Best Teen Audiobooks for Road Trips (2024)
Whether you’re behind the wheel or a passenger, audiobooks for road trips are a great way to pass the time and stay alert. With stories lasting a few hours to over 24, there’s an audiobook perfect for every road trip. You can get suggestions for the best teen audiobooks for road trips here.
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Kristen Gryglik
Licensed Insurance Agent
Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...
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UPDATED: Sep 9, 2024
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UPDATED: Sep 9, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Audiobooks are a great way to pass the time on a long road trip. Whether you’re driving yourself or stuck in the backseat during a family vacation, a good story can help you get where you need to be. From the best audiobooks for kids on a road trip to senior citizens, stories at any point in life keep everyone entertained.
If you’re not sure where to start for road trip audiobooks, read on for suggestions from some of the most popular genres. Then, learn what other steps you can take to ensure your road trip goes off without a hitch.
If you’re in need of affordable auto insurance and you’d like to start looking today, just enter your ZIP code into our free comparison tool above.
- Audiobooks are a great way to pass the time during long road trips
- Teens have plenty of great options in every genre, including memoirs, non-fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and classic literature
- Besides a good audiobook, you also need snacks, a physical map, and a solid car insurance policy to make your road trip a success
Best Classic Literature for Teens
Classic novels aren’t just for English class. The classics remain popular choices for a reason – and a long road trip is a perfect time to catch up on the ones you missed. While there are dozens of great options, here are five to start.
Number 1: “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austin
Narrated by: Rosamund Pike
Length: 11 hours and 35 minutes
Perhaps the most famous novel by Jane Austin, “Pride and Prejudice” has delighted readers since 1813. A classic tale of romance and manners, “Pride and Prejudice” has been adapted into countless movies, TV shows, and even literary re-imaginings.
“Pride and Prejudice” is narrated by actress Rosamund Pike, a fitting narrator for such a beloved tale.
Number 2: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
Narrated by: Sissy Spacek
Length: 12 hours and 17 minutes
Another classic with a famous narrator, “To Kill a Mockingbird” is an iconic American tale published in 1960. This coming-of-age story contains a poignant message about racism and prejudice. “To Kill a Mockingbird” is usually required reading in high school, but it’s worth a listen if you missed it.
Number 3: “Nineteen Eighty-Four” by George Orwell
Narrated by: Simon Prebble
Length: 11 hours and 22 minutes
“Nineteen Eighty-Four” is one of George Orwell’s most famous stories, and it’s terrified readers since 1949. This dystopian novel warns readers of what happens when the government is given free rein over the lives of its people.
If you like “Nineteen Eighty-Four,” you can also listen to Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” for another look at an all-too-possible future.
Number 4: “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Narrated by: Jason Keller
Length: 5 hours and 33 minutes
“The Great Gatsby” is another classic American story that you might have read in English class. Written in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald captured the opulent spirit of the roaring 1920s in a haunting tale of lost love. You may have seen the masterful performance of Jay Gatsby by Leonardo DiCaprio — a long road trip allows you to listen to the original.
Number 5: “The Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
Narrated by: William Golding
Length: 6 hours and 35 minutes
“The Lord of the Flies” is famous to the point that most people know the story without having read it. But, even if you know the premise, it’s worth listening to for the tension and madness the boys go through.
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Contemporary Teen Stories
While hearing the classics is a worthwhile venture, sometimes you need less formality to keep you focused on a drive. Contemporary fiction deals with more than modern problems. From serious topics to light romances, contemporary fiction has something for everyone.
Number 6: “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green
Narrated by: Kate Rudd, John Green, and Laura Grafton
Length: 7 hours and 11 minutes
If you’re in the mood for an engaging, emotional romance, you can’t find much better than “The Fault in Our Stars.” Listening to “The Fault in Our Stars” is undoubtedly a good way to keep yourself awake while driving, as long as you don’t mind a tear-jerker.
Number 7: “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
Narrated by: Bahni Turpin
Length: 11 hours and 50 minutes
“The Hate U Give” was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and recent events in the U.S. This book is an emotional but truthful look at what millions of American teens face every day. Don’t miss Thomas’ sequel, “On the Come Up,” if you like this book.
Number 8: “The Sun Is Also a Star” by Nicola Yoon
Narrated by: Bahni Turpin, Raymond Lee, and Dominic Hoffman
Length: 8 hours and 4 minutes
A fun, whimsical romance, “The Sun Is Also a Star” has captivated readers since 2016. With two strong protagonists dealing with stresses that many young people face, mixed with a dash of fate, “The Sun Is Also a Star” is a fun listen for anyone with a romantic side.
Number 9: American Royals series by Katherine McGee
Narrated by: Brittany Pressley
Total length: 39 hours and 2 minutes
The American Royals series asks the intriguing question: “What if America had a royal family?” The story follows Princess Beatrice, the heir of America’s first king, George Washington.
If you have a long road trip coming up, American Royals offers fun, romance, and all the drama that comes with being a princess.
Number 10: “Dear Martin” by Nic Stone
Narrated by: Dion Graham
Length: 4 hours and 32 minutes
Another book that explores the reality of life for African American youths, “Dear Martin” follows Justyce, a young man on his way to an Ivy League university. As Justyce experiences racial profiling, he begins to write letters to Martin Luther King Jr. Readers can continue the story with Stone’s sequel, “Dear Justyce.”
Explore New Worlds With an Epic Fantasy
Fantasy stories give audiences a break from reality with magic, heroism, and adventure tales. If that sounds like something to keep you interested during a road trip, here are some top choices.
Number 11: The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Narrated by: Jim Dale
Total length: 131 hours and 25 minutes
Just about everyone on the planet knows about the Harry Potter series, and for good reason. This magical universe has something for everyone: relatable characters, magical adventures, emotional relationships, and themes of good vs. evil.
Harry Potter can get you through multiple road trips with seven books in the series.
Number 12: Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan
Narrated by: Jesse Bernstein
Total length: 48 hours and 16 minutes
Percy Jackson’s adventures as the son of the Greek god Poseidon have delighted readers since it was published in 2005. Although it was adapted to the silver screen, fans agree that the books are much better. With over 48 hours of audio time, the five books in the Percy Jackson series can get you from San Diego to Bangor, Maine.
Number 13: “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien
Narrated by: Rob Inglis
Total length: 54 hours and 6 minutes
“The Lord of the Rings” is often called the godfather of fantasy. J.R.R. Tolkien influenced just about every fantasy writer that came after, from J.K. Rowling to G.R.R. Martin. “The Lord of the Rings” follows Frodo on an epic quest to save Middle-earth.
If you like “The Lord of the Rings,” you have many choices for more Middle-earth content.
Number 14: The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins
Narrated by: Tatiana Maslany
Total length: 32 hours and 57 minutes
The Hunger Games trilogy is famous for its readability and the movie adaptation starring Jennifer Lawrence. Suzanne Collins crafted a cast of heroes to root for and a plot with some serious tension. The Hunger Games trilogy has entranced readers for more than a decade.
Travel to the Future With Sci-Fi
Some of the most iconic books on the market are science fiction, where authors have the freedom to explore new worlds while tackling real-world problems. Here are some of the most engaging sci-fi reads for teens.
Number 15: “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline
Narrated by: Wil Wheaton
Length: 15 hours and 40 minutes
Although this is the first story on this list narrated by Wil Wheaton of “Star Trek” fame, it won’t be the last. “Ready Player One” was published in 2011 and was a fun-filled romp into an imaginative world exploding with pop culture references. Many have attempted to replicate the success of “Ready Player One,” but few have succeeded.
Number 16: “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card
Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki, Harlan Ellison, and Gabrielle de Cuir
Length: 11 hours and 57 minutes
Orson Scott Card is a prolific writer and one of the best crafters of science fiction stories on the market. Although he has many, “Ender’s Game” is his most famous. “Ender’s Game” is a perfect choice for teens as it has acted as an introduction to the genre for young readers since 1985.
Number 17: “The Martian” by Andy Weir
Narrated by: Wil Wheaton
Length: 10 hours and 59 minutes
Another entry narrated by Wil Wheaton, “The Martian” is a tale that is at times harrowing, tense, and full of hope. Both entertaining and thought-provoking, Weir’s “The Martian” is a first-person tale of survival that can rekindle a love of sci-fi in any listener.
Number 18: “The War of the Worlds” by H.G. Wells
Narrated by: David Harewood
Length: 8 hours and 12 minutes
Science fiction usually dazzles readers with ideas of what technology could become, but sometimes, you need to stick with the classics. For example, “The War of the Worlds” by H.G. Wells had one of American history’s most successful audio readings.
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See a New Perspective With Historical Fiction
Historical fiction allows readers to live a past event rather than simply learn about it in a classroom. Consider these entries if you’re looking to get in touch with the past.
Number 19: “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak
Narrated by: Allan Corduner
Length: 13 hours and 56 minutes
Before you start “The Book Thief,” be prepared to cry. This story tells the perspective of ordinary German citizens during WWII. Although the novel showcases the horror that both Jews and Germans faced, its true power shows that words can unite — or tear apart — communities.
Number 20: “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr
Narrated by: Zach Appelman
Length: 16 hours and 2 minutes
Published in 2014, “All the Light We Cannot See” is another exploration of how WWII affected people. This story follows an enlisted German boy and a blind French girl whose paths eventually cross. Although it has passages focused on technology, the overall humanity of the story keeps bringing readers back.
Number 21: “The Man in the High Castle” by Philip K. Dick
Narrated by: Jeff Cummings
Length: 9 hours and 58 minutes
The final entry on this list concerning WWII, “The Man in the High Castle” asks, “What if Germany and Japan won?” Although this book was published in 1962, it has inspired conversation for decades. With the characters slowly realizing they are in the wrong reality, “The Man in the High Castle” is a great way to spend a road trip.
Number 22: “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown
Narrated by: Paul Michael
Length: 16 hours and 59 minutes
“The Da Vinci Code” explores what could’ve happened if Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene had a child together. Although it pushes against boundaries for some religious folks, it’s an entertaining mystery that’s driven readers crazy since 2003.
Delve Into a Mystery
When you need help staying awake for a long, boring stretch of road, nothing will keep you focused like an intriguing mystery.
Number 23: The Inheritance Games series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Narrated by: Christie Moreau
Total length: 12 hours and 9 minutes
The Inheritance Games series follows Avery Grambs, a young orphan with plans to work hard and earn herself a good life. Those plans are interrupted when she suddenly inherits millions from a man she doesn’t know. The story follows Avery as she attempts to unravel the mystery while staying alive.
Number 24: “The Family Across the Street” by Nicole Trope
Narrated by: Taryn Ryan
Length: 8 hours and 5 minutes
“The Family Across the Street” reminds readers and listeners that you never know what is happening behind closed doors. As one of the newest entries on this list, 2021’s “The Family Across the Street” will leave you guessing until the end.
Number 25: “The Long Walk” by Stephen King
Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne
Length: 10 hours and 44 minutes
Published under a pseudonym, Stephen King’s dystopian novel about a totalitarian and militaristic America has haunted readers since 1979. As the name suggests, teenaged boys are forced on a long walk for America’s entertainment.
Number 26: “Escape Room” by Maren Stoffels
Narrated by: Vikas Adam, Kristin DiMercurio, Andrew Elden, and others
Length: 3 hours and 52 minutes
“Escape Room” is a short tale packed with tension, suspense, and fear. Capitalizing on the popularity of escape rooms, Stoffels might make you hesitate before you decide to join in on the fun.
Number 27: “Holes” by Louis Sachar
Narrated by: Kerry Beyer
Length: 4 hours and 30 minutes
“Holes” was published in 1998 and has been a staple for young teens ever since. The story focuses on Stanley Yelnats, who was sent to a juvenile detention camp for a crime he didn’t commit. The mystery in this book revolves around the Yelnats’ family curse.
Learn More About the World With Non-Fiction
While a good story is always fun, there’s a lot you can learn from the right book. So if you’re interested in broadening your horizons while you drive, here are a couple of the top recommendations.
Number 28: “How To” by Randal Munroe
Narrated by: Wil Wheaton
Length: 6 hours and 15 minutes
While some teachers use the most simplistic examples to get their point across, Munroe takes the opposite approach. From destroying the moon to the radioactivity of your teeth, Munroe shows you what’s possible in science by being absurd to the extreme.
Number 29: “A People’s History of the United States” by Howard Zinn
Narrated by: Jeff Zinn
Length: 34 hours and 8 minutes
Although this lengthy tale reads exactly like a history textbook, it is full of important perspectives that you probably haven’t heard before. Rather than telling the same old history of America, Zinn presents the story of the United States as told by women, Native Americans, African Americans, and everyone else who didn’t get a say the first time through.
Number 30: “A Brief History of Time” by Stephen Hawking
Narrated by: Erik Davies
Length: 4 hours and 21 minutes
Ever wonder about the universe? Stephen Hawking can teach you about black holes, time, and the very boundaries of the universe. Moreover, he impressively does so with language that’s easy to digest.
Number 31: “Surrounded by Idiots” by Thomas Erikson
Narrated by: David John
Length: 10 hours and 29 minutes
“Surrounded by Idiots” teaches us that there’s more to communication than simply talking. This book benefits teens getting ready to start college or careers because it introduces a skill most adults haven’t mastered.
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Get to Know Someone With a Memoir
Finally, a memoir can be a great way to pass the time. Memoirs speak directly to you, especially when listening to the audiobook version. Listening to a biography on a road trip is like having a conversation with a friend.
Number 32: “Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah
Narrated by: Trevor Noah
Length: 8 hours and 44 minutes
As you might expect of Trevor Noah, “Born a Crime” is jam-packed with humor. However, it’s also a touching story about the relationship between a mother and son and a look at how apartheid-era South Africa affected millions of lives.
Number 33: “The Other Wes Moore” by Wes Moore
Narrated by: Wes Moore
Length: 6 hours and 12 minutes
“The Other Wes Moore” tells an intriguing story. How could two boys of the same age, from similar areas and backgrounds, end up differently? One lives a life of service and success, while the other is in prison for murder. Wes Moore dives into the complexities of the American experience with poverty and race.
Number 34: “River of the Gods” by Candice Millard
Narrated by: Paul Michael
Length: 10 hours and 2 minutes
“River of the Gods” is the story of exploration in Egypt when Richard Burton and John Speke were “discovering” all the land the Pharaohs had to offer. While these two men became famous explorers, there was a third who accompanied them. “River of the Gods” tells the story of Sidi Mubarak Bombay, the forgotten explorer.
Number 35: “Bossypants” by Tina Fey
Narrated by: Tina Fey
Length: 5 hours and 32 minutes
Simply put, if you need a laugh, Tina Fey’s memoir has you covered for five and a half hours.
Number 36: “I Am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai
Narrated by: Archie Panjabi
Length: 9 hours and 55 minutes
Although it’s a heavy subject matter, “I Am Malala” is an inspirational story that might make you more excited to go to school. It tells the story of Malala’s commitment to her education no matter what obstacles stood in her way.
Other Road Trip Necessities
Although a good audiobook is an excellent start for your road trip, you’ll need a few other things. To make your road trip a success, follow these tips:
- Check your car. Before any long trip, you should know that your engine fluids are full, tires are in good condition, and everything else is in working order.
- Bring a map. While Google Maps usually gets you to where you need to be, you don’t want your phone to fail in the middle of nowhere. You should have a physical map and know how to read it.
- Stock snacks. Snacks are one of the best parts of a road trip. Make sure to bring healthy choices since junk food can leave you feeling groggy and unfocused.
- Take breaks. Make sure to take bathroom breaks whenever you feel the need. It’s also essential to stretch and walk for a few minutes to keep your blood flowing.
- Get the right insurance. Long road trips put you at a higher risk of damaging your car. The best coverage to have on your policy for a road trip includes collision and roadside assistance. To read about the differences between collision and comprehensive auto insurance, try our article here.
Although you only need whatever your state requires for coverage, you should consider additional coverage that will cover you during a road trip. Of course, these coverages will raise your rates, but the increase will be worth it if anything happens on your trip.
Protect Your Car on Long Road Trips
When you have a long road trip coming up, the right audiobook can make the difference between a fun drive and overwhelming boredom. There are audiobooks for everyone, from science fiction and fantasy to non-fiction and everything in between.
Like a good story can protect your sanity while you drive, the right insurance policy covers your car. To find the right coverage at the best price, you should compare quotes with several companies. To get affordable auto insurance and browse multiple providers today, just enter your ZIP code into our free comparison tool below.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some recommended audiobooks for teens to enjoy during road trips?
Road trips can be made even more enjoyable with the right audiobooks. Here are some highly recommended audiobooks for teens:
- “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins: This gripping dystopian series follows the story of Katniss Everdeen as she navigates a deadly game in a post-apocalyptic society.
- “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling: Join Harry, Hermione, and Ron as they attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and face thrilling adventures in the wizarding world.
- “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series by Rick Riordan: Follow Percy Jackson, a demigod son of Poseidon, as he embarks on quests and encounters Greek mythology’s magical creatures and gods.
- “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green: This heart-wrenching novel tells the story of Hazel and Gus, two teenagers who meet at a cancer support group and embark on a poignant journey.
- “The Maze Runner” series by James Dashner: Dive into a mysterious world where a group of teenagers must navigate a deadly maze filled with secrets and challenges.
- “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” series by Jenny Han: Experience the romantic and humorous adventures of Lara Jean Covey as her secret love letters are unexpectedly sent out.
What other audiobooks are popular among teens for road trips?
In addition to the previously mentioned titles, here are some other popular audiobooks that teens tend to enjoy during road trips:
- “Divergent” series by Veronica Roth: Explore a dystopian Chicago divided into factions as Tris Prior discovers her own identity and battles societal challenges.
- “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky: Follow Charlie as he navigates high school, friendships, and personal growth through a series of deeply introspective letters.
- “The Giver” by Lois Lowry: Enter a seemingly utopian society where twelve-year-old Jonas discovers the dark secrets hidden beneath its surface.
- “The Selection” series by Kiera Cass: Immerse yourself in a captivating world where a young girl named America Singer competes for the heart of a prince in a televised competition.
- “Six of Crows” duology by Leigh Bardugo: Join a group of skilled criminals as they undertake a dangerous heist in the bustling city of Ketterdam, filled with magic and political intrigue.
Where can teens find these audiobooks for road trips?
Teens can find these audiobooks for road trips through various platforms and sources, including:
- Online audiobook retailers: Websites such as Audible, Audiobooks.com, and Libro.fm offer a wide selection of audiobooks that can be purchased or accessed through subscription services.
- Public libraries: Many public libraries provide audiobooks for borrowing either physically or through digital platforms like OverDrive or Libby. Teens can check with their local library for availability.
- Streaming services: Some audiobook streaming services like Spotify, Scribd, and Apple Music offer audiobook content that teens can access with a subscription.
- Online bookstores: Websites like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Book Depository offer both physical audiobook CDs and digital downloads for purchase.
Are there any resources that provide recommendations and reviews of audiobooks for teens?
Yes, there are several resources available that provide recommendations and reviews specifically tailored to audiobooks for teens. Here are a few options:
- Goodreads: Goodreads is a popular online platform for book lovers. It allows users to find and read reviews of audiobooks for teens, as well as discover new titles and create personalized reading lists.
- Booktube: Booktube refers to the community of book enthusiasts on YouTube. Many Booktubers specialize in reviewing and recommending audiobooks, including those for teens. Searching for “teen audiobook recommendations” on YouTube can yield helpful results.
- Teen and young adult book blogs: There are numerous book blogs that focus on young adult literature, including audiobooks. These blogs often feature reviews, recommendations, and lists of audiobooks suitable for teens.
- Social media book communities: Platforms like Instagram and Twitter have vibrant book communities where users share their thoughts on audiobooks. Following hashtags like #YAaudiobooks or #teenaudiobooks can lead to discovering popular recommendations.
Are there any audiobook series that are highly recommended for long road trips?
Some popular audiobook series that are great for long road trips include “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien, “A Series of Unfortunate Events” by Lemony Snicket, “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis, and “The Mortal Instruments” series by Cassandra Clare.
Are there any audiobooks that offer a combination of adventure and humor for entertaining road trips?
Yes, there are several audiobooks that blend adventure and humor, making them perfect for entertaining road trips. Some notable titles include “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams, “Artemis Fowl” series by Eoin Colfer, “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan, and “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” series by Ransom Riggs.
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Kristen Gryglik
Licensed Insurance Agent
Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.