Our experienced drivers have spent years watching passengers try to pass the time during long rides — everything from reading books to playing mobile games, even crocheting. But nothing compares to the excitement that fills the bus when passengers put their phones away and start playing games together. The fun, laughter, and connection that happens during a simple group game can turn a long ride into an unforgettable part of the journey.
With years of experience in group transportation, we’ve seen how much more enjoyable a trip can be when passengers are engaged. That’s why we’ve created this list of nine entertaining, screen-free games to help you make the most of your time on the road. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or coworkers, these games will keep everyone laughing and make the ride fly by.
Fun Games to Play on the Bus (No Phones Needed!)
Looking for ways to pass time during a long bus ride without reaching for your phone? We’ve put together some engaging, screen-free games perfect for groups of all ages. The best part is that these games don't require any fancy equipment, just some creativity, and a fun-loving spirit. Whether you're traveling with kids, teens, or adults, these options will keep everyone entertained for hours.
If you're in a rush, here are the top five games we suggest to play on a bus trip:
Without further ado, let's explore some classic entertaining games for everyone to enjoy!
Games for Kids and Families
Bus rides can be a challenge for families with young children, as little ones often get restless. However, games are a great way to keep them engaged and excited. Here are some simple games that parents and kids can play together to make the journey fun for the entire family.
1. I Spy
“I Spy” is a classic road trip game that can be played by passengers of any age on a long bus drive. This game sharpens observational skills and keeps kids engaged by encouraging them to explore the world around them during the ride.
How to play: One player starts by choosing something they can see and saying, "I spy with my little eye, something that is [color, shape, etc.]." The other players take turns guessing what the object is. When other passengers guess correctly, they become the next “spy.”
2. 20 Questions
“20 Questions” is a fun game that encourages logical thinking and interaction. It's perfect for passing the time and creating friendly competition among family members.
How to play: One player thinks of a person, place, or thing, and the other players take turns asking yes or no questions to guess what it is. Players only have 20 questions to narrow down their guesses. If they can’t guess by the 20th question, the thinker reveals the answer, and the game starts again with another player.
3. Road Trip Bingo (We Suggest for Everyone!)
“Road Trip Bingo” is an interactive classic game that keeps everyone’s eyes glued to the outside scenery (and off of their cell phones!). It’s an easy game for kids and adults alike, and perfect for long stretches on highways or rural roads.
How to play: Each player gets a Bingo card with various objects they might spot during the trip, like a stop sign, a cow, or a red car. As they see these objects out the window, they mark them off on their card. The first person to complete a row, column, or diagonal wins!
To make it even easier, we prepared a fun and interactive Road Trip Bingo card to turn your bus ride into an exciting adventure!
Download Your Road Trip Bingo Template [PDF]
Games for Teens and Young Adults
Teenagers and young adults can sometimes be hard to engage, but these games are perfect for bringing out their playful side. Designed to be more thought-provoking or competitive, these games will keep your group laughing and talking all ride long.
4. Would You Rather
“Would You Rather” is a fun and often hilarious game that requires players to choose between two silly, challenging, or gross hypothetical situations. It's a perfect icebreaker for teens and young adults.
How to play: Players take turns asking each other “Would you rather” questions, such as “Would you rather have to sing everything you say or dance every time you walk?” Everyone in the group must choose one of the two options. The wilder the questions, the more fun it gets!
5. Two Truths and a Lie
“Two Truths and a Lie” is an entertaining group game where players get to learn surprising facts about each other. It’s ideal for bonding with friends or getting to know new people.
How to play: Each player tells the group three statements about themselves — two that are true and one that is a lie. The other players must guess which statement is the lie. The player who fools the most people wins!
6. License Plate Game
The “License Plate Game” is a great way to encourage everyone to look outside and be aware of their surroundings. It’s simple but provides an exciting challenge for travelers of all ages.
How to play: Players try to spot as many different state or country license plates as possible during the trip. Whoever identifies the most unique plates wins the game. To make things more fun, you can use a printable map of the United States to mark each state you spot.
We’ve even created the perfect USA License Plate Game to make spotting state plates a fun challenge during your trip!
Download Your License Plate Game PDF
Group Games for Everyone to Have Fun
These games are perfect for larger groups or mixed-age gatherings, where everyone can join in and enjoy the fun. These group games are all about teamwork, creativity, and fast thinking, making the bus ride a fun and lively experience.
7. The Alphabet Game
“The Alphabet Game” is a simple game that challenges players to find objects or words starting with each letter of the alphabet, keeping everyone’s mind active and sharp.
How to play: Players take turns finding an object outside that starts with each letter of the alphabet, beginning with “A.” For example, “A” for airplane, “B” for barn, and so on till the last letter. The first person to complete the entire alphabet wins!
8. Name That Tune
“Name That Tune” is perfect for music lovers and competitive groups. This game is fun, easy to play, and gets everyone humming or guessing their favorite songs.
How to play: One person picks a song and hums or sings a few lines from it, and the other players must guess the name of the tune. The first player to guess correctly earns a point, and the person with the most points at the end wins.
9. The Chain Game
“The Chain Game” is a fast-paced word association game that is sure to keep everyone on their toes. It’s great for testing how quickly players can think of words related to a given topic.
How to play: One player starts by naming a word, and the next player must say a word that is related to the first word. For example, if the first word is “ocean,” the next player might say “fish,” and the player after that could say “fishing pole.” The game continues until someone can’t think of a word, and that player is eliminated. The last person standing wins!
Tips for Keeping Bus Games Fun and Stress-Free
To ensure your bus ride games go smoothly and everyone enjoys them, it's important to prepare ahead and manage the group effectively. These tips will help keep the games organized, fun, and stress-free for everyone involved.
- Preparation tips: Bring items like paper, pens, and bingo cards to make sure everyone can participate.
- Assigning a moderator: Choose one person to keep track of points and explain the rules to help the game flow smoothly.
- Including small prizes: Offering small prizes such as snacks or treats adds an extra element of excitement and keeps everyone engaged.
How to Stay Comfortable and Enjoy Your Long Bus Ride
Long bus trips can be fun, but they also require some planning to make sure you stay comfortable, entertained, and healthy. If you have no experience in long bus drives or maybe you're refreshing your memory on what you need to do, we prepared some tips for you to be fully prepared for a ride:
- Stay hydrated
- Pack light snacks (granola bars, nuts, or dried fruit)
- Use anti-nausea wristbands or ginger candy to avoid motion sickness
- Bring a travel pillow
- Dress in layers to be prepared for any temperature
- Stretch your legs at every stop
Spending time playing games is very entertaining but you should never forget about your health! Make sure to follow these simple notes that will help you feel fresh even after a long ride!
Bus Rides Don’t Have to Be Boring!
A bus ride doesn’t have to be a boring or tiresome part of your journey. With these nine fun and easy games, you can turn your bus journey into a memorable part of the trip. Whether you're traveling with friends, family, or a larger group, the time will fly by with laughter and excitement.
Choosing Prime Charter Bus means you’ll have the perfect environment to enjoy these games in comfort and style. Whether you're on a school trip, family reunion, or group adventure, our buses offer the space and features you need to keep the fun rolling from start to finish. Contact us today to help you turn your next bus trip into a truly unforgettable experience!
Keep the Fun Rolling!
Travel effortlessly with our premium bus rentals across California, designed for comfort and reliability.
