Listen to a passing train
How loud is a passing train?
A passing train is about 90 dB, with a typical range of 80–100 dB. At about 15 m from the track.
That is about 8 times as loud to the ear as normal conversation and 1e+03 times the sound energy.
Can it damage your hearing?
Yes, with enough exposure. At 90 dBA, NIOSH recommends a daily limit of 2.5 hours; at the top of the range (100 dB) it is 15 minutes. Wear earplugs or earmuffs, keep your distance and limit time near the source.
How sound level changes with distance
Decibel figures always depend on distance. For a small source in open air, every doubling of distance lowers the level by about 6 dB; indoors, reflections reduce that drop. Use the sound-vs-distance calculator to estimate the level where you are.
Sounds as loud as a passing train
High-power blenders crushing ice are the loudest.90 dBDiesel truck
At about 15 m.90 dBDog barking
Large breeds barking at close range can exceed 100 dB.90 dBJet hand dryer
A 2019 study measured up to 110 dB at a child's ear height.90 dBLarge waterfall
Standing near the plunge pool of a big fall.90 dBLeaf blower
Backpack gas blowers are the loudest; battery models are quieter.90 dBPiano (played loudly)
Fortissimo chords near the instrument.90 dBViolin (at the player's ear)
Violinists' left ears receive more sound than the audience.
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 84 dBA | 10.1 hours | 18.4 hours |
| 87 dBA | 5.0 hours | 12.1 hours |
| 90 dBA | 2.5 hours | 8.0 hours |
| 93 dBA | 1.3 hours | 5.3 hours |
| 96 dBA | 38 minutes | 3.5 hours |
NIOSH: 85 dBA for 8 hours with a 3 dB exchange rate; OSHA: 90 dBA for 8 hours with a 5 dB exchange rate. General information, not medical advice – see a hearing professional about ringing ears, muffled hearing or pain.
More recordings elsewhere
- Train passing by in the Wirikuta Desert (Mexico, SLP) by felix.blume – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Train Passing, Left to Right, B.wav by InspectorJ – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- Train Passing, Close, Right to Left, B.wav by InspectorJ – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- Train Passing, Close, Left to Right, A.wav by InspectorJ – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- Train Passing, Close, Right to Left, A.wav by InspectorJ – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
Frequently asked questions
How many decibels is a passing train?
About 90 dB, with a typical range of 80–100 dB.
Is a passing train louder than a jet engine?
No – a jet engine at takeoff is about 140 dB at 30 m, while a passing train is about 90 dB.
How are these levels measured?
With a sound level meter, usually A-weighted (dBA) to match human hearing. Published figures depend on distance and conditions, so treat them as typical values.
Sources & credits
- Typical values compiled from CDC, NIOSH and ASHA noise charts
- Train passing by in the Wirikuta Desert (Mexico, SLP) by https://freesound.org/people/felix.blume/ – CC0 1.0
- Freight train passes Phelan, startles Canadian geese by Extemporalist – CC0 1.0