Battling boredom on long journeys? This ultimate list of the 26 Best Travel Board Games will equip you with endless entertainment options, transforming any aeroplane seat or car ride into a fun zone.
Forget staring out the window or battling for control of the in-flight entertainment system – these portable board games promise strategic showdowns, creative thinking, and hilarious moments of shared joy. So pack your bags, grab your game, and get ready to discover a world of entertainment that fits perfectly in your carry-on.
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Best Travel Board Games
Here are 26 of the best travel board games guaranteed to keep everyone entertained on your next adventure:
1. P for Pizza Board Game
P for Pizza is the ultimate takeaway game for your holidays, combining the excitement of fast-paced wordplay with the fun of travel. In this engaging game, players must quickly shout out words linking a letter on one card to a category on another, making it a must-have addition to any family game list. Imagine a food starting with ‘P’ or a celebrity starting with ‘B’—the challenge is to be the quickest to win your slice of the pie. The first to collect six pizza cards and build a giant pizza slice wins. With colour-coded categories to indicate difficulty levels and a design friendly to those with red-green colour vision deficiency, this compact, plastic-free game is perfect for 2 to 4 players aged 8 and up. Easy to learn and quick to play, P for Pizza ensures family fun on the go—just be sure to have a real pizza ready if you get hungry!
Price: £11.99
Rating: 4.6 / 5
Popularity: 3,203 ratings
2. Qwirkle: Travel Edition
Qwirkle: Travel Edition is an engaging block game that seamlessly blends logic and strategy with simple, easy-to-learn rules. Players aim to create columns and rows of matching colours and shapes, scoring higher points by placing tiles that work in multiple directions. Ideal for travel, this edition features 3/4-inch solid wood tiles neatly packed in a zippered pouch, making it compact and portable. With 108 tiles and suitable for 2 to 4 players, Qwirkle: Travel Edition promises hours of strategic fun on the go.
Price: £21.99
Rating: 4.7 / 5
Popularity: 4,007 ratings
3. Can U Find It First Travel Edition
abeec Can U Find It First Travel Edition is a compact and engaging travel board game perfect for families on the go. This new addition to Abeec’s range is designed for easy packing in your travel bag or suitcase, allowing you to enjoy a favourite board game wherever you are. Ideal for quick-thinking and fun-filled play, it’s suitable for kids aged 4-8 and can be enjoyed by all the family. The game features a double-sided board that provides endless entertainment, making it an excellent gift for children who love puzzles and family games. Players piece together the jigsaw board, draw an object card, and race to spot the item on the board, with the first to find it keeping the card. The set includes 4 double-sided jigsaw board pieces, 100 object cards, an object card bag, and instructions, ensuring varied and addictive gameplay.
Price: £9.99
Rating: 4.3 / 5
Popularity: 256 ratings
4. Sushi Go
Sushi Go is a fast-paced and engaging card game where players aim to create the best combination of sushi dishes as they pass by. Players score points for making the most Maki Rolls or completing a set of Sashimi, striving to gather the highest score and claim the title of sushi master. This game combines elements of probability, visual discrimination, and strategic thinking, making it a fantastic filler game for any occasion. With bright, quirky illustrations and simple rules, Sushi Go is easy for anyone to learn and enjoy. The game also involves set collection and hand management, with fun twists like dipping Nigiri in Wasabi to triple its value. However, be sure to save room for dessert, or it will affect your score! Sushi Go’s delightful theme and engaging mechanics will leave you hungry for more.
Price: £9.70
Rating: 4.7 / 5
Popularity: 15,950 ratings
5. More or Less Card Game
More or Less is an engaging quiz card game that revolves around fun trivia questions. Players guess whether a given statement is “more” or “less,” such as whether sharks are older than trees or if more than 500,000 meatballs are consumed daily in Ikea stores. Suitable for two or more players aged 12 and up, the game’s simple rules make it accessible for children, teens, and adults alike, offering a 50/50 chance of guessing correctly even if you don’t know the answer. Beyond the entertainment, it provides educational value and lots of laughs. Expansion packs in “History,” “Geography,” and “Science & Nature” are available for those who want to broaden their trivia collection. Ideal as a gift, More or Less is perfect for birthdays, baby showers, travel, or sleepovers. Created by a small British company, this game offers a unique twist on trivia, encouraging players to rely on intuition as much as memory. Explore the full range of More or Less games for more trivia fun.
Price: £11.95
Rating: 4.4 / 5
Popularity: 4,679 ratings
6. PASS THE PIGS Dice Game
The Original Party Animals is the quintessential family and travel game for pig enthusiasts. Players aim to be the first to reach 100 points by tossing their pigs and scoring based on how they land—perhaps achieving a Leaning Jowler, a Double Snouter, or the elusive Piggy Back. The game comes in an elegant silver travel case, which includes a rulebook, scorecards, two pencils, and two pigs, making it both stylish and convenient. Its portability and simplicity make this addictive game perfect for on-the-go entertainment or home play.
Price: £9.99
Rating: 4.7 / 5
Popularity: 1,523 ratings
7. Monopoly Hasbro Gaming Grab & Go Game
Monopoly Grab & Go is a compact, portable version of the classic Monopoly game, perfect for playing anywhere. It includes all the iconic properties, Community Chest cards, and Chance cards, ensuring an authentic Monopoly experience. Designed for 2 to 4 players aged 8 and up, this version features part storage within the game board for convenience. Trade your way to success and be prepared for whatever surprises the Chance and Community Chest cards bring. Monopoly Grab & Go offers a perfect, compact way to enjoy Monopoly fun anytime and anywhere.
Price: £9.86
Rating: 4.1 / 5
Popularity: 1,176 ratings
8. Azul Mini
Take your favourite family game anywhere with the travel-friendly Azul Mini. This strategic tile-placement game features a plastic overlay on the player board to keep your tiles securely in place and a plastic travel tray to prevent the factory display tiles from moving. In Azul, players become artisans tasked with creating stunning tiled mosaics by drafting tiles from a central market and placing them into rows on their boards. The simple rules involve selecting and playing tiles on your turn, but strategic planning is essential to score big points while disrupting your opponents’ plans. Over-collecting a tile type can cost points, while incomplete rows won’t score. Inspired by the historical azulejos tiles introduced by the Moors and embraced by the Portuguese king Manuel I, Azul challenges players to embellish the Royal Palace of Evora. Points are awarded based on tile placement, specific patterns, and completing sets, while wasted supplies reduce scores. The player with the highest score at the end wins.
Price: £19.99
Rating: 4.7 / 5
Popularity: 335 ratings
9. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is a high-octane, energetic game akin to Slap Jack and Irish Snap, brimming with hand-slapping excitement. This fast-paced and straightforward party game revolves around five key words—Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza. Players race to slap the central pile of cards when the card matches the spoken word, creating an atmosphere of thrilling chaos. The first to get rid of all their cards wins. With its unique name and addictive gameplay, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is perfect for any gathering. Suitable for 2 to 8 players, with a playtime of just 10 minutes, it’s ideal for ages 8 and up.
Price: £10.00
Rating: 4.7 / 5
Popularity: 3,203 ratings
10. Bananagrams
Bananagrams is a fast-paced, anagram game that guarantees fun for everyone as players race to build crossword grids, driving everyone bananas in the best way possible. Both entertaining and educational, this game helps children learn to spell while having fun. Ideal for travel, Bananagrams comes in a compact, banana-shaped case, making it easy to pack and perfect for on-the-go entertainment. It also makes a thoughtful gift suitable for both boys and girls. The game is simple yet addictive, with players aiming to use all their letters to complete a word grid, with the first to do so being crowned “Top Banana.” Designed for 2-6 players aged 7 and up, Bananagrams requires no pencil, paper, or board, offering a portable and engaging experience wherever you are.
Price: £14.99
Rating: 4.8 / 5
Popularity: 31,545 ratings
11. Battleship Grab and Go Game
Take command of the seas on the move with Battleship Grab & Go, a compact version of the classic naval combat game. Each game unit cleverly opens to block your opponent’s view, adding strategy to the battle. Track your shots with red and white pegs as you deploy carriers, battleships, submarines, destroyers, and cruisers on the ocean grid. This portable edition includes everything needed for intense gameplay: 2 game units, 10 ships, and pegs for scoring. After the battle, store the pegs inside the units and slide them together for easy storage. Whether at home or travelling, Battleship Grab & Go ensures you’ll dominate the oceans in this thrilling game of strategy and skill.
Price: £10.99
Rating: 4.1 / 5
Popularity: 3,133 ratings
12. 100 PICS Riddles Travel Card Game
Discover 100 RIDDLES TO SOLVE, a delightful collection of brain teasers perfect for entertaining and puzzling family and friends. This pocket-sized game packs a punch with its interactive format: open the four doors to reveal colourful question cards, make your guess, and slide to uncover the answer. It’s an ideal present or stocking filler for kids aged 7 and up who enjoy a challenge, offering hours of screen-free entertainment on the go—in cars, restaurants, planes, and trains. This handy travel activity not only entertains but also boosts vocabulary, spelling, and memory skills, making it a recommended choice by The Good Toy Guide.
Price: £9.99
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Popularity: 8,471 ratings
13. Rummikub Travel game
Rummikub Travel offers all the thrills of the classic numbers strategy game in a compact, portable format. Perfect for day trips or staycations, this fast-paced game of tile manipulation challenges players to be the first to clear their rack by forming number runs or sets. The smaller tiles and collapsible racks make it easy to pack and play anywhere, with the box lid doubling as a convenient pool for communal tiles. Ideal for 2-4 players aged 7 and up, Rummikub Travel ensures hours of engaging gameplay whether you’re on the move or enjoying a break closer to home.
Price: £14.90
Rating: 4.7 / 5
Popularity: 2,373 ratings
14. Boggle
Boggle is the ultimate head-to-head word search game where players compete to find the most words within a time limit to emerge victorious. Shake up the letters, flip the timer, and race against the clock to spot as many words as possible. Perfect for solo play, challenge yourself to beat your own high score.
Price: £8.99
Rating: 4.7 / 5
Popularity: 6,405 ratings
15. 5 Second Rule Mini Travel Card Game
Discover the mini version of 5 Second Rule, a dynamic family card game designed for portable play wherever you go. Challenge yourself and others to name three things in just 5 seconds from each card—it’s a test of quick thinking and spontaneous answers! With 90 content cards featuring 180 questions, alongside PASS ON and SWITCH cards for added variety, this game promises lively entertainment and plenty of laughter. Whether you’re on a journey or gathered at home, 5 Second Rule Mini delivers fast-paced fun that everyone can enjoy.
Price: £8.49
Rating: 4.6 / 5
Popularity: 1,829 ratings
16. Mini Colourbrain
Mini Colourbrain offers a travel-sized version of the popular party game, perfect for families on the go. With 120 all-new questions and a focus on quick play (around 20 minutes), it keeps things light and engaging. Teams work together to match colour cards to wacky questions (think Superman’s underpants!), earning points for correct answers and gaining an edge if other teams stumble. Easy to learn with a short playtime, Mini Colourbrain is a great choice for groups of 2-20 players aged 12 and up.
Price: £9.99
Rating: 4.6 / 5
Popularity: 8,085 ratings
17. Cluedo Grab & Go Game
A travel-friendly adaptation of the classic whodunit, Cluedo Grab & Go condenses the suspense of Clue into a compact format. Players aged 8 and up (3-6 players) can use the all-in-one unit to store and track clues with the included detective notebook. The familiar gameplay involves using Guest, Room, and Weapon cards to solve the murder mystery, with secret passages on the game board adding a twist. With all components neatly stored within the unit, Cluedo Grab & Go is perfect for solving crimes on the go.
Price: £6.99
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Popularity: 1,448 ratings
18. Mini Best of Kids Board Game
Mini Best of Kids shrinks the UK’s favourite family logo game down to a travel-friendly size. This mini edition features 58 all-new cards with a mix of Picture, Theme, and Potluck categories, all designed to keep kids entertained with funny questions. The fold-out board and compact box make it perfect for on-the-go fun, while the simple rules and 2-team gameplay ensure easy pick-up-and-play for ages 7 and up. This miniature version is sure to become a travel essential for families looking to keep everyone entertained.
Price: £6.99
Rating: 4.4 / 5
Popularity: 1,190 ratings
19. OK Play
OK Play delivers addictive strategy in a compact, travel-friendly package. Players (2-4, ages 8+) choose a colour and race to create a line of five tiles, blocking opponents while developing their own tactics. This award-winning game (including “Best Family Game” from Imagination Gaming and a 2018 Parent’s Choice Award) is praised for its simple rules (learned in seconds), surprising depth, and durability – perfect for family fun on the go, with the box even clipping to your bag for portability. Be warned though, even young players can develop cunning strategies, so victory isn’t guaranteed for grown-ups!
Price: £14.99
Rating: 4.7 / 5
Popularity: 3,493 ratings
20. Travel Chess Set 3 in 1 Set
This 3-in-1 travel set offers chess, backgammon, and checkers in a compact and portable format. The magnetic board and pieces ensure frustration-free play, even on the go, as pieces won’t fall off due to bumps or jostles. The folding board unfolds to reveal separate sides for backgammon and chess/checkers, making it a versatile choice for families. While the magnetic pieces make it ideal for travel, the set is also a great choice for home use, offering a quiet and mess-free way to challenge your strategic thinking or bond with your child.
Price: £15.98
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Popularity: 1,868 ratings
21. 4 in a Row Game
A strategic travel must-have, the classic 4 in a Row offers fun for all ages. This 2-player game challenges you to be the first to connect four coloured discs horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The simple rules make it easy for even young children to pick up, while the all-in-one, folding design ensures convenient portability. Made with safe, high-quality materials, it’s perfect for keeping you entertained on the go, whether you’re on a plane, train, or car journey. Plus, the compact size makes it ideal for storing in hand luggage, and the quick reset time allows for endless rounds of fun.
Price: £5.95
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Popularity: 2,665 ratings
22. Magnetic Snakes & Ladders
A travel-friendly take on the classic, Magnetic Snakes & Ladders offers frustration-free fun for families on the go. This foldaway board features magnetic playing pieces that won’t tumble off during play, ensuring a smooth journey from square one to the coveted 100th spot. The easy-to-learn rules make it a great choice for players aged 6 and up, while the compact size and storage within the board itself guarantee easy portability for entertaining car journeys or downtime at your destination.
Price: £6.14
Rating: 4.3 / 5
Popularity: 131 ratings
23. Catan Travel Edition
Catan shrinks down to travel size with Catan Traveler: Compact Edition! This faithful adaptation offers the classic Catan gameplay for 2-4 players aged 10+ in a cleverly designed portable format. The board is built from six rearranging sections for variable layouts, and all pieces (including roads, settlements, and cities) have locking pegs for secure play. A built-in dice shaker ensures convenient rolling, while the two-player variant caters to single travel companions. With a compact size, quick setup, and the familiar Catan experience, Catan Traveler is a must-have for any Catan enthusiast on the go.
Price: £43.99
Rating: 4.6 / 5
Popularity: 454 ratings
24. Sounds Fishy
Sounds Fishy redefines bluffing games for families and adults. This fast-paced, party game combines creativity with a dash of deception. Players invent wacky answers to outlandish questions, with the goal of convincing the guesser that their fabricated answer is the real deal. With simple rules and a focus on quick play, there’s no time to get bogged down – just dive in, unleash your imagination, and see if you can “reel in” the guesser. Packed with content for endless replayability, Sounds Fishy is a perfect choice for game nights or family gatherings, offering something for everyone – trivia buffs, creative minds, and even sneaky strategists.
Price: £9.99
Rating: 4.7 / 5
Popularity: 1,766 ratings
25. Coup
Fuelled by deception and cunning, Coup is a fast-paced card game for 2-6 players ages 14+. In this game of intrigue, you represent a family vying for power in a corrupt Italian city-state. Each player holds two secret character cards, each with unique abilities like assassination or income generation. The key to victory lies in bluffing and manipulating your opponents. Will you truthfully claim to be a Duke, levying taxes, or will you gamble with a bluff, potentially losing your hard-earned influence? With quick rounds averaging 15 minutes, Coup is a perfect choice for a thrilling and portable game night on the go.
Price: £18.19
Rating: 4.7 / 5
Popularity: 14,142 ratings
26. Rummy Game
This travel-friendly Rummy set includes everything you need for a fun game on the go. The pack includes 106 high-quality tiles, four sturdy playing racks, and a convenient zippered storage bag. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, the included updated rules and instructions make it easy to pick up and play. Rummy is a great way to challenge your mind and develop strategic thinking, while the social aspect makes it perfect for entertaining friends and family during your travels.
Price: £17.99
Rating: 4.6 / 5
Popularity: 3,231 ratings
For more board game recommendations see these posts:
- 25 Best Board Games for 4-Year-Olds
- 25 Best Board Games For 5-Year-Olds
- 28 Best Board Games For 6-Year-Olds
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best board games for plane travel?
While any game on this list can be enjoyed on a plane, for aeroplane travel specifically, some games shine brighter than others. Here are a few key considerations:
- Size and Weight: Opt for games with compact boxes and lightweight components that won’t take up precious tray space.
- Playing Time: Aim for games with shorter playtimes (around 30 minutes or less) to ensure you can finish a round or two comfortably within the confines of a flight.
- Complexity: Stick to games with simple rules that can be learned quickly, especially if you’re playing with fellow passengers you just met.
- Fiddly Components: Avoid games with excessively small pieces that could easily get lost in the aeroplane environment.
Considering these factors, some top picks for plane travel include card games (like Sushi Go! or Coup), tile-laying games (like Qwirkle Travel Edition), and quick strategic games like Bananagrams.
Should you play board games while travelling?
Absolutely! Board games are a fantastic way to elevate your travel experience in several ways. They combat boredom during long journeys, sparking laughter, friendly competition, and shared moments of connection. Travel games are compact and lightweight, making them ideal for limited spaces like aeroplanes or train cars. They also provide a welcome break from screen time, encouraging social interaction and strategic thinking. Whether you’re playing with family, friends, or even striking up a conversation with fellow travellers, board games can transform any downtime into an opportunity for fun and connection. So next time you pack your bags, consider adding a travel-sized board game – it might just be the secret weapon to a more enjoyable and memorable journey.
What are the best travel board games for 2 players?
For two-player adventures, this list offers a fantastic selection! Here are some highlights to consider:
- Strategic Showdowns: Chess (Travel Chess Set) and Azul Mini provide classic head-to-head battles that challenge your planning and foresight.
- Fast-Paced Fun: Sushi Go!, Bananagrams, and OK Play offer quick bursts of strategic thinking and competition, perfect for shorter journeys or keeping energy levels high.
- Wordplay and Trivia: Boggle, 100 Pics Riddles Travel Card Game, and 5 Second Rule Mini Travel Card Game test your vocabulary and general knowledge in a lighthearted way.
- Deduction and Observation: Can U Find It First Travel Edition challenges your visual acuity, while Cluedo Grab & Go lets you hone your detective skills as you solve a miniature whodunnit.
- Social and Cooperative: While some games on this list are purely competitive, options like Pass the Pigs and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza offer a more social and interactive experience, perfect for fostering laughter and connection.
Summary
So there you have it – 26 fantastic travel board games to keep boredom at bay and fuel the fun on your next journey! Whether you crave strategic battles, creative thinking exercises, or side-splitting laughter, this diverse selection offers something for every kind of travel companion.
But the fun doesn’t stop here! We want to hear from you too. What are your favourite travel board games? Share your must-pack picks in the comments below.
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