Long solo journeys – whether on planes, trains, or winding road trips – can feel a little long and quiet at times. That’s where audiobooks come in. To help you choose your next great listen, I’ve curated this list of the Best Travel Audiobooks.
I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase using my affiliate links.
These aren’t just stories set on the road, but journeys of discovery, humour, philosophy, and adventure – the kind of books that will make your travel hours fly by.
Each audiobook links directly to Audible, so you can start listening right away (if you haven’t already, sign up to Audible here.)
Cheryl Strayed’s memoir chronicles her 1,100-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. After personal tragedy, Strayed embarks on a journey of healing and self-discovery.
The audiobook is a powerful story of endurance and transformation, with Bernadette Dunne’s narration adding depth to Strayed's raw and emotional journey.
If you’re looking for humour and insight into solo travel, A Walk in the Woods is a perfect choice.
Bill Bryson’s entertaining account of hiking the Appalachian Trail is filled with personal anecdotes and historical facts.
Rob McQuay’s lively narration brings Bryson’s witty, self-deprecating tone to life, making it a fun and informative listen for your travels.
The Geography of Bliss takes you on a journey to some of the happiest places in the world, exploring what makes people happy across different cultures.
Eric Weiner’s witty narration adds personality to his global search for happiness.
This audiobook is perfect for solo travellers who want to mix travel with self-discovery and reflection.
One of the most famous travel memoirs, Eat, Pray, Love follows Elizabeth Gilbert as she embarks on a year-long journey of self-discovery through Italy, India, and Indonesia.
Gilbert narrates her own story, making this audiobook deeply personal and engaging, ideal for anyone seeking inspiration or contemplating their own travels.
The Art of Travel is a philosophical exploration of the act of travel, offering insights into how we experience places, people, and the world around us.
Alain de Botton’s thoughtful narration makes this a perfect listen for solo travellers who enjoy reflecting on the deeper meaning of their journeys and the way travel shapes the mind.
While not a traditional travelogue, The Sun Also Rises explores themes of travel, displacement, and the search for meaning.
Follow a group of expatriates as they travel through Europe in the 1920s, particularly in Spain, during the famous Running of the Bulls. William Hurt’s captivating narration brings Hemingway’s iconic writing to life.
Jon Krakauer’s investigation into the life and death of Christopher McCandless, who ventured into the Alaskan wilderness in search of freedom, is a gripping tale of adventure and caution.
The audiobook explores McCandless's desire for a life outside society and his ultimate fate. Philip Franklin’s narration adds suspense and intensity to this haunting story.
A memoir by three women who quit their jobs, sold their belongings, and traveled the world for a year. The Lost Girls is an inspiring tale of friendship, self-discovery, and the transformative power of travel.
The various narrators offer a fresh and energetic feel to this inspiring journey.
Bruce Chatwin’s exploration of Patagonia, a remote region in southern South America, is both a travelogue and a personal quest. His observations and encounters with the people of Patagonia make for an engaging listen, beautifully narrated by Simon Vance.
This audiobook is perfect for those who love stories about distant lands and the cultures that inhabit them.
The Motorcycle Diaries is the memoir of a young Che Guevara’s travels across South America, which deeply influenced his political and social views.
Armando Durán’s narration captures the spirit of Guevara’s journey and the profound impact it had on him.
Ideal for solo travellers seeking a deeply personal and historical account of travel.
From Cheryl Strayed’s solo trek across the Pacific Crest Trail to Bill Bryson’s laugh-out-loud encounters in the Appalachian woods, these are the best travel audiobooks to capture the spirit of adventure.
Whether you prefer memoir, fiction, or philosophical reflections, there’s something here to keep you company wherever your travels take you.
FAQs: Best Travel Audiobooks 💡
Here are some frequently asked questions about audiobooks for solo travellers.
A: Audiobooks are like having a travel buddy who never runs out of stories. They can keep you entertained on long stretches of travel and even help you feel more connected during solo trips.
A: If you’re new to audiobooks, start with something engaging and light. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson is perfect for humour, while Wild by Cheryl Strayed offers raw, inspiring solo travel reflections.
A: Yes! On Audible, you can download audiobooks to your device before you set off. That way you’ll have hours of listening even without Wi-Fi or mobile data.
A: Audible is a popular audiobook service where you can purchase and listen to audiobooks. You can sign up for a free trial, which gives you one free audiobook, and then choose from thousands of titles.
A: Lengths vary – some are 6–8 hours, while epic memoirs can run for 15+ hours. I recommend mixing shorter and longer books so you always have something that fits the journey ahead.
A: These audiobooks are available on Amazon Audible. It’s a brilliant platform and, quite frankly, one of the best things I have ever downloaded! I love listening to books when I’m on the go, and my eyes don’t get tired, which is a bonus.
A: Most of the titles are on Audible, which works via a monthly subscription. However, once you’ve purchased or downloaded a book, it’s yours to keep – perfect for repeat listening.
A: Some of these audiobooks are available in multiple languages, but availability will depend on the platform and the specific title. Check your preferred audiobook provider for language options.
Final Thoughts ✨
Solo travel is all about embracing freedom and finding joy in the journey itself. For me, audiobooks have often been the perfect companion – whether I’m watching landscapes roll by from a train window, or winding down after a long day of exploring.
These Best Travel Audiobooks aren’t just stories; they’re sparks of inspiration that make your travels richer, funnier, and sometimes even braver. Load up your device before your next trip, and let these voices keep you company along the way.
Related Reading for travel audiobooks 📚
📚 The Best Travel and Adventure Books Every Traveller Must Read.
👩 10 Inspiring Books Written by Solo Female Travellers.
😂 10 Funny Travel Books to Make You Laugh.
📖 Bill Bryson Travel Books: A Hilarious and Honest Journey Through the World.
✨ Best Travel Fiction: Books To Inspire Your Next Trip.
Pinterest Pins for Best Travel Audiobooks 📌
If you’ve enjoyed this post, save it for later using one of these Pinterest graphics:
👉 Looking for practical travel tools? Check out my Travel Resources page.
Leave a Reply