A 6-hour road trip doesn’t have to feel long or boring. If you’re wondering what to do on a 6 hour road trip, I’ve got you. I’ve taken more of these drives than I can count, and I’ve learned how to make them fun. Whether alone or with friends, there are so many things to do in the car that help the time fly. I’ll share the best ways to enjoy the ride, from music to games to quiet moments. Let’s turn your trip into something you’ll look forward to.
Things to Do in the Car to Stay Entertained
Listen to Podcasts or Audiobooks
Podcasts make long drives feel short. I like true crime, comedy, and self-help the most. On one trip, I listened to This American Life for hours. It made the drive fly by. If you’re into self-growth, try the audiobook Atomic Habits. It’s easy to follow and full of great tips.
👉 Tip: Download a few episodes before you leave. That way, you won’t lose them if your signal cuts out.
Curate the Perfect Road Trip Playlist
Music sets the mood. Before a trip, I put together songs that match the drive—some fun, some slow, some just for singing out loud. I like using Spotify and letting friends add their songs too. It keeps everyone happy.
👉 Easy trick: Make a shared playlist with Spotify or Apple Music. Everyone can add their favorites and keep the drive upbeat.
Want a few of my picks? Here’s a playlist I use all the time.
Watch Movies or Shows (As a Passenger!)
Not driving? Lucky you. This is the best time to catch up on shows or movies. I download a few from Netflix or Hulu before the trip. It’s great for long stretches of road when you’re not doing much else.
👉 Driver’s tip: Try a comedy podcast instead. It keeps your mood up without taking your focus off the road.
Productive Stuff to Do in the Car
Learn a New Skill or Language
Want to learn something cool while riding? Try a new language! I use Duolingo or Babbel for that. They make it fun and quick. You just tap and learn.
Not into languages? Try a TED Talk or a smart podcast. Once, I learned about habits on the way to a trip. It made me feel sharp by the time I got there.
👉 Tip: Use headphones or your car speakers. That way, your hands stay free.
Organize Your Digital Life (Passengers Only!)
This one’s for you if you’re not driving. Clean up your phone! Delete junk mail. Sort your photos. Clear your notes. It feels so good after.
On one ride, I cleaned my inbox and made a list for the week. It felt like a fresh start.
👉 Try this: Set a timer for 10 minutes. Pick one task and knock it out.
Journaling or Brainstorming
The road is a great place to think. I use voice notes or talk-to-text apps to keep my ideas. You don’t have to write—just speak what’s on your mind.
Once, I planned a whole blog post on a long drive. No stress. Just thoughts flowing.
👉 Idea: Record ideas when they pop up. You can write them out later.
Fun Things to Do on a Road Trip With Others
Play Classic Car Games
Car games make time fly. I love 20 Questions and Would You Rather. They’re fun and easy. You don’t need anything but your voice.
One time, we played the License Plate Game and spotted plates from ten states. It got loud real fast—in a good way.
👉 Want something new? Try apps like “Heads Up!” or “Road Trip Bingo.” Just tap and play.
Share Stories and Memories
Good stories make the trip feel short. Ask each other fun or deep questions. Try, “What’s your most embarrassing moment?” or “What’s a time you were really proud?”
I’ve had some of the best chats in the car. Something about the road makes people open up.
👉 You’ll laugh. You might cry. You’ll remember it long after the drive.
Create a Road Trip Vlog or Photo Diary
Capture the day! Take pics or shoot short videos. Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment—just hit record.
I like using InShot or CapCut to edit. They’re fast and simple. Add music, text, or filters while you ride.
👉 Snap shots of snacks, signs, or sunsets. These little moments tell the story.
Tips for Making a Long Road Trip Enjoyable
A six-hour drive can be fun or boring. It all depends on how you prepare. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make the trip fly by. Here’s what works for me:
Pack Smart and Stay Comfy
Before hitting the road, I make sure I have everything I need close by.
Chargers, snacks, and a blanket are a must!
👉 Quick tip: Pack a small bag with your essentials—phone charger, water, snacks, and gum. It makes a big difference.
I like to wear comfy clothes, like loose pants and a hoodie, so I feel relaxed.
Plan Your Rest Stops
Don’t just stop anywhere. Plan fun places to break up the drive.
A quick bathroom stop is fine, but a cool diner or a scenic view is even better.
👉 Pro tip: Search for interesting stops on your route before you leave. Add them to your map. It makes breaks more exciting.
Once, I found a pie shop on a random road. Best lemon meringue I’ve ever had.
Rotate Drivers If You Can
If you have someone else to drive, take turns. It helps keep everyone fresh.
👉 Quick tip: Switching drivers every couple of hours will help you stay alert and reduce tiredness.
On one trip, we switched every 90 minutes. The driver could relax while the other person DJ’d or napped.
Keep a “Fun Bag” Nearby
I always pack a small “fun bag” with cards, snacks, a notebook, and gum.
👉 Pro tip: A small bag with everything you need stops you from scrambling through the trunk.
It’s like a mini survival kit—but with fun stuff.
Real-Life Road Trip Experience: How I Survived (and Loved) My Last 6-Hour Drive
Let me tell you about a drive I did last fall. I drove from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe, about six hours.
I was with two friends. We left early, around 8 AM, with coffee in hand. We had a shared playlist, and everyone added their favorite songs. It felt like a movie.
What worked?
- Breaking the trip into two parts (we stopped twice).
- Taking turns driving.
- Having podcasts downloaded (the signal can be bad in some areas).
What didn’t?
I forgot my neck pillow. Big mistake. My back hurt after a few hours.
But the best part? Around hour five, we stopped at a quiet lake. It was peaceful and beautiful. We sat there for a bit, doing nothing. It’s still one of my favorite memories from the trip.
👉 Takeaway: Don’t over-plan. Leave room for unexpected moments. They often turn out to be the best.
FAQs – Quick Answers About Long Car Rides
What can I do on a 6-hour road trip alone?
If you’re on a solo trip, you can make the time go by fast. Listen to podcasts or audiobooks. You could even learn a new language using apps like Duolingo. It’s also a great time to brainstorm ideas or jot down thoughts in a journal. The best part? You’re in control of the music!
What are good things to do on a long road trip with kids?
Road trips with kids can be fun if you plan. Play games like “I Spy” or “20 Questions.” You can also pack toys, books, or a tablet with kids’ shows. For a learning twist, apps with fun facts or songs in different languages can keep them busy and entertained.
What games can you play in the car without Wi-Fi?
Don’t worry about Wi-Fi! Classic games like “License Plate Bingo,” “Would You Rather,” and “20 Questions” will keep everyone entertained. You can also try app games like “Heads Up!” or “Road Trip Bingo,” which don’t need internet.
How do you pass time quickly on a road trip?
To pass time, switch up your activities. Listen to a podcast, then play a game, and after that, sing along to music. If you’re a passenger, try journaling or brainstorming ideas. If you’re driving, mix it up with audiobooks, fun chats, and good music.
Is it safe to sleep in the car during a trip?
Yes, it’s okay to nap in the car, as long as you’re parked in a safe spot like a rest area. If you’re the passenger, grab a neck pillow or eye mask for comfort. If you’re driving, take breaks and switch drivers to stay alert and safe.
Final Thoughts – Turn the Drive Into an Experience
A long road trip doesn’t have to feel endless. With a little preparation and creativity, the drive can be a fun adventure. Whether you’re traveling alone or with others, use the time to relax, connect, and enjoy the journey.
Don’t focus only on the destination. The trip itself is part of the experience. Play games, listen to music, and share stories along the way.
What’s your favorite road trip activity? Share it in the comments or tag me on Instagram—I’d love to hear your tips!
