The Best Books to Take on a Road Trip: Page-Turning Companions for the Open Road

Ah, the open road. There’s nothing like it—the hum of the tires on the pavement, the endless stretch of highway, the snack crumbs multiplying mysteriously in every crevice of your car. Road trips are an adventure, but let’s face it: even the best playlists and podcast episodes can only last so long before you need another form of entertainment. Enter: books!

Books are the ultimate road trip companions. They don’t require WiFi, they won’t complain about your questionable gas station snack choices, and they won’t hog the aux cord. Whether you’re the passenger or chilling at a roadside motel, a great book can transport you somewhere new—right alongside your real-life journey. But what makes the perfect road trip read? Something engaging, adventurous, or laugh-out-loud funny. Bonus points if it makes you see your surroundings in a new light.

So buckle up, grab some beef jerky (or kale chips, I don’t judge), and check out these amazing books to take along for the ride:

1. On the Road by Jack Kerouac

A road trip booklist without On the Road? Blasphemy! This Beat Generation classic follows Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty as they crisscross America in a whirlwind of jazz, poetry, and existential musings. It’s like a literary version of that friend who says, “Let’s just drive and see where we end up.” Perfect for those who want to embrace the spirit of the open highway and lean into spontaneity.

2. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

If your road trip is taking on a more chaotic, unpredictable energy (or if you just want a laugh), this sci-fi classic is a must-read. Arthur Dent’s journey through space is filled with oddball characters, absurd humor, and profound wisdom disguised as nonsense. It’s perfect for long stretches of driving when you need a reminder that life (and the road) is wonderfully weird.

3. Wild by Cheryl Strayed

For those who love adventure but also like their stories with a side of self-discovery, Wild is an excellent pick. It chronicles Cheryl Strayed’s solo trek along the Pacific Crest Trail—a journey of healing, perseverance, and, let’s be honest, a lot of blisters. If you’re on a road trip for some soul-searching, this book will be your motivational co-pilot.

4. American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Picture this: you’re driving across the U.S., passing quirky roadside attractions, and suddenly you start to wonder—what if these places are actually ancient gods in disguise? That’s the premise of American Gods, a dark, magical, and utterly fascinating novel that reimagines America’s landscapes as battlegrounds for old and new deities. It’ll make you look at the world outside your window a little differently.

5. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson

If your road trip includes a detour to Vegas (or just a metaphorical detour into the bizarre), this wild, drug-fueled, satirical classic is the ultimate read. Thompson’s gonzo journalism style takes you on a mind-bending journey through excess, paranoia, and the American Dream. Just maybe don’t take all the inspiration from his escapades.

6. The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner

Part travel memoir, part philosophical exploration, The Geography of Bliss follows Weiner as he travels to some of the happiest (and least happy) places in the world. It’s a thought-provoking yet hilarious look at what makes people happy and how geography plays a role. If your road trip is about seeking joy and perspective, this book is your roadmap.

7. The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Okay, so this one isn’t exactly a feel-good book, but if you’re in the mood for something intense, The Road delivers. A father and son navigate a post-apocalyptic landscape in a haunting, poetic tale of survival and love. Maybe not ideal if you’re driving through eerie, desolate stretches of highway at night… but undeniably powerful.

8. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

If your road trip has a soul-searching, “finding myself” vibe (or if you just want a feel-good story with lots of great food descriptions), Eat, Pray, Love is a wonderful choice. Travel through Italy, India, and Indonesia with Gilbert as she eats, meditates, and discovers self-love. Bonus points if you make some detours for delicious meals along your own journey.

9. Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck

Ever dream of taking a cross-country road trip with your dog? Steinbeck did just that with his poodle, Charley, in a camper named Rocinante. This memoir is a heartwarming, reflective, and beautifully written exploration of America and its people. Ideal for those long, thoughtful stretches of road where the scenery makes you wax poetic about life.

10. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Need something juicy, thrilling, and compulsively readable? Big Little Lies delivers. It’s got humor, mystery, and drama—all the elements of a binge-worthy read. Perfect for those long stretches when you just want to escape into another world (and possibly gasp out loud in the passenger seat).

Bonus Tip: Audiobooks for the Driver

If you’re the designated driver and can’t exactly turn pages while navigating traffic (safety first, folks), consider the audiobook versions of these picks. A well-narrated book can make hours on the road fly by. Plus, there’s something magical about hearing a great story while the landscape unfolds around you.

So there you have it—your ultimate road trip book list! Whether you’re hitting the highway solo, road-tripping with friends, or dragging along an unwilling sibling, these books will keep your journey entertaining, thought-provoking, and full of adventure.

Now, fill up that tank, pick your next stop, and get lost in a great book—preferably not while driving. Safe travels!