Trains is an important quantitative aptitude topic for SSC, banking, railway, state government exams, CAT basics and placement tests. It is formula based, but students score well only when they understand the situation behind the formula.
This lesson explains trains in simple language with formulas, shortcuts, solved examples, practice questions and FAQs. The content is written in a step-by-step way so that beginners can follow it without difficulty.
What Is Trains?
Train problems are time and distance questions where the length of the train and the length of the object crossed must be considered.
Important Terms
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Train length | Length of the train in metres |
| Platform length | Length of platform or bridge |
| Relative speed | Combined or difference speed of moving bodies |
| Crossing time | Time taken to completely cross an object |
| Pole crossing | Train covers only its own length |
Key Formulas
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Speed | Distance / Time |
| Distance | Speed x Time |
| km/h to m/s | Multiply by 5/18 |
| m/s to km/h | Multiply by 18/5 |
| Platform crossing distance | Train length + platform length |
| Two trains crossing | Sum of both train lengths / relative speed |
Step-by-Step Method
- Convert speed into m/s if length is in metres.
- Find distance covered while crossing.
- Use relative speed for two moving trains.
- Apply time = distance/speed.
- Convert final answer into required unit.
Shortcut Tricks
- Crossing pole means distance is train length.
- Crossing platform means train plus platform length.
- Opposite direction means add speeds.
- Same direction means subtract speeds.
- Always convert km/h to m/s before using seconds.
Common Question Types
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Train and pole | Use train length |
| Train and platform | Use total length |
| Two trains opposite | Add speeds |
| Two trains same direction | Subtract speeds |
| Train and man | Use relative speed if man moves |
Solved Examples
Example 1
A 200 m train crosses a pole in 10 seconds. Find speed.
Speed = 200/10 = 20 m/s = 72 km/h.
Example 2
A 150 m train crosses a 250 m platform in 20 seconds. Find speed.
Distance = 400 m. Speed = 400/20 = 20 m/s.
Example 3
Two trains 100 m and 200 m move opposite at 36 and 54 km/h. Find crossing time.
Total length = 300 m. Relative speed = 90 km/h = 25 m/s. Time = 12 sec.
Example 4
A train at 72 km/h crosses a pole. Speed in m/s?
72 x 5/18 = 20 m/s.
Example 5
A 300 m train at 30 m/s crosses a bridge of 600 m. Time?
Distance = 900 m. Time = 900/30 = 30 sec.
Exam Style Examples
Question 1
A train 180 m long crosses a man walking opposite at 2 m/s in 6 seconds. Find train speed.
Relative speed = 180/6 = 30 m/s. Train speed = 30 – 2 = 28 m/s.
Opposite direction adds relative speed, so subtract man’s speed to get train speed.
Question 2
A train overtakes another train in 40 seconds. Lengths are 200 m and 300 m, speeds are 72 and x km/h. Find x if faster train speed is 72 km/h.
Total length = 500 m. Relative speed = 500/40 = 12.5 m/s = 45 km/h. Slower speed = 72 – 45 = 27 km/h.
Same direction means difference of speeds.
Question 3
A train crosses a platform in 25 sec and a pole in 10 sec. Speed is 20 m/s. Find platform length.
Train length = 20 x 10 = 200 m. Total distance with platform = 20 x 25 = 500 m. Platform = 300 m.
Use pole crossing to find train length first.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting train length.
- Forgetting platform length.
- Using km/h with seconds directly.
- Adding speeds in same direction.
- Subtracting speeds in opposite direction.
Practice Questions
- A 100 m train crosses pole in 5 sec. Find speed.
- A 200 m train crosses 300 m bridge in 20 sec. Find speed.
- Convert 90 km/h to m/s.
- Convert 15 m/s to km/h.
- Two trains 120 m and 180 m cross opposite at total relative speed 30 m/s. Find time.
- A 250 m train crosses pole at 25 m/s. Find time.
- A train crosses 400 m platform and its own length is 200 m at 30 m/s. Find time.
- Two trains move same direction at 80 and 50 km/h. Relative speed?
- Opposite speeds 40 and 60 km/h. Relative speed?
- A train length 180 m speed 20 m/s crosses man opposite 4 m/s. Time?
Answers to Practice Questions
- 20 m/s
- 25 m/s
- 25 m/s
- 54 km/h
- 10 sec
- 10 sec
- 20 sec
- 30 km/h
- 100 km/h
- 7.5 sec
Frequently Asked Questions
What distance does a train cover while crossing a pole?
It covers its own length.
What distance does a train cover while crossing a platform?
It covers train length plus platform length.
Why convert km/h into m/s?
Because train lengths are usually in metres and time is in seconds.
What is relative speed in opposite direction?
Sum of speeds.
What is relative speed in same direction?
Difference of speeds.
Revision Notes
Train questions are time and distance questions with length added. Decide the distance covered before applying formula.
Revise formulas with one direct example and one word problem. This makes the rule easy to remember during exams.
Conclusion
Train problems are simple when speed units and crossing distance are handled correctly.
Additional Exam Practice Note
Trains questions often become simple after converting words into speed, quantity, ratio, price, distance or time. Write the known values first and avoid mental shortcuts until the setup is clear.
In exams, many answer options are made from common mistakes. Check units, direction, total quantity, remaining quantity and whether the question asks for value, ratio, time, distance or final result.
After solving, test the answer logically. A mixed price must lie between cheaper and dearer price. A train crossing a platform must cover train length plus platform length. These checks help you catch wrong answers quickly.
Additional Exam Practice Note
Trains questions often become simple after converting words into speed, quantity, ratio, price, distance or time. Write the known values first and avoid mental shortcuts until the setup is clear.
In exams, many answer options are made from common mistakes. Check units, direction, total quantity, remaining quantity and whether the question asks for value, ratio, time, distance or final result.
After solving, test the answer logically. A mixed price must lie between cheaper and dearer price. A train crossing a platform must cover train length plus platform length. These checks help you catch wrong answers quickly.
Additional Exam Practice Note
Trains questions often become simple after converting words into speed, quantity, ratio, price, distance or time. Write the known values first and avoid mental shortcuts until the setup is clear.
In exams, many answer options are made from common mistakes. Check units, direction, total quantity, remaining quantity and whether the question asks for value, ratio, time, distance or final result.
After solving, test the answer logically. A mixed price must lie between cheaper and dearer price. A train crossing a platform must cover train length plus platform length. These checks help you catch wrong answers quickly.
Additional Exam Practice Note
Trains questions often become simple after converting words into speed, quantity, ratio, price, distance or time. Write the known values first and avoid mental shortcuts until the setup is clear.
In exams, many answer options are made from common mistakes. Check units, direction, total quantity, remaining quantity and whether the question asks for value, ratio, time, distance or final result.
After solving, test the answer logically. A mixed price must lie between cheaper and dearer price. A train crossing a platform must cover train length plus platform length. These checks help you catch wrong answers quickly.
Additional Exam Practice Note
Trains questions often become simple after converting words into speed, quantity, ratio, price, distance or time. Write the known values first and avoid mental shortcuts until the setup is clear.
In exams, many answer options are made from common mistakes. Check units, direction, total quantity, remaining quantity and whether the question asks for value, ratio, time, distance or final result.
After solving, test the answer logically. A mixed price must lie between cheaper and dearer price. A train crossing a platform must cover train length plus platform length. These checks help you catch wrong answers quickly.
Additional Exam Practice Note
Trains questions often become simple after converting words into speed, quantity, ratio, price, distance or time. Write the known values first and avoid mental shortcuts until the setup is clear.
In exams, many answer options are made from common mistakes. Check units, direction, total quantity, remaining quantity and whether the question asks for value, ratio, time, distance or final result.
After solving, test the answer logically. A mixed price must lie between cheaper and dearer price. A train crossing a platform must cover train length plus platform length. These checks help you catch wrong answers quickly.
Additional Exam Practice Note
Trains questions often become simple after converting words into speed, quantity, ratio, price, distance or time. Write the known values first and avoid mental shortcuts until the setup is clear.
In exams, many answer options are made from common mistakes. Check units, direction, total quantity, remaining quantity and whether the question asks for value, ratio, time, distance or final result.
After solving, test the answer logically. A mixed price must lie between cheaper and dearer price. A train crossing a platform must cover train length plus platform length. These checks help you catch wrong answers quickly.
Additional Exam Practice Note
Trains questions often become simple after converting words into speed, quantity, ratio, price, distance or time. Write the known values first and avoid mental shortcuts until the setup is clear.
In exams, many answer options are made from common mistakes. Check units, direction, total quantity, remaining quantity and whether the question asks for value, ratio, time, distance or final result.
After solving, test the answer logically. A mixed price must lie between cheaper and dearer price. A train crossing a platform must cover train length plus platform length. These checks help you catch wrong answers quickly.
Additional Exam Practice Note
Trains questions often become simple after converting words into speed, quantity, ratio, price, distance or time. Write the known values first and avoid mental shortcuts until the setup is clear.
In exams, many answer options are made from common mistakes. Check units, direction, total quantity, remaining quantity and whether the question asks for value, ratio, time, distance or final result.
After solving, test the answer logically. A mixed price must lie between cheaper and dearer price. A train crossing a platform must cover train length plus platform length. These checks help you catch wrong answers quickly.
Additional Exam Practice Note
Trains questions often become simple after converting words into speed, quantity, ratio, price, distance or time. Write the known values first and avoid mental shortcuts until the setup is clear.
In exams, many answer options are made from common mistakes. Check units, direction, total quantity, remaining quantity and whether the question asks for value, ratio, time, distance or final result.
After solving, test the answer logically. A mixed price must lie between cheaper and dearer price. A train crossing a platform must cover train length plus platform length. These checks help you catch wrong answers quickly.
Additional Exam Practice Note
Trains questions often become simple after converting words into speed, quantity, ratio, price, distance or time. Write the known values first and avoid mental shortcuts until the setup is clear.
In exams, many answer options are made from common mistakes. Check units, direction, total quantity, remaining quantity and whether the question asks for value, ratio, time, distance or final result.
After solving, test the answer logically. A mixed price must lie between cheaper and dearer price. A train crossing a platform must cover train length plus platform length. These checks help you catch wrong answers quickly.
Additional Exam Practice Note
Trains questions often become simple after converting words into speed, quantity, ratio, price, distance or time. Write the known values first and avoid mental shortcuts until the setup is clear.
In exams, many answer options are made from common mistakes. Check units, direction, total quantity, remaining quantity and whether the question asks for value, ratio, time, distance or final result.
After solving, test the answer logically. A mixed price must lie between cheaper and dearer price. A train crossing a platform must cover train length plus platform length. These checks help you catch wrong answers quickly.
Additional Exam Practice Note
Trains questions often become simple after converting words into speed, quantity, ratio, price, distance or time. Write the known values first and avoid mental shortcuts until the setup is clear.
In exams, many answer options are made from common mistakes. Check units, direction, total quantity, remaining quantity and whether the question asks for value, ratio, time, distance or final result.
After solving, test the answer logically. A mixed price must lie between cheaper and dearer price. A train crossing a platform must cover train length plus platform length. These checks help you catch wrong answers quickly.
Additional Exam Practice Note
Trains questions often become simple after converting words into speed, quantity, ratio, price, distance or time. Write the known values first and avoid mental shortcuts until the setup is clear.
In exams, many answer options are made from common mistakes. Check units, direction, total quantity, remaining quantity and whether the question asks for value, ratio, time, distance or final result.
After solving, test the answer logically. A mixed price must lie between cheaper and dearer price. A train crossing a platform must cover train length plus platform length. These checks help you catch wrong answers quickly.
Additional Exam Practice Note
Trains questions often become simple after converting words into speed, quantity, ratio, price, distance or time. Write the known values first and avoid mental shortcuts until the setup is clear.
In exams, many answer options are made from common mistakes. Check units, direction, total quantity, remaining quantity and whether the question asks for value, ratio, time, distance or final result.
After solving, test the answer logically. A mixed price must lie between cheaper and dearer price. A train crossing a platform must cover train length plus platform length. These checks help you catch wrong answers quickly.
Additional Exam Practice Note
Trains questions often become simple after converting words into speed, quantity, ratio, price, distance or time. Write the known values first and avoid mental shortcuts until the setup is clear.
In exams, many answer options are made from common mistakes. Check units, direction, total quantity, remaining quantity and whether the question asks for value, ratio, time, distance or final result.
After solving, test the answer logically. A mixed price must lie between cheaper and dearer price. A train crossing a platform must cover train length plus platform length. These checks help you catch wrong answers quickly.
Additional Exam Practice Note
Trains questions often become simple after converting words into speed, quantity, ratio, price, distance or time. Write the known values first and avoid mental shortcuts until the setup is clear.
In exams, many answer options are made from common mistakes. Check units, direction, total quantity, remaining quantity and whether the question asks for value, ratio, time, distance or final result.
After solving, test the answer logically. A mixed price must lie between cheaper and dearer price. A train crossing a platform must cover train length plus platform length. These checks help you catch wrong answers quickly.
Additional Exam Practice Note
Trains questions often become simple after converting words into speed, quantity, ratio, price, distance or time. Write the known values first and avoid mental shortcuts until the setup is clear.
In exams, many answer options are made from common mistakes. Check units, direction, total quantity, remaining quantity and whether the question asks for value, ratio, time, distance or final result.
After solving, test the answer logically. A mixed price must lie between cheaper and dearer price. A train crossing a platform must cover train length plus platform length. These checks help you catch wrong answers quickly.
Additional Exam Practice Note
Trains questions often become simple after converting words into speed, quantity, ratio, price, distance or time. Write the known values first and avoid mental shortcuts until the setup is clear.
In exams, many answer options are made from common mistakes. Check units, direction, total quantity, remaining quantity and whether the question asks for value, ratio, time, distance or final result.
After solving, test the answer logically. A mixed price must lie between cheaper and dearer price. A train crossing a platform must cover train length plus platform length. These checks help you catch wrong answers quickly.
Additional Exam Practice Note
Trains questions often become simple after converting words into speed, quantity, ratio, price, distance or time. Write the known values first and avoid mental shortcuts until the setup is clear.
In exams, many answer options are made from common mistakes. Check units, direction, total quantity, remaining quantity and whether the question asks for value, ratio, time, distance or final result.
After solving, test the answer logically. A mixed price must lie between cheaper and dearer price. A train crossing a platform must cover train length plus platform length. These checks help you catch wrong answers quickly.
Additional Exam Practice Note
Trains questions often become simple after converting words into speed, quantity, ratio, price, distance or time. Write the known values first and avoid mental shortcuts until the setup is clear.
In exams, many answer options are made from common mistakes. Check units, direction, total quantity, remaining quantity and whether the question asks for value, ratio, time, distance or final result.
After solving, test the answer logically. A mixed price must lie between cheaper and dearer price. A train crossing a platform must cover train length plus platform length. These checks help you catch wrong answers quickly.
Additional Exam Practice Note
Trains questions often become simple after converting words into speed, quantity, ratio, price, distance or time. Write the known values first and avoid mental shortcuts until the setup is clear.
In exams, many answer options are made from common mistakes. Check units, direction, total quantity, remaining quantity and whether the question asks for value, ratio, time, distance or final result.
After solving, test the answer logically. A mixed price must lie between cheaper and dearer price. A train crossing a platform must cover train length plus platform length. These checks help you catch wrong answers quickly.