Ice Breaker Games for Coach and Rail Journeys

Train and coach journeys can often be long monotonous experiences and if you are travelling with people you don’t know or you are in a group it can be quite a socially difficult experience. However, playing a few activities or ice breaker games can lighten the mood and get the conversations flowing.

Often the problem with train and coach journeys is that you are stuck in a sometimes uncomfortable position, next to the same person for a considerable length of time. This can cause boredom, make you feel uncomfortable and generally create an unpleasant experience. Also, because of the cramped space between people it can entice frustration and occasionally anger.

This is why it can be a fantastic idea to organise and get the group to partake in some fun ice breaker games. These games will lighten the mood, take everybody’s mind off the uncomfortable situation and make the entire experience a fun and enjoyable trip.

Here are some popular and effective ice breaker games that work well with groups travelling on trains and coaches.

Spread the Word

This ice breaker game is similar to Chinese whispers and works really well with the format of a train or coach because people sit in twos or threes in front of each other. Due to the positioning of the group it is important to get everyone’s attention and make them all aware that you are about to start an activity. Ask the members of the group who are located at the front of the coach to come up with a saying, sentence, quote or phrase.

Then starting from left to right and working their way through the coach or train cart each member of the group should repeat the sentence that is said to them. Make sure it goes all the way through to the last person and then once it reaches that person ask them to say finished sentence. This classic ice breaker game helps pass the time and makes the journey a little more enjoyable. It also helps the group to start up conversations and friendships.

Spot This

An obvious ice breaker game for train and coach journeys is spot this which involves the sights while travelling. This ice breaker game requires a little research and preparation but is always worth it. Before the journey find out the route you will be taking and locate several sights, monuments, buildings etc. Write down a long list of these items that will quite easily be seen by the group. Print out a list for everyone in the group. Once the group has settled into their seats provide each person with a list. Explain that in pairs (those sitting next to each other) must try and view all the items, monuments etc on the list and tick them off as they see them. Who ever is the first to tick off everything on the list wins. This can be played with groups of children or adults. With everyone working together this ice breaker game helps the group connect and encourages group interaction.