What is a gangway on a train?

A gangway is the flexible connector between two train cars that allows passengers to walk from one coach to another. It protects people from the outside weather, noise, and wind while the train is moving.

Is it safe to stand in the gangway of a moving train?

On modern 'open gangway' trains (like many metros), it is perfectly safe and designed for standing. However, on older trains with narrow bellows and heavy doors, it is generally not recommended to linger in the gangway due to the shifting floor plates and noise.

Why do some trains have open gangways?

Open gangways increase the train's capacity by turning the connection space into usable standing room. They also improve passenger distribution (people can move away from crowded doors) and enhance security by eliminating isolated corners.

How do gangways work on high-speed trains?

High-speed train gangways are sophisticated systems that must be airtight. They prevent sudden pressure changes (shock waves) from entering the cabin when the train passes through tunnels, ensuring passenger comfort.

Bridging the Gap: The Critical Role of Railway Gangways

How do passengers walk safely between speeding train cars? Discover the engineering behind the Gangway—the flexible bridge ensuring connectivity and protection.

December 10, 2025 1:19 pm

What is a Railway Gangway?

A Gangway (or Inter-car Gangway) is the flexible connector located between two railway coaches. It creates a continuous, protected bridge that allows passengers and crew to move safely from one carriage to another while the train is in motion. Beyond simple passage, the gangway acts as a critical environmental seal, protecting the interior from weather, noise, and aerodynamic pressure changes.

Evolution: From Bellows to Open Space

Historically, gangways were simple canvas bellows protected by heavy steel doors at the end of each car. Today, the technology has evolved into two distinct categories:

Sealed Gangways (High-Speed): On trains like the ICE or Shinkansen, gangways must be hermetically sealed to maintain air pressure when entering tunnels, preventing “ear popping” for passengers.
Wide Open Gangways (Metro/Commuter): Modern urban trains use full-width gangways without doors. This creates a single, long “snake-like” interior, improving passenger flow, visibility, and security.

Comparison: Traditional vs. Open Gangway

The design of the gangway significantly impacts the passenger experience and train capacity.

Feature	Traditional Gangway (With Doors)	Wide Open Gangway (Walk-through)
Separation	Coaches are distinct units separated by doors.	The train is one continuous open tube.
Capacity	Lower (Standing in the connection is difficult).	Higher (Standing area is fully usable).
Noise/Climate	Zones are isolated; better for quiet carriages.	Air and sound circulate through the whole train.
Security	Isolated areas (harder to monitor).	High visibility (CCTV can see through the train).

Safety and Fire Barriers

Gangways are not just rubber bellows; they are complex safety devices. They must be fire-resistant (often complying with EN 45545 standards) to prevent a fire in one car from spreading to the next. In many articulated trains, the gangway is located directly above the Jacobs Bogie, meaning it must accommodate complex twisting and turning movements without tearing or exposing the passengers to the track below.