I commute about 45 minutes each way to and from work. If I hit traffic just right, sometimes it’s as little as 30 minutes. That’s still a good amount of time in the car each day. Knowing many of us face a daily commute, I thought I’d share some of my favorite ways to pass time while in the car. (I tend not to spend a lot of time praying while driving as I find I have trouble focusing well enough on either task, but if that’s not an issue for you, prayer would be a great way to begin and end your workday.)

• Music: My daughter and I listen to her favorite music on the way to the babysitter’s every morning. Her current favorites are the Raffi Pandora station or a playlist of her favorite songs (including such classics as The Wheels on the Bus and I Like to Move It). It’s a fun start to the morning.

• The radio: I’m an NPR junkie, so my radio is usually tuned to my local public radio station. This is often my main source of news.

• Podcasts: If I’m not listening to the radio, I’m usually listening to a podcast. Here are some of my favorites:

• Pop Culture Happy Hour: My absolute favorite. A fun, funny, and thoughtful pop culture and entertainment roundtable.

• Ask Me Another: Trivia, games, puzzles, and music.

• Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me: NPR’s news quiz, featuring a rotating panel of comedians. It’s more fun than it may sound

• This American Life: In-depth storytelling and reporting, each week focusing on a different theme.

• Falling in Love with God’s Word with Keith Ferrin: Keith Ferrin’s ministry is devoted to helping people love the Bible because, as he says, “believing it’s true is not enough.” He discusses practical tips and tools for Bible study.

• Our church posts recordings of each week’s sermons and Sunday School lessons. It’s a great way to catch something I missed or re-listen to a message I need to hear again.

My husband enjoys listening to audiobooks. He usually checks them out from the library, but you can also use a service like Audible.

The one thing I miss about taking public transportation to work is the chance to read a book or magazine during my commute! Instead, that’s usually what you can find me doing during my lunch break.

How do you like to pass the time on your commute? Any favorite musicians, podcasts, or audiobooks to share?