20+ Short Audiobooks for Your Next Road Trip

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It’s no secret that I love audiobooks, and I love them even more when I am on the road.

There is something about a great story that makes every drive feel shorter and more memorable.

I have shared 20 audiobooks for family road trips and 15 funny audiobooks for your next road trip earlier.

This time, I am focusing on shorter adventures. The list covers 20+ best audiobooks for short road trips of 1 to 6 hours.

20+ Best Short Audiobooks for Road Trips

To make things easier, I have divided the list into 3 sections to make it easy for you to pick the best options based on the length of your next trip.

• 7 Short Audiobooks Under 3 Hours
• 7 Audiobooks Between 3 and 5 Hours
• 7 Audiobooks Between 5 and 7 Hours

Tip: 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.

7 Short Audiobooks Under 3 Hours

1. The Witness for the Prosecution

Length – 52 mins

Leonard Vole stands accused of murdering Spinster Emily, a wealthy elder woman The case is packed with unexpected twists.

While Leonard assures investigators that his wife can provide an alibi. When questioned, she claims he came home late that night, covered in blood.

Agatha Christie shows you don’t need hours to tell a compelling story and she delivers an ending you won’t see coming.

This is one of the best short audiobooks for family road trips that everyone will enjoy.

2. The Dispatcher

Length – 2 hrs and 18 mins

If you love thrillers or mysteries with a clever spin, this is a must listen. Scalzi kicks off the story with a bang, and it stays fast paced throughout.

Set in near future, where murder has become nearly impossible. Everything is transformed, from war and crime to everyday life

The story is captivating from start to finish. The characters, plot and storyline are well-rendered.  

Zachary Quinto has done an outstanding job with the narration, which makes the story more compelling.

3. The Importance of Being Earnest

Length – 1 hr and 58 mins

If you haven’t experienced Oscar Wilde’s brilliance yet, let this be your introduction.

This play was a masterpiece over a century ago, and it remains just as great today.

This audio recording, performed in front of a live audience, adds an extra layer of charm and authenticity.

The performance, the story, the wit, everything about this production is great. 

the actors reading each part are absolutely perfect in their performance.

4. The Egg and Other Stories

Length – 1 hr and 17 mins

Andy Weir fans are in for a treat with the collection of nine short and interesting stories.

Each story, ranging from 5 to 12 minutes, blends science-inspired settings with lots of unexpected twists.

The stories are weird, shocking, scary, but most of all, different. Each standalone story leaves you a little speechless with the ending you won’t see coming.

If you like “The Twilight Zone” you will love these.

5. Evidence of the Affair

Length – 1 hr and 19 mins

I was pleasantly surprised by how incredible this book turned out to be. It’s like finding the gem of a restaurant purely by chance.

This is tale of love, loss, and liberation, resonating deeply with anyone who has found themselves through heartbreak.

Told through a series of letters between two complete strangers, Carrie Allsop and David Mayer, the story unfolds piece by piece, revealing the painful truth of a devastating affair between their spouses.

The narration is perfect, breathing life into the characters. The unexpected ending will give you goosebumps and smiles.

6. The Old Man and the Sea

Length – 2 hrs and 28 mins

A timeless classic that starts quietly but truly shines once the journey to sea begins.

An old Cuban fisherman, down on his luck, sets out alone and faces an unforgettable battle with a giant marlin in the deep waters of the Gulf Stream.

It’s a moving story of strength, resilience, and the quiet bond between the old man and his young apprentice.

Donald Sutherland’s narration brings every moment to life, making you feel as though you are right there in the boat, sharing in the struggle.

Originally published in 1952, this beloved novella played a major role in Hemingway being awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954.

7. Miniatures

Length – 2 hrs and 54 mins

Do you enjoy laugh-out-loud science fiction and love imagining what everyday life with aliens might look like? Do you find the idea of AI wiping out humanity possibly funny?

If the answer is yes, you should get this audiobook.

It is a collection of 18 short stories that you will love if you are a sci-fi fan and are interested in quirky aliens.

This audiobook is a treat for John Scalzi fans showing his talents of great humor and cool concepts.

7 Audiobooks Between 3 and 5 Hours

8. All Systems Red

Length – 3 hrs and 17 mins

A fantastic stand-alone sci-fi novel, with no unnecessary filler. Martha Wells has crafted an immersive universe where the character truly takes center stage, driving the entire story.

MurderBot begins as cold and detached, but quickly evolves into a witty, relatable, and surprisingly fun character.

MurderBot is a relatable character and you will find yourself emotionally invested as this hero grows and develops throughout the book.

The book is a funny, snarky, and action-packed mystery that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

I can’t wait to see what comes next in the MurderBot series.

9. The Alchemist

Length – 4 hrs

This timeless classic by Paulo Coelho was the first audiobook I ever listened to, and it’s the one that made me fall in love with the audiobook format.

The story follows Santiago, a young Andalusian shepherd, who embarks on a journey from Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure hidden in the Pyramids.

Along the way, he meets a Gypsy woman, a self-proclaimed king, and an Alchemist. All of them point him in the direction of his quest.

It’s a magical story that captivates you from start to finish. It will shift your perspective on life, especially if you ever doubted your personal strength.

Each character is unique and the narrator has done true justice to each character.

10. Between the World and Me

Length – 3 hrs and 35 mins

Every so often, you encounter a book that shifts your perspective and leaves a lasting impact, this is one of those powerful titles.

It’s a hard-hitting truth that America needs to confront. Through deeply personal storytelling, it reveals what it truly means to be black in America.

If you want to understand the fear of any person of color trying to raise a son into adulthood, this book will show you through a father’s eyes.

The author’s deep Baltimore accent paints a vivid picture. Every American should listen to this book to better understand the country’s past.

11. Nathan Coulter

Length – 4 hrs and 16 mins

It is a bittersweet story with honest and real character development. Wendell Berry is the master of telling a slow story that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Berry introduces you to the rural heart of Kentucky, a place where life is stripped down to its essentials.

It’s a world of hard-earned survival rather than wealth, where simplicity shapes both people and place.

At its core is young Nathan, who loses his girlfriend. Berry tells the story of Nathan’s grief and how he views the world. It’s a story of place and time we won’t see again.

12. The Comfort Book

Length – 3 hrs and 10 mins

This is a beautiful little journal of inspiration stories, great advice, tips and tricks to get through life.

The book is full of little titbits for anyone in search of hope or a little encouragement. It’s like a close friend advising you on a walk.

This collection of feel-good inspiration stories is a wealth of wisdom with lots of messages to ponder.

Matt Haig writes from his heart about his experiences with depression and anxiety. His narration gives an authentic voice and adds an intimate and authentic touch.

I think anyone struggling with anything should listen to this audiobook.

13. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry

Length – 3 hrs and 41 mins

Neil deGrasse Tyson is my go-to source when it comes to unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos.

I have watched countless YouTube videos where he breaks down astrophysics in simple terms.

This audiobook is the perfect starting point for anyone curious about the universe, wrapped in everyday language and great story telling.

Tyson has done amazing job with narration and his funny style keeps you hooked.

Even if you have a remote interest in how universe works and want to have a basic understanding of the earth and our existence, this is a must-listen.

14. When Stars Are Scattered

Length – 3 hrs and 42 mins

This is a powerful story that demonstrates first-person testimony of former child refugees.

Omar and Hassan have spent most of their life in a refugee camp in Kenya. The life is tough with little food and no access to medical facilities.

When Omar, the elder brother, gets an opportunity to go to school he knows this might be an opportunity to change the future.

Victoria has done an amazing job putting together the raw emotions, quiet triumphs, highs and lows of Omer and Hassan’s story.

This is for people of all ages and is the best audiobook to give your children an eye-opening glimpse into life in refugee camps.

7 Audiobooks Between 5 and 7 Hours

15. Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

Length – 5 hrs and 51 min

I can’t recommend this audiobook enough. It’s a hilarious interstellar adventure that sci-fi fans will love.

 Meet Arthur Dent, an ordinary British man whose average life is turned completely upside down when he discovers that his best friend is an alien.

To make things worse, Arthur hasn’t even had his morning cup of tea and the Earth is about to be demolished to make way for an intergalactic highway.

It’s an amazing story with lots of humor and Stephen Fry has done an amazing job with narration.

If you love sci-fi, sharp humor, or just need a good laugh, this audiobook is a must-listen.

16. And Then There Were None

Length – 6 hrs and 1 min

Agatha Christie’s most iconic and best-selling mystery of all time, And Then There Were None, is a masterclass in suspense and storytelling.

Ten strangers are lured to a secluded island under mysterious circumstances. One by one, they begin to die.

With no way to escape and no one they can trust, the survivors must uncover the killer among them before it’s too late.

The story moves at a relentless pace and the mystery continues to become more and more tense with each murder. You have to focus on the story to keep track of 10 characters.

If you like mysteries, this is a must-listen novel that keeps you on edge from start to finish.

17. Dad Is Fat

Length – 5 hrs and 26 mins

Dad Is Fat is a hilarious, heartfelt, and incredibly relatable take on parenting, answering one question: ‘What is it like having five kids?’.

The book starts out hilarious and is in short essay format. Consider this as a 5 hours standup routine that perfectly captures the stress, joy, and love of raising a big family.

It’s a spot-on sharply observed description of parenting from a man who has realized he and his wife are outnumbered in their own home.

Whether you are a parent or just appreciate clever humor, this title will have you laughing out loud. I love Jim Gaffigan’s comedy. If you like this book, don’t miss Food: A Love Story.

18. Yearbook

Length – 6 hrs and 13 mins

If you want to have fun on your next road trip, go for this audiobook. It is somewhat of an autobiography about Seth Rogen’s life, told through a series of hilarious essays, packed with wild celebrity encounters. 

If you are a fan of Rogen’s offbeat humor, you are in for a treat. You will get a glimpse into his upbringing and career while still being entertained by his comedic style.

Everyone deserves a Seth Rogen in their life. If you have ever enjoyed one of his films, you already know the vibe. Each chapter feels like a mini movie scene.

19. Me Talk Pretty One Day

Length – 5 hrs and 51 mins

David Sedaris’s short hilarious stories are even more delightful when narrated in his signature dry wit.

From awkward family moments to misadventures in French class, and run-ins with the most bizarre strangers, Sedaris turns his everyday encounters into comedy gold.

Long before he became a bestselling writer, he met his share of strange people and collected stories that you would love to listen.

If you enjoy clever, offbeat humor with a surprising amount of heart, this is a perfect pick.

20. Nothing to See Here

Length – 6 hrs and 40 mins

An inspirational story that is hilarious one minute and heart breaking the next. This is a heartfelt tale of family, love, adventure, and finding confidence in the most unexpected places.

When one woman steps into the role of caregiver for two extraordinary children with remarkable abilities, she discovers a new purpose and strength she never knew she had.

The uniquely written storyline will grab you from beginning and the narration is spot on.

21. A Short History of Nearly Everything  

Length – 5 hrs and 48 mins

Let’s wrap up this list with one of my all-time favorite titles. A book that that introduces you to science and breaks complex subjects simple and understandable for everyone.

In A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bill Bryson takes you on a journey from the Big Bang to the dawn of civilization, expanding your understanding of the world.

You will be amazed at how little we know about the world around us.

Bryson is one of my favorite authors, known for his witty, insightful, and hilarious writing.

What are your favorite short audiobooks for road trips that you loved? Let me know in the comments.