6 ways to stay entertained on a long coach journey

So, you’ve booked your megabus ticket and you’ve packed your essentials. And now, all that stands between you and that city you’ve been waiting to explore is the coach journey. That may sound like a chore, but thankfully the days of asking, ‘Are we nearly there yet?’ are long gone. With free WiFi* onboard all our coaches and plug sockets* to keep your smartphone or tablet fully charged, there are loads of ways to keep boredom at bay. Here are six of the best…

1. Binge-watch a TV series

With hours of downtime stretched out in front of you, catching up on the latest TV shows will make the time pass in a flash. Just remember to pack a pair of headphones – and check your phone or tablet’s data allowance – and you’re ready to go.

BBC iPlayer and All 4 will let you stream past TV shows for free. Or, subscription streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime are packed with cult viewing and movie favourites. Plus, lots of services let you download shows to your device, so you can plan everything before your trip then watch them in offline mode.

2. Make a music playlist

Any road trip worth its salt needs a soundtrack. So, while your coach racks up the miles, sit back, relax, and listen to your all-time favourite tunes.

The best way to line up songs in one place is by using online music streaming services like Spotify or Deezer. Just add a soft pillow and some decent headphones – not everyone may want to hear your playlist, after all – and while away the hours with Beyoncé and co.

3. Get lost in a book

If the motorway seems a little uninspiring, you can access a whole new world through the power of a book. Whether you’re attached to the good old paperback, or prefer online reading, there are so many titles to choose from.

Download books from Amazon onto your Kindle, and discover a new series or revisit Harry Potter for the hundredth time. Or, let someone else read your book for you with Audible. It’s got tens of thousands of audiobooks so you can get your literature fix the lazy way.

Into podcasts? Download the Overcast app, which has tonnes of them. Listen to Serial to see what all the fuss is about, or check out FT Everything Else, for a look at all things culture.

4. Beat your high score

There’s nothing like a brainteaser or shoot ‘em up to bring out your competitive streak. Especially when you’ve got plenty of time to better your score. The highly addictive Dots is the new Tetris, while Sonic Dash is the perfect way to revisit your childhood gaming days.

Plus, there are always those pesky pigs to take care of on Angry Birds. Want some screen-free time? Pop a deck of cards in your bag and challenge your fellow travellers to a game of Rummy.

5. Zone out completely

If you can’t fully relax and indulge in some much-needed ‘me time’ on a long coach journey, when can you? Meditation may be a bit of a buzzword, but there’s much more to it than sitting cross-legged on the floor while chanting ‘Om’.

One of the best mindfulness apps is Headspace. This modern way of meditating helps you clear your mind of clutter, focus on the important stuff and rid your body of stress. Another great way to chill out is by doodling. We love the Paper app for bringing out your inner artist.

6. Plan your trip

Get one step ahead of the game and plan your trip before you’ve even arrived. Have a read through the megabus city guide to your destination. All our guides are packed full of tips on the best things to see and do in your chosen city – from London to Edinburgh. TripAdvisor and Foursquare are also brilliant when it comes to getting insider tips.

Book your megabus coach trip to any of our destinations today.

*Subject to availability

Published on 25th May 2018