People who enjoy driving do not require any additional encouragement to get out on the road. We may do many exciting things on these vacations, such as eating our favorite foods and taking selfies at famous places.
It’s time to unwind. Breathtaking views and refreshing air transport us to a higher plane of existence. People also love listening to music, listening to the radio, and reading books. Break out one of these fantastic audiobooks the next time you’re looking for a fun way to pass the time.
Some of our best audiobooks for road trips have big-name casts with familiar voices, while others are simply the author or a character actor sharing the piece; some are brand-new, while others are great literary texts reborn through your headphones. They all have in common that they’re all utterly captivating.
Reading books might take up a certain amount of physical space on a journey. Audiobooks are perfect for a family road trip. Here are the top 20 digital audiobooks for a perfect family road trip.
1. The Great Alone
The Great Alone is a beautiful 2017 novel by Kristin Hannah that is a part coming-of-age story and part-fictional travelogue set in the Homer, Alaska area.
Even if you’re confined driving to sites in your backyard, I see The Great Alone as a method to transport to the wilds of Alaska. If you happen to be taking a trip by road in Alaska, the book would be an excellent introduction or companion.
Kristin Hannah has produced an outstanding, well-written, and beautifully described narrative that follows the Allbright family on an emotional journey in remote Alaska in the 1970s. Throughout the novel, you will fall in love with Leni’s character and sincerely care about her well-being.
2. The Alice Network
Women of all ages and ethnicities and their vital contributions to the arts and sciences have been found, recognized, and brought to widespread attention in books and movies over the last several years.
Another such contribution was the Alice network, which operated in France during the First World War and was a female-led intelligence network. Women risked their lives to gather intelligence that the Allies may use to defeat Germany.
In a historical dual-timeline drama set during and after World War II, Kate Quinn’s 2017 novel The Alice Network beautifully captures it.
When you research the story’s surroundings online, you know a book will be a hit. The Alice Network’s haunting depictions of Nancy, Grasse, and Oradour-Sur-Glane, France, fit this description perfectly.
This story set after World War II is a perfect listen and one of the best road trip audiobooks.
3. Becoming by Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama’s 2018 memoir Becoming includes a compelling look at her extensive global travels — from Kenya to England to India — as well as an astonishing life story that takes her from boyhood in the South Side of Chicago to eight years in the White House.
The self-narrated audiobook provides insight into the trips of President Barack Obama across the United States during his presidential campaigns. Former first lady Michelle Obama narrates the audiobook in her voice, making it even more delightful.
You’ll be absorbed entirely throughout and may even cry at times while Michelle Obama narrates her own story. It is a story that you may enjoy with your whole family and one of the best audiobooks for road trips.
This is a thoughtful coming-of-age story that will encourage many women and people of color who are fighting to discover themselves, rather than a rehashed Wiki article of her accomplishments.
Michelle’s life was fascinating to me, with her achievements and heartbreaks. She discusses her White House experiences why she picked various initiatives during her tenure as First Lady, and how her youth and upbringing influenced her viewpoint.
4. Born A Crime (Coming of Age Story)
Born a Crime is a beautiful compilation of stories from Trevor Noah’s South African childhood, his early life depicting the transition of a person from poverty to glory. Though there isn’t a single wholesome novel, many elements are more recognizable and similar to real-life experiences, particularly an African child.
Trevor Noah wrote and narrated the anthology in its entirety. He discusses the obstacles, events, and life-changing experiences that shaped him into the man he is today.
The collection is a motivational compilation of true stories that show how a child may overcome adversity and achieve his goals to transform his life for the better.
It’s the narrative of a rambunctious and energetic young man who wants to experience all he can, regardless of who stands in his way. When he matures, though, he becomes a complete outcast. All you’ll be listening to in this book is how he’ll be able to locate his rebellious attitude or how well he’ll find a way out.
5. Harry Potter Series
The Harry Potter series, which is the lifeblood of Potterheads, is among the world’s most popular items. We could have read them a hundred times if we wanted to. It is one of our favorites.
But trust me when I say that if I had the option, I would erase my memories and reread these novels to recapture that fantastic experience. These volumes will keep you engrossed until you finish them all, from Little Whinging to Hogwarts.
The entire series has an incredible storyline. It does not require a highly developed mind to comprehend. The tale is so captivating that it can keep anyone engaged for hours, from a six-year-old to an adult.
6. 1/22/63
1/22/63 is a Novel by Stephen King. A thousand-page feat de Force is about a man who travels through time to avert the killing of John F. Kennedy. Following the tremendous success of his novel Under the Dome, King transports readers to another time—a real-life moment when all went wrong: the assassination of John F. Kennedy. He also exposes readers to a person who does have the power to alter history’s course. The audiobook version is the perfect addition to your road trips.
It’s a small-town thriller; it’s a love tale, and it’s a small-town thriller. It’s an attractive look at time travel science fiction; it’s an incredibly well-researched bit of historical fiction. It’s a fascinating look into time travel science fiction; is it possible to alter the past?
Stephen King has an uncanny ability to turn even the most fanciful storylines into stories about individuals who feel very real. He paints comprehensive and honest portrayals of his characters, allowing us to believe in everything that occurs to them because they are so vivid & realistic, likable, and flawed.
7. The Dutch House
The Dutch House is an enthralling story about family dynamics, money, and poverty, as well as how a magnificent house can leave a lasting effect.
The Dutch House is another novel by Ann Patchett that does not disappoint. This multi-decade drama begins with Danny and Maeve as kids living up in the Dutch House outside Philadelphia.
The narrative is told solely from Danny’s point of view. Because their mother, Elna, left while the children were small, he is very close to Maeve, his older sister.
The family was well-off, and Cyril, their father, supplied and raised his two children, who couldn’t receive a straight answer as to why Elna had gone, only hearing bits and pieces from others.
8. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
In the classic tale Narnia, the land beyond the wardrobe door, a hidden landlocked in perpetual winter, magical land is awaiting liberation. Four children were left alone in a house. One embarks on an adventure and becomes engrossed in the Narnia realm while the others are trailing behind her.
Authors like C.S Lewis and J.K Rowling depict this bleak world and its various shades of grey. Then, beneath it all, something extraordinary: fantasy.
So here we have four seemingly kids with everyday life preparing to go on an unbelievable journey.
Here is nearly everything you want in a perfect audiobook to listen to with your entire family. One of the reasons the fantasy genre is enjoyed so much: it does a fantastic job of keeping one so engrossed that no other thought enters the mind of a reader.
They encounter something remarkable in the wardrobe, a portal to a more exciting realm. This is, without a doubt, and you could add it to your list of favorite audiobooks for road trips.
9. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Mark Twain wrote The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. The story’s adolescent protagonist, Thomas Sawyer, whose reputation follows him for causing mischief and turmoil, focuses on The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
Tom lives in the quaint village of St. Petersburg, right off the Mississippi River, with his Aunt Polly & half-brother Sid, along with cousin Mary. St. Petersburg has a typical small-town vibe, with a strong Christian presence, a close-knit social network, and a sense of familiarity.
Even if you’ve never read the novel, its effect is so widespread that you’re almost undoubtedly familiar with Tom Sawyer on a certain level. One of the most famous episodes in literature is his ruse to convince his friends to assist him in cleaning his Aunt Polly’s fence.
10. Bleak House
Sean Barrett & Teresa Gallagher narrate Charles Dickens’ Bleak House. Have you always liked to read Dickens but never had the time or energy? Then, this audiobook, read by Sean Barrett and Teresa Gallagher, might be the answer to all of your car trip prayers.
Their outstanding dual narration enriches Dickens and masterfully constructs the melodrama rather than distracting. It isn’t easy to do justice to such a massive work of literature, but this audiobook more than succeeds.
If you’re ready to get riled up about the chancery court system’s ridiculous bureaucracy, this is one of the best audiobooks for road trips.
11. Flowers for Algernon
Flowers for Algernon tells the story of a mentally slow cleaner who attempts to become a genius with unexpected outcomes. It’s based on the same-named classic short tale.
Charlie writes a series of journal entries, or “progress reports,” that serve as the basis for the entire narrative. This audiobook is going to become just as much of a classic as its novel, thanks to narrator Jeff Woodman’s heartbreaking performance, in which he seamlessly transitions between regular Charlie and genius Charlie.
If you want to hear a short yet powerful story on your journey, this is one of the best audiobooks for road trips.
12. A Short History of Nearly Everything
Bryson takes on his most extraordinary task in his most famous book: to comprehend—and, if possible, answer—the oldest, most meaningful thoughts we’ve ever raised about the world and ourselves.
Bryson wants to know how we got from nothing to being us, so he investigates everything from the Big Bang to the formation of civilization.
To that goal, he’s been to the offices, laboratories, and field camps of some of the world’s most advanced (and frequently obsessed) archaeologists and mathematicians. Bryson has read (or tried to read) their books, interrogated them, and learned from their great minds.
The result is a sometimes profound, occasionally laugh-out-loud memoir, yet always supremely concise and exciting adventure in the areas of human knowledge as only Bill Bryson can render it. Science was never more fascinating or enjoyable.
13. The Sherlock Holmes Collection
Stephen Fry narrates Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes collection. It doesn’t get much better beyond one British icon describing the exploits of another British icon.
Both are unlikely to require an introduction, but in case you don’t already know who they are, Stephen Fry is a renowned actor, screenwriter as well as author, & comedian who is best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes world’s most famous fictional detective.
More importantly, Fry is a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes. He narrates with the expertise of a well-known performer and the zeal of a devotee, making this audiobook well worth your money and time.
This isn’t the whole book; roughly 12 of Sherlock Holmes’ short stories are missing. If it doesn’t bother you, this could be the audiobook for you! These are the best audiobooks for your road trip if you enjoy solving mysteries while driving.
14. Big Little Lies
Big Little Lies is a gripping domestic drama following three women and their children in the suburbs of Sydney, and it inspired not only an audiobook but also an HBO program.
Madeline is a seemingly perfect mother who is still dealing with the effects of her divorce; Celeste is a busy mother of twins who hides the scars left by her abusive husband & Jane is a young mother to the quirky Ziggy, who is concealing the darkest secret of all.
All are brought together by their children’s kindergarten class, and a scandal arises when Ziggy begins to bully a classmate… or does he? In this audiobook, performed by Australian-born Caroline Lee, significant and minor lies are piled like pastry and delectably exposed. This is one of the best audiobooks for road trips if you’re looking to be entertained throughout your journey.
15. The Lord of The Rings Series
It’s ideal for a quick trip to the beach. Just joking! The entire audiobook series is 117 hours and 27 minutes long, which is long enough to keep you occupied if you were traveling coast-to-coast across America twice.
Nonetheless, Rob Inglis’ narration is more than capable of keeping you awake throughout the movie. He captures the majestic scale of the main trilogy and dives into The Hobbit with enthusiasm.
If you’ll be in the vehicle for days on end (and the car is packed with Tolkien fans, or you’ll have a mutiny in your hands), this is the book for you.
16. Yes Please
Yes Please is a comedy written by Amy Poehler and recited by Amy Poehler. Amy Poehler’s cheerfully titled memoir — and, as one might assume from its hilarious author, the details of her book follow suit — is on the female comedic side of things.
Yes Please chronicles Poehler’s life up to 2014, from her days on Saturday Night Live to her drug experiments to the repercussions of her divorce from Will Arnett. (Please accept our apologies; we’re still upset about that one.)
Poehler maintains her trademark lively wit throughout everything, never lingering on the past or lamenting what went wrong, instead projecting appreciation, happiness, & hope for the future. If you ever want a Leslie Knope pick-me-up on your road trip, this is the drink for you.
17. The Handmaid’s Tale
As narrated by the emotionally gifted Moss, We have The Handmaid’s Tale for fans of the fantastic Hulu adaptation or dystopian stories in general (who stars in the TV show).
This compelling narrative of a single-minded woman stuck in a gigantic will have readers thinking quite differently about the world in which we live, even if it isn’t exactly light and easy fare.
In terms of the story, you’ll be holding your breath right up to the last word. If you’re still on the fence, know that Moss’ passion and urgency elevate this already excellent story to a critical one.
18. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief is narrated by Allan Corduner. The Book Thief, notably narrated by Death, isn’t exactly a happy book. It’s a narrative about a girl who steals books in Nazi Germany in 1939, and it’s beautiful, heartbreaking, and enduring all at the same time.
As a result, this audiobook might be ideal for a long road trip across the country. Not everyone can claim to give Death a voice, but Allan Corduner does it brilliantly in this reading of The Book Thief, giving the written words incredible depth and poignancy.
Just a gentle reminder: pack tissues on this road trip if you don’t want to be overwhelmed by tears for the last 30 minutes of this amazing audiobook.
19. The Bear and the Nightingale
Kathleen Gati narrates Katherine Arden’s “The Bear and the Nightingale.” With this stunning interpretation of The Bear and the Nightingale, be prepared to be swept off your feet (or, more accurately, off the gas pedals).
When Katherine Arden’s rich recreation of Russian folklore was initially released in 2017, it received critical acclaim, introducing readers to Vasilisa, a young Russian girl who must step up to rescue her loved ones from a formerly menace thought existed only in fairy tales.
Kathleen Gati’s velvety, seductive voice will transform your car into a warm living room, complete with a crackling fire — while a nurse recounts your old stories.
20. The Power of One
The Power of One is a profoundly touching novel about a little boy named Peekay who is nurtured in pre-apartheid South Africa. It may sound like a self-motivational manual, but it is a profoundly moving story about a young man named Peekay who is reared in pre-apartheid South Africa.
Peekay is bullied by his classmates and is continually trying to get away from them — a quest aided by his friendship with a medicine man, who changes his entire perspective.
However, as Peekay grows older, he faces more significant challenges than school bullies: the onset of World War II, the Death of his mentors, and much worse.
Humphrey Bower somehow brings every character to life in the audiobook, with all their accents and characteristics, which serve as a vital window into a long-forgotten time and place.
Closing Thoughts
And that was the list for you to enjoy your next road trip; with our dynamic list of best audiobooks for road trip, you can choose your mood according to your journey.
Last Updated on by Namita Soren