15 Best True Crime Podcasts for Travel
Long flights, endless road trips, and train rides are the perfect opportunity to dive into a gripping true crime story. While most lists recommend the same handful of shows over and over again, there are dozens of incredible true crime podcasts that rarely make the top rankings despite having devoted audiences and fascinating cases.
If you’re searching for the best true crime podcasts for travel, these lesser-discussed series offer everything from international mysteries and historical crimes to investigative journalism that can keep you hooked for an entire vacation. Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip, a long-haul flight, or a scenic train journey, finding the right podcast can make the travel time fly by.
Whether you’re crossing the country by car or surviving a long layover, these podcasts are worth downloading before your next trip.
1. Swindled
If you enjoy white-collar crime more than traditional murder mysteries, Swindled should be at the top of your playlist.
Hosted anonymously by “A Concerned Citizen,” the show explores corporate fraud, corruption, scams, and some of the most shocking financial crimes in history. The dry humor and meticulous research make it surprisingly addictive.
Best for: Long flights and business travelers
2. Dark Histories
Part true crime, part history lesson, Dark Histories examines strange murders, disappearances, and unexplained events from the past.
Many episodes feel like stepping into a Victorian mystery novel, making it a fantastic choice when traveling through historic destinations.
Best for: Train rides and international travel
3. Casefile
Despite being one of the highest-rated true crime podcasts in the world, Casefile often gets overlooked in favor of more heavily marketed shows.
The anonymous Australian host focuses on detailed storytelling without excessive banter, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in each case.
Best for: Road trips where you want uninterrupted storytelling
4. Bear Brook
Many true crime fans still consider Bear Brook one of the greatest investigative podcasts ever created.
The series follows an unsolved murder case that eventually transformed forensic genealogy and changed criminal investigations forever.
Best for: Multi-day road trips
5. Hunting Warhead
This podcast is difficult to listen to but impossible to forget.
Journalists investigate one of the world’s largest child exploitation networks while exploring the complex international investigation that brought it down.
Best for: Serious true crime listeners
6. Canadian True Crime
American podcasts dominate the genre, but Canadian True Crime covers fascinating cases many listeners have never heard before.
The host’s straightforward style makes even lengthy episodes easy to follow during long drives.
Best for: Travelers who have exhausted popular U.S. cases
7. Your Own Backyard
What began as an independent podcast ultimately helped bring new attention to the disappearance of Kristin Smart.
The host’s dedication and investigative work demonstrate how powerful podcasting can be in real-world criminal cases.
Best for: Cross-country road trips
8. Someone Knows Something
Created by CBC journalist David Ridgen, this podcast focuses on unsolved disappearances and cold cases.
The compassionate storytelling sets it apart from many other true crime productions.
Best for: Scenic drives and solo travel
9. Root of Evil
If you’re fascinated by family secrets and generational trauma, Root of Evil delivers one of the most disturbing true crime stories ever told.
The series explores a family connected to one of America’s most infamous murder investigations.
Best for: Long-haul flights
10. The Clearing
This chilling podcast tells the story of a woman who discovered her father was a serial killer.
The personal perspective makes the investigation feel incredibly intimate and unsettling.
Best for: Travelers who enjoy psychological crime stories
11. Unraveled
Rather than focusing on a single case, Unraveled examines larger criminal mysteries and investigative failures.
Several seasons cover lesser-known crimes that rarely receive mainstream attention.
Best for: Frequent travelers looking for variety
12. Death in Ice Valley
Produced jointly by the BBC and NRK, this podcast investigates the mysterious death of an unidentified woman found in Norway in 1970.
The international setting makes it especially appealing for travelers exploring Europe.
Best for: International flights and train journeys
13. CounterClock
Each season of CounterClock revisits a cold case and uncovers overlooked evidence.
The investigative approach often reveals surprising details that were missed during the original investigations.
Best for: Multi-hour drives
14. The Piketon Massacre
This podcast explores one of the most shocking family murder cases in modern American history.
With dozens of episodes, it provides enough content to last through an entire vacation.
Best for: Long road trips
15. In the Dark
Few podcasts have had a greater real-world impact than In the Dark.
The investigative reporting uncovered significant problems within the criminal justice system and helped expose flaws in major criminal cases.
Best for: Travelers who enjoy investigative journalism
Why True Crime Podcasts Are Perfect for Travel
Travel often includes long stretches of downtime. Whether you’re waiting at an airport, driving across multiple states, or riding a train through unfamiliar landscapes, a compelling true crime podcast can make hours disappear.
Many of the best true crime podcasts for travel use serialized storytelling, which creates the perfect “just one more episode” effect. Before you know it, you’ve reached your destination.
Downloading episodes before you leave is also a great way to avoid unreliable Wi-Fi, expensive roaming charges, or spotty cell service in remote areas.
How to Choose the Right True Crime Podcast for Your Trip
Not every podcast fits every type of travel.
- Road trips: Long-form investigative series like Bear Brook or Your Own Backyard.
- Flights: Episodic shows such as Casefile or Canadian True Crime.
- Train travel: Atmospheric podcasts like Death in Ice Valley or Dark Histories.
- Weekend getaways: Limited series that can be completed in a few days.
The best travel podcasts are the ones that keep you engaged enough to forget about delays, traffic, and long hours in transit.
Conclusion: 15 Best True Crime Podcasts for Travel
The next time you’re planning a trip, skip the generic playlists and download a few of these lesser-discussed true crime podcasts instead. While many travel articles recommend the same handful of shows, these series offer some of the most compelling storytelling in the genre.
From international mysteries and cold cases to fraud investigations and historical crimes, these podcasts can transform even the longest travel day into an unforgettable journey.
