6 Fun Things to Do When You’re On the Road To Beat Boredom!

Long train rides, airport layovers, coach delays can equal boredom! They can drag on forever if you don’t have something to do. But with a little prep and a few ideas in your back pocket, those quiet hours can actually be pretty enjoyable. Whether you’re solo or with friends, here are a few fun and easy ways to pass the time when you’re stuck in transit.

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Get Lost in a Podcast or Audiobook

Podcasts are perfect for travel. You can pop your headphones in, shut out the noise around you, and just let someone tell you a story or teach you something new. If you’re into true crime, self-improvement, or comedy, there’s something out there for you. Same with audiobooks. Download one before your trip and let it keep you company without having to stare at a screen.

Play a Quick Game to Pass the Time

Sometimes you just need a little distraction, and games are great for that. If you’ve got your phone or laptop with you, try a casual pool game. It’s easy to get into, and you don’t need to commit to a long gaming session. Plus, it works just as well whether you’ve got ten minutes or an hour to kill.

Write Things Down

This might sound basic, but a layover is the perfect chance to jot things down. You can write out your to-do list, plan your week, or just brain-dump everything that’s been spinning around your head. If you like journaling or creative writing, this is a nice window to tap into that without any pressure. Just grab a notes app or a pen and paper and let your mind wander.

People-Watch (Without Being Creepy)

People-watching can be surprisingly entertaining. Airports and stations are full of interesting characters, and it’s fun to imagine where they’re going or what they might be chatting about. It also gives you a break from screens if your eyes are feeling tired. Just don’t stare too much — nobody wants to feel like they’re being watched. You never know, you might even make a new friend!

Grab a Treat

If there’s a coffee shop or snack bar nearby, go get yourself something nice. A fancy coffee, a sandwich, or even just a bag of crisps can give you a mini boost. It breaks up the wait and gives you something to look forward to. Treating yourself doesn’t have to mean spending loads, either — it’s just about adding a little joy to a boring part of your journey.

Scroll With Purpose

We all scroll, especially when we’re bored. But you can make it a bit more fun by doing something with a goal. Look up places to eat where you’re going, add stuff to a wish list, or clear out old screenshots and random notes from your phone. It still counts as scrolling, but you’re getting something useful out of it too.

Travel downtime doesn’t have to feel like wasted time. With a few tricks up your sleeve, you might even start looking forward to those slower moments. What’s your go-to thing to do on a long layover or train ride?