I’ll be honest with you. I used to get so bored on long drives that I’d stop every hour just to stretch and kill time.
Then I started listening to podcasts, and now my road trips are the highlight of my week.
Here’s what I love about them. They keep me focused on the road, my eyes don’t hurt from staring at my phone, and the miles just disappear.
The right podcast makes you forget you’ve been driving for three hours.
I’m sharing my actual favorites with you today. These are the shows I download before every trip.
I’ve got different genres covered so you can find something that fits your mood and makes your next drive fly by.
What Makes a Podcast Great for Road Trips?
Not every podcast works well for driving. I learned this the hard way after falling asleep to a slow, monotone show on a late night drive.
The best road trip podcasts grab your attention fast. They have hosts you actually want to listen to. And they’re bingeable, so you can go through episode after episode without getting bored.
I pick different genres based on my mood and who’s with me. True crime for solo drives. Comedy when I need laughs. Light conversation when I have passengers. Short trips need something punchy. Long hauls need shows with tons of episodes.
The list below covers all these situations. You’ll find something that fits your next trip.
My Personal Favorite Podcasts for Road Trips
These are the shows I actually listen to on my drives. I’ve tested them all on different types of trips and they never disappoint.
1. BuzzFeed Unsolved: Supernatural
This show mixes ghost stories with comedy, and it’s perfect for night drives. Ryan believes in ghosts, Shane doesn’t, and their banter makes every episode hilarious.
The spooky factor keeps you alert without being too scary. Start with their Alcatraz or haunted lighthouse episodes. I always save these for when the sun goes down and the road gets empty.
2. One Song
Each episode breaks down one iconic song and tells you everything about how it was made. It’s nostalgic, moves quickly, and works for any age group. My parents loved it as much as I did.
Music lovers will appreciate the behind-the-scenes stories. Try their episodes on “Wonderwall” or “Semi-Charmed Life.” These are perfect for those afternoon stretches when you need something upbeat.
3. Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska
This true crime series keeps you guessing with every twist. It takes place in a tiny Alaskan town where everyone has secrets. The remote setting adds an extra layer of creepiness.
I binged the whole thing on a cross-country drive and couldn’t stop. It’s made for those long, quiet highway hours when you want something that completely absorbs you.
4. Money for Couples with Ramit Sethi
Ramit talks to real couples about their money problems, and it gets deep fast. You hear actual conversations about debt, spending habits, and financial goals.
My partner and I listened to this on a trip and ended up having our best money talk ever. It’s insightful without being preachy. Great for sparking real discussions that matter.
5. Hands Tied
A daughter investigates her mother’s murder and fights to prove the wrong person was convicted. The storytelling is raw and emotional.
You feel every moment of her search for justice. This one had me crying and cheering in my car. Save it for solo drives when you can fully focus. The narrative pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
6. Good Hang with Amy Poehler
Amy talks to interesting people in the most relaxed, funny way possible. It feels like listening to friends chat over coffee. The episodes are lighthearted and easy to jump into at any point.
I use this to break up heavy true crime sessions. You’ll laugh out loud, which helps when you’re getting tired behind the wheel.
7. StanLand
This fictional show creates magical worlds with humor and heart. The cast includes big names, and the production quality is amazing.
Families love it because kids and adults both get into the story. It’s like listening to a movie with your imagination doing the visuals. Perfect for trips with children or anyone who loves fantasy stories told well.
8. The Retrievals (Season 2)
This investigative series uncovers hidden medical stories that actually happened. The reporting is solid, and the real-life impact hits hard.
Each episode builds on the last, so you want to keep going. Best for those marathon drives where you have hours to commit. The narrative structure makes long distances feel shorter than they are.
9. Dirty Rush: The Truth About Sorority Life
This show pulls back the curtain on modern sorority culture with all the drama intact. You get real stories, shocking secrets, and the social dynamics that outsiders never see.
It’s addictive in the best way. Even if you weren’t in Greek life, you’ll be hooked. Perfect for when you want entertainment that’s part gossip, part cultural commentary.
Tips for Creating Your Own Road Trip Podcast Playlist
- Mix up your genres: Don’t listen to true crime for eight hours straight. Rotate between comedy, stories, and lighter content to keep your brain fresh.
- Download everything before you leave: Rural areas have terrible service. I’ve been stuck in silence too many times because I forgot to prep my playlist.
- Match episode length to your drive: Short commutes need 20-minute shows. Cross-country trips are perfect for those deep-dive series with hour-long episodes.
- Let your passengers vote: Nothing kills the vibe faster than forcing everyone to listen to something they hate. Take turns picking shows.
- Save intense content for solo drives: Heavy investigative shows need your full attention. Lighter stuff works better when you’re chatting with friends.
- Start with something upbeat: The first hour sets the tone for your whole trip. Pick an episode that gets everyone energized and excited to hit the road.
Final Thoughts
I can’t remember the last time I took a boring road trip. Good podcasts changed everything for me. They turn those endless highway hours into time I actually enjoy.
Try out the shows I’ve shared here. Build yourself a solid playlist before your next drive. Mix the genres, download ahead of time, and see which ones stick with you.
I’d love to hear what you’re listening to. Drop your favorite road trip podcasts in the comments below.
Maybe I’ll find my next obsession from your recommendations. Safe travels, and happy listening out there!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a podcast good for road trips?
Good road trip podcasts have strong storytelling and hosts you want to keep listening to. They should be bingeable and keep you alert without requiring too much mental effort while driving.
How many podcasts should I download for a long drive?
Download more than you think you’ll need. I usually grab 10-15 hours of content for an 8-hour drive in case some episodes don’t click or I hit areas with no service.
Can I listen to true crime podcasts with kids in the car?
Skip the true crime when kids are listening. Go for fiction podcasts like StanLand or comedy shows that everyone can enjoy together without awkward moments.
Should I listen to new podcasts or stick with favorites?
Mix both for the best experience. Start with a familiar favorite to set the mood, then try new shows once you’re comfortable and settled into the drive.
How do I keep passengers happy with podcast choices?
Let everyone take turns picking episodes. Create a shared playlist before the trip so nobody feels stuck listening to something they hate for hours.