For two years, I had a 45-minute each-way commute. That's an hour and a half of daily driving. At first, I tried podcasts, music, even attempted to learn Spanish (I did not learn Spanish). Then I discovered audiobook series, and everything changed.
Suddenly, my commute wasn't wasted time—it was reading time. I "read" more during those two years than any other period of my life. And I developed some very strong opinions about what makes an audiobook series perfect for car listening.
What Makes a Great Commute Audiobook
Not every audiobook works well in the car. Here's what I've learned matters most:
The Narrator is EVERYTHING
A great narrator can make an average book amazing. A mediocre narrator can ruin a fantastic book. For car listening, you want someone with:
- Clear enunciation (traffic noise is a factor)
- Distinct character voices (so you don't lose track)
- Good pacing (not too slow, not too rushed)
- A voice you genuinely enjoy spending hours with
Engaging Plots That Survive Interruptions
You're going to get out of the car, deal with real life, and come back later. A good commute audiobook has enough going on that you remember what's happening, but isn't so complex that you're lost after a pause.
Mysteries and thrillers are ideal for this. There's always a question driving you forward. "Who did it?" keeps you hooked across multiple drives.
The Goldilocks Length
Too short (under 6 hours), and you're constantly switching books. Too long (over 20 hours), and you might lose the thread. I find 8-15 hours is the sweet spot for weekly commuting.
My All-Time Favorite Commute Series
The Harry Potter Series (Narrated by Stephen Fry or Jim Dale)
I know, I know, you've probably already read Harry Potter. But have you LISTENED to it? Stephen Fry and Jim Dale both deliver masterful performances. These audiobooks are comfort listening at its finest. I've gone through the whole series multiple times during various commute periods.
Jack Reacher by Lee Child (Narrated by Dick Hill)
These are PERFECT commute books. Self-contained stories. Action-packed plots. A protagonist who solves problems in satisfying ways. Dick Hill's narration captures Reacher's laconic vibe perfectly. There are 27 books in the series—that's a lot of commutes covered.
The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher (Narrated by James Marsters)
James Marsters—yes, Spike from Buffy—narrates these urban fantasy books, and he is INCREDIBLE. Harry Dresden is a wizard private investigator in Chicago, and these books are funny, action-packed, and absolutely addictive. Marsters brings so much personality to the character that I honestly can't imagine reading them in print anymore.
Inspector Gamache by Louise Penny (Narrated by Ralph Cosham)
For something more atmospheric, the Gamache series is stunning in audio. The narration is gentle, the mysteries are literary, and the setting of Three Pines, Quebec feels tangible. Perfect for when you want something a little slower and more thoughtful.
My Unexpected Audiobook Discoveries
Some series I never would have tried in print became favorites in audio:
- Discworld by Terry Pratchett - Nigel Planer and Stephen Briggs bring the humor to life in a way that enhances the experience
- The Expanse by James S.A. Corey - Jefferson Mays delivers an incredible performance with distinct voices for dozens of characters
- Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch - Kobna Holdbrook-Smith's narration is so good it won awards
Full Cast vs. Single Narrator
Some audiobooks use full cast recordings with different actors for different characters. Others use a single narrator doing all the voices. Both can work brilliantly for commute listening.
Full cast productions (like some Neil Gaiman books) feel more like radio dramas. Single narrator books with a skilled performer can be even more immersive—you develop a relationship with that one voice.
Tips for Audiobook Series in the Car
Use the Sleep Timer Strategically
If you're listening during stop-and-go traffic, set a sleep timer so you don't lose your place when you arrive and forget to pause.
Keep Listening Speed Modest
I know some people listen at 2x speed. In the car, I find 1x or 1.25x works better. You need to be able to catch everything while also driving safely.
Track Your Progress
Use our reading tracker to mark which audiobooks you've finished. It's easy to lose track when you're going through a long series over months of commuting.
The Joy of Audiobook Commuting
I no longer have that brutal commute, but I miss my guaranteed "reading" time. Audiobooks transformed driving from a chore into something I genuinely looked forward to. If you have regular car time, I cannot recommend audiobook series strongly enough.
Check our database for series with audio versions noted. We include narrator information and series reading orders so you can plan your next commute companion.
Happy listening.
— mrod