Train Timetable Practice Test Worksheets
Train timetable questions ask you to match a station, train number and time. The key is to read down the correct station row, then compare times against the arrival or departure condition in the question.
For students who can read times, but get stuck comparing departures, arrivals, waiting times, and journey lengths.
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What Do Train Timetable Questions Look Like?
Train timetable questions present a schedule showing several trains stopping at intermediate stations along a route. You are given a journey condition, such as reaching a destination by a certain deadline or catching the first train after a specified time, and must identify the correct train or arrival time. Here is a worked example.
Choose a Train by Arrival Time
Question: Ravi needs to be at Riverside by 10:00. What is the latest train they can catch from Colwyn Gardens?
Worked Method
Step 1: Look along the Riverside row because the deadline is at Riverside.
Step 2: Train 1 arrives at 09:36 and Train 2 arrives at 09:56. Both are by 10:00.
Step 3: Train 3 arrives at 10:16, which is too late.
Answer: The latest valid choice is Train 2.
Rules to Help You Solve Train Timetable Questions
The source papers test train choice, latest departures, journey durations and careful before/by wording:
🚉 Rule 1: Find the destination row first
For deadline questions, check the arrival time at the destination station. “By 10:00” includes an arrival at 10:00; “before 10:00” means strictly earlier. Likewise, “after 08:50” excludes a departure at exactly 08:50.
| Station | Train 1 | Train 2 | Train 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colwyn | 09:23 | 09:43 | 10:03 |
| Riverside | 09:36 | 09:56 | 10:16 |
Example: To be at Riverside by 10:00, Train 2 arrives at 09:56 and Train 3 arrives too late at 10:16.
🕒 Rule 2: Choose the latest valid departure
Find all trains that satisfy the arrival condition, then choose the latest departure from the start station.
| Station | Train 2 | Train 3 | Train 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kingsway | 10:00 | 10:10 | 10:20 |
| Hillcrest | 10:15 | 10:25 | 10:35 |
Example: If Train 4 still arrives before the deadline, use its departure time.
➖ Rule 3: Journey time is arrival minus departure
Stay in one train column and subtract the earlier station time from the later station time.
| Station | Train 1 | Train 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Colwyn | 08:49 | 09:01 |
| Meadow | 08:57 | 09:09 |
Example: 08:57 - 08:49 = 8 minutes.
🔎 Rule 4: Do not switch columns
A train column is one journey. Mixing Train 1 at one station with Train 2 at another gives a false journey.
| Station | Train 1 | Train 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Colwyn | 08:49 | 09:01 |
| Meadow | 08:57 | 09:09 |
Example: If the question says Train 1, use only the Train 1 column.
Two More Worked Examples
Find the Latest Train
Question: If Raj wants to arrive at Hillcrest before 11:00, what is the latest train they can catch at Kingsway?
Worked Method
Step 1: Look at Hillcrest, because Raj must arrive before 11:00.
Step 2: Every listed train reaches Hillcrest before 11:00.
Step 3: The latest of those is Train 4, which leaves Kingsway at 10:20.
Tip: For latest-train questions, check the destination first, then read the departure time from the start station.
“After” Excludes the Stated Time
Question: If Bert catches the first available train after 08:50 from Torsway, what time will they arrive in Riverside?
Worked Method
Step 1: Look along the Torsway row. Train 1 leaves at 08:50, so it does not satisfy “after 08:50”.
Step 2: The first departure strictly after 08:50 is Train 2 at 09:00.
Step 3: Stay in the Train 2 column and read the Riverside arrival: 09:15.
Answer: Bert arrives at 09:15.
Tip: “After 08:50” excludes 08:50 itself. “At or after 08:50” would include it, making Train 1 the first valid choice.
