Is hitching a train illegal?

Freighthopping or trainhopping is the act of surreptitiously boarding and riding a freightcar, which is usually illegal.



Yes, hitching a ride on a train—often called "train hopping" or "freight hopping"—is illegal in the United States, Europe, and most other developed regions. In the U.S., it is primarily classified as trespassing on railroad property, which is a criminal offense. Railroad companies like Union Pacific and BNSF employ their own "Railroad Police" to patrol yards and tracks specifically to catch and remove stowaways. Beyond the legal consequences, which can include heavy fines or jail time, it is incredibly dangerous; thousands of people have been injured or killed attempting to board moving freight cars or by being crushed by shifting cargo. In 2026, modern security technology, including infrared cameras and motion sensors in rail yards, has made it even harder to "hop" a train without being detected. While romanticized in "hobo" folklore and social media "adventure" videos, the reality is a high-risk activity that involves breaking federal laws and risking life and limb for a mode of transport that is neither reliable nor comfortable.

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Freighthopping or trainhopping is the act of surreptitiously boarding and riding a freightcar, which is usually illegal.

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It is trespassing and illegal, and you will be subject to arrest if caught. Due to vandalism and theft from shipments, railroad security is more observant than ever. Not to mention increased post-9/11 surveillance… Try Amtrak if you want to ride a train….

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Freighthopping or trainhopping is the act of surreptitiously boarding and riding a freightcar, which is usually illegal.

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It should elicit a fine of a couple hundred dollars, but it could land you a month (or more) in jail and a fine in the ballpark of $1,000. CLICK HERE for more of Esquire's Guide to Minor Transgressions!

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The era of the freight train-hopping, job-seeking hobo faded into obscurity in the years following the Second World War. Many hobos from this era have since “caught the westbound,” or died. A small number of so-called hobos still hop freight trains today.

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If you want to leave a train during it's motion (for example, to avoid a catching by the police at the station), get to the lowest footrest of car, face forward to direction of movement, than jump to the side off the train and run after a contact with land surface.

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TRESPASSING: In most states, it is illegal to cross train tracks at any other place than a railroad crossing. Train tracks and the property near them are owned by the railroad company, and most of the railroad companies post No Trespassing signs prohibiting being on their property at any time.

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Walking on or beside railroad tracks is illegal. The only safe place to cross tracks is at designated public crossings with a crossbuck, flashing red lights or a gate. Crossing anywhere else is illegal.

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Train surfing is illegal on most railways in the world, with some exceptions. Many railroad companies usually take a zero tolerance policy to practice of riding on exterior parts of trains, and employ railway police and guards in an attempt to prevent the practice.

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I am a professional hobo. I have been hopping freight trains since 1989 and have ridden over 330,000 miles of steel since my very first hop out on the rails. Canada, USA and Mexico are my usual hopping grounds.

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As far as I'm aware, there's no legal limit. Passenger trains do not normally exceed 12 cars (around 900 feet, dependent on rolling stock type), but many are much shorter than this.

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