There is something incredibly freeing about a road trip. Unlike flying or taking a train, driving gives you complete control of your journey. You can stop when you want, explore hidden gems, and experience landscapes up close. Road trips are not just about the destination—they’re about the adventure in between. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, searching for breathtaking scenery, or simply craving a taste of freedom, this guide will take you through the best road trips in the world—journeys that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
These epic road trips span continents and cultures, offering unforgettable experiences through scenic drives around the world. Get ready for the ultimate adventure travel experience as we explore the top driving routes you must experience before you die.
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is arguably one of the most beautiful road trips on the planet. Stretching from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and continuing south toward San Diego, this route hugs the dramatic coastline of California.
Drive along ocean cliffs with waves crashing below.
Stop at the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge and Big Sur.
Explore charming seaside towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea and Santa Barbara.
This is a must-do road trip for lovers of landscape photography, coastal adventures, and laid-back California vibes.
This iconic road trip begins in Torquay and ends in Allansford, winding past some of Australia’s most stunning coastal scenery.
See the famous Twelve Apostles limestone stacks.
Watch kangaroos hop across the Otway Rainforest.
Enjoy surfing and fresh seafood in Apollo Bay.
This drive is not only scenic but also rich in culture and natural beauty, making it a top road trip destination for travelers who love coastal exploration and remote travel routes.
If you’re looking for a cross-country road trip like no other, the Ring Road in Iceland should be at the top of your list. This loop road covers around 1,300 km and circles the entire island.
Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls
Vatnajökull Glacier National Park
Myvatn geothermal area
Expect black sand beaches, lava fields, icebergs, and geysers—all within a few hours’ drive of each other. This is a once-in-a-lifetime road trip for anyone passionate about nature and adventure travel.
This legendary drive runs from Mossel Bay to Storms River, covering about 300 km of South Africa’s southern coastline.
Drive through Tsitsikamma National Park with dense forests and suspension bridges.
Spot whales in Plettenberg Bay.
Visit ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn.
The Garden Route blends cultural road trip experiences, wildlife, and outdoor fun. It’s perfect for travelers who want both scenic beauty and vibrant local life.
Known as the “Main Street of America,” Route 66 runs from Chicago to Santa Monica, offering over 3,900 km of nostalgia and Americana.
Cadillac Ranch in Texas
Meteor Crater in Arizona
Vintage diners, motels, and neon signs
Route 66 is more than a drive—it’s an experience into America’s past, and one of the most unforgettable road trips in the world.
This coastal road winds through lemon groves, pastel-colored villages, and breathtaking cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Positano and Ravello for romance and luxury
Amalfi Cathedral for history
Limoncello tasting and sea-view cafés
It’s one of the most romantic road trips in Europe and ideal for landscape photography spots.
Scotland’s answer to Route 66, the North Coast 500 is a 500-mile loop starting and ending in Inverness.
Remote castles like Dunrobin Castle
Pristine beaches in Durness
Stunning mountain ranges in Torridon
This route is for those who crave remote travel routes, dramatic scenery, and a taste of the Scottish Highlands.
Stretching across China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and more, the ancient Silk Road is a legendary network of routes that travelers can now partially experience by car.
Historic cities like Samarkand and Bukhara
Rugged mountain passes and ancient caravanserais
Local bazaars filled with spices and textiles
This is more than a road trip—it’s a cultural journey rich with history and global influence.
Winding through the Cape Breton Highlands, the Cabot Trail is a 300 km loop offering incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and lush forests.
Whale watching along the coast
Celtic music and seafood feasts
Hiking trails with panoramic views
This drive is perfect for those seeking scenic drives around the world with a peaceful, rustic charm.
For a thrill-seeking adventure, few road trips beat the Leh-Manali Highway in the Indian Himalayas.
High mountain passes like Tanglang La and Rohtang Pass
Tibetan monasteries and desert valleys
Local Ladakhi culture and food
This is the ultimate adventure travel route—challenging but rewarding with unmatched natural beauty.
This short yet stunning road connects a series of small islands with dramatic bridges and views of the open sea.
Architectural marvels over stormy seas
Fishing villages and coastal hiking
Northern lights in winter, midnight sun in summer
It’s a photographer’s dream and one of the most unique driving routes globally.
Running parallel to the Andes, Ruta 40 is the longest road in Argentina and one of South America’s most epic road trips.
Patagonia’s glaciers and deserts
Vineyards in Mendoza
Cacti-filled landscapes in Salta
This bucket list road trip offers adventure, wine, culture, and dramatic natural views.
Built during the Communist era, this winding mountain road is often called one of the best driving roads in the world.
Dracula’s Castle (Poenari Fortress)
Hairpin turns with incredible valley views
The icy Bâlea Lake
It’s a must-do road trip for lovers of speed, history, and the supernatural.
This coastal route spans 2,500 km along Ireland’s western edge and is one of Europe’s longest and most scenic drives.
Cliffs of Moher
Gaelic-speaking villages
Traditional pubs and music
This trip combines landscape photography, cultural experiences, and genuine hospitality.
This serpentine mountain road features 11 hairpin bends and dramatic cliffs.
Spectacular viewing platforms
Waterfalls and lush green valleys
Part of Norway’s National Tourist Routes
It’s an intense but short drive that offers a unique slice of iconic road trips worldwide.
To make the most out of your journey:
Use GPS but leave room for detours. Some of the best places are found by accident.
Scenic drives around the world can change drastically with weather—especially mountain or coastal routes.
Maps, water, snacks, a camera, and a roadside emergency kit are must-haves.
Many cultural road trip experiences involve local customs. Respect them, and you’ll enrich your journey.
The world is full of spectacular roads just waiting to be explored. These unforgettable road trips offer a blend of beauty, culture, history, and excitement. Whether you’re driving through remote routes in the mountains, hugging the coastlines of famous oceans, or diving into the cultural fabric of ancient cities, each road trip on this list is truly once in a lifetime.
So pack your bags, start the engine, and hit the road—because adventure awaits, and these are truly the best road trips in the world.
"Driving the Pacific Coast Highway was a dream come true. Every bend revealed a new cliffside view of the ocean. Stopping in Big Sur and Carmel made it feel like a movie. Highly recommend this unforgettable road trip!"
"My trip from Leh to Manali was the most adventurous thing I’ve ever done. The altitude, the raw Himalayan beauty, and the sense of freedom made it once in a lifetime. Definitely not for faint-hearted drivers, but totally worth it."
"I’ve driven the Great Ocean Road three times, and each time feels new. The Twelve Apostles, the coastal breeze, and the quaint towns along the way offer a perfect weekend escape. One of the most scenic drives in the world!"
"The Atlantic Ocean Road in Norway was short but breathtaking. We drove during autumn and got lucky with calm weather. The bridges over the ocean felt surreal. It’s a must-do road trip for photographers!"
"The Garden Route in South Africa was a hidden gem. The combination of beaches, forests, and local wildlife was beyond beautiful. We even went zip-lining in Tsitsikamma! It’s the perfect mix of nature and adventure."
"I did Route 66 with two friends and it felt like stepping back in time. From vintage gas stations to diners and quirky roadside attractions—it was pure Americana. The drive from Chicago to Santa Monica was iconic!"
"Driving around Iceland’s Ring Road in a camper van was the best decision of our trip. We saw waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers—everything in just one week. It’s truly a nature lover’s paradise."
"I never expected Romania’s Transfagarasan Highway to be so exciting. The hairpin bends, the fog rolling through the mountains—it was like driving in a movie scene. A thrilling and scenic road trip I’ll never forget."
"The Amalfi Coast road trip was the most romantic drive I’ve done. Positano and Ravello were picture-perfect. Stopping for seafood and sipping limoncello with that view—absolutely magical!"
"I took the Cabot Trail last summer, and the coastal views were unreal. We saw whales, hiked forest trails, and ate amazing lobster rolls. Nova Scotia has some of the friendliest people and the most peaceful drives."
"The Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland was green, dramatic, and wild! I loved the Cliffs of Moher and all the small pubs along the way. The Irish music and coastal roads made this road trip so unique."
"Ruta 40 in Argentina is a long and challenging drive, but it’s worth every mile. From wine tasting in Mendoza to exploring Patagonia—it’s perfect for road trip lovers who enjoy culture and natural beauty."
The Pacific Coast Highway in California and Iceland’s Ring Road are considered among the best road trips globally due to their stunning landscapes and driving experience.
Top scenic routes include the Amalfi Coast (Italy), Garden Route (South Africa), Cabot Trail (Canada), and the Wild Atlantic Way (Ireland).
The Silk Road in Central Asia, Route 66 in the USA, and the Leh-Manali Highway in India are epic, once-in-a-lifetime driving adventures.
Iceland’s Ring Road, Norway’s Trollstigen, and California’s Pacific Coast Highway offer breathtaking photo opportunities.
Bring maps, travel documents, snacks, water, emergency kits, a camera, and weather-appropriate clothing.
Yes, most major road trip routes are safe for solo travelers if basic precautions are followed, including route planning and local research.
The Amalfi Coast, Transfagarasan Highway in Romania, and North Coast 500 in Scotland are among Europe’s top road trip routes.
Anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks, depending on the route. Iceland’s Ring Road takes 7-10 days, while Route 66 may take 2-3 weeks.
Yes, the Silk Road, Garden Route, and Ruta 40 in Argentina offer deep cultural immersion alongside scenic beauty.
Try driving the Dalton Highway in Alaska, Ruta 40 in Patagonia, or the Leh–Manali Highway in India for truly remote experiences.
Yes, you can rent cars in most countries with a valid license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if required.
Route 66 and the Pacific Coast Highway are considered the best cross-country road trips in the United States.
Yes, the Great Ocean Road (Australia), Cabot Trail (Canada), and Wild Atlantic Way (Ireland) are family-friendly road trips.
The Amalfi Coast, California’s Highway 1, and the French Riviera are top romantic road trips for couples.
Local scenic drives, such as in rural Ireland, India’s mountain passes, or Balkan coastal routes, offer stunning views at a lower cost.
Countries like the USA, Germany, Australia, Norway, and Canada are known for excellent road quality and safety.
Spring and fall are ideal for temperate regions; summer is best for Arctic and northern roads like Iceland and Norway.
Use travel apps like Roadtrippers, Google Maps, and TripAdvisor to find attractions, restaurants, and scenic stops.
Some countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your local driver’s license.
Route 66 (USA), Great Ocean Road (Australia), Iceland’s Ring Road, and Amalfi Coast (Italy) are the most iconic road trips globally.
