36 fun car games for your next road trip

• Play fun and meaningful games to make the trip more enjoyable for couples and groups
• Keep kids entertained with easy and engaging road trip games
• Good entertainment and thoughtful planning make the trip better

Road trips can be pretty magical – open roads, windows down, music up, and a sense of adventure ahead. However, even the most scenic drives can hit a lull, and that’s when road trip games come in. Whether you’re traveling with your friends, family, or partner, a good game can turn a long car ride into a memorable part of the journey. From classics you played as a kid to made-up games with creative twists, here are some fun road trip games to keep everyone entertained.

12 fun road trip games for everyone

1. Country and city name game

This is a fun and simple game that will test everyone's geography skills. One person picks a letter and names a country or a city that starts with it. For example, if they choose "J" and say " Japan," the next player has to name a country or a city that starts with the last letter of that word – so in this case, something that begins with "N," like "Nigeria." The game keeps going back and forth, with each player using the last letter of the previous location. No repeats are allowed, and the quicker you answer, the better.

2. Word association game

A classic among car games, this one requires quick thinking. One person says a word, and the next has to say something related to it. If someone says "beach," the next person can say "sand," then "castle" and so on. The only catch is you can’t hesitate or repeat a word. This fast-paced game is simple and perfect for all ages.

3. Two truths and a lie

This is one of the most exciting games to play in the car with friends and a great way for everyone to find out more about each other. Each person takes turns saying three statements about themselves, two of which are true, and one is a lie. The others in the car guess which one is the lie.

4. Would you rather

In this game, you ask each other "Would you rather…" questions, ranging from absolutely silly to thought-provoking ones. This game is a great way to encourage fun debates and pass the hours on the road with laughter.

5. Name the most

This competitive road trip game is entertaining when the pressure sets in. All you have to do is pick a category, like "famous landmarks" or "ice cream flavors," and take turns naming as many as you can without repetition. Anyone who takes too long to respond or runs out of ideas is out of the game.

6. In my suitcase

This memory game starts with one person saying, "I’m going on a trip and in my suitcase I’m packing…" followed by an item. The next person repeats it and adds something of their own. As the list gets longer, it becomes trickier to remember everything. The person who skips an item or makes a mistake is out. This game is excellent for keeping everyone awake on a long car ride.

7. Charades (car edition)

For this road trip game, one person thinks of a word or phrase and acts it out without saying a word. You can mime while seated or use your face and hands for extra drama. Others guess what it is. Try to keep things car friendly, though, so limit your game to easy-to-act categories like films, animals, or actions.

8. Desert island

You can play this game when the car ride feels a bit too quiet, and you need to start a conversation within your group. All you have to do is ask, "If you were stranded on a desert island, what three books/films/foods would you bring?' and switch up the topic in each round. Learn about your fellow travelers’ favorites, debate their choices, or ask them to elaborate on their answers.

9. Hum that tune

This road trip game is guaranteed to cause a few laughs. One person hums a song without lyrics, and the others try to guess it. You can keep it themed (like '90s hits or Disney songs) or make it absolutely random.

10. Alphabet game

Spot something outside the window that starts with each letter of the alphabet, from A to Z. You might see an "ambulance," then a "bridge," and so on. It’s one of those long car ride games that’ll keep your eyes peeled and minds alert.

11. 20 questions

Think of a famous person (or someone you all know). The others in your group get 20 yes-or-no questions to guess who it is. This classic car trip game works with all ages and keeps the group entertained and engaged.

12. Chain story game

Sparking creativity and often taking amusing turns, this game is yet another fun road trip game that works for all ages. One person starts a story with a single statement: "Once upon a time, there was a goat." The next person adds the following sentence, and so on. Each person continues the tale by building on whatever came before, no matter how absurd the story gets.

12 fun road trip games for kids

Long car journeys and kids can be a challenging mix, but not if you have a few tricks up your sleeve. Road trip games are a brilliant way to keep children entertained, engaged, and mentally stimulated during the journey.

1. Telephone game

This is one of the many road trip games that usually end up in giggles. One child thinks of a sentence and whispers it to the person next to them. That person whispers what they think they heard to the next, and so on. The last person says it out loud, and their version is almost always wrong.

2. I spy

This is an absolute classic among car ride games for kids. One person says "'I spy with my little eye something beginning with…" and gives the first letter of an object they can see. The others keep guessing until someone gets it right. This is an excellent game for observation skills and keeping eyes off screens for a bit.

3. Number plate detective

In this game, you have to try and spot number plates from different states or regions. You can keep a list and see how many unique ones they find during the ride.

4. Guess the song

Play a few seconds of a song and let the kids guess what it is. You can turn it into a quiz and keep scores. Whoever guesses the most correctly wins.

5. Sing-along challenge

Try this game if you don’t mind a bit of noise in the car. All you have to do is play your child’s favorite playlist and have them sing along. There is only one rule, though – no mumbling allowed. The kids get bonus points if they forget the lyrics and make some up on their own. You can get as creative and as noisy as you want.

6. Color search

Pick a color and then everyone has to spot something outside the car in that color. When someone finds it, choose a new color. You can make it more challenging by assigning each child a specific color and checking who spots the most items in that shade.

7. While you were sleeping

This is perfect if someone in the car dozes off. The rest of the group makes up a wild and funny story about something that "happened" while the person was asleep. When they wake up, you try convincing them that it happened. This is one of those road trip games for kids that can get ridiculously funny – just remember to keep it lighthearted.

8. Cows on my side

When you see cows on your side of the road, shout, "Cows on my side!" and earn a point. If someone spots cows on the opposite side before their teammate does, they can shout, "Cows on your side!" and get a bonus point. You can do this with other animals or even particular objects.

9. Speak in song

Every time someone talks, they must sing their words instead of speaking normally. It’s chaotic, musical, and entertaining, which makes it one of the most fun road trip games for kids.

10. Stop and shop

For this game, you need to pick a letter and a category – like snacks, toys, and clothes. Then, you take turns naming things in that category that start with the chosen letter. If someone can’t think of one in time, they’re out.

11. Animal alphabet

Go through the alphabet and name an animal for each letter – "A for alligator, B for bear," and so on. You can also make it timed to take it to the next level of excitement.

12. Spot the vehicle

To play this game, you call out a type of vehicle, like a yellow truck or a police car, and see who spots it first. It is one of the easiest road trip games that keeps kids calm and focused.

12 fun road trip games for couples

Road trips can be one of the most romantic and fun ways to travel with your partner and get to know them. Whether you’re newly in a relationship or longtime partners, these car ride games are an excellent way to share stories, laugh, and learn more about each other along the way.

1. 20 questions (couple edition)

This game is a twist on the classic guessing game where you think of a person, place, or thing that has some sort of significance in your relationship. It can be an inside joke, shared memories, or someone you both know. Your partner has 20 yes-or-no questions to figure it out. It’s one of those car trip games that never gets old.

2. Never have I ever (road trip style)

This one is quite similar to the original game – you say something you’ve never done before, and if your partner has done it, they have to indicate it by making a specific noise or tapping somewhere in the car. You can make this gesture as funny as you can without making it dangerous for whoever is driving. It’s a fun way to learn quirky or surprising facts about each other, all while keeping it car appropriate.

3. Hot seat

If you want to stir up fun conversations, this game is for you. Put one person in the "hot seat" and ask them anything you want for five minutes (can be more or less). The rule is they absolutely have to answer. After five minutes, the other person is in the hot seat. Your questions can range from silly to sentimental.

4. Newlywed game

It’s one of the best car ride games for getting to know each other. Ask each other questions like "What’s my favorite color?" or "What was I wearing on our first date?" Both of you say them aloud and see how many you get right.

5. Truth or dare

This timeless game is for couples who want to ask each other some honest questions or challenge one another to light-hearted dares. Since you can’t go too wild with the dares in the car, you can switch the game up with "Truth or Truth" and ask some deep or cheeky questions.

6. Would you rather (couple’s edition)

This romantic twist on the classic makes it one of the most fun road trip games for couples. Take turns asking romantic, silly or thoughtful questions like, "Would you rather go on a beach vacation or a mountain retreat with me?" or "Would you rather go back in time to our first meeting or skip forward to our 10th anniversary?" This game often sparks great conversation and is perfect for bonding on a long car ride.

7. What if…?

Take turns asking "what if" questions, such as "What if we moved to a beach town?" or "What if we had to swap lives for a day?" The other person answers, and you keep the conversation going with follow-up questions or ask new ones.

8. Road trip playlist

Each person takes turns playing a song they love, but you have to set a theme or challenge for each round. For example, "songs from childhood" or "songs that make you dance." You can discover new music together and make it a fun game that you can turn into a full karaoke session!

9. Bucket list game

In this game, you take turns sharing items on your bucket list. It can be anything – skydiving, visiting a particular country, or living near the mountains. One of the more thoughtful car ride games, the bucket list game helps you get a look into your partner’s dreams while making your own shared list for future adventures.

10. Five-second rule

This fast-paced game will keep you on your toes. All you have to do is name three things in five seconds. For example, you ask your partner to name three nicknames they’ve given you or list three things they like about the road trip, etc.

11. Five-year game

Get a little imaginative with this game where you take turns describing your life together five years from now – where you’re living, what you’re doing, what kind of lives you’re leading. You can also talk about other people in your life, including friends, family members, and pets.

12. Who’s more likely to…

Ask each other, "Who’s more likely to forget an anniversary?" or "Who’s more likely to start dancing in the kitchen?" This game can lead to some playful banter and is one of the easiest car trip games to pick up anytime.

How to plan a fun road trip?

Planning a fun road trip doesn’t have to be stressful – in fact, it can be part of the excitement. A little preparation goes a long way in turning your ordinary car ride into an unforgettable adventure:

• Start with a flexible route: While it’s essential to have a rough plan, leave room for spontaneous detours or interesting roadside attractions. Remember – some of the best memories are made when you go off the beaten path.

• Pack smart: Keep essentials like snacks, water, chargers, sunglasses, and a small first-aid kit near you. Be sure to have your curated playlists, books, or audiobooks ready and come up with a few classic car games to make the drive fun.

• Take regular breaks: Plan short, regular stops every couple of hours. Stretch your legs, explore the area, grab snacks, or take photos. These mini-breaks are not only essential but also lift everyone’s mood and energy.

• Add personal touches: Whether it’s a family vacation, a road trip with friends, or a romantic getaway, try to include things each person (or most people in your group) enjoys. Something like a hike, a sunset view, a coffee shop stop, or souvenir shopping.

• Add surprises: To make things more interesting, you can bring along a surprise treat, plan a secret detour, or come up with a fun activity. This is a sure way to make memories and keep everyone happy.

Most importantly, remember not to over-plan. Try to be spontaneous and embrace the unknown. Sometimes, the best part of a road trip lies in the unexpected moments.