clear of these runners before they collide into you.

2. The Airport Runners

This group are always clearly labelled by the huge suitcases they are carrying around and the strange summer clothing they are wearing all year round. Don’t forget the footwear as well, either comfortable sandals or brand new white trainers bought especially for the trip. A bonus is that you don’t need to check the direction of the train to work out whether this group are heading to the airport to go on holiday or are coming home, the pale excited happy ones are on their way to sunnier times whereas the tomato ones that are ratty and miserable are definitely heading home and back to work.

3. The Officer Workers

Guaranteed to look the smartest and the most run down. Taking the same train and at the same time each day these are the people who never need to ask where the train stops or where the nearest toilet or coffee stands are. This group has the journey so well-rehearsed most can do it in their sleep, and do.

4. Football Supporters

Generally seen to travel in packs in a mismatched uniform of colourful shirts and scarfs. These travellers are most common at the weekends and are mostly seen as a rowdy lot; if you have a beady eye you may even spot them being watched or even herded by transport police. A very entertaining sight.

5. Little Old Lady Pair

One of the more cute sights on the platform, this traveller is often in the company of another similar to herself. Often on their way to visit other friends or having "a little trip out." It is particularly nice to discover one who is visiting her nephew or granddaughter. They are often particularly proud of them and you know they are going to have a jolly old time.

6. Sleepy Travellers

These come in all shapes and sizes, some are young children laid out in parents arms tired after a long day, others are fully grown and slouched in a corner. It’s always a guess about how they have become so tired, but if they are alone it is quite a risk for them to have fallen asleep, hopefully they won’t miss their stop.

7. Beer Bellied Drunks

Mainly found congregating around the nearest pub/bar at the station, these fellas are often a happy group normally out celebrating something, any excuse for a pint. They will mostly stay around the bar until they really have to board the train, and will as a rule take a can or two on board with them to stay topped up for the journey.

8. The Upset Traveller

This can often be a sad sight; there are so many problems that people have in the world and it’s rare that we get an insight into issues people around us are facing. On trains however, for many, it’s a time where thoughts and problems of the day play around in our heads. On each trip there is nearly always someone who sits looking so sad and lost, it is most heart breaking when they cry quietly as well. If you are feeling brave, a kind word might be all they need but in case they would rather be left alone, a supporting smile might be the best thing to offer them.

9. The Lost Ones

When you don’t travel regularly a train station can become quite confusing with trains zipping in and out of the station making different stops on the same line. Even though the train says "Liverpool" on the front there is always someone running round looking for a staff member to check that this train does stop at Liverpool — just in case. And then will ask other passengers on the train whether it stops in Liverpool — again just in case.

10. The Lovers

A heart-warming scene plays out daily in train stations a tradition that’s as old as time, or at least as old as train stations. The loving couple who have to say goodbye, that final kiss that final embrace. It’s a beautiful scene with so much emotion to it. Don’t ever scoff at them for being pathetic or disgusting for kissing in public, who knows why they are separating who knows if they will see one another again. Each couple have their own story no one knows what they have been through together, but train stations will always be home to emotional partings and reunions.

Ten common travellers that make their way through train stations all across Britain every day. Keep your eyes peeled when you next travel and see how many you can spot. And have a little think as well, which one are you?