Time, Speed & Distance: Train Problems Made Simple

Train problems are a favourite in Railway exams (obviously!) and carry 2-3 questions. Master these concepts for guaranteed marks.

Basic Formulas

Speed = Distance/Time. Convert km/h to m/s: multiply by 5/18. Convert m/s to km/h: multiply by 18/5. These conversions are the foundation of all train problems.

Types of Train Problems

Train crossing a pole/person: Distance = Length of train. Time = Length/Speed. Train crossing a platform/bridge: Distance = Length of train + Length of platform. Two trains crossing each other: Same direction: Relative speed = |S1-S2|. Opposite direction: Relative speed = S1+S2. Distance = Sum of both train lengths.

Shortcut

For two trains of lengths L1 and L2 moving in opposite direction at speeds S1 and S2: Time to cross = (L1+L2)/(S1+S2). Always convert to same units first. At Vedanti Academy, we solve 10 train problems daily in our Railway batch.