How to Enjoy a Train Ride

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: July 19, 2022

Whether it's your daily commute or a longer trip, train rides can seem boring. However, there are many things you can do to increase your enjoyment of riding a train. Bring some entertainment, like a book or game. Stay comfortable by wearing the right shoes and bringing pillows and neck rests. If you tend to get anxious on the train, practice things like mindfulness to help yourself sit back and enjoy your journey.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Entertaining Yourself

1
Journal while you're on the train. This can work for a longer trip or a brief ride to and from work. To keep yourself occupied, pack a small journal. Jot down interesting observations of the world around you, any interesting thoughts you have, or interesting snippets of conversation you overhear. Not only will this help you enjoy yourself and pass the time, you'll have something to remember the moment for years to come.^{[1]
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- You can also sketch in your notebook if you don't like writing.
2
Make friends with other passengers. If someone seems friendly, you can make friends on the train. If someone catches your eye and smiles, or asks you a question, strike up a conversation. Many people have fun making new friends to pass time on the train.^{[2]
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- This can be great on longer journeys. A great conversation starter is something like, "Where are you headed?" You can chat about things like vacation and travel plans.
- Be careful, however. Not everyone loves talking on the train. If someone's wearing headphones or is buried in a book, they may not be opened to conversation.
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3
Read. Bringing a book along with you can help you stay entertained on a long train ride. Choose an entertaining work of fiction or nonfiction, or something like a light book of poetry. You can also try magazines on topics that interest you. If you're engaged in an interesting read, the train ride is bound to pass by more quickly.^{[3]
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Look out the window. For longer train rides, the scenery is sometimes beautiful. If you're traveling through an unfamiliar city or a rural area, sometimes taking in the scene can be entertaining in and of itself. Take a moment to simply look out the window and observe anything interesting you pass by.^{[4]
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Listen to music. Bring an iPhone/iPod, MP3 player, or other portable device that plays music with you. You can turn on your music and use this to zone out and relax while enjoying the train ride.^{[5]
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- In addition to listening to music, you can also listen to things like Podcasts and radio shows to pass the time.
- If you have a larger electronic device, like a tablet, you can download and watch movies and TV shows.
6
Play games on your phone. If you brought along a smart phone, use it to play games. Download popular games, like Candy Crush, or play simple card games like solitude. Losing yourself in a fun phone app an help you pass the time on the train and enjoy yourself.^{[6]
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- Choose games you can play with friends, like Draw Something, so you can engage with your friends from a distance.
- Keep in mind, you should have a backup plan. Games that require Internet access may eat up your data if the train does not have wi-fi.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Staying Comfortable

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Eat and drink regularly. Make sure to pack snacks and a water bottle. If you're not feeding yourself and staying hydrated, this can contribute to your overall stress level and cause discomfort. If you're out of food, visit the train's kitchen to grab something to eat.^{[7]
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- Make sure to pack healthy snacks, as a balanced diet can help you manage your emotions. Add things like fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grain chips or bread.
- If there's a dining car, visit that. A sit down meal can help you feel recharged.
2
Get up and move around. It can be uncomfortable to sit for long periods. Periodically get up and move around the train. You can walk up and down the aisles or visit areas like the bar and dining area. If the train has a viewing area, go there to take in the landscape. This can provide some entertainment in addition to letting you get a good stretch in.
3
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Pick loose fitting clothing, like jeans and a t-shirt, and wear your most comfortable shoes. Things like flip-flops and sandals can be great for a train ride, as your feet won't be crammed into uncomfortable shoes throughout the trip. The more comfortable you are, the more likely you are to enjoy your trip.^{[8]
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Sleep as much as you can. If you're stressed out on a train ride, sleep can be a great escape. This is especially important for overnight trips, as you're likely to feel more stressed if you're not getting enough sleep. Bring something like a pillow or blanket so you can curl up and catch some sleep on the train. You may wish to set an alarm on your watch or phone to wake you so you don't miss your stop.^{[9]
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- You can bring over-the-counter sleep aids, like melatonin, to help you nod off. Just make sure anything you bring does not interact poorly with any other medication you're taking.
5
Book a sleeper train for an overnight journey. Sleeper trains cost a little extra, but may be worth it if you have a long journey ahead of you. If you have trouble sleeping in seats, and are going to be on the road for days, invest in a sleeper train so you can lie down at night.^{[10]
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- Bring your own pillows and blankets, however, as the beds in sleeper trains are fairly thin.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Dealing with Stress

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Plan ahead as much as possible. The more planning you do, the less likely you are to be stressed. Carefully organize everything you need before the train ride. Keep items you'll need to use frequently, like your wallet, in easy to reach places. Print out your itinerary so you can track your journey.^{[11]
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2
Practice mindfulness. If you start to feel anxious, practice mindfulness. This means keeping your mind in the present. Focus on your physical surroundings and tune into all your senses. You can also focus on the natural rhythm of your breath to help you calm down.^{[12]
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Use stress relieving apps. You can download apps for your phone before travel that focus on relieving stress. Some apps provide soothing music or sounds while others guide you through meditation routines. Other apps present games and puzzles that require your full attention, removing your mind from any travel-related anxieties.^{[13]
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Community Q&A

Question

I'm on the train right now and I am getting car sick - what do I do?

Community Answer

Look out the window. Carsickness tends to happen when you don't look out the window; the disconnect between the shakiness your body is experiencing and the corresponding visuals of movement makes it harder for your brain and body to make sense of what's going on. It can also help to sit near an open window for fresh air, or to eat or drink something.
Question

How do I sleep on a train? I can not sleep in moving vehicles.

Community Answer

Try to face the direction the train is moving in, or read yourself to sleep.
Question

If I am on my laptop and then I am not allowed to use it anymore, what should I do?

Community Answer

Bring a book or magazine to read if you don't get motion sickness. Otherwise, just look out the window at the scenery, close your eyes and use your imagination, or talk to someone sitting nearby.