Productive and Fun Ways to Spend Hours on a Train

Train travel can feel oddly romantic at times, taking a winding path through landscapes we might otherwise miss - and often from a perspective we rarely see. A longer journey taken by train can afford you plenty of time to unwind and relax while rushing towards your destination, especially if you’re going across the country to the coast. So, we wanted to touch on a few ways you can use this time wisely.

Dive into Mobile Games

If you’re a gamer, you’re probably acutely aware of how useful a few hours travelling can be for cracking through a few hours of a game. For the more casual players, it can be a great time to download something new to give a try - and those who haven’t ventured into mobile gaming, this is a great opportunity.

There’s something for everyone when it comes to mobile games, from simple word puzzles or match-3 games through to fully fledged 3D adventures. It’s all about finding something that caters to your tastes that suits short bursts of play. Some might find online slots match up with their interests, while others might enjoy RPG experiences that can cross over to consoles like Genshin Impact. 

Listen to Engaging Podcasts

Podcasts can transform time spent in transit into something genuinely enriching. Whether you're the type who loves getting lost in a gripping true crime series or someone who prefers learning random facts about medieval history, there's a podcast out there with your name on it.

Travel-themed podcasts are particularly brilliant for train journeys – they can inspire your current trip or help you plan future adventures. And they’re also great for minimising screen time, as you can watch the scenery go by or make notes along with the podcast if you’re listening for academic reasons. Pop your headphones in, settle back, and listen to whatever takes your fancy.

Enjoy Scenic Views and Photography

This might sound obvious, but how often do we actually look up from our screens and appreciate what's outside the window? The UK has some absolutely stunning train routes that aren’t to be missed just because you’re scrolling social media again. From the Scottish Highlands through to coastal lines, there are many routes to appreciate.

While it can be tricky to take good photos of the passing scenery, it can be a good time to also look through photos taken if you’re returning from a trip. Photo editing can take time to get right, so why not look back at your recent shots and tweak them so they’re ready to share ASAP.

Plan Your Trip with Travel Apps

If you’re en route to a weekend away, you can use the time productively to plan out what you might fill your time with. You can map out routes and group activities in a similar location to make the most of your time there. Travel apps can help you sort out your itinerary, discover hidden gems at your destination, or even find decent food options along your route. 

It’s also a good time to plan out food spots for your trip, especially if you have any dietary requirements as this can make finding suitable options a little trickier. For those who can follow an itinerary closely, you could even book tables in advance if you’re confident you can make the times work.

While you might be wishing away the journey so you can reach your destination sooner, the reality is that time is precious - so you’re much better making the most of the travel time by filling it with things you enjoy.