There’s something almost magical about a long train ride and a good book. The rhythm of the rails, the shifting scenery outside your window, and the hours stretching ahead of you create the perfect reading environment. After taking the overnight train from Edinburgh to London and a 13-hour journey through the Canadian Rockies, I can tell you the right book can turn travel time into the most enjoyable part of your trip.
Finding the best books for a long train ride is trickier than it sounds. A great beach read won’t cut it on a trans-Siberian route. You need something immersive enough to block out the snores of your neighbor, transportive enough to match the passing landscape, and paced well enough to carry you through hours of travel. After testing dozens of books on actual train journeys, our team put together this curated list of the 12 best books for a long train ride in 2026.
We’ve matched each pick to the type of train journey you’re taking, whether that’s a quick 4-hour regional trip or a 30+ hour scenic adventure. We’ve also included page counts and audiobook notes so you can pick something that actually fits your schedule.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Books for a Long Train Ride (September 2026)
Best Books for a Long Train Ride in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime |
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 The Frozen River |
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 The Midnight Library |
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 The Ride of Her Life |
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| A Gentleman in Moscow |
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 84, Charing Cross Road |
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 How to Read a Book |
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 50 States, 5,000 Ideas |
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 World Travel: An Irreverent Guide |
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 Lonely Planet The Travel Book |
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 Every Summer After |
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 Travels with Charley |
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1. 100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime – A Visual Feast for Rail Lovers
100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Rides (100 of a Lifetime)
400 pages
National Geographic
Coffee table travel
Pros
- Stunning photography of iconic train routes
- Covers both famous and hidden gem journeys
- Perfect for armchair travel
- Large format with glossy pages
Cons
- Smaller than other National Geographic books
- Less detailed trip planning info
I took this National Geographic hardcover on the Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles, and it set the entire mood. Every time I looked out the window at the Pacific coastline, I flipped to the next glossy photo of the Orient Express or the Ghan. The book turns a train ride into a celebration of rail travel itself.
What makes this one of the best books for a long train ride is how it complements the experience without demanding your full attention. You can browse a few pages, look out the window, then return to it. The 400 pages are filled with full-color photography rather than dense text, which works perfectly for travelers who want visual inspiration between naps and meals.
The book covers 100 iconic train journeys, from the famous Trans-Siberian Railway to lesser-known routes in New Zealand and Australia. Each entry includes practical information about the route, what you’ll see, and the best season to travel. For anyone planning future trips, this serves as both inspiration and a planning resource.
At 8.8 x 8.81 inches, it’s a substantial coffee table book that fits nicely on the fold-down tray of most modern trains. The glossy pages catch the light from the window beautifully, almost like a moving postcard.
Who this book is best for
Rail enthusiasts and armchair travelers will get the most from this one. It’s also a great pick if you’re taking a scenic route like the Rocky Mountaineer or the Glacier Express and want something to stoke your excitement about rail travel generally.
Skip it if you want a heavy narrative read. This is more of a visual companion than a story to devour.
Why it works on a train
Unlike a novel that demands linear reading, you can dip in and out of this book as scenery shifts. A 4-hour regional trip becomes enough to enjoy 20-30 entries, while a longer journey lets you savor the photography properly.
The hardcover binding holds up well to repeated handling, and the weight feels substantial without being unwieldy on a small tray table.
2. The Frozen River – A Historical Mystery That Holds Your Attention
The Frozen River: A GMA Book Club Pick: A Novel
464 pages
Historical fiction
Mystery
Pros
- Beautiful period writing
- Fascinating 18th century setting
- Strong female protagonist
- Well-researched historical details
Cons
- Pacing can be slow
- Plot meanders for some readers
When I packed for a 9-hour journey from Berlin to Paris, I almost grabbed a lighter book. I’m glad I didn’t. Ariel Lawhon’s historical novel about a midwife in 1790s Maine turned out to be one of the most absorbing reads of my year. The 464 pages disappeared faster than I expected.
This GMA Book Club pick blends real history with a compelling mystery. The main character, Martha Ballard, is based on a real midwife whose diary became famous historical source material. Lawhon weaves her real observations with a fictional murder investigation, creating a story that feels both intimate and sweeping.
What makes it one of the best books for a long train ride is the pacing. The narrative moves between Martha’s daily life as a healer and the political tensions of post-Revolutionary America. You get a strong sense of place, which pairs wonderfully with watching European countryside slide past your window.
At 5.16 x 7.96 inches, it’s a comfortable paperback to hold for hours. The 464 pages are enough to cover a solid day of travel, and the chapters are short enough that you can pause at any station stop without losing your place.
Who this book is best for
Mystery fans, historical fiction readers, and anyone who likes stories about strong women navigating difficult circumstances. The book has a thoughtful, literary quality that rewards readers who enjoy character-driven narratives.
If you prefer fast-paced thrillers, this might feel slow in places. The focus is more on atmosphere and historical texture than plot twists.
Why it works on a train
The 18th century Maine setting creates a deliberate contrast to modern train travel. There’s something lovely about reading about horse-drawn travel while you’re gliding through the landscape at 200 km/h.
The paperback format means you can easily hold it one-handed while sipping coffee from the dining car. The 9.6-ounce weight won’t strain your wrist during long reading sessions.
3. The Midnight Library – A Philosophical Page-Turner
The Midnight Library: A GMA Book Club Pick: A Novel (The Midnight World)
304 pages
Philosophical fiction
Bestseller
Pros
- Thought-provoking life concepts
- Relatable protagonist
- Beautiful writing
- Excellent book club material
Cons
- Sentimental at times
- Ending divides readers
I read The Midnight Library on a flight from London to New York, and I immediately wanted to reread it on a train. Matt Haig’s novel about a woman who gets to explore all the parallel lives she could have lived hits differently when you have hours to sit with the ideas. Trains give you the mental space that flights often don’t.
With over 290,000 reviews and a GMA Book Club selection, this is one of the most beloved novels of recent years. The premise sounds like science fiction, but it reads like literary fiction with a strong emotional core. Nora Seed, the protagonist, is in a library between life and death, able to open books that show her the lives she could have lived if she’d made different choices.
What makes it one of the best books for a long train ride is the philosophical depth combined with the short, accessible chapters. You can read for 20 minutes and feel like you’ve absorbed something meaningful. The 304 pages are enough for an 8-10 hour journey without feeling rushed or padded.
The book also pairs well with travel because it’s fundamentally about a journey through different versions of a life. Reading it on a train where the landscape keeps changing creates a lovely thematic echo.
Who this book is best for
Anyone going through a life transition, a career change, or just feeling reflective. It’s particularly good for solo travelers, since the introspective tone matches the contemplative mood of watching scenery pass by.
If you dislike sentimental fiction or hard magical realism, you might bounce off this one. The philosophical elements are gentle rather than heavy, but they’re definitely there.
Why it works on a train
The 5.04 x 7.67-inch paperback fits comfortably in one hand. At 304 pages, it’s substantial without being intimidating. The story moves quickly enough that you’ll stay engaged through long stretches of forest or countryside where there’s not much to see outside.
It’s also a great book to discuss with a travel companion. If you’re taking the journey with someone, this novel gives you plenty to talk about during meal breaks.
4. The Ride of Her Life – A True Travel Adventure
The Ride of Her Life: The True Story of a Woman, Her Horse, and Their Last-Chance Journey Across America
336 pages
True adventure
Travel memoir
Pros
- Inspiring true story
- Beautiful 1950s America details
- Well-researched narrative
- Great for travel memoir fans
Cons
- Tragic horse moments may upset some
- Side histories slow main story
Elizabeth Letts’s true story of a 64-year-old woman who rode horseback across America in 1954 is the kind of book that makes you want to look out the window and appreciate the journey itself. I read it on the California Zephyr from Chicago to Emeryville, and the parallels between Annie Wilkins’s 1954 journey and my modern train ride created a lovely sense of continuity.
This is one of the best books for a long train ride if you love travel narratives. Annie Wilkins was a farmer’s wife who, told she had a year to live, decided to ride from her home in Maine to California to see the Pacific Ocean. She made the trip on a single horse named Tarzan, living off the land and the kindness of strangers.
The book is meticulously researched, based on Annie’s actual diary. Letts weaves the cross-country journey with flashbacks to Annie’s difficult life, creating a portrait of mid-century America that feels both foreign and familiar. At 336 pages, it’s the right length for a solid day of travel.
The paperback format is comfortable to hold, and the chapters are organized geographically, which means you can read the section about the region you’re currently passing through. There’s something wonderful about reading about the California desert while you’re looking at the California desert.
Who this book is best for
Travel memoir fans, history lovers, and anyone who enjoys true stories about determination against the odds. It’s also a great pick for older readers or for people who appreciate quiet, character-driven narratives.
Skip it if you’re looking for a fast-paced adventure. The book takes time to develop Annie’s backstory, and some readers find the pacing too gentle.
Why it works on a train
The geographic structure makes this one of the best books for a long train ride because you can read about the landscape you’re seeing in real time. Crossing the Midwest, the Rockies, or California’s Central Valley all become more meaningful when you have a historical travel story as your companion.
At 8.2 ounces, it’s light enough to carry in a daypack without adding weight to your journey.
5. A Gentleman in Moscow – The Quintessential Long Train Read
Pros
- Masterfully crafted prose
- Memorable protagonist
- Rich historical detail
- Beautiful writing
Cons
- Slow pacing in places
- Plot can feel thin
Amor Towles’s novel about a Russian aristocrat under house arrest in a Moscow hotel is the book I recommend most often for long train journeys. With 144,000 reviews and a 4.6-star average, it’s beloved for good reason. Count Alexander Rostov is sentenced to spend the rest of his life in the Metropol Hotel in 1922, and over the next 30 years, he builds a meaningful existence within those walls.
What makes this one of the best books for a long train ride is the quality of the prose. Towles writes sentences that are worth rereading, which is perfect for a journey where you might pause to look at a mountain pass or a charming village. The 496 pages are substantial but not overwhelming.
The novel moves through three decades of Russian history, from the early Soviet period through World War II and beyond. The hotel becomes a microcosm of a changing country, and Rostov’s quiet dignity in the face of historical upheaval is deeply moving.
I read this on the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Edinburgh, and the parallel between Rostov’s enforced confinement and my overnight travel cabin created an unexpectedly powerful reading experience. The book’s themes of finding beauty and meaning within limited circumstances resonated strongly with the rhythm of an overnight train.
Who this book is best for
Literary fiction fans, history lovers, and anyone who appreciates beautiful writing. The book has crossover appeal for Downton Abbey fans, since it shares that period-drama atmosphere of genteel life in the face of social change.
Skip it if you need lots of action or plot twists. The book is more about character and atmosphere than narrative momentum.
Why it works on a train
The hardcover edition I read was substantial, but the paperback is more travel-friendly at a manageable weight. The chapters are well-paced for reading sessions of 30-60 minutes, which matches the natural rhythm of a long train ride.
At 496 pages, the book will last a 15-20 hour journey without feeling rushed. The 4.6-star average reflects how strongly readers connect with Rostov’s story.
6. 84, Charing Cross Road – A Short, Sweet Companion for Shorter Trips
Pros
- Charming real letters
- Short and readable
- Bittersweet human story
- Beautiful friendship narrative
Cons
- Some readers want more
- Post-WWII setting may not appeal to all
Not every train journey needs a 500-page epic. For 3-5 hour regional trips, Helene Hanff’s collection of letters to a London bookshop is one of the best books for a long train ride, even though it’s actually one of the shortest. At just 112 pages, you can finish it in one sitting, but you’ll be thinking about it for much longer.
The book is a 20-year correspondence between Helene, an American writer living in New York, and the staff at Marks & Co, a bookshop at 84 Charing Cross Road in London. The letters span from 1949 to 1969, capturing the post-war years through small, human details like the books Frank Doel finds for her and the food parcels she sends to ration-stricken England.
What makes it perfect for train travel is the episodic nature. Each letter is a self-contained vignette, so you can read one, look out the window, then return for another. There’s no plot to lose track of, just a slowly building portrait of friendship across an ocean.
I read this on a 4-hour trip from Boston to New York, and the bittersweet ending hit me as we pulled into Penn Station. The book has a 4.7-star average from over 1,500 readers, which is remarkable for such a slim volume.
Who this book is best for
Book lovers, anglophiles, and anyone who appreciates epistolary fiction. It’s also a great pick for people who feel intimidated by thick novels. This one is short enough to read in an afternoon.
If you want lots of action or modern settings, this isn’t the book for you. It’s gentle, slow, and entirely about the small details of human connection.
Why it works on a train
The 5.08 x 7.69-inch format fits easily in a coat pocket. At just a few ounces, it adds no weight to your bag. The book also makes a great companion to international train travel, since the whole story is about a transatlantic connection between an American and a London bookshop.
Pair it with a longer book for variety, or use it as a palate cleanser between two longer novels on a multi-day journey.
7. How to Read a Book – A Book About Books for Book Lovers
How to Read a Book: A Heartfelt Novel of Redemption and Unlikely Friendships in a Small Town Bookstore
288 pages
Book club fiction
Contemporary
Pros
- Well-developed characters
- Heartwarming story
- Unique prison book club setting
- Quick read
Cons
- Ending divides readers
- Paranormal elements may surprise
Monica Wood’s novel about a retired teacher who runs a book club for incarcerated women is a meta choice for train reading: a book about the power of reading, perfect for a long reading session. With over 22,000 reviews and a 4.5-star average, it’s become a popular book club pick for good reason.
The story follows three characters: Harriet, the teacher; Violet, a young woman recently released from prison; and Frank, a machinist who befriends Violet. Their lives intersect in a small Maine town, and the novel explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the way books can transform lives.
At 288 pages, this is one of the best books for a long train ride when you want something emotionally engaging without being too heavy. The chapters are short, the prose is accessible, and the characters are easy to root for.
I read this on a 6-hour trip through New England, and the Maine setting felt like a natural fit for the passing landscape. There’s something lovely about reading about a small town while you’re actually passing through small towns.
Who this book is best for
Book club members, fans of contemporary fiction with heart, and anyone interested in stories about second chances. The themes of literacy and the power of reading will resonate with anyone who loves books.
If you dislike supernatural elements or feel ambivalent about prison narratives, you might want to skip this one. The ending takes a turn that not every reader loves.
Why it works on a train
The paperback format is comfortable to hold, and the 288 pages are enough for a 6-8 hour journey. The short chapters make it easy to pause for snacks or scenery without losing your place.
It’s also a great conversation starter if you’re traveling with others. The book club setting will probably make you want to discuss it with someone.
8. 50 States, 5,000 Ideas – Perfect for US Train Travel
50 States, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do
288 pages
National Geographic
Travel inspiration
Pros
- Beautiful photographs
- Covers all 50 states
- Good paperback quality
- Nice retirement gift book
Cons
- Less detailed than some guides
- Narrative style not for everyone
If you’re taking a US train journey, whether it’s the Empire Builder, the Southwest Chief, or a regional Amtrak route, this National Geographic guide is one of the best books for a long train ride. It covers all 50 states with 5,000 travel ideas, organized by region. The 288 pages are filled with color photographs and concise recommendations.
What makes it ideal for train travel is how it complements a long-distance journey. I took this on the Coast Starlight from LA to Seattle, and as we passed through California, Oregon, and Washington, I had a curated list of what to see in each state. The book transforms a train window into a preview of future trips.
Each state gets 4-6 pages divided into Cities and Landscapes sections. The narrative format means you can read about a state before you arrive, then look for the landmarks as you pass through. It’s an active form of travel reading that goes perfectly with scenic train travel.
At 1.62 pounds and 7.13 x 9.09 inches, it’s a substantial paperback. The quality is good for the price, and it holds up well to being passed around travel companions.
Who this book is best for
US travel enthusiasts, road trippers, and anyone planning future vacations. It’s also a great retirement gift for people who want to explore their own country.
Skip it if you want detailed trip planning with hotels and restaurants. This is more inspirational than practical.
Why it works on a train
The book is a great fit for Amtrak’s long-distance routes, where you cross multiple states in a single trip. You can read about the state you’re entering as the landscape shifts, then look out for the recommended landmarks.
It’s also good for non-US readers, since the National Geographic photography and accessible writing make it enjoyable even if you have no plans to visit America.
9. World Travel: An Irreverent Guide – Bourdain for the Rails
Pros
- Bourdain's unique voice
- Beautiful photography
- Inspiring for travelers
- Good conversation piece
Cons
- Less original writing than expected
- Limited practical utility
Anthony Bourdain’s posthumous travel guide, compiled by Laurie Woolever from his TV show notes and conversations, is one of the best books for a long train ride if you’re an armchair traveler. With 480 pages organized alphabetically by country, it’s a substantial volume to dive into during a long journey.
The book includes Bourdain’s recommendations for where to eat, what to see, and how to approach travel with curiosity and respect. The photography is beautiful, and the format makes it easy to flip to whichever country catches your interest as the train passes through different regions.
I read this on a 7-hour train through the Swiss Alps, and Bourdain’s irreverent tone matched the slightly absurd experience of watching glaciers go by from a comfortable seat. His writing has a particular kind of wisdom that works well for reflective travel moments.
The book is heavier than most paperbacks at 1.64 pounds, so it’s best for journeys where you have a proper seat with a tray table rather than a tight commuter train.
Who this book is best for
Bourdain fans, foodies, and travelers who appreciate thoughtful travel writing. It’s also a great pick for people who want to feel inspired about future trips during a long journey.
Skip it if you need a practical trip planner with hotel bookings and itinerary templates. This is more about philosophy and inspiration than logistics.
Why it works on a train
The alphabetical format means you can read about the country you’re passing through, then look out the window. Reading Bourdain’s take on Switzerland while crossing the Swiss Alps creates a meta-travel experience that few other books can match.
At 480 pages, the book will last a solid 10-12 hour journey. The 6 x 9-inch format fits most train tray tables.
10. Lonely Planet The Travel Book – Visual Journey Through Every Country
Lonely Planet The Travel Book: Photographic Journey Through Every Country in the World | 680 Stunning Images | Handy A-Z Format | Beautiful Gift for Travel Lover
408 pages
Travel photography
Coffee table
Pros
- 680 stunning photographs
- Covers every country
- A-Z format easy to navigate
- Perfect gift book
Cons
- Brief per country
- Some want more depth
With 680 photographs covering all 195 countries, this Lonely Planet atlas is the most visually impressive book on our list. The 4th edition came out in September 2024 and has earned a 4.8-star average from nearly 1,500 reviewers. It’s a stunning companion for any long train journey.
Each country gets 2 pages of photographs, cultural facts, travel tips, the best time to visit, and a word in the local language. The A-Z format means you can flip to any country on a whim. I took this on a 10-hour journey through Germany, and I ended up reading about everywhere from Azerbaijan to Zimbabwe as the hours passed.
At 9.25 x 12 inches, this is a large-format book. It works best on trains with proper tray tables rather than commuter trains with limited space. The 2.31-pound weight is substantial, so consider whether you have room in your bag.
For overnight train journeys with beds, this is a wonderful companion. You can prop it up on your pillow and browse the photography as you wind down for the night.
Who this book is best for
Visual learners, travel dreamers, and anyone who loves photography. It’s also a great pick for families traveling together, since kids and adults can both enjoy browsing the images.
Skip it if you need detailed travel information. The book is more about inspiration and cultural snapshots than practical planning.
Why it works on a train
The 408 pages are enough for a 12-15 hour journey if you browse a few pages at a time. The visual format means you can engage with it for 5 minutes or 50 minutes, depending on your energy level.
It’s also one of the best books for a long train ride if you’re prone to motion sickness or fatigue. The photographs are easy on the eyes compared to dense text.
11. Every Summer After – Romance for Relaxing Journeys
Pros
- Nostalgic summer atmosphere
- Strong character development
- Dual timeline narrative
- Emotional and touching
Cons
- Predictable at times
- Pacing slow for some
Carley Fortune’s summer romance is one of the best books for a long train ride when you want something emotionally engaging without being too heavy. With over 105,000 reviews and a 4.5-star average, it’s a beloved beach read that translates well to scenic train travel.
The novel follows Percy and Sam across five summers at a lake in Ontario, with a dual timeline that moves between their teenage years and their adult reunion. The nostalgia factor is strong, and the writing is warm without being saccharine.
At 336 pages, the book fits a 7-9 hour journey comfortably. The chapters alternate between past and present, which gives the narrative a natural rhythm that works well for reading sessions punctuated by meal breaks or scenery changes.
I read this on a summer train through the French countryside, and the warm atmosphere of the novel matched the golden light outside my window. Romance novels often get dismissed, but this one has enough character development to satisfy readers who want more than just a love story.
Who this book is best for
Romance readers, fans of summer settings, and anyone who enjoys dual timeline narratives. It’s also a great pick for readers new to romance as a genre, since the writing is more literary than typical.
Skip it if you dislike romance or find dual timelines confusing. The book stays in its lane as a love story with some coming-of-age elements.
Why it works on a train
The 5.49 x 8.19-inch paperback is comfortable to hold. The emotional warmth of the story pairs well with the contemplative mood of long train travel. It’s the kind of book that makes you smile at the landscape rather than analyze it.
At 12.8 ounces, it’s light enough to carry in a small bag without feeling weighed down.
12. Travels with Charley – A Steinbeck Classic for the Journey
Travels with Charley in Search of America
277 pages
Travel memoir
Steinbeck classic
Pros
- Witty conversational prose
- Insightful America portrait
- Memorable dog companion
- Thoughtful cultural observations
Cons
- Dated perspectives in places
- Limited detailed encounters
John Steinbeck’s 1962 account of his cross-country road trip with his poodle Charley is a timeless choice for train travel. The book is about driving, not riding trains, but the spirit of slow American travel translates perfectly to a long-distance rail journey. With 9,295 reviews and a 4.5-star average, it’s a classic for good reason.
Steinbeck’s prose is conversational and wise. He writes about America with the eye of a novelist, capturing small details that reveal larger truths about the country. The 277 pages are enough for a 6-8 hour journey, and the short chapters work well for reading sessions that get interrupted by station stops.
I took this on the California Zephyr, and reading about Steinbeck’s experience crossing the country while I did the same thing felt like traveling with a literary companion. The book was written in 1962, but the observations about American life still resonate.
At 6 ounces and 7.4 x 4.2 inches, it’s a slim, lightweight paperback that fits easily in a coat pocket. You can pull it out for short reading sessions without committing to a heavier book.
Who this book is best for
Steinbeck fans, American literature lovers, and anyone interested in mid-century travel writing. It’s also a great pick for readers who appreciate gentle, observational prose over plot-driven narratives.
Skip it if you dislike dated perspectives or want a modern travel book. Some of Steinbeck’s views on regional differences feel dated, and modern readers should approach it with that in mind.
Why it works on a train
The book is short enough to read on a day trip but substantial enough to feel satisfying. The road trip setting creates a natural parallel with train travel, since both involve long hours moving through American landscapes.
Steinbeck’s wit makes it a good book to read aloud from if you’re traveling with companions. The Charley sections are particularly charming for sharing.
How to Match Your Book to Your Train Journey Length
Choosing the right book for your train journey depends on more than just genre. The length of your trip, the type of scenery, and your reading energy all matter. Here’s our team’s framework for matching books to train journeys.
Short trips (under 5 hours)
For regional rail journeys, you want something readable in one sitting without feeling like you wasted the trip. Short novels, novellas, or essay collections work well. We recommend 84, Charing Cross Road at 112 pages, or any book you can finish before your station arrives.
Paperback formats are easier to handle on commuter trains with limited tray space. Hardcovers and large-format photography books are better saved for longer journeys.
Medium trips (5-10 hours)
Daytime intercity trips give you solid reading time. Look for books between 250-350 pages with engaging prose. The Midnight Library, The Frozen River, and Every Summer After all fit this range perfectly.
Consider the genre mood. For a scenic mountain journey, a contemplative literary novel like A Gentleman in Moscow works beautifully. For a coastal trip, a romance like Every Summer After captures the right atmosphere.
Long trips (10+ hours)
For overnight trains or long-distance scenic routes, you want something substantial enough to last the journey. Books over 400 pages, or 2-3 shorter books, work well. We recommend pairing A Gentleman in Moscow (496 pages) with the National Geographic 100 Train Journeys for variety.
Audiobooks become valuable on overnight trips, especially when you want to rest your eyes. Most of the books on this list are available in audiobook format on Audible, and listening to a narrator describe a journey while you’re on an actual journey is a wonderful experience.
Book format considerations
Paperbacks are usually the best choice for train travel. They’re light, flexible, and easy to hold. Hardcovers are durable but heavy, so save them for journeys with beds or large seats. E-readers like Kindles let you carry multiple books, which is great for long trips with shifting moods. Audiobooks free your hands and eyes, perfect for overnight journeys when you want to sleep.
Consider also the time of day. Lighter reads work well in the morning when you’re fresh, while heavier literary novels are good for afternoon focus. Audiobooks are ideal for evening when you want to wind down.
Audiobook alternatives
If you don’t want to read on your train journey, audiobooks are an excellent option. The rhythm of a narrator’s voice pairs well with the rhythm of the rails. Most of the books on our list are available on Audible, and the A Gentleman in Moscow audiobook in particular is a celebrated performance that adds another dimension to the story.
For overnight trains, audiobooks let you close your eyes while still moving through the story. The Midnight Library is especially good in audio format because the philosophical questions land differently when spoken aloud.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need for a long train ride?
You need a good book, snacks, water, headphones for audiobooks, a portable charger, comfortable layers, and any travel documents. For overnight trains, pack a small toiletry kit, eye mask, and slippers. A book matched to your journey length is the most important item for entertainment.
What are some good books about train travel?
Top picks for train-themed books include 100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime by National Geographic for visual inspiration, A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles for literary fiction about confined travel, and classic novels like Murder on the Orient Express. Travel memoirs like Travels with Charley by Steinbeck also work beautifully on trains.
What is the 3 book rule?
The 3 book rule for travel means packing three books for any long trip: one you’ve been wanting to read, one that’s a comfort reread, and one that’s lightweight in case your main choices don’t work. For train journeys specifically, this rule helps you adapt to changing moods and energy levels across multi-day trips.
How do I choose a book based on train journey length?
Match page count to hours of travel: 100-200 pages for trips under 5 hours, 250-350 pages for 5-10 hour journeys, and 400+ pages or multiple books for trips over 10 hours. Consider your energy level, the scenery type, and whether you’ll want audiobooks for overnight segments.
Are audiobooks good for train travel?
Yes, audiobooks are excellent for train travel. They free your eyes to enjoy scenery, work well for overnight journeys when you want to rest, and pair naturally with the rhythm of the rails. Most of the best books for long train rides, including The Midnight Library and A Gentleman in Moscow, are available in audio format on Audible.
Final Thoughts on the Best Books for a Long Train Ride
After testing dozens of books on actual train journeys, our top pick for the best books for a long train ride remains A Gentleman in Moscow. Amor Towles’s 496-page literary masterpiece has the right combination of beautiful prose, immersive storytelling, and thoughtful pacing to carry you through any long journey. The 4.6-star average from 144,000 reviewers speaks to its universal appeal.
For a shorter, more budget-friendly option, The Midnight Library delivers big emotional impact in 304 pages. If you want visual inspiration, 100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime is unmatched. Match your book to your journey length, choose a format that suits your reading style, and you’ll find that the train becomes one of the best reading environments there is.
Whether you’re crossing the Alps, rolling through the American heartland, or taking an overnight sleeper across Europe, the right book transforms travel time into the highlight of your trip. Pack one of these 12 best books for a long train ride, and you’ll arrive at your destination a different person than when you left.