15 Best Road Trip Podcasts of 2025 That Beat Any Playlist

Below are podcasts for every mood, so your trip is as entertaining as your destination.

And if you like short, powerful lessons instead of full episodes, try the Headway app. It gives you 15-minute audio summaries of the world's best nonfiction books — perfect for quick learning between stops.

Quick answer: Top 5 road trip podcasts

1. 'Casefile' — Detailed, drama-free true crime stories from around the world.

2. 'SmartLess' — Funny, unscripted chats with celebrity guests.

3. 'This American Life' — Pulitzer Prize-winning true stories with a twist.

4. 'Wow in the World' — Fun, kid-friendly science adventures for the whole family.

5. 'Off Menu' — Celebrity guests share their dream meals with plenty of laughs.

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Want more options for your playlist? Check out our 15 must-hear podcasts and one travel-friendly audio alternative.

15 Educational podcasts worth your road trip time

We’ve picked a new 2025 lineup with true crime, comedy, education, history, pop culture, and family shows. Every podcast will keep you entertained on the road. Keep reading to find the ones that will make your trip memorable.

True crime podcasts

Exciting stories and suspense make time fly. These shows keep drivers focused and passengers hooked.

1. 'Casefile' 

Love well-researched true crime? 'Casefile' combines meticulous facts with cinematic storytelling. This podcast explores solved and unsolved cases worldwide, from missing persons like Julie’s Gone to complex cases like the Gilham Family investigation.

Frequency: Weekly to biweekly.

Average episode length: 30-60 minutes.

This podcast is a perfect match for true crime fans who prefer in-depth storytelling without sensationalism, but still want gripping mysteries and investigations.

1. 2.'Criminal' with Phoebe Judge

Fascinated by the gray areas of human behavior and justice? Add 'Criminal' to your road trip playlist. This New York Times Best Podcast of 2023 shares stories about people who did wrong, were wronged, or landed somewhere in between.

Frequency: Biweekly.

Average episode length: 30-40 minutes.

This podcast is a perfect match for listeners who appreciate nuanced storytelling that goes beyond typical true crime podcasts. If you enjoy discussing ethics and human nature, this could become your new favorite podcast.

1. 3.'Tortoise Investigates: The Lab Detective' with Rachel Sylvester

Love investigative journalism? This series shows how science can overturn wrongful convictions. The podcast follows the power of genetic science to free those who've been wrongly imprisoned, exploring the human cost of miscarriages of justice and the determination of scientists searching for the truth.

Frequency: Weekly.

Average episode length: 40-50 minutes.

This podcast is a perfect match for listeners fascinated by the intersection of science and justice. It's especially compelling for those interested in cases like Kathleen Folbigg's fight for freedom, where genetic evidence challenges long-held assumptions about guilt and innocence.

Comedy and light entertainment podcasts

Because laughter keeps spirits high, especially on hour six of the drive.

1. 4.'SmartLess' with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett

Want celebrity chats that feel like listening in on friends? Try 'SmartLess.' Three comedians surprise each other with mystery guests, leading to unscripted conversations.

Frequency: Weekly.

Average episode length: 60-70 minutes.

This podcast is a perfect match for listeners who enjoy guests like James Gunn discussing superhero movies, Jason Momoa sharing behind-the-scenes stories, or Gordon Ramsay talking about cooking adventures.

1. 5.'Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend' with Conan O'Brien, Sona Movsesian, and Matt Gourley

If you want classic late-night humor in a podcast, add this one to your road trip list. After 25 years of hosting 'Late Night,' Conan started this fun, offbeat show to build real friendships.

Frequency: Weekly.

Average episode length: 50-70 minutes.

This podcast is a perfect match for comedy fans who enjoy silly humor, sharp wit, and celebrity stories with genuine friendship moments.

1. 6.'Off Menu' with Ed Gamble and James Acaster

If you're a food lover who enjoys high-energy comedy, this British podcast deserves a spot on your next road trip. Ed Gamble and James Acaster invite celebrities into their "Dream Restaurant." Guests design their perfect meal from starter to dessert.

Frequency: Weekly.

Average episode length: 60-75 minutes.

This podcast is a perfect match for friends planning culinary road trip adventures who want restaurant inspiration mixed with laughs. It’s also ideal for families who love discussing favorite foods and dream meals during car rides, and anyone seeking feel-good British humor.

1. 7.'My Dad Wrote a Porno' with Jamie Morton, James Cooper, and Alice Levine

What started as one man's decision to read his father's questionable novel out loud has become a global phenomenon. This award-winning podcast follows Jamie Morton as he reads his dad's self-published book, joined by friends James and Alice.

Frequency: No new episodes, but widely recognized by major publications as one of the best podcasts ever made.

Average episode length: 40-50 minutes.

This podcast is a perfect match for people who aren't easily offended and appreciate British humor. Also, those who want to experience the "cultural phenomenon" that has earned over 430 million downloads. 

Educational and informative podcasts

Perfect for sparking conversations and learning something new together.

1. 8.'This American Life' with Ira Glass

If you like stories that capture life today, this Pulitzer Prize-winning podcast is for you. Each week, it picks a theme and shares true stories like little movies for the radio, with twists that make you see the world differently.

Frequency: Weekly.

Average episode length: 55-65 minutes.

This podcast is a perfect match for road trip companions who enjoy deep talks about people and society. Perfect if you like exploring random topics, toxic relationships, or how families stay connected during war.

1. 9.'National Park After Dark' with Danielle and Cassie

If you love spine-tingling true stories about America's wilderness, then this great podcast deserves a spot on your Spotify or Apple Podcasts playlist. Hosts Danielle and Cassie explore the darker side of our treasured national parks. Expect survival stories and mysterious disappearances. 

Frequency: Weekly.

Average episode length: 45-60 minutes.

This podcast is a perfect match for travelers visiting New York’s state parks or any national park who want history and wild stories about their destination. If you enjoy long-form storytelling that mixes history and mystery, check out the recent episodes.

Family-friendly options

Keep younger passengers entertained without a screen.

1. 10.'Stories Podcast' with Amanda Weldin

Looking for fairy tales and fun stories for kids? 'Stories Podcast' offers classic tales like 'Snow White' and 'Peter Rabbit,' plus original adventures, all suitable for any age. It’s also a perfect podcast recommendation for nap time drives or calm night trips.

Frequency: Weekly.

Average episode length: 15-35 minutes.

This podcast is a perfect match for families with young children who want kid-friendly content during long road trips. 

1. 11.'Wow in the World' with Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz

Want to turn your family road trip into a rolling science adventure? This podcast makes science news feel like the most exciting thing on the planet. Hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz share stories about the latest discoveries in science and innovation in simple words that get kids (and grown-ups!) saying "WOW!" 

Frequency: Weekly.

Average episode length: 20-30 minutes.

This podcast is a perfect match for families on long road trips who want a storytelling podcast that doesn't bore adults. If your kid’s favorite words are "why" and "how," episodes like "How To Talk To A Cat" will keep them hooked.

1. 12.'Science Vs' with Wendy Zukerman

If you want a science podcast that cuts through social media myths with hard facts, try this podcast from Spotify Studios. Host Wendy Zukerman and her team tackle everything from ADHD and autism research to carnivore diets and plastic pollution. They go through scientific studies so you get clear answers to questions you've probably wondered about during long drives.

Frequency: Biweekly.

Average episode length: 30-50 minutes.

This podcast is a perfect match for curious families with teens and trivia lovers who want to win arguments with science facts. It's a great road trip podcast if discussions about how we understand our world are a regular practice in your family.

Three additional bite-sized podcasts for the road

• '15 Minute History': A short history podcast that covers key topics in world and US history, hosted by award-winning teachers and grad students from the University of Texas at Austin.

• 'Rich and Weekly': A pop culture show that dishes on celebrity drama and entertainment news, from the Kardashians and Kendrick to Britney and the Bravo-verse.

• 'Daily Boost Motivation and Coaching': A daily show with quick tips to help professionals and entrepreneurs stay motivated, step out of their comfort zones, and turn everyday life into something extraordinary.

Want a faster way to learn each day? The Headway app gives 15-minute audio summaries of top nonfiction books. It’s ideal for learning something new or finding answers to questions about relationships, habits, money, or career.