Staff Reporter
Long train rides can be both relaxing and tiring. They’re a great chance to unwind and take in the changing views, from the hills of southern England to the plains of northern Spain. For expats returning home or loved ones visiting from England, it’s a peaceful way to reconnect with the landscape on the way to somewhere familiar or special. But after the snack cart rolls by and the early excitement fades, the journey can start to drag. Whether heading to Barcelona, the Costa del Sol, or Andalucía, staying entertained helps the hours pass with ease.
Gaming: A Quick Escape at Your Fingertips
Mobile gaming is one of the easiest ways to pass the time while rolling through France or crossing into Catalonia. Once connected to the onboard WiFi, available on many high-speed services like Eurostar or Renfe-SNCF, make sure your connection is secure. Using a VPN is a smart move if you’re logging into accounts or making transactions on the go.
Puzzle games, interactive stories, and adventure titles offer the right mix of focus and fun. Popular options like Monument Valley, Alto’s Odyssey, and Bloons TD keep your mind engaged and the hours rolling by. Strategy and card-based games also provide that familiar, satisfying challenge that works well in short bursts.
Online casinos are another favourite for many travellers, especially those who enjoy poker, roulette, or slot games. Many of the best UK online casinos not on GamStop offer seamless mobile experiences that are fully optimised for mobile, making it easy to play from your seat. These platforms typically offer players thousands of casino games, swift payouts through diverse transaction methods, and enticing bonuses such as welcome rewards, cashback offers, and free bets, making them a thrilling alternative to kill some time on a long train ride.
For those who enjoy a more traditional gaming setup, bringing a handheld console like a Nintendo Switch can also be a solid option. Games such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet offer immersive gameplay for lengthy journeys.
Create a Travel Playlist or Podcast Queue
Nothing pairs better with train travel than a soundtrack. Build playlists in advance and mix in some flamenco, reggaeton, or Spanish indie pop to get into the spirit of your destination. Try artists like Rosalía, Paco de Lucía, or Vetusta Morla for some regional flair.
Podcasts are a strong backup. True crime, history, or travel stories (especially ones about Spain or Europe) make the miles fly by. Download your episodes ahead of time using Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Pocket Casts so you don’t need to rely on train WiFi.
Bring a Compact Board Game
Board games are a solid way to pass the time mid-ride without needing a screen. Travel-sized options like Sushi Go, Hive Pocket, and Hanabi are easy to pack and surprisingly engaging. Whether you’re travelling with a friend or just want something to focus on solo, these games offer quick setup and plenty of replay value.
Sushi Go is ideal for fast-paced, light-hearted rounds. Hive Pocket brings strategic depth with insect-themed tile placement that feels a bit like chess without the board. Hanabi, on the other hand, is all about teamwork and memory, where you work together to create the perfect fireworks display. No WiFi, no headphones, just a tray table and a bit of focus. It’s a great way to mix things up and keep your mind active while you travel.
Binge Shows While You Travel and Take In the Spanish Scenery In-Between Shows
Streaming is a simple way to pass the time on a long train ride. It’s a good chance to catch up on shows or watch a film you’ve been meaning to see. Before departure, download a few episodes or movies to your phone or tablet. Platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ offer offline viewing. A mix of comfort viewing and something new helps break up the trip without relying on patchy WiFi.
Once in Spain, high-speed AVE trains make it easy to continue your journey to cities like Seville, Valencia, or Málaga. These routes cut through olive groves, coastal stretches, and centuries-old towns. Pause between episodes, look out the window, and soak up the Spanish scenery.
Get Lost in an eBook
Something is calming about flipping through pages while the world passes by outside your window. Whether you prefer fiction, biographies, or travel writing, train rides are ideal reading time. E-readers are your perfect travel companion. Alternatively, you can use a reading app and download ebooks on your tablet or your phone to enjoy your journey.
Try to localise your reading experience. For something destination-inspired, pick up a novel by Carlos Ruiz Zafón (The Shadow of the Wind) or Arturo Pérez-Reverte (The Seville Communion); both offer rich, atmospheric takes on Spanish life and cities.
Conclusion
Long train rides don’t have to be dragging. With a mix of games, music, reading, and a few creative distractions, the hours can pass more quickly than expected. Whether you’re heading off on holiday or riding back home, having the right entertainment lined up can turn the journey into an enjoyable part of the adventure.
Click here to read more Other Posts News from The Olive Press.
