Whether you’re embarking on the trip of a lifetime or just commuting to work, there’s no denying that travel can feel boring at times.
Sitting in a car, train, or airplane for long stretches of time can leave you longing for some entertainment, and in these situations, an audiobook is the perfect solution.
If you’re a fan of horror, you may be in need of some new horror audiobooks to pass the time on your travels (if humor is more your thing, check out our guide to funny audiobooks for long trips). In that case, we’ve got you covered!
Here are the 15 best horror audiobooks you can listen to while you get from A to B. From timeless horror classics to newer releases, these shocking and suspenseful stories will keep you engaged and enthralled for hours, but be warned…
They’re not for the faint of heart.
1. The Hollow Places By T. Kingfisher
The Hollow Places might not be T. Kingfisher’s first novel, but whether you’ve read The Twisted Ones or not, it’s impossible not to be drawn into the nightmarish world that Kingfisher has created here.
Narrated by Hillary Huber, The Hollow Places is told from the perspective of Kara, who has just finalized her divorce and moved into her uncle’s home. Here, she discovers a hidden bunker through which she is able to enter alternate realities.
But Kara soon realizes that in these other worlds, she is not the only one who can hear her thoughts, or feel her fear…
2. Psycho By Robert Bloch
Robert Bloch’s Psycho is often described as the book that inspired Alfred Hitchcock’s most celebrated work, but it’s a classic work of horror fiction in its own right.
The narrative is inspired by the real story of Ed Gein, a serial killer also known as the Butcher of Plainfield.
Richard Powers narrates the haunting tale of Mary Crane’s visit to Bates Motel.
At first, Mary is not afraid of Norman Bates, despite the stressful circumstances of her visit and his slightly odd demeanor. However, what unfolds is a nail-biting tale of psychological horror for the ages.
3. The Shadows By Alex North
Alex North has written several horror and thriller novels, including The Whisper Man, but The Shadows is indisputably one of his best.
When Paul Adams returns to his hometown, it’s not without apprehension. 25 years ago, a murder was committed there, and the copycat crimes haven’t stopped.
While caring for his elderly mother back at home, Paul gets the feeling that someone is watching him.
Could it be that the murderer is still at large?
Hannah Arterton and John Heffernan narrate this crime-horror novel so skillfully that you won’t want to turn it off until the end.
4. Dracul By Dacre Stoker And J.D. Barker
Most horror fans are familiar with Bram Stoker’s Dracula, but if you can’t get enough of literature’s most iconic vampire, this deliciously Gothic prequel narrated by Pete Bradbury, Vikas Adam and many more, is perfect listening material.
Set in 1868, Dracul centers around a young Bram Stoker and his sister, Matilda.
Bram is nursed back from the brink of death by his nanny, Ellen, as a child. However, people in the town begin to die under mysterious circumstances, and Ellen disappears… Only to reappear many years later.
As Bram and Matilda investigate, they uncover untold horrors that set the scene for the story of Dracula as we know it.
5. The Possession: Writer’s Block: Book 1 By A.K. Kuykendall
A.K. Kuykendall’s first installment of The Possession is narrated by Robert Rossman, and it’s been compared favorably to some of the greatest names in horror fiction, including Stephen King.
The protagonist of this story is a horror novelist who purchases a seemingly innocent antique doll.
However, it doesn’t take Gregory long to realize that Christie is an instrument of terrible evil, and he has just entered into a war that could threaten not only his family, but the world at large.
6. Hide By Kiersten White
We’ve all played hide and seek – but not like this! Kiersten White’s Hide is narrated by Emma Galvin and follows a group of people who have agreed to hide on an island for a week in the hopes of winning a huge sum of money.
Mack has experience hiding from danger, but as the participants around her begin to disappear, she realizes that this is a more sinister game than she could have imagined.
7. My Mother’s House By Francesca Momplaisir
This masterful novel by Francesca Momplaisir is just as enjoyable to listen to as it is to read.
The story is that of a couple (Lucien and Marie-Ange), who immigrate to New York from Haiti in search of a better life. Instead, they discover the most frightening kind of evil: that which is hidden in the ones we love, and even within ourselves.
Karen Chilton, Dion Graham, and Janina Edwards narrate My Mother’s House perfectly, capturing the emotional depth of Momplaisir’s commentary on the immigrant experience and atmospheric horror ambiance all at once.
8. The Haunting Of Hill House By Shirley Jackson
You’ve probably seen the Netflix adaptation of The Haunting of Hill House, but we highly recommend listening to the audiobook for the full experience.
Shirley Jackson’s celebrated horror novel is narrated by Bernadette Dunne. This is one of the best haunted house narratives in horror fiction, with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat for the full 7.5 hours.
9. The Turn Of The Screw By Henry James
Speaking of The Haunting of Hill House, we also recommend that horror fans listen to the original Gothic horror novel that inspired Shirley Jackson’s work.
The Turn of the Screw was written in 1898, but it continues to make an impression to this day, especially as narrated by Sandra Callum.
When a governess finds herself employed at a seemingly haunted estate, she soon finds herself questioning whether it’s specters or the children themselves that pose the greatest threat.
10. In The House In The Dark Of The Woods By Laird Hunt
In the House inthe Dark of the Woods is a chilling and fascinating take on American mythology. It’s a story about witchcraft in colonial New England, but also a gripping psychological horror novel.
Laird Hunt’s lyrical writing is read by Vanessa Johansson, who narrates the story of a Puritan woman who, for reasons unknown, flees into the woods. There, she meets another woman who will take her on a journey of self-discovery – and terror.
11. The Institute By Stephen King
We’re assuming horror fans will have read many of Stephen King’s books, but this recently-published story by one of the great masters of the genre is the perfect audiobook for long journeys.
Narrated by Santino Fontana, The Institute follows young Luke Ellis, who is abducted in the dead of night and wakes up in a sinister establishment from which none of the children are allowed to leave. Will Luke be the first to escape?
12. The Rats By James Herbert
James Herbert’s The Rats is a horror classic in which the City of London is invaded by man-eating rats.
David Rintoul narrates this terrifying and gory tale of man versus beast. If you’re not already afraid of rats, you will be by the time you’ve finished listening.
13. Rosemary’s Baby By Ira Levin
Another celebrated classic of the horror genre, Rosemary’s Baby begins as Rosemary and her career-focused husband move into a new apartment.
When Rosemary falls pregnant, it becomes clear that the neighbors are hiding something sinister, although nobody could have predicted the horrible truth.
Narrated by Mia Farrow, this is an audiobook all horror lovers should download.
14. The Only Good Indians By Stephen Graham Jones
Stephen Graham Jones skillfully blends commentary on Native identity with horror themes and tropes in this shocking and nightmarish novel.
Shaun Taylor-Corbett’s narration is excellent, and the supernatural revenge plot alongside the thought-provoking explorations of culture and family dynamics will keep you riveted from the opening line until the dramatic conclusion.
15. Into The Drowning Deep By Mira Grant
Mira Grant’s mythological horror novel begins in the aftermath of a failed voyage to the Mariana Trench, which ended in the disappearance of the vessel and crew.
Victoria, who lost her sister in the initial voyage, sets off with a new crew to find out what really happened, but discovers much more than she bargained for when the ocean reveals its terrible secrets.
Grant’s horrifying tale of predatory mermaids is narrated by Christine Lakin, and although the audiobook is over 17 hours long, you’ll find yourself captivated throughout.
Final Thoughts
No matter what kind of horror you love, there’s something on our list to keep you entertained on your travels.
Featuring well-known authors such as Stephen King as well as newer names in the genre, our top 15 horror audiobooks feature ravenous rats, murderous mermaids, nefarious neighbors, sinister specters, and much more.
Whether you’re afraid of the great outdoors or the evil hidden within, you should find something to your taste in our recommendations. So, which horror audiobook will be your next travel companion?