> Our review guidelines
If you’re like most people, your daily commute is a necessary but mundane part of your day.
But what if it could be more?
Why not learn new things or escape into a story with audiobooks and podcasts?
Read on to discover some of the best audiobooks for commuting!
15 Best Audiobooks & Podcasts For Your Commute
If you fancy spending your time constructively during a commute, try the following audiobooks and podcasts on for size!
1. The Silence of the Girls (Audiobook)
In The Silence of the Girls, Pat Barker ingeniously retells the story of Iliad through Briseis, who is barely described and almost voiceless in the original tale.
Iliad is an ancient Greek epic poem, attributed to Homer, that recounts the Trojan War, and specifically the battles and events at the end of that war.
The feuding Achilles and King Agamemnon are at its center.
A pivotal character in the story is Briseis, wife of Mynes, King of Lyrnessus.
Briseis is captured and enslaved by warrior Achilles, but is stolen from him by Agamemnon, creating a rift between the two men.
2. American Gods (Audiobook)
A novel by Neil Gaiman, American Gods tells the story of Shadow Moon, a prison convict who discovers his wife and best friend have both been killed just days before he’s due for release.
With his life in ruins, Shadow heads home to emptiness, but he meets an enigmatic stranger called Mr. Wednesday on the way.
Shadow accepts a job as the bodyguard and driver of this beguiling acquaintance.
As his new life unfurls, Shadow learns about the secrets of the gods who reside in America and realizes he is in more peril than he ever imagined possible.
3. Criminal (Podcast)
Do you love crime shows and podcasts? If so, Voxmedia’s Criminal podcast is for you!
In each episode, host and co-creator Phoebe Judge tells the true story of a different crime.
From murder to theft to fraud, the acclaimed Criminal podcast covers it all.
With its fascinating criminal tales and engaging narration, this podcast is sure to keep you hooked.
4. Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience (Audiobook)
Are you searching for a profound audiobook that may change your life? Check out ‘Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience‘ by Stacey Halls.
This audiobook explores the connections between people and how we use language to build relationships.
It studies 87 different emotions and experiences that make us what we are and provides a roadmap for meaningful choices and change.
5. Slaying The Badger (Audiobook)
If you’re a bike commuter and keen cyclist, there’s a good chance you’ll love Slaying The Badger, the story of the political jostling and fierce rivalry between young Greg Lemond and feared “patron” of the professional peloton Bernard Hinault.
Friction between the two teammates came to a head in the 1986 Tour de France.
6. Queen Victoria: Twenty-Four Days That Changed Her Life (Audiobook)
In Queen Victoria: Twenty-Four Days That Changed Her Life, popular British historian and TV presenter Lucy Worsley paints a gradual picture of Queen Victoria with a series of momentous vignettes.
Towards the end of her life, Queen Victoria became ever more popular when she finally engaged with the public.
Certain aspects of her story seem relived by the modern British monarchy.
7. Stuff You Should Know About (Podcast)
Anyone who fancies filling in some gaps in their general knowledge will appreciate the Stuff You Should Know About podcast.
It’s full of info about random, eclectic subjects, so there’s bound to be something for everyone.
Listen to broadcasts covering a range of topics from crime and satanism to beekeeping and champagne.
This is a great podcast for ever-enquiring, wandering minds.
8. Pride & Prejudice (Audiobook)
The timeless romantic novel by Jane Austen has legions of fans and can be enjoyed on Audiobook whether you’ve read it before or not.
Set in 1812, Pride & Prejudice tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet, one of five daughters of a poor country squire.
Elizabeth meets the wealthy and imperious Mr. Darcy at a dance.
Seemingly mismatched, a relationship between the two yet develops.
A clue as to the story’s theme and exploration lies in the title.
Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy must overcome their pride (Elizabeth) and prejudice (Mr. Darcy) to finally be together.
9. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Audiobook)
One of three novels centered around fictional journalist Mikael Blomkvist and young, damaged computer hacker Lisbeth Salander, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was an instant hit when published in 2005.
This first story in the “Millennium” trilogy is a crime thriller, in which troubled journalist Blomkvist is asked to solve a 40-year-old disappearance mystery.
It’s full of suspense and atmosphere and will keep you on the edge of your commuting seat.
10. The Move (Podcast)
Another item for keen cyclists is The Move podcast, but it’s only suitable for those that can forgive Lance Armstrong for his undoubted misdemeanors.
The Move offers comment and expert opinion on the world’s biggest bike races, including everything from the Spring Classics to World Tours.
Guests on The Move often include veteran cycling professionals George Hincapie and Johan Bruyneel, among many others.
11. No Country For Old Men (Audiobook)
The Cormac McCarthy novel No Country For Old Men is a stunning tale of crime, greed and merciless violence.
The story unfolds on the Mexico-US border and begins when antelope hunter Llewelyn Moss stumbles across the aftermath of a drug cartel massacre.
He takes the $2 million he finds at the scene and sparks a deadly game of pursuit over the missing money.
Chasing Llewellyn Moss for the money are ruthless hitman Anton Chigurh, who adheres to his own paradoxical morals, and the aging Sheriff Bell, who is troubled by his WW2 past and the state of the modern world.
12. The Code of the Woosters: Jeeves to the Rescue (Audiobook)
The iconic and comedic tales featuring wealthy buffoon Bertie Wooster and his competent valet Jeeves provide endless light entertainment.
For guaranteed smiles, give a The Code of the Woosters: Jeeves to the Rescue a try!
In this absurd P. G. Wodehouse tale, Bertie’s Aunt Dahlia insists that he should help fool an antique dealer into selling her an 18th-century cow-creamer.
13. Duolingo Learn French (Podcast)
Rather than spend your commuting time merely being entertained, the opportunity also exists to learn new things.
You could use the French Duolingo Podcast to learn the French language, for instance.
A Spanish Duolingo Podcast also exists with a large backlog of episodes for anyone hoping to become multilingual.
Whether teaching French or Spanish, the episodes are fun and engaging and cover a diverse range of themes.
14. The Dutch House: A Novel (Audiobook)
Tom Hanks fans will enjoy listening to The Dutch House: A Novel, an acclaimed book written by Ann Patchett.
This audiobook tells the story of two siblings, Danny and Maeve, whose mother abandoned the family at a young age.
When their remarried father dies, they are exiled by their stepmother from the lavish house where they grew up.
Set over five decades, this is a poignant story of a brother and sister who are bonded by everything they had and lost.
Their relationship is ultimately tested by a confrontation with the mother that left them behind.
15. You Must Remember This (Podcast)
If you’re interested in cinema history, you’ll love the You Must Remember This podcast.
Karina Longworth is its writer, producer and narrator.
The podcast explores the forgotten and secret stories of Hollywood in its 20th Century heyday.
You Must Remember This regularly features accomplished guest stars, including actors, comedians, journalists, screenwriters and producers.
