Are you looking for a travel chess set to take with you and play on the go? Chess on a plane! Chess on a train! Chess in the car! Chess in the rain! We've compiled a list of our favorite travel chess sets for sale so that you can take your favorite tactical game with you while traveling.

Chess is a noble game that dates all the way back to Northern India in the 6th century AD. It started taking its modern form in the 15th century in Europe and modern tournament play began in the second half of the 19th century. A lot has changed since then, and nowadays it’s possible to buy chess sets in various shapes, sizes, and themes (Star Wars chess, anyone?).

As a keen player and also a frequent traveler, I personally love the wide variety of travel chess sets on the market. That’s why I’ve put together a list of the best and most creative travel chess boards. Whether you’re an expert or a newbie and no matter if you’re traveling by plane, train, or automobile, we have a favorite chess set for every occasion.

#1) Traditional wooden magnetic travel chess set board

This classic wooden Wegiel Handmade Chess Set packs in a lot of quality for a product at such a low price point. The beech and birch wood board is durable enough to be taken along on your travels and the hornbeam and sycamore wood chessmen are magnetic which is useful for turbulent flights and bumpy bus journeys. The felt-lined compartment inside the board neatly stores pieces when not in use, and the brass clasp keeps them secure in transit.

Measurements:> Board (9.25″ x 9.25″ x 1.6″), King (1.8″), Queen (1.8″), Pawns (1.1″)

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#2) Plastic folding chess set, great for camping and vacations

This Winning Moves Games No Stress Chess isn’t advertised as a travel chess board but it’s so lightweight and easy to transport that it would be a great choice for camping and cabin holidays. The plastic folding board has two sides – one with hints and one without – which means that you can choose between playing a regular game of chess or using the hints as a handy learning tool. The board also comes with 56 action cards that give helpful hints on the rules of chess and dictate which pieces can be moved where. This gives new players a chance to develop strategic skills so they can learn while they play.

Measurements: Board (14″ x 12″), Playing Space (11″ x 11″)

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#3) Compact folding wooden travel chess set

This traditional iBaseToy Folding Wooden Chess Set combines classic styling with a compact foldable design that makes it a great option for travel. The overall board size is pretty large when it’s laid out, but it’s fairly compact when packed away making it a good option for people that prefer to play on a larger board. The chessmen are handcrafted from New Zealand pine wood and the felted interior of the board has compartments for individual pieces which makes it easy to keep track of them. The board also comes with 60 rules cards that show how each piece can move, making this travel chess set a good option for beginners.

Measurements: Board (15″ x 15″), King (3”), Queen (2.75”)

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#4) Mini Magnetic Pocket Chess Set

This WE Games Mini Magnetic Pocket Chess Set is ultra-compact and is the best travel chess set for hand luggage. The vinyl board folds away to the size of a checkbook and the flat magnetic pieces are much more compact than traditional 3D pieces. Each panel of the board is magnetic, including the storage area for the pieces, which makes it easy to use on bumpy journeys and uneven surfaces. The set also comes with two spare queens and two blank pieces to allow for promoted pawns to become queens even when the original queen is still on the board.

Measurements: Board Folded (5.75″ x 3.25″)

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#5) Metallic Gold & Silver Magnetic Travel Chess Set

Big Mo’s Toys Magnetic Travel Chess Set includes metallic gold and silver playing pieces which are a modern take on traditional wooden pieces. Plus, their magnetic bases ensure that they stay in place during games on the road. Pieces can be tucked inside the board when they aren’t in use, and the board itself is nice and compact when it’s folded. The plastic construction might not feel as high-quality as wooden options, but they’re easy to keep clean and maintain which is a clear benefit if you’re traveling with children.

Measurements: Board (9.7″ x 9.7″ x 0.95”), Queen (1.7”)

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#6) 3-in-1 Travel Chess Set Combo (Chess, Checkers, Backgammon)

This Windsor Premium Collection 3-in-1 Game Set isn’t the cheapest option on our list but it includes three individual games which, in my opinion, makes it worth the money. As well as chess you can also play checkers and backgammon, and the kit even comes with PU leather dice cups so you have everything you need to get playing straight away. This set includes a beautiful velvet-style carry case making it a great chess set gift for travel lovers.

Measurements: Board (11.75” x 11.75” x 0.5”), King (2”), Dice Cups (4” x 3.25”)

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#7) Beginner's Family Travel Chess Set

This stylish Brain Blox Fun Family Chess Set is geared towards people learning chess but you’ll likely love it even if you’ve been playing for years. The reference cards and instructions booklet are great for newcomers and the chess cube (a die with chess pieces on each side) tells you which piece to move which adds a fun spin to traditional chess. The whitewashed finish is a nice change to a traditional finish, but the solid wood pieces maintain a classic element to this set. The velvet pouches are ideal for storing the chessmen while you’re on the move, and the sizeable board is surprisingly compact and lightweight when packed away.

Measurements: Board (15” x 15”), King (3”)

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#8) Foldable Armory-Style Chess Board

If you have a mobile home or beach house, this Chess Armory Folding Chess Set is a great option for a second board to keep at your second home. The foldable armory-style board isn’t quite as compact as some of the other options on this list, but it looks beautiful both in use and when packed away. The felt interior stores pieces neatly and the hinge and swivel design keep them locked away safely. The pieces themselves have felted bottoms that protect the board from any accidental scratches but the lack of magnets means that it’s not the best set to use on the move.

Measurements: Open Board (9.5” x 9.5”), Closed Board (9.5″ x 4.75″ x 2.25″)

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#9) Talking Electronic Travel Chess Board

If you’re looking for a compact chess board this option probably isn’t the best one for you, but the wide variety of games within the iCore Voice Chess Master makes it a great family travel companion. This talking electronic board contains 12 chess modes and 30 unique chess levels. There are also 100 preset chess exercises onboard so you can test your skills and improve your strategic thinking, as well as an inbuilt chess tutor that warns you of threats to your pieces. In addition, there are eight more brain training games to keep your mind sharp while you’re on vacation. The board has a large LCD screen with adjustable contrast which is useful when playing in direct sunlight.

Measurements: Board (10” x 7.9” x 1.1”)

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#10) Portable Roll-up Full Sized Tournament Chess Set

The Holyking Portable Tournament Chess Game Set roll-up vinyl chess board combines excellent portability with a good-sized playing area. The wipe-clean surface area is easy to keep clean which makes it perfect for hassle-free maintenance, and the material won’t crease no matter how long you keep it rolled up. The carry case is large enough to accommodate the board and the pieces, and there are two extra queens included in case to allow for promoted pawns to become queens even when the original queen is still on the board. The pieces themselves are classic black and white and are finished with flocking on the bottom to ensure smooth motion during play.

Measurements: Board (20” x 20”), King (3.8”)

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#11) Flexible Silicone Chess Set

The soft, flexible mat of this Kaprolife Silicone Chess Set is a great choice for backpackers. The robust board is waterproof, windproof, and can’t be damaged by being dropped or thrown into a backpack. The carry case is also tough enough to withstand regular use, and the durable silicone pieces fit neatly inside when not in use. Beginners will also benefit from the algebraic notation on the perimeter of the board.

Measurements: Board (15” x 15”), King (2.75”), Queen (2.36”)

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#12) Metal Magnetic Mini Travel Chess Set

The Purple Cow Magnetic Chess Game is tiny and lightweight, making it one of my favorite travel chess sets. The tin board and flat pieces might not be to everyone’s taste, but if you’re looking for a pocket-sized set this one is hard to beat. The Purple Cow makes dozens of different travel games including backgammon, snakes and ladders, and dominoes so you’ll never be bored on the road again.

Measurements: Board (7.6” x 7.6”)

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???? What'd we miss?

That’s the end of our list of the best and most creative travel chess boards. Do you have a favorite board that you never leave home when you travel? Let us know in the comments if you think there’s a superior board that we should add to the list, or feel free to drop us an email.

Oh, and if we ever meet on our travels feel free to challenge me to a game – I never go far without my travel set.

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Last update on 2026-08-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API