Prayer for safe travel by road, air, or sea
Asking God's protection on a journey, with Saint Christopher and the angels
Morning Prayer editorial team · Updated: November 2026
Before a road trip, a flight, a daily commute, or a loved one's journey far from home, Christians have always asked God's protection on the road. This prayer for safe travel can be prayed at the door, in the car, or at the airport gate, and it asks Saint Christopher and the angels to go along.
Let us pray
Lord God, You led Your people through the desert with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. You sent an angel to walk with Tobias on his journey. You Yourself traveled the dusty roads of Galilee and the sea in a small boat. Be with us as we set out today.
Keep (name, or us) safe on the road: on the highway and the back street, in traffic and in weather, in the hands of every driver, pilot, and conductor along the way. Give alertness to the tired, patience to the hurried, and good judgment to everyone who shares the journey.
Protect the vehicle, the plane, the train, the ship. Protect the body from accident and the belongings from loss. Protect the heart from the anxiety that makes a trip heavier than it needs to be. Let the journey itself be a gift: new places, unexpected kindness, time to think and to pray.
Watch over the ones left behind as well. Let the distance not weaken love, and let the phone call home be full of good news.
Saint Christopher, who carried the Christ Child across the river, carry us safely to the other side of this journey. Holy guardian angels, go before us, beside us, and behind us. Saint Raphael, companion of travelers, keep us company.
Bring us to our destination in safety, and bring us home again in peace, to the people and the God who are waiting for us. Amen.
Blessing
May the Lord go before you on every road, guard you on every mile, and bring you safely home.
How to pray this prayer
- Find a quiet moment and breathe slowly.
- Read the prayer aloud or in your heart.
- Add your own intention before the Amen.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Saint Christopher and why is he the patron of travelers?
According to legend, Christopher was a giant who carried travelers across a dangerous river and one day carried a child who revealed Himself as Christ. His name means Christ-bearer. Although his feast (July 25) was removed from the universal calendar in 1969, the Church still permits his veneration, and his medal remains a beloved sign of trust in God's protection on the road.
Can I pray this for someone else who is traveling?
Yes. Simply insert the person's name. Many parents pray it when a child leaves for college or a long trip, and spouses pray it for each other before business travel. God hears prayers offered across any distance.
Why is Saint Raphael mentioned?
In the Book of Tobit the archangel Raphael, disguised as a traveling companion, guides young Tobias safely on a long journey and home again. He is therefore also a patron of travelers and of happy meetings.
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