Whether you have been one of the unlucky ones who has been sick on a train or you have watched someone go through the traumatic ordeal when travelling by rail, it’s not a pleasant situation to be in.

Some people are not great travellers, whilst others may have hopped on the train for work in the early hours of the morning and realised they don’t feel too well.

But what happens if you are sick on a train and can you be fined? Let’s see what the experts have to say.

Can I be fined for being sick on a train?

Vomiting on a night tube train, platform or station is not a notifiable offence and is not recorded by Transport for London (TfL) or the British Transport Police (BTP), according to a recent FOI request published on the TfL website.

However, it is an offence to be drunk on a train and you could be served a Penalty Notice for Disorder (PND) if you are drunk or have committed an alcohol-related offence, reports the BTP website.

It adds: “You could also be refused permission to travel if you are drunk.”

How do you not throw up on a train?

“There is plenty of advice out there on combating train sickness, including drinking ginger tea, immersing yourself in your favourite album, or sitting as close to the middle of the train as possible,” recommends the National Railway Blog.

5 tips to help your car fuel last longer

“If that fails, try focussing your gaze on distant objects such as clouds or hills”

You should also make sure to choose a forward-facing seat if possible.

Safety advice issued to rail passengers at UK train stations

BTP has also issued guidance on how to travel safely when at a train station.

Passengers should take note of the following advice:

  • Report unattended bags or suspicious behaviour immediately to a police officer, a member of rail staff, or by calling BTP on 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016; if you have no phone signal and can’t find a police officer or member of staff, use a station help point.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings with you at all times.
  • Avoid listening to headphones as they can prevent you from being aware of what's happening around you.
  • In and around railway stations, avoid poorly lit areas and try to stay in sight of CCTV cameras or close to other people.
  • Always follow instructions from rail staff; stay behind the yellow line on platforms and never cross the tracks.

Find out more information when it comes to travelling safely by rail on the BTP website.