How to stay busy when there's no network on the train?

Written by Coline Hubert

Published on August 23, 2023, modified on November 3, 2024

Are you getting ready for a long train journey, but worried about getting bored if the internet connection isn't there? Here's a non-exhaustive list of activities that keep the HOURRAIL! team to never get bored on the rails!

The most obvious

We may be stating the obvious here, but don't forget that the train is your chance to catch up on sleep, get some work done, read a book, listen to a podcast or some music, watch a movie, admire the scenery out the window, or even chat with your neighbor!

1. Catch up on your sleep

Yes, the train may not be as comfortable as your bed, but it's a lot more comfortable than a plane seat. The advantage: you don't need any accessories, and you won't be disturbed by a notification, because let's not forget: there's no network.

2. Watch a pre-downloaded movie

Pro tip: if you don't have an Internet connection, it's best to plan ahead. Remember to download your films, series and podcasts (ideally on wifi) so you can watch or listen to them offline.

3. Work or organize your tasks

When comparing journey times between different modes of transport, we don't usually take into account the useful journey time (the time you can devote to work or entertainment). However, on this criterion, the train wins hands down, since you don't have to get behind the wheel or spend hours in security checks and long queues. You'll find a very interesting mobility comparator on SNCF Connect (filterable by “useful time”)!

If you're planning to work, plan a few tasks that don't require an Internet connection, in case the network isn't up to scratch.

Otherwise, as many lifestyle influencers tell you, making TO DO lists can already free your mind. Even if you can't get on with your work without an internet connection, writing down the tasks you still have to do can already take a mental load off your mind. So here's to your phone notes (or your notebook, if you prefer the old-school method)!

4. Listen to podcasts or music

Trains are often quiet places, ideal for listening to podcasts or music (pre-downloaded in advance). Need a podcast idea? We recommend our Je t’offre un rail ? for low-carbon travel inspiration, or Chaleur humaine, a podcast from Le Monde that invites experts to understand the issues and find solutions.

5. Escape through reading

Shaking up a lot less than a car, the train remains one of the best places to catch up on current reading, even for the most sensitive stomachs. And the icing on the cake is that, in most cases, the seats are equipped with a light so you can read your book in complete peace of mind.

6. Enjoy the scenery

As a great singer from Caen would say, “what counts is not the finish, it's the quest”. Take advantage of your journey to enjoy the scenery! Some trains, like the ones in Corsica, Scotland or Norway, are a real attraction in themselves, because the scenery is so breathtaking.

The most original

7. Sudoku, crosswords, arrowwords...

Once again, a train journey can be anticipated. Why not buy a small book of sudoku, crosswords or word puzzles before you set off, so you can make the most of the opportunity to exercise your grey matter. These games can also be found as applications on your phone, and are usually accessible offline.

8. Knitting, embroidery, beading, coloring and more

If you've got a little room in your bag, a spool of yarn and some needles will keep you busy for a few hours knitting your next winter scarf. Beading and embroidery can also be two space-saving activities that will keep you relaxed and busy throughout your train journey. Just the thing to feed your inner creative spirit!

9. Board games

Grab a chess or backgammon board and challenge your neighbors to a wild tournament! And for the less cumbersome version: a deck of cards always does the trick. Corsican battles, cactus, solitaire... many games are available starting from a 52-card deck, and can be played alone or with others, while requiring very little space on the seat shelf.

10. Be open to the unexpected... and to meeting new people!

And if all these activities seem too mundane for you, here are a few ideas (and why not challenges) to keep you busy on your journey:

• Go to the bar car and run an awareness-raising workshop on the subject of your choice (summary of the IPCC report, climate fresco, 2-tonne workshop...).
• Ask a traveler to go to the bar car, buy them a drink and get to know them (more original than a Tinder or Bumble match, don't you think?).
• Bring along some sketches of your neighbors, and offer them as a souvenir at the end of the trip. And if you're not known for your pencil skills, you can also write down your favorite recipe or cultural recommendations on a piece of paper and share it anonymously with other passengers!
• Distribute questionnaires to those who want to know what they like about train travel, and send us the answers :)

Got any other ideas? Don't hesitate to share them with us via this form. We'll be happy to add them to our article and, why not, to the next edition of our book Voyager en train avec HOURRAIL ! ?

11. Bonus: write a HOURRAIL! article!

And yes, how do you think the idea for this article came about? If you too would like to help democratize low-carbon travel, come and join the HOURRAIL! volunteer adventure by applying here.