Listen to a train horn
How loud is a train horn?
A train horn is about 110 dB, with a typical range of 96–110 dB. US rules require 96–110 dB(A) at 30 m (100 ft) in front of the locomotive.
That is about 32 times as loud to the ear as normal conversation and 1e+05 times the sound energy.
Can it damage your hearing?
Yes, with enough exposure. At 110 dBA, NIOSH recommends a daily limit of 1.5 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 train horn
Very close to the ear; levels drop quickly with distance.110 dBBagpipes
Highland pipes at the player's ear.110 dBCar alarm
Measured close to the vehicle.110 dBCar horn
At about 1 m in front of the car.110 dBChainsaw
NIOSH lists a chainsaw at about 110 dB.110 dBDrum kit
At the drummer's position; cymbal crashes peak higher.110 dBJackhammer
At the operator's position.110 dBMRI scanner
Patients are given hearing protection for this reason.
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 104 dBA | 6.0 minutes | 1.1 hours |
| 107 dBA | 3.0 minutes | 45 minutes |
| 110 dBA | 1.5 minutes | 30 minutes |
| 113 dBA | 45 seconds | 20 minutes |
| 116 dBA | 22 seconds | 13 minutes |
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
- steam train horn 01 by eliasheuninck – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- Train Horn and Bell by Thomas_Marcum – CC BY 3.0 (freesound)
- Train Horn by CouleurCasquette – CC BY 3.0 (freesound)
- Train horn by L83 – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Train horn, Departs by OroborosNZ – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
Frequently asked questions
How many decibels is a train horn?
About 110 dB, with a typical range of 96–110 dB.
Is a train horn louder than a jet engine?
No – a jet engine at takeoff is about 140 dB at 30 m, while a train horn is about 110 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.