If you've booked a ticket for a long-distance train ride, you'll usually have to choose your carriage and seat ahead of time. However, it's quite common to forget which carriage and seat you've selected.
Don't worry, there are several simple ways to find out, and you can do this either before you get to the station or while you're there.
The easiest way to find out your carriage and seat number is by checking the e-ticket you received after booking. This e-ticket is typically sent to your email. Make sure to check the email that contains your e-ticket for all the necessary details.
If you used an app to book your ticket, like KAI Access or Traveloka, the e-ticket information is usually stored there as well. In the KAI Access app, for example, you can find this information under the "My Tickets" menu.
Your e-ticket will clearly show the carriage and seat numbers you've chosen. So if you and your partner chose seats in the executive carriage number 5 with seat numbers 4A and 4B, it will be stated on your e-ticket.
Another way to confirm your carriage and seat number is to check your boarding pass. If you have printed it out at the station or saved an electronic version on your phone, the boarding pass will display this information.
The format on the boarding pass is similar to that on the e-ticket. It usually lists the type and number of the carriage first, followed by the seat number. The type of carriage may be abbreviated, though.
For example, an executive carriage might be written as "EKS-5," followed by the seat number, like 4A.
If your train has already arrived at the station, the next step is to identify your carriage. Go to the platform where your train is stopping, based on the information provided by station staff or displayed on information boards.
When you reach the train, you'll see numbers next to each door of every carriage. These numbers indicate the carriage number and often the class or type as well
Some trains also display seat numbers closest to the doors, which is handy if you have a lot of luggage and want to minimize walking inside the carriage.
In addition to numbers near the doors, some modern trains have LED displays in the center of the carriage that show the carriage number. However, this feature is not available on all trains.
If you're running out of time and the train is about to leave, it's best to board any carriage to ensure you don't miss the train.
Once you're onboard, you can walk from one carriage to the next until you find the right one. The carriages are usually interconnected, making it easy to move around.
Inside each carriage, you'll see information about its type and number, usually displayed above the entrances and next to the doors. Use this information to find the carriage that matches the details on your boarding pass or e-ticket.
Once you've located your carriage, the final step is to find your seat. The seat numbers are usually displayed above the windows or below the overhead luggage compartments.
Seats often come with descriptions like "window" or "aisle," indicating their location within the carriage. Make sure to sit in the seat that matches the information on your boarding pass or e-ticket, as sitting in the wrong seat could lead to a warning from the train conductor.
These are straightforward ways to find your carriage and seat number on a train. If you're having difficulty locating either, don't hesitate to ask the train staff for assistance. Their job is to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable journey, and they are usually more than happy to help.
