20 Audiobooks for the Perfect Family Road Trip – Fun for All Ages!

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A long road trip with family is the perfect time to share stories, spark conversations, and make lasting memories. That’s where audiobooks come in.

Whether you are traveling with young kids, teens, or adults, a great audiobook can turn miles into magic.

In this list, we have rounded up the 20 best audiobooks for family road trips —fun, engaging, and perfect for all ages.

Read More: 20+ Short audiobooks for your next road trip

20 Best Audiobooks for Family Road Trips

You can get any audiobook on this list for free by joining Audible’s 30-day free trial. Cancel the free trial at any time and will have the book forever.

1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Book 1 of 7) is where the magic begins. On his eleventh birthday, orphaned Harry Potter discovers he’s a wizard.

He is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he learns about magic and makes friends.

J.K. Rowling crafts a world that is both magical and believable and captivates readers of all ages.

Stephen Fry’s amazing narration gives each character a distinct personality, adjusting the pace and intonation to the narrative.

Harry Potter is for all ages and Stephen Fry’s narration is the ultimate way to experience this series.

You can get full series (all 7 audiobooks) with Stephen Fry’s narration.

2. Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy

A much-loved hilarious sci-fi story narrated by the master story teller Stephen Fry.

It all begins when Arthur Dent, an ordinary Brit, learns that his best friend is actually an alien and he’s taken off earth just as it’s destroyed to make way for a galaxy highway.

Arthur is having a bad day and to top it all off, he hasn’t even had his morning cup of tea.

You will love every second of Stephen Fry’s performance as Arthur Dent. This is one of my top recommendations for anyone who loves funny audiobooks for road trips.

3. Dungeon Crawler Carl

If you love hilarious LitRPG adventures, this is a must-listen title. This story has everything you could ask for: action, adventure, humor, and loads of creativity.

Jeff has done an amazing job with narration which makes plot and narration equally entertaining.

Carl and Donut are fantastic characters who almost anyone can relate to. There is no dull moment in this fast-paced story and you will have loads of laugh.

4. Savvy

This is a beautiful story of a family where each member receives a unique magical ability (a savvy) when they turn 13.

As Mibs’ 13th birthday approaches, a sudden tragedy strikes. Mibs is desperately hoping her savvy will be the key to saving her family.

You will love the compelling plot and heartfelt character bond. Its complex enough to be engaging for older readers without leaving younger audience feeling overwhelmed or bored

While it’s definitely aimed toward a younger audience (kids and teens), I would still absolutely recommend it to all ages.

Mibs, the main character, is a delight to follow in her adventures throughout the book.

5. Watership Down

Who would have thought a story about rabbits would earn a spot on the best audiobooks for a family road trip list? This beloved classic has captivated generations of readers and listeners alike.

Originally created by the author to entertain his daughters on a long car ride, it’s a story of friendship, innovation, morality and survival as the rabbits come together to support the common good.

Peter Capaldi has done a wonderful job with narration bringing each character to life with distinct voices

While best suited for kids 12 years and older, this audiobook is a fantastic listen for adults as well.

6. Holes

A story about family, honor, friendship, and loyalty that listeners of all ages can enjoy.

Stanley Yelnats comes from a long line of bad luck. When he’s wrongfully convicted of a crime, he’s sent to a juvenile detention camp where boys are forced to dig holes all day seven days a week.

No wonder kids grow up thinking the justice system is unfair.

The plot explores the history of Texas, labor, youth, illiteracy and the character of boys. The narration is great and the story is something to be loved by children of all ages.

7. Dragon Rider

An action-packed fantasy filled with twists, dragons, and the power of friendship. The story is centered around a boy, Jai, who has known nothing but cruelty and longs for a home he’s never had.

Despite being lied to and repeatedly beaten, Jai never loses his inner strength or sense of hope.

There is never a dull moment in this story of mystery and magic, dragons and dire wolves, beatings and bravery.

The story will keep you wondering what will happen next. I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series.

8. How to Train Your Dragon

One of the best audiobooks for family road trips that any one at any age can relate to. It is a fun story of a normal boy who defies the odds using his intelligence and determination.

The story is full of wonder, imagination, and inspiration and so much better than the movie.

David Tennant’s brilliant narration brings the story to life with unique character voices. I love how music, sound effects, and unique voices paint vivid scenes in your mind as the story unfolds.

I bet not only kids of all ages will love it but parents will be just as entertained.

9. The Graveyard Book

This is a story geared towards young audience but one that adults will love just as much. If you are looking for something like a Disney classic, this is the perfect choice.

The engaging story captures your heart within minutes. You are immediately hooked and stay hooked by the main character and his plight.

The gripping tale begins with an assassin who has already taken three lives and is now hunting the sole survivor, an innocent toddler.

The voice performance, the story and the music – everything is fantastic. The story itself is charming, engaging, and occasionally dark.

10. Tristan Strong Keeps Punching

This is the finale of Kwame Mbalia’s trilogy. I absolutely loved the series and highly recommend it for listeners of all ages.

Amir Abdullah breathed life into Kwame Mbalia’s words and made this epic adventure come alive.

This book is packed with action, humor, great story, and heartfelt moments that make you want to cry.

One of the best audiobooks for a family road trip. If you are African American and want a powerful story to lift your spirits, this is a must listen.

11. My Side of the Mountain

A timeless classic and wonderful story of Sam’s adventure, a young boy who feels out of place in New York City and decides to escape to the Catskill Mountains to live off the land—all on his own.

If you are listening with kids, they will be hooked to the story from start to finish. The fun story captures your imagination and inspires a sense of wonder about surviving in the wilderness.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure and has a good sense of humor.

12. A Wolf Called Wander

This captivating novel tells the true story of a wolf’s extraordinary journey in search of a safe home.

You will learn a lot about wolves and their habitat. From start to finish, you will feel deeply connected to Wander as he navigates the challenges and adventures of growing up.

The story is well written and full of suspense and author has done great job making Wander’s experience relatable.

Wildlife enthusiasts—especially those who admire wolves—will find this tale mesmerizing. The story is equally enjoyable for youths and adults.

13. Matilda

This delightful and hilarious story is perfect for both adults and children of all ages. It follows Matilda, a brilliant and lovable girl, as she navigates life with her mean parents, her teachers, and the formidable schoolmistress.

Kate Winslet delivers a phenomenal narration, bringing each character to life with wit and an impressive vocal range.

The story reminds us that even in difficult situations, good things can emerge. Matilda would never have met the kind Miss Honey if she didn’t go to the horrible school.

14. Nothing to See Here

A creative and inspirational story that is hilarious one minute and heart breaking the next.

At its heart, it’s the story of a woman who discovers new purpose in life as she cares for two extraordinary children with remarkable abilities.

The storyline grabbed me from the beginning. The narration is and natural and brings you into the story.

One of the most strangely compelling story that beautifully captures the essence of friendship and identity.

15. A Walk in the Woods

Anything by Bill Bryson will make your road trip memorable and this is one of his finest works.

Bryson takes readers on a gruelling journey along the Appalachian Trail, the longest continuous footpath in the world.

This story will make you want to join Bryson on the trail or head out for your own adventure.

William Roberts’s narration perfectly conveys the humor of this entertainment and information packed journey.

If you enjoy this audiobook, be sure to explore more of Bryson’s work—his storytelling is always a delight.

16. Project Hail Mary

One of my all-time favorite science-fiction adventures. Andy Weir gives a magnificent tale of science, friendship, and the will to survive.

This book delivers a gripping tale that ticks all the boxes, nerdy, scientific, fantastical, and deeply human.

It’s a family-friendly listen, though it’s best suited for ages 12 and up, perhaps younger for precocious listeners or those with a strong interest in sci-fi.

Ray Porter’s narration is beyond expectations and is definitely perfect performer for this book.

You will find yourself laughing one minute and getting tearful the next. If you think Andy Weir’s first book, The Martian, was incredible. This one in ten times better.

17. A Short History of Nearly Everything

This is the non-fiction title that the whole family will love. This is your introduction to science.

Bryson takes complex subjects and makes them both understandable and entertaining.

You don’t necessarily need any prior knowledge, Bryson write on an intermediate level. Bryson manages to delve into complex topics but still be funny.

William Roberts’s narration is wonderful, capturing Bryson’s dry wit with perfect delivery. This book has sparked my curiosity about ‘nearly everything,’ and I have no doubt it will do the same for you.

If you are even slightly interested in expanding your understanding of the world, I highly recommend this book.

18. All Creatures Great and Small

This timeless classic is an enjoyable listen for a long drive. The master story-teller and the perfect narrator combined to bring us a story about an English veterinarian and his experience with the animals, mostly farm animals, and their unique owners.

If you have enjoyed reading these books before, you will absolutely love experiencing them in audio format.

A must-listen for animal lovers and fans of the beloved PBS series of the same name.

19. The Witness for the Prosecution

This audiobook is a perfect pick for a short family road trip, especially with older kids.

Agatha Christie shows that you don’t need hours to tell an intriguing, compelling and engaging story.

The story has plenty of fun twists around the case of Leonard Vole, accused of murdering a wealthy older woman.

This short story is a wonderful way to spend an hour, Christie delivers an ending you won’t see coming.

20. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

This is a stand-alone listen in C. S. Lewis’s classic fantasy series. A story that appeals to the child from age 5 to 95.

During World War II, four siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie—are sent to live in the countryside to escape the bombings in London.

While exploring their uncle’s vast house, young Lucy stumbles upon a hidden doorway into the magical land of Narnia— where a scary Witch has turned all to winter forever.

As the children are drawn into the world of Narnia, they discover their own courage, a longing for justice, and an unshakable faith in the power of good.