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Most commuters will have something they like to do to pass the time, even on a relatively short trip, and here in the UK – with an average commute time of around 30 minutes – most trips fall into that category.
But for those planning a longer train journey, entertainment is all but essential.
While a book, newspaper or magazine is a traditional way to pass the time on a rail trip, the ever-increasing reliance on digital technology means a lot of people will rely on their smartphone or other digital devices to see them through.
But how useful are digital devices on a train ride? Well, the key is connectivity. Accessing wireless 5G networks on a train can be useful, but coverage can be patchy, so it shouldn’t be relied on. Most trains will offer some kind of complimentary Wi-Fi, but the quality will differ between operators. If you plan to use it, it can be worth reading independent reviews to get a better idea of what to expect.
If you have a long train journey coming up, it is always worth carrying a non-digital form of entertainment just in case, and most modern train carriages have plugs, so bringing a charger is recommended.
Mobile gaming will offer travellers a lot of flexibility, with some allowing offline gaming, some providing a hybrid option, and others relying on a strong, secure connection. The wide choice of games provides something for everyone, from fun and games like Candy Crush and Angry Birds, to platform games or brain teasers. Many big-name titles from famous consoles have been adapted for mobile platforms, making them a great choice for gamers.
Online casino games are also a fun and exciting way for players to enjoy their favourite games and potentially win some money. Poker sites not on the free gambling self-exclusion scheme Gamstop offer wider access for players. Using the train’s Wi-Fi connection should help players maintain a strong enough connection to enjoy playing such games online, but it is worth checking the quality of the connection to ensure they don’t drop out at crucial moments.
While mobile gaming is on the rise, and the majority of travellers will have a mobile phone with them anyway, more serious gamers might consider taking a handheld gaming console or laptop.
The Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular handheld devices at present, and players can choose from a wide range of titles to enjoy. Many games can be enjoyed offline, meaning players won’t have to use train Wi-Fi, but this is dependent on how the device is set up and the games in question.
Laptops can give gamers a bit more power, depending on their setup, and can provide immersive gaming experiences with a relatively decent-sized screen. Players should always be aware of their surroundings and be mindful of others, so using a headset should be a priority.
Laptop games like Football Manager can keep players entertained for days on end, so even the longest train journeys should not be an issue. If you intend to use a laptop while travelling by train, it can be worthwhile to book ahead and ensure you have access to a table and a power source.
While most people will use headphones so they don’t disturb other passengers, keyboard and mouse clicks can also be distracting, so it is best to ensure you won’t cause too much of a disturbance.
Using a long train journey to relax can be a great way to unwind, and many people choose to do this by listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks. A good set of headphones will block out other noise from the carriage and ensure sound doesn’t leak out, and preplanning your listening before you go can help massively.
Creating playlists and downloading them on streaming platforms so you don’t have to rely on Wi-Fi will provide you with hours of uninterrupted listening time. The same can be done with audiobooks and podcasts, with the ability to sample books on platforms like Audible making it easier to find narrators you like.
Using a mobile phone, tablet or laptop to watch a TV series or movie is another excellent way to spend time on a train. Like music streaming platforms, most TV and movie options, like Netflix, have an option to download content for offline viewing.
If you are watching a TV series, plan how many you could watch during your journey so you know how many to download. Getting slightly more than is necessary is recommended, as delays can occur on rail travel, and it is better to be prepared.
A good set of headphones will improve the experience, and it is common courtesy to ensure you download acceptable content for public consumption.
Finally, the majority of travellers with a mobile phone will spend some time randomly scrolling. This can cover everything from news websites to social media channels, and can be a great way to zone out.
These will require an internet connection, so signing into the Wi-Fi or scrolling when the signal is good should be enough to keep you going.
With so many ways to keep entertained on a long train journey using digital devices and content, you shouldn’t have to worry about being bored.
