Tales from the Train: The Funniest Characters I’ve Met

Tales from the Train: The Funniest Characters I’ve Met

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — enough to fund my next ridiculous train ride and snack haul. Thanks for keeping my travel stories alive!

All Aboard the Laugh Train

Traveling by train is a vibe. It’s where luxury meets local chaos, and you never quite know who’ll plop into the seat next to you. Over the years, my train adventures have introduced me to some of the funniest, quirkiest, and most unforgettable characters — and today, I’m spilling the tea (and possibly some overpriced train station coffee).

If you're booking your own scenic rail escape soon, check out Aviasales for cheap routes and Airalo to stay connected on the go (trust me, you’ll want to Google “can you survive solely on train café sandwiches”).

The Guy with 14 Cats in His Backpack

On a cross-country journey from Vienna to Prague, I met a man with fourteen cats. In. His. Backpack. He was a traveling pet psychic (or so he claimed), and offered to “read the aura” of my seatmate’s sandwich. I kid you not.

Pro tip: If you ever find yourself seated by a traveling pet whisperer, be polite — and book your transport ahead using GetTransfer to avoid last-minute feline surprises.

The TikTok Granny

Somewhere between Paris and Milan, a 78-year-old woman named Lucille taught me how to do viral TikTok dances. She had 1.2 million followers and wore platform sneakers. Absolute legend.

If you dream of meeting random train station influencers, snag a rail ticket through Trip.com and use Radical Storage to stash your luggage while you hit those viral moves.

The Karaoke Couple

On a night train to Barcelona, a couple from Manchester set up a portable karaoke machine. By midnight, our entire car was belting “Sweet Caroline.” It was both horrifying and beautiful.

Hot tip: Always have noise-canceling headphones (and a getaway plan). Book an affordable escape car with EconomyBookings or a scooter via BikesBooking for the next morning.

Epic Rail Hacks I Swear By

• VisitorsCoverage Travel Insurance for those “what if the karaoke couple starts a conga line at 2 a.m.” moments.
  
  

• Kiwitaxi for private rides from train stations so you don’t end up hitching a ride with a man who owns fourteen cats.
  
  

• Drimsim for global SIM cards so you can message your friends the wild updates in real time.
  
  

Where to Stay After These Encounters

Once you’ve survived the train characters, treat yourself to a comfy stay with Hotellook or try a quirky local rental via LocalRent.

Feeling bold? Check out G Adventures Antarctica Cruises if your appetite for odd travel stories extends to the ends of the earth

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Final Note: This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Every click helps me find more karaoke couples and TikTok grannies around the world. Thanks for your support, friend!

“Liked this? Check out my post about When Your GPS Lies: Adventures in Wrong Turns” for more travel mishaps.