5 Books to Read During a Train Journey – Your Ideal Travel Companions
📚 Introduction: Let the Journey Begin
There’s something undeniably magical about reading on a train. With the rhythmic click of the tracks and ever-changing landscapes outside your window, train rides offer the perfect setting to dive into a captivating story. Whether you’re on a short regional route or a cross-country adventure, the right book can turn your trip into a memorable escape.
Here are five must-read books that make ideal companions for your next train journey—emotionally rich, easy to get into, and hard to put down.
1. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Why it’s perfect for your train journey:
This beautifully written novel follows Eleanor, a quirky, socially awkward woman living a solitary life. Her routine is predictable, until an unexpected act of kindness begins to unravel the emotional walls she’s built around herself.
Reading this on a train feels like watching life quietly unfold in real time—much like watching towns pass by your window. The emotional depth combined with dry humor makes it easy to read yet deeply moving, perfect for uninterrupted stretches of time on the rails.
2. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Why it’s perfect for your train journey:
This thought-provoking novel centers on Nora Seed, who finds herself in a mystical library between life and death. Each book offers a different version of what her life could have been if she had made different choices.
As your train moves steadily forward, Nora’s journey through infinite possibilities gives you a chance to reflect on your own. It’s a deeply emotional and imaginative read—ideal for introspective travelers who enjoy meaningful fiction that’s both comforting and powerful.
3. Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Why it’s perfect for your train journey:
Set in a tiny Tokyo café where customers can travel back in time, this novel explores the bittersweet “what ifs” of life. Each story revolves around a different character, but all are bound by the same magical rule: the past can be visited—but only briefly, and nothing will change.
Its gentle pacing and emotional depth make it a cozy, contemplative read for train rides. The book’s episodic structure means you can enjoy it in small sections, perfect for journeys with frequent stops or scenic distractions.
4. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Why it’s perfect for your train journey:
This delightfully absurd space adventure begins when Earth is destroyed to make way for a galactic freeway. What follows is a chaotic, hilarious romp through the cosmos as Arthur Dent and his alien friend Ford Prefect navigate the universe.
It’s the kind of book that will have you chuckling under your breath in your train seat. If you want something light-hearted, fast-paced, and wildly imaginative, this is the perfect travel companion—especially for long rides where humor is the best antidote to delays.
5. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Why it’s perfect for your train journey:
This classic mystery traps ten strangers on an isolated island, each with a dark secret—and one by one, they begin to die. It’s a masterfully plotted thriller that will keep you guessing until the final page.
Its suspenseful narrative will pull you in instantly, making time on the train fly by. If you’re on a long journey and want a story that grabs your attention and holds it, this is the ultimate page-turner to pack in your travel bag.
🧳 Bonus Tips: How to Choose the Right Book for Your Journey
-
Look for books with engaging stories that don’t require flipping back and forth to keep track.
-
Prefer books that match your mood—inspiring for scenic rides, funny for delays, and mysteries for solo trips.
-
Choose novels that are easy to start and hard to put down—train journeys are made for books that sweep you away.
✅ Conclusion: Travel Light, Read Deep
A train journey offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and get lost in a book. Whether you want to laugh, reflect, or be thrilled, these five books are ideal choices to read on a train—they’ll keep your mind busy and your heart full as the scenery rolls by.
So next time you’re packing your bag for a trip, don’t forget to bring along one of these incredible reads.
