Are you looking for good books to listen to while driving? Check out the best audiobooks for road trips in order to have an inspiring and laughter-filled start to your vacation.
Guys, imagine having to drive 9 hours in a car with 3 screaming cats and a panda bear (mutt Maine Coon) when we moved to North Carolina. My husband drove the luggage in another car…
Are you wondering how I kept my sanity? Xanax. And wine. Just kidding…maybe. The answer from above: Podcasts and audiobooks, y’all.
It’s also no secret that road trips are increasing in popularity.
I don’t know about you, but while I love traveling, I don’t necessarily love the driving-in-the-car part. My middle finger gets exhausted!
We’ve road-tripped all over, including other countries like Italy, Switzerland, Ireland, and Iceland. So, how do you pass hours upon hours in the car after you’ve counted all of the sheepies and sang along to the radio in multiple languages?
We asked audiobook expert, Eline from Lovely Audiobooks, what she considers to be the absolute best audiobooks for road trips.
We’ve added in a few of our own, too, including nonfiction, fiction, romance, historical fiction, YA, and funny audiobook titles.
There is something on this road trip audiobook reading list for everyone; we promise! Unless you want to listen to Baby Shark on repeat…
Keep reading for our top picks for the absolute best audiobooks for road trips. Let’s get started!
If you love hitting the road, don’t miss these fantastic books featuring road trips.
Grab the best road trip audiobooks here:
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Best Audiobooks For Road Trips As Recommended By Eline From Lovely Audiobooks
The first 9 road trip audiobook suggestions are from Eline of LovelyAudiobooks.info. One of her favorite places to listen to books is the passenger seat of her RV, enjoying new places and new stories.
Eline loves everything about “aural reading”. Find out the 5 Things you didn’t know about Audiobooks and check out her favorite short audiobooks.
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
Narrated by Martin Jarvis
Good Omens is making an incredible comeback.
Whether you’ve already seen the Amazon show, read the book, or have yet to experience this awesome story about friendship and the apocalypse, this is one of the best audiobooks for road trips for Gaiman-lovers.
Good Omens is produced with a full cast of voice actors including Peter Serafinowicz for a BBC radio play. Plus, it’s a great choice for a long drive. Read More→
Save These Road Trip Audiobooks For Later
Evidence Of The Affair by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Narrated By Julia Whelan, Greg Newborn & More
One of the best audiobooks for short road trips, Evidence Of The Affair is written in the epistolary form: Carrie sends a letter to the husband of the woman who she believes is having an affair with her own husband.
The ending is as devastating as it is beautiful. This audiobook is free with Kindle Unlimited, making it perfect for audiobook beginners.
Do you love trains, planes, and automobiles? Hop On A Train With These Great Books.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Narrated by George Guidall
Neil Gaiman is everywhere these days. American Gods is my [Eline’s] personal favorite. Shadow, this honestly good guy, finds himself utterly out of options after being released from prison.
He runs into a group of rather odd people. With them, he’s going on a road trip through America.
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Eline’s Picks For Best Romance Audiobooks For Road Trips
Lucky Suit by Lauren Blakely
Narrated by Zachary Webber and Andi Arndt
Lucky Suit is 2.5 hours long, which makes this one of the best audiobooks for road trips to a nearby state. And, it’s safe to play on speakers for everyone.
Lucky Suit is a light-hearted romantic comedy by romance queen, Lauren Blakely, and is perfectly narrated by two of romance’s most beloved narrators, Zachary Webber and Andi Arndt. These two will draw you in and make you wonder how Kristen and Cameron actually end up together.
Ball Peen Hammer by Lauren Rowe
Narrated by Lauren Rowe and John Lane
Ball Peen Hammer is absolutely NOT a speaker-safe audiobook to listen to while driving unless you are going on a road trip alone. But, this contemporary romance isn’t only incredibly sexy, it’s also absolutely hilarious and heart-warming.
Keane and Maddy find themselves on the road trip version of a blind date. They talk, get to know each other, and, of course, have to keep their hands off of one another. But that never quite works out, does it?! Ball Peen Hammer is one of the best audiobooks for road trips if you devour romance.
The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert
Narrated by Robin Eller & Cary Hite
For long stretches in the car, The Voting Booth is a happy, cute, and funny YA romance audiobook. But, it’s also a profound critique of voter suppression, especially in urban areas and communities with people of color.
The Voting Booth is such an important audiobook to listen to this summer.
The A.I. Who Loved Me by Alyssa Cole
Narrated by Regina Hall, Mindy Kaling & More
The A.I Who Loved Me was one of my [Eline’s] favorite audiobooks of 2019.
Part science-fiction, part love story, Alyssa Cole comments on how current events could lead to a very bleak future and what happens if you accidentally fall in love with an artificial human.
The audiobook is an outstanding production with a full cast as well as Regina Hall reading the main character.
Eline’s Top Picks For Best Audiobooks For Road Trips For Nonfiction Lovers
Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered: The Definitive How-To Guide by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstock
Narrated by Karen Kilgariff, Georgia Hardstock, and Paul Giamatti
Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered is the story of the two women behind one of the most successful true-crime podcasts.
If you follow My Favorite Murder, this is a must-listen. But if you don’t know the podcast, you can also start with the audiobook and discover My Favorite Murder afterward. Christine says YASSS to all of this. Book Information→
The Science Of Mindfulness by Ronald Siegel
Narrated by Ronal Siegel
Mindfulness is a popular term, but there’s actual science behind it, too. The Science Of Mindfulness gives a great overview of why mindfulness practice can improve your quality of life and even help significantly with depression and anxiety.
As someone who tends to overthink things, I [Eline] found it very helpful to understand what mindfulness changes in the brain before actually starting to practice.
The course is perfectly safe for drivers, but don’t do the guided meditations at the end of the audiobook while you’re still driving.
How can you listen to audiobooks? Try Audible and get two free audiobooks here.
The Uncorked Librarian’s Best Audiobooks For Road Trips Selections
Along with Eline’s book recs, these are the best books to listen to on a road trip that The Uncorked Librarian recommends. Please note that many of these suggestions are best for longer road trips.
And, if you are taking a trip across America, don’t miss The Uncorked Librarian’s 50 States Reading List. Find some of the best books set in every state.
Best Nonfiction Audiobooks For Road Trips
Quiet by Susan Cain
Narrated by Cathe Mazur
I love listening to nonfiction books in the car since I find myself slogging through them on the couch. Although I talk a lot and pretend to be an extrovert to survive, a large part of me is an introvert.
Susan Cain describes the dynamic of an extroverted society and its effects on introverts.
Cain is a champion of the quieter folk and discusses how in a world that cannot stop talking, introverts have merit too. Discover some secretly popular introverts and their societal contributions, too.
Quiet is truly one of my favorite introspective and best audiobooks for road trips suggestions. Book Information→
Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson
Narrated by Jenny Lawson
I follow Jenny Lawson on Facebook as The Bloggess–she speaks to my soul. Lawson is both honest and hilarious. One of the funniest and best audiobooks for road trips that is also inspiring includes Lawson’s Furiously Happy.
Lawson shares her battle with mental health, suffering from both anxiety and depression. She advocates for loving and accepting yourself no matter what.
Best Audiobooks For Road Trips That Are Biographies
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling
Narrated by Mindy Kaling, Michael Schur, and B.J. Novak
Mindy Kaling will forever crack me up, and for me, she always touches a heartstring. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? is one of my favorite funny audiobooks for road trips. All of your passengers will laugh along too.
Join Mindy as she hilariously and embarrassingly discusses growing up. She talks about weight, fame, friendship, and romance in the most honest and open way. Read More→
Bossypants by Tina Fey
Narrated by Tina Fey
You most likely know Tina Fey from SNL and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. If you are looking for one of the best nonfiction audiobooks for road trips with humor try Fey’s Bossypants.
Tiny Fey shares her early life and dreams before becoming the famous actress that we all know and love.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Narrated by Michelle Obama
While I haven’t listened to Becoming by Michelle Obama via audiobook, it’s no secret that I read the book and watched the Netflix documentary.
I love listening to the former First Lady as she shares her experiences about growing up in Chicago and attending college.
Michelle Obama talks about dating Barack Obama, and the many challenges she faced and continues to face as a Black woman, career woman, and mother.
Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Narrated by Amy Poehler, Carol Burnett, Seth Meyers & More
If you love entertainers, don’t miss Yes Please by Amy Poehler.
This is one of the best audiobooks for road trips for the cast alone: Seth Meyers, Carol Burnett, Patrick Steward, and even Poehler’s parents.
Discover a collection of mismatched stories that take Poehler through her Boston childhood to Hollywood today.
Over The Top by Jonathan Van Ness
Narrated by Jonathan Van Ness
Named as one of NPR’s favorite books of the year, I read JVN’s Over The Top but wish I had listened to the audiobook version, especially since he narrates it.
Van Ness’s voice radiates off of the pages in this beautiful, raw, and at times, hilarious biography about overcoming addiction and childhood molestation.
A perfect LGBTQ+ audiobook for your road trip, Over The Top is for maturer audiences looking for inspiration to reaffirm their amazing self-identity. Plus, I am Queer Eye obsessed. Read more→
You Can’t Touch My Hair by Phoebe Robinson
Narrated by Phoebe Robinson & John Hodgman
Another one of the best audiobooks for road trips that I’ve seen recommended over and over again but have yet to listen to is You Can’t Touch My Hair by Phoebe Robinson.
With a discussion of pop culture, feminism, and race, Robinson shares her experiences working and living as a Black woman where, yup, people ask if they can touch her hair.
Glamour named You Can’t Touch My Hair as one of the top books of 2016.
Born A Crime By Trevor Noah
Narrated by Trevor Noah
One of my favorite nonfiction books about growing up in South Africa, Born A Crime is also one of the best audiobooks for road trips. You might know Trevor Noah from The Daily Show.
In this memoir, Noah shares his journey growing up in Apartheid South Africa with a Black mother and white father, which was considered a crime during that time.
A coming-of-age story, learn more about the brilliant man behind one of our favorite nightly TV shows.
Noah is guaranteed to make you laugh with his childhood stories while talking about more serious issues including racism and racist policies. Book Information→
Best Audiobooks For Road Trips Related To Travel
A Walk In The Woods by Bill Bryson
Narrated by Rob McQuay
I wish that Bill Bryson would narrate his books. I picture his sarcasm and wit radiating out of my stereo. It’s no secret that Bryson is also one of my all-time favorite travel writers, too.
If you are road tripping around the United States and headed to the Appalachian Trail, don’t skip either reading, watching, or listening to A Walk In The Woods.
Bryson and his boozy buddy, Katz, have no business hiking the Appalachian Trail, but they do it anyway. You’ll love them for it. Book Information→
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Narrated by Bernadette Dunne
If you are looking for good books to listen to while driving (with Kleenex), don’t pass up Wild by Cheryl Strayed. I listened to this travel audiobook on my way to work and felt every ounce of Strayed’s pain.
Overcoming the loss of her mother and with a failed marriage, Strayed is both broken and lost. Even though she is not a hiker, she makes an unhinged and wild decision to hike the Pacific Crest Trail.
Watch Strayed’s journey as she learns to forgive, grow, and rebuild her life. This is a great memoir for hikers.
Best Audiobooks Road Trips For Bestselling Fiction Lovers
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Narrated by Lynn Chen
Crazy Rich Asians as a book and then a movie did not disappoint. The first in the series, we enter the lives of the rich and not so famous except in their wealth.
Rachel Chu falls in love with one of the wealthiest families’ offspring, Nick Young, causing a tizzy of gossip and instant jealousy. Is she good enough for this family? In fact, who the hell is she?
Sit back with some popcorn for family scandals, love affairs, and a story about proving love conquers all. Crazy Rich Asians is definitely binge-worthy and one of the best audiobooks for road trips. Read More→
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Narrated by Caroline Lee
Big Little Lies remains one of my favorite books, and I equally love the HBO series. Someone is left dead and the suspect list is endless.
Behind closed doors, all of the players–especially the women–have deep, dark secrets. No one is as Stepford Wives as they seem. Watch the drama unfold as friendships are built and marriages crumble.
Big Little Lies is the perfect audiobook while driving since it takes your mind off of the traffic and into this mystery. Read More→
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
Narrated by Audra McDonald, Cassandra Campbell, and Ari Flaikos
Small Great Things takes place in my home state of Connecticut where black nurse, Ruth Jefferson, attempts to save a baby’s life. The problem is, the parents are white supremacists and had ordered the hospital to keep Ruth away from their child.
Ruth ultimately finds herself at a trial where no one wants to discuss race. Meanwhile, she is trying to live and fight for her life while raising her own family.
Picoult addresses issues at the core of racist America. Most of Picoult’s novels make for binge-worthy audiobooks perfect for road trips; Picoult is a storyteller at heart. Read More→
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Narrated by Toni Morrison
I always love listening to Toni Morrison’s poetic and sage voice while driving. Beloved is the world-famous story of Sethe, a slave who escaped slavery. However, Sethe is still enslaved by her past and the haunting death of her nameless child. One word sits on the baby’s grave, Beloved. Read More →
Find Beloved on TUL’s Books That Make You Think Differently About The World book list.
Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Narrated by Cassandra Campbell
Where The Crawdads Sing is one of the most popular books of 2019 and one of the best audiobooks for road trips if you are headed to North Carolina.
Owens transports readers to the marshland around the Outer Banks.
Kya Clark, who has never fit in, is suspected of killing Chase Andrews. Isolated as a youth from society because her family is poor and neglectful, Kya has always been a naive and easy target.
Learn about love, death, and coming of age in the most tragic of circumstances. Read more books set in North Carolina. Book Information
Best Historical Fiction Audiobooks For Road Trips
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Narrated by Paul Boehmer & More
Looking for some of the best audiobooks for road trips for historical fiction lovers? Don’t miss The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
I loved listening to this audiobook with its multitude of narrators that brought every character to life.
With the end of WW2, Juliet needs inspiration for her next book. She heads to Guernsey where she learns about the secret The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
Completely endearing, fall in love with this gaggle of islanders.
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Narrated by Emily Klein
Another audiobook that I loved is Sepeys’s Between Shades Of Gray. If you enjoy WW2 historical fiction about more obscured histories, Ruta Sepeys is for you.
Fifteen-year-old Lithuanian, Lina, is thrown into a crowded train headed for a Siberian work camp.
Separated from her father, Lina sends her drawings through secret channels hoping to locate her father’s prison camp to let him know that she is alive.
Read more books with colors — like gray — the title.
Best Audiobooks For Road Trips For Teens & Middle Grade
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
Narrated by Katt Rudd
Imagine pulling into work and waiting for the building to open. You are sobbing hysterically in your car and your coworkers think you either hit a squirrel or your cat died. Nope. I was just listening to YA novel, The Fault In Our Stars.
The Fault In Our Stars is one of the best audiobooks for road trips or work commutes that I have listened to ever, hands down.
Cancer is a hard battle, and Hazel and Augustus meet at a cancer support group. Their story focuses on healing, living your life to the fullest, and love. Have the tissues ready. Read More→
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Narrated by Neil Gaiman
Eline inspired me with her love of Neil Gaiman, and it’s part of the reason I adore her book suggestions. One of Gaiman’s most famous novels, The Graveyard Book is the perfect audiobook for family road trips.
A middle grade and YA read, meet Bod. Bod has the only beating heart in his graveyard family, and we watch as he comes of age in the ghoulish world of magic. Read More→
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Narrated by Bahni Turnpin
Full disclosure that I read the book as well as watched the movie for The Hate U Give. However, regardless of how you digest the title, I’ve also heard that it makes for one of the best audiobooks for road trips for the entire family, especially today.
Understand the Black Lives Matter movement even more as well as the murdering of innocent young Black men by the police as Starr Carter seeks justice for her best friend’s death.
What are some of your favorite audiobooks for road trips?
What road trips have you taken that you loved? What are your favorite books to listen to while driving?
Have you read or listened to any of the audiobooks listed above? Which audiobooks do you recommend? Are there any that you didn’t love? Do you like audiobooks or podcasts more?
P.S. While you are road tripping and stopping along the way, you definitely want to check out my blogging friend, Kathy of Tasty Itinerary’s, top Airbnb tips for guests.
You May Also Enjoy:
Books About Finding Love That Won’t Make You Gag
Travel Writers That Inspire Real Travel
Books That Make You Think Outside The Box
Travel Across America With This 50 States Reading List
Fabulous Books Set On Trains
Marteen
Tuesday 3rd of November 2020
Truely awesome Audiobook Collection for Roadtrips. Though I don't get much chance to travel, I do listen audiobooks during my way of office and coming back from it. Thanks for sharing this awesome list. I'm loving it and definitely bookmarking this.
Christine
Friday 6th of November 2020
Thanks so much! I appreciate it. I used to have such long commutes to work -- audiobooks are perfect for traffic.
Macey @ Brine & Books
Tuesday 14th of July 2020
I actually really enjoy the driving part of a long road trip :') I feel like I can switch it up with podcasts, audio dramas, and music! I'm not really an audiobook listener, but I absolutely love the idea of listening to one whilst driving. It's so nice to see some familiar favs in this list as well!
Christine
Wednesday 15th of July 2020
That's awesome. I am glad that I recently started finding (and getting into) great podcasts, too. Audiobooks are so fun, especially when there are multiple narrators.
Lee
Tuesday 19th of May 2020
I think “Small Great Things” is an important book that should be read by everyone. I also loved listening to “Circe”, “A Gentleman in Moscow”, and “The Good Lord Bird” (this last one, about slavery and John Brown, uses the “n-word” liberally, but it’s beautifully read by Michael Boatman).
Christine
Wednesday 20th of May 2020
Yes, I agree about Small Great Things. I want to read A Gentleman in Moscow. I've heard great things. Thank you for the recs!
Megan | Ginger Mom & Company
Sunday 2nd of February 2020
I'll definitely have to add Good Omens to my list! I've seen the show but have yet to read the book. And, being a major fan of audiobooks, I think that's probably how I'll be "reading" it :) Thanks for sharing a fantastic list of goodies!
Christine
Tuesday 4th of February 2020
My husband is currently reading Good Omens as we speak. Gaiman is always amazing. I'm glad you enjoyed this list. Thank you!
Smith Warner
Friday 6th of December 2019
Thank you for sharing amazing audiobooks for a road trip. I find some useful audiobooks in your books i which I prefer in my travel. Thank you so much for sharing this audiobooks for the road trip.
Christine
Friday 6th of December 2019
Thank you! I am so glad that you found a few new great audiobook titles to check out.