7 Road Trip Car Games For Adults That Don’t Suck

Fight boredom with these in-car adult road trip games. They’ll have you crying with laughter and make boring drives the most lit part of your entire trip.

We’re not gonna lie – we’re all too aware that road trips can be a special kind of hell, whether you’re driving to your next drift event on the other side of the country or going away for a trip with some like-minded buddies.

In fact, chances are, you’re crammed in a metal box for hours, your backside goes numb, and the air slowly turns into a cocktail of farts and stale snacks (well, hopefully, it’s not just our friends.) While you’ll probably need to open the windows a little to vent the gases (we can’t do much about that aspect, unfortunately), we promise these games will otherwise make the trip as enjoyable as possible.

Firstly, take some time to appreciate the reality of the situation. How often do you get uninterrupted time with the homies, free from the usual draining work and responsibilities? (Hopefully) it’s just you, your crew, and the open road. You’ve not got screaming kids or your boss breathing down your neck, and, if it’s your thing, potentially no judgment for cracking a beer at 10 AM (unless you’re the one driving, obviously!)

But let’s be real – even the best company can get old after the first few hundred miles, and that’s where these games come in. These aren’t your typical “I Spy” snorefest car games that you have to tolerate with the kids. They’re for adults who can take a joke, aren’t afraid of a little banter, and are open to the idea that “shift stick” isn’t always about changing gears.

Remember, the best part of any road trip isn’t just about the destination – it’s the stupid laughs you can have along the way. Because let’s face it, you’re gonna be stuck in this car for a while, so you might as well make it enjoyable, and car games are the perfect way to do so – especially with good company.

With that in mind, here are seven games to keep you entertained instead of leaving you questioning your life choices about why you didn’t just fly. Although let’s be honest, that’s not really an option if you’ve got a drift car in tow!

Without further ado, here are our in-car games that’ll save you and your fellow adults from dying of boredom:

1. French Toast

Players: Minimum of 2 – the more, the merrier.

Objective: Put your creativity to the test and guess the secret word through a series of hilarious comparisons.

How to play:

• One player thinks of a word – could be anything from “camshaft” to “hangover.”
• Others ask, “Is it more like French Toast or more like X?” where X is their guess.
• The word-thinker responds with which it’s closer to.
• Continue until someone guesses the word or you reach your destination, whichever comes first.
• If someone guesses the word, they get to choose the next secret word, and the game continues until you’re all out of ideas or patience.
• The more players, the more ridiculous the comparisons get, and that’s where it gets truly entertaining.

Suggestions: Start with broader categories and narrow them down.

Optional drifting twist: If you’re playing with car enthusiasts and really want to make it interesting, try using drifting or automotive-themed words. Bear in mind that the goal isn’t just to guess the word – it’s to come up with the most absurd comparisons possible for added hilarity.

2. The Alphabet Game

Players: Minimum of 2 – the more, the merrier.

Objective: Put your observation skills to the test and be the first to complete the alphabet using words from your surroundings.

How to play:

• Players take turns spotting objects that start with each letter of the alphabet in order from A to Z.
• The objects can be inside or outside the car, but they must be visible to all players.
• Once an object is used, it can’t be repeated by another player.
• If a player can’t find an object for their letter within a reasonable time (e.g., 30 seconds), they’re out.
• The first player to make it to Z wins.

Suggestions:

• Keep your eyes peeled. Signs, billboards, vehicle signage, and license plates are all fair game.
• The key to winning is to always be on the lookout. Don’t wait until it’s your turn to start searching for your letter.

Optional drifting twist: For a drift-themed version, players must spot car-related objects or terms for each letter. Think “A” for “Axle,” “B” for “Brake,” “C” for “Clutch,” and so on. This adds an extra challenge for car enthusiasts and can lead to some heated debates about whether a term is drift-specific enough. Decide beforehand whether brand names should also be included to make it a little easier.

3. Plate Puns

Players: Minimum of 2 – the more, the merrier.

Objective: Create the most amusing or clever interpretation of license plate letters.

How to play:

• Keep your eyes peeled for interesting license plates as you cruise down the highway.
• When you spot one, shout it out and let the wordplay begin.
• Each player takes a turn crafting a witty phrase, slogan, or joke using the letters (and numbers, if you’re feeling extra clever) on the plate.
• The player with the most creative, laugh-inducing interpretation wins the round.
• Repeat.

Suggestions:

• Keep it clean… or don’t. Adjust accordingly based on your audience.
• Don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
• If you’re playing with a particularly competitive group, consider setting a time limit for each round to keep things moving.

Optional drifting twist: If you’re playing with a group of drift enthusiasts, give your puns an extra-challenging sideways spin by incorporating drift-related terms and phrases.

Examples:

• “JDM” could become “Just Drift, Man!”
• “NOS” might be “Nailing Opposite-lock Slides”
• “STI” could be “Sliding Through Intersections”

4. Road Trip Scavenger Hunt

Players: Minimum of 2 – the more, the merrier.

Objective: Be the first to spot and call out all the items on your pre-created scavenger hunt list.

How to play:

• Before hitting the road, or if you aren’t driving and have a pen and paper handy, create a list of things you might see during your journey. Include a mix of common and unusual items to keep things interesting.

• Assign a point value to each item based on its rarity or difficulty to spot. For example, a red car might be 1 point, while a “Welcome to [State]” sign could be 5 points. Keep your eyes peeled for whacky options that could potentially earn extra bonus points.
• When you hit the road, look out for the items on your list. When you spot one, shout it out and mark it off.
• The first player to find all the items on their list (or the player with the most points at the end of the trip) wins the game.

Suggestions:

• You could potentially play this alongside other games.
• Keep your list manageable – around 10-15 items is a good target. You want the game to last a while but not so long that it becomes tedious.
• Tailor your list to your route and surroundings. If you’re driving through a city, include things like “taxi” or “skyscraper.” If you’re in the countryside, look for “cows” or “barn.”
• For a collaborative twist, create a single list for the whole car and work together to find all the items.
• You can make the game more challenging by including specific car models or types of license plates (e.g., out-of-state plates).

Optional drifting twist: Look for cars with drift upgrades, even if they aren’t necessarily drift-specific cars.

Examples:

• Lowered suspension
• Aftermarket wheels
• Aftermarket bodykit
• Aftermarket spoiler
• Exhaust upgrade
• Bucket seats

5. Drift Spotter

Players: Minimum of 3 – the more, the merrier.

Objective: Be the first to spot and call out potential drift cars on the road.

How to play:

• Before you hit the road, agree on a point-scoring system for different types of cars.
  • Examples:
    • A rear-wheel drive car that could drift with the right mods (e.g., BMW 3-series, Nissan 350Z): 1 point
    • Prepped drift-ready car (perfect if you’re on the way to an event): 2 points
    • Japanese domestic market (JDM) car: Bonus point
    • Older car that fits into the above (pre-2000): Bonus point

Suggestions:

• This game works best with at least one knowledgeable drifting enthusiast in the car who can explain the concept. It can be an interesting way to get family and friends interested in and knowledgeable about drifting.
• For added intensity, the player with the most points at the end of the trip wins and has to get the beers (or meal) in!

Tips:

• Some (pre-2000) classics include the Nissan 240SX, Toyota AE86, Mazda RX-7, and BMW E30.

6. Smash, Stash, or Dash

Players: Minimum of 3 – the more, the merrier.

Objective: Make hilarious choices about whether you’d choose to Smash, Stash, or Dash on the selection (or people you all know, if you’re feeling brave!)

How to play:

• One player names three people (celebrities, fictional characters, historical figures, etc.).
• The other players take turns deciding who they would:
  • Smash: Who you’d have a one-night stand with
  • Stash: The one you’d marry
  • Dash: Who you’d make a quick getaway from
• Players must explain their choices, which often leads to hysterical debates and discussions.
• The player who named the three people then takes their turn making choices, and the game continues with the next player naming three new people.

Suggestions:

• Ensure you’ve got the right target audience – this game definitely isn’t for everyone!
• Keep the tone light and humorous. This game is all about laughs, not serious relationship advice. Be sure to call out those who get too emotional.
• Choose a diverse mix to keep the game interesting. Think actors, musicians, politicians, athletes, and even fictional characters.
• Encourage players to be creative with their explanations. The more outrageous the reasoning, the better!
• If you’re playing with a group that can take a good-natured roasting, feel free to poke fun at each other’s choices (but keep it friendly!).

Tips:

• If you’re playing with a mixed group, be mindful of everyone’s comfort levels. Avoid naming people that might make someone uncomfortable.
• If you’re having trouble coming up with names, try using Google for something everyone in the car is likely to know.
• Remember, there are no wrong answers – it’s all about the laughs!

Even if you’re on a road trip with non-car enthusiasts who couldn’t tell a clutch from a cup holder, this one is a great way to keep everyone entertained.

It’s a classic that’s stood the test of time for a reason – it’s simple, lighthearted fun. Just remember to ensure nobody takes it too seriously and gets their feelings caught!

7. Car Spy

Players: 2 or more

Objective: Be the first to spot and call out a specific type of vehicle on your travels.

How to play:

• Players take turns calling out a type of vehicle they think they can spot within a certain distance or time limit (e.g., “I bet I can spot a 240SX in the next 5 miles!”).
• If the player spots their called vehicle within the agreed-upon limits, they earn a point. If not, the next player gets a chance to “steal” the point by spotting the vehicle before the next turn.
• The first player to reach a predetermined number of points (e.g., 10) wins the game.

Suggestions:

• Mix up the types of vehicles to keep the game interesting. From “classic muscle car” to “car with a bumper sticker,” get creative with your callouts!
• Adjust the difficulty by varying the distance or time limits. For a tougher challenge, try spotting a specific make and model (e.g., “blue Subaru WRX“).
• Keep things fair by ensuring everyone has a chance to make a callout. If a player is struggling, consider allowing them to choose a more common vehicle type.

Optional drifting twist:

• Try adding bonus points for specific mods or upgrades.

Examples:

• Lowered suspension
• Aftermarket rims
• Wide body kit

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