When choosing a seat on a train, try to get one in the center-most car, or one of the central cars. This will put you as far as possible from the most common points of issue for collisions or derailment, namely the front and end of the train.

Statistically, the safest location on a train during a derailment or collision is one or two cars behind the middle of the train. Conventional wisdom and NTSB data suggest that the lead car is the most dangerous in a head-on collision or if the train hits an object on the tracks, as it absorbs the primary impact. Conversely, the very last car is the most vulnerable in the event of a rear-end collision. By sitting in the middle-rear section, you are furthest from both potential impact points. Inside the car, aisle seats are generally safer than window seats to avoid being thrown against or through glass, and rear-facing seats are preferred as they support the body during a sudden deceleration, preventing you from being propelled forward. Safety experts also advise avoiding the "café car" for long periods, as the rigid tables can become hazardous "flying objects" during an accident. While train travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation in 2026, choosing a seat in the "center-mass" of the train's length provides the maximum "crumple zone" protection for the passenger.