Get onto/ into the train

Question

I know "to get onto the train", but is it correct to say "to get into the train"? If so, when do we have to use it?

You board a train. Or you can get onto it. Note that there are no "rules", though -- "into" is perfectly "legal", just not idiomatic. — Hot Licks, Jun 12 '15 at 12:25
possible duplicate of Origin/reason for the expression "on the bus" instead of "in the bus". But it's really an English Language Learners question, as covered there by “In” and “on”: How can I decide which one to use for vehicles? — FumbleFingers, Jun 12 '15 at 12:25
Yes, there no rules. But it's usually ON a train, boat, plane or bike, but IN a car. — David Garner, Jun 12 '15 at 15:59

score 0 · Answer 1 · answered Jun 12 '15 at 14:49

See @FumbleFingers comment for the typical answer, which is likely the one you're looking for.

With that said, "to get into the train" can still be perfectly correct in some cases.

For example:

"The replicators managed to breach the train hull, and are now trying to get into the train"

However, that is an exception. You would generally "board" a train, or get "onto" a train.

1 Answers1