5 Apps I Use to Make My Commute More Bearable in 2025
It’s been a while since I last wrote about commuting, which is odd considering I spend a good chunk of my week travelling to and from my day job.
Like many commuters, I try to make the most of my time on the train. Whether it’s writing blog posts, planning future content, or simply brainstorming new ideas. With an hour each way, there’s plenty of opportunity to be productive.
Funnily enough, the idea for this blog post came to me while standing on packed, noisy train trip. While most of my journeys are fairly peaceful, there are those days when the train is loud and super-busy, making the experience feel anything but relaxing.
That’s where the apps I’m about to share come in. Over time, I found a handful of apps that make my commute more enjoyable, productive and above all bearable.
So, without further ado, here are five apps I rely on to improve my commute to and from work…
1. Endel
I wanted to start with Endel, an app I use when I want to either relax or sit down and get on with work.
Endel is an audio app that provides you with personalised soundscapes to help you power through activities, focus, relax and sleep.
When commuting, I like to use Endel to relax when the train is busy as not only does it distract me from the hustle and bustle, but I find that listening to relaxation soundscapes in the mornings help me setup for a busy day.
When working on my iPad, I like to use the Focus Timer feature to help me get on with writing without any distractions. Focus Timer is essentially a Pomodoro timer that I use to set a 25-minute timer where I concentrate on a task and nothing else, after which there is a 5-minute break. Then the process resets.
2. Audible
Next on the list is Audible, an app that effectively changed my life.
In the past, I always struggled to find time and the motivation to sit down and read a book. It turns out that commuting can be a great excuse to do just that.
While I do read books on the train from time to time, I found that listening to books works better for me as I don’t have to remember to bring my book with me and I can listen to it on my commute to the train station which is usually a 20-minute walk.
Listening to books allows me to consume more books which helps me learn more, especially as I primarily pend to listen to productivity and personal development books.
3. Apple Podcasts
I tried many podcast apps over the years, but I think it’s fair to say the Apple Podcasts is my favourite due to its easy, and straight to the point interface.
I primarily tend to listen to podcasts about technology, but I also like listening to podcasts about personal development, productivity and health and fitness.
I tend to primarily listen to podcasts when travelling to and from the train station or when I’m out running, but there are times I like to listen to them when commuting to and from work.
Like with any of the five apps I’m mentioning in this article, podcasts allow me to relax, especially when the train is loud and busy.
4. Spotify
My current music streaming service of choice is Spotify. I’ve used many services over the years, but for some reason I always return to Spotify.
When I’m not listening to any podcasts or audiobooks, I listen to music through Spotify. I find that listening to music can make the train trip faster and more enjoyable.
If you frequently commute to work using public transport, I highly recommend investing in a decent set of earbuds or headphones with active noise cancelling (ANC) technology, as they really help block out the outside noise. I currently use the AirPods Pro 2nd generation as they offer fantastic ANC and sound quality.
5. YouTube
Last on the list is YouTube. When I don’t have anything to do on my to do list, I like to watch YouTube videos.
I find train trip to be great for catching up on some of the latest YouTube videos, especially as they make the train trip go faster. They also help me relax when the train is busy.
In all fairness, I don’t tend to watch a lot of videos when on the train as I prefer to use the time to be productive, but sometimes they provide an ideal break from work.
The other issue I have with watching videos is that there are parts of the journey where the signal isn’t good enough for watching videos.
Bonus App: Trip.com
As a bonus app, I wanted to include the app I use to buy my train tickets in the United Kingdom. I’ve used many apps for booking train tickets over the years, but Trip.com remains my favourite.
One of the reasons I like this app is that it helps me save money by splitting tickets where applicable which allows me to save on trips.
I also like the fact that I can collect coins which I can redeem for either more train tickets or other things.
That’s right, Trip.com allows me to book hotels, flights, coaches and more.
As a frequent traveller, Trip.com has helped me when I got stuck somewhere on many occasions as it allowed me to find other transport options or book last minute hotels.
This blog post isn’t sponsored by Trip.com, but since we’re talking about commuting, I thought it would be a good idea to share the app that I use for booking train tickets. But if you want to support my work, I am leaving my affiliate link for Trip.com.
Final Thoughts
Commuting can be unpredictable, sometimes peaceful, sometimes chaotic. But having the right apps can make a real difference.
Over the years, I’ve used many apps when commuting via public transport, but the five apps I shared in this blog post have helped me turn my commute into a more productive and enjoyable experience.
Everyones commuting habits are different, and I’m curious to hear what works for others. Do you have any go-to apps that you use during your commute? Let us know in the comments!
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. Read more about the affiliate links I use here.