Choo-choo! Whether you’re throwing a train-themed party or embarking on a scenic train journey, one thing is certain—fun should never be derailed. From creative DIY activities and Bullet Train movie-inspired games to board games and compact travel card games, this train drinking games guide has something for everyone to make long train rides a breeze.
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The Gravy Train: A Hilarious Card Drinking Game
Hop aboard The Gravy Train, a boozy twist on the classic Bus Driver card game with train-themed antics! Build a card pyramid, assign drinks, and send one unlucky player on a chaotic “gravy train” ride.
What You’ll Need
- 3–6 players
- A deck of cards
- Plenty of beer (dozens recommended!)
- Pints for each player
Setup
- Build a card pyramid face down: 5 cards on the bottom row, 4 on the next, and so on, ending with 1 card at the top.
- Deal the remaining cards evenly to all players.
How to Play Gravy Train drinking game
- Pyramid Phase: Flip one card at a time, starting from the bottom row. If you have a matching card (e.g., a 4 of diamonds matches a 4 of spades), nominate someone to drink. Drinks increase as you move up the pyramid:
- Bottom row: 1 drink per match
- Third row: 2 drinks
- Second row: 3 drinks
- Top card: 4 drinks
- Gravy Train Phase: The player with the fewest cards left becomes the “gravy train rider.” Shuffle all the cards and place them in a deck.
- The gravy train rider nominates a card (e.g., 8 of spades).
- Cards are drawn one at a time until the nominated card appears.
- For every 10 cards drawn, the rider drinks 1 pint. If the nominated card is the last drawn, the rider drinks 5 pints!
Pro Tip: Strategy and alliances make this game even more chaotic. Choose your victims wisely during the pyramid phase, but remember—they might come for you later!
Top 15 Fun Train Drinking Games without Card
1. Tunnel of Secrets: Drink when entering a tunnel and reveal a juicy secret. If you refuse, chug while everyone chants, “Coward!” Funniest secrets earn double-drink assigning power.
2. Platform Panic: At every stop, complete a dare like hugging a mascot or buying the weirdest item. Fail or miss the train? You owe the group a round.
3. Conductor’s Call: One person shouts commands like “All aboard!” (mimic the train) or “Ticket check!” (show a random card). Mess up as the Conductor? Finish your drink.
4. Trainwreck Trivia: Answer train-related trivia, but make up a hilarious lie. Wrong answers drink; lies that make others laugh win points.
5. Tracks of Terror: Leapfrog across a row of cards while holding a drink. Spill? Start over and sip for every drop. Clean run lets you assign someone else to drink.
6. Freight Train Feud: Word association game with train topics like “types of trains” or “train songs.” Hesitate or repeat, and your team drinks. Losers act out a train derailment.
7. Caboose Confessions: The “Caboose” wears a silly hat, holds empties, and ends sentences with “choo-choo.” Forget? Drink. Pass the hat at stops with a shot bribe.
8. Railcar Relay: Use items on the train to complete silly tasks, like balancing a drink or building a mini train. Worst time must carry everyone’s snacks.
9. Speeding Ticket: A “Train Cop” fines players for slow drinking, spilling, or being loud. Fines include chugging or silly penalties like mooing for five minutes.
10. The Coal Mine Crawl: Navigate obstacles under tables and over seats while holding a drink. Spill? Get a penalty drink to carry next round.
11. Ticket to Hilarity: Fold train tickets into paper planes and aim for a target. Closest wins, overshoot owes a drink, and a bad hit requires an apology drink.
12. Boxcar Bravery: Balance a drink while standing during a moving train ride. Spill, and you’re out, plus you confess a train-related secret.
13. Polar Express Pass-Off: Pass a drink every five minutes. Spill or pass too slowly, you’re out and get mocked mercilessly until the next stop.
14. Track Switch: When someone shouts “Switch tracks!” players swap seats. Last person seated drinks and tells a train joke or sings a song.
15. Ghost Train Gambit: Tell spooky train ghost stories with a straight face. Laugh or react, and you drink; winners draw creepy train tattoos on losers.
Bullet Train Movie Drinking Game
Ready for a high-speed ride of laughter, action, and a little buzz? Bullet Train (2022) isn’t just a wild ride through Tokyo’s underground—it’s your next favorite drinking game destination. Grab your favorite drink and let’s dive into rules that’ll have your friends yelling, “Kanpai!” as the action unfolds.
Drinking Game Rules for Bullet Train
Take a sip, a shot, or a gulp when these on-screen moments happen:
Mild Chaos (1 Drink):
- Ladybug (Brad Pitt) mentions his bad luck.
- Lemon references Thomas the Tank Engine.
- Someone mispronounces a Japanese word.
- The briefcase appears on screen.
Medium Mayhem (2 Drinks):
- A flashback interrupts the action.
- Someone takes a phone call mid-chaos.
- A train stop is announced.
- A new assassin’s name is revealed.
Full-Throttle Madness (Finish Your Drink):
- A character dies spectacularly.
- Two characters you didn’t expect start fighting.
- The snake makes its grand appearance.
- The train crashes (spoiler alert—it’s wild).
Bonus Rule: Spot an Easter egg from director David Leitch’s previous movies, like John Wick.
DIY Train-Themed Party Games
1. Pin the Train on the Track
This classic twist on “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” is a hit with kids. Create a colorful track poster and print out train cutouts. Blindfold the players, spin them around, and see who can pin their train closest to the tracks. It’s a simple setup but guarantees giggles all around.
2. Conductor Says
Gather your little partygoers for a train-themed version of Simon Says. One person plays the “conductor,” giving commands like “blow the whistle” or “chug like a train.” Players must only follow commands preceded by “Conductor Says.” It’s perfect for high-energy fun.
3. Coal in the Hole
Set up a small bucket or box as the “coal car.” Provide beanbags or small black balls to act as coal, and challenge players to toss them into the hole from varying distances. Add a time limit or scoring system for extra excitement.
4. DIY Cardboard Trains
Turn large cardboard boxes into train cars with paint, markers, and paper. Each child can customize their train, then wear them to “ride the tracks” around the party area. This doubles as a fun activity and a photo opportunity.
5. Painted Train Ornaments
Provide blank wooden train cutouts and paints. Guests can design ornaments to take home as party favors. This craft is as enjoyable for adults as it is for kids!
6. Decorating Train-Shaped Cookies or Rice Krispies
Prepare train-shaped cookies or Rice Krispies beforehand. Set up a decorating station with icing, sprinkles, and candies. Guests can unleash their creativity and enjoy their edible creations.
Top 3 Train-Themed Board Games
1. Ticket to Ride
This beloved board game lets players build railroads across countries, strategizing to complete routes and earn points. Easy to learn but endlessly replayable, it’s perfect for family game nights.
2. Railroad Ink
A compact, dice-rolling game where players draw train routes on personal boards. Its blend of strategy and creativity makes it a winner for train enthusiasts.
3. Thomas & Friends: Matching Game
Simple enough for toddlers, this game involves finding matching cards featuring favorite Thomas characters. A must-have for little fans.
Best Games to Play During Train Rides
1. Card Games
Pack a deck of cards for endless options like Bullshit, Electricity, or Crazy Eights. These games are easy to play in tight spaces and involve everyone in the group.
2. Word Games
“I Spy” is a classic for kids, while older travelers can enjoy categories like trivia or word association. No tools required—just sharp eyes and quick thinking!
3. Online Games
Modern train journeys are perfect for playing online mini-games. If you enjoy word games, try Scattergories. For fans of fast-paced, reflexive games, rhythm-based challenges or ghost-catching games are great options.
4. Window Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of things to spot outside, such as cows, rivers, or specific colored cars. Players check off items as they see them, competing for prizes.
5. Collaborative Storytelling
Take turns adding a sentence to a story about the train ride. Bonus points if the story involves mysterious stops or quirky passengers!
6. Quiet Solo Games
For introspective travelers, puzzles, e-books, or journaling are great options to enjoy the serene rhythm of the train.
Tips for a Memorable Train Party or Journey
- Packing Essentials: Bring compact games, lightweight crafts, and snacks that won’t make a mess.
- Balancing Fun: Ensure activities are suitable for all age groups, with options for energetic and quieter personalities.
- Safety First: For drinking games or long trips, moderation is key to keeping everyone happy and safe.
No matter the setting—a bustling party or a relaxing train journey—train-themed games have many fun games you can try.
If you’re ready to take your train-themed party to a new level, why not jump aboard a party bus? Party buses offer the perfect setting for wild games, loud music, and unforgettable memories as you roll through the city with friends.
So, pack your bags, gather your passengers, and let the laughter roll like a steady locomotive. Ready to hop on board? Don’t forget to share your favorite train games with fellow travelers!