Do I pray sunnah prayers while traveling?

Mostly no, with two important exceptions. On a journey the Prophet ﷺ usually left the regular sunnah prayers before and after Dhuhr, Maghrib and Isha, but he kept the two rak'at before Fajr and the Witr prayer. Other voluntary prayers are still allowed whenever you like.
The regular sunnahs are dropped
At home, a Muslim usually prays extra rak'at around the five prayers (the rawatib), such as two before Fajr, four or two before Dhuhr and two after it, two after Maghrib and two after Isha. On a journey the Prophet ﷺ normally did not pray these. Abdullah ibn Umar was once asked about people praying sunnah after a shortened prayer on a trip. He said that if he were going to pray extra, he would rather have prayed the obligatory prayer in full, and that he had travelled with the Prophet ﷺ and seen him keep to two rak'at (Sahih Muslim 689).
So skipping them is not laziness. It follows the sunnah of travel, which is about ease.
Keep the two rak'at before Fajr
Aisha said the Prophet ﷺ was never more careful about any voluntary prayer than the two rak'at before Fajr (Sahih al-Bukhari 1163). He also said these two rak'at are better than the world and everything in it (Sahih Muslim 725). Scholars agree he kept them while travelling too, so try not to drop them, even on an early flight.
Keep Witr as well
Witr is the odd-numbered prayer at the end of the night, after Isha. The Prophet ﷺ prayed it on journeys as well, sometimes on his riding animal. The Hanafi school even treats Witr as wajib (required). A single rak'at of Witr before you sleep in a hotel is enough.
Other voluntary prayers are fine
Night prayer (tahajjud), Duha, the two rak'at when entering a mosque, and any general extra prayer are all allowed while travelling. The Prophet ﷺ prayed voluntary prayers on his mount facing whichever way it was going (Sahih al-Bukhari 1099), which is why many scholars allow sitting voluntary prayer on a train or plane:
For the obligatory prayers on a flight, see Can I pray on a plane? For shortening itself, see What is qasr prayer?
- The regular sunnahs around Dhuhr, Maghrib and Isha are usually left on a journey.
- Keep the two rak'at before Fajr.
- Keep Witr at the end of the night.
- Night prayer and other voluntary prayers are still welcome.
People also ask
How do I pray Fajr on an early flight?
To pray Fajr on an early flight, pray at the airport if dawn has come, or in your seat on the plane before sunrise. Here's how, step by step.
Read the full answer →Can Muslims go to Disneyland?
Yes, Muslims can go to Disneyland and theme parks. Plan prayer times, halal food and modest clothes, and skip bars and adult-themed events.
Read the full answer →Can I travel with non-Muslim friends as a Muslim?
Yes, Muslims can travel with non-Muslim friends. Plan ahead for prayer stops, halal food and same-gender rooms, and skip the alcohol and clubs.
Read the full answer →Can Muslims visit shrines and tombs while traveling?
Yes, Muslims can visit graves and historic tombs, but never pray to the dead or seek blessings from shrines. Here's the sunnah way to visit.
Read the full answer →Can I pack my Quran in checked luggage?
Yes, you can pack a Quran in checked luggage if it's wrapped and kept away from dirty items. Hand luggage or a Quran app is often better.
Read the full answer →