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The Pan American Highway: The Longest Road In The World

At its fullest extent the Pan-American Highway is a network of roads stretching from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Ushuaia, Argentina, a distance of around 48,000 kilometres (30,000 miles).

According to Guinness World Records, the Pan-American Highway is the world’s longest “motorable road” . However it is not readily possible to drive all the way since the route is interrupted by the 160 kilometre-wide (100 mile) Darién Gap between Central and South America.

The Highway consists of both official and unofficial elements. The official section, which is referred to in Spanish variously as the Autopista / Carretera / Ruta Panamericana, runs from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico on the U.S. Border to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina.

However, as shown on the map there are extensive unofficial sections to both the north and south of this.

The route shown on the map runs through 14 countries:

• The United States
• El Salvador

It also has links to a number of other countries. In the process it passes through all the major climate zones and many varied landscapes including arctic tundra, boreal forest, mountains, prairies, arid deserts and tropical jungles.

Moving from north to south, the route starts at Deadhorse, Alaska near the Prudhoe Bay oilfields and for the first 662 kilometres (414 miles) follows the Dalton Highway to Fairbanks.

The Dalton Highway was constructed in 1974 as a supply road to support the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. It is a challenging drive, with no services of any kind on one 384 kilometre (240 mile) stretch, and was the first road to be featured in the BBC’s World’s Most Dangerous Roads .

From Fairbanks there is a 155 kilometre (96 mile) link to Delta Junction at the northern end of the Alaska Highway, the next part of the route.

The Alaska Highway was constructed in 1942 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, as a wartime project using around 10,000 troops . Its purpose was to link Alaska with the 48 contiguous states through Canada to help defend against a possible Japanese attack.

It was originally around 2,700 kilometres long but as of 2012 had been shortened to 2,232 kilometres (1,387 miles) and is now paved over its entire length.

The Alaska Highway terminates at Dawson Creek, B.C. from where the route shown continues to Edmonton, Alberta. After Edmonton the map identifies two possible routes.

The first goes through Minneapolis after which it follows the Interstate 35 through Dallas/Fort-Worth to the Mexican border at Laredo, Texas.

The second route runs through Calgary, Alberta and Billings, Montana and then connects with the Interstate 25 through Denver, Colorado to Las Cruces, New Mexico and from there on the Interstate 10 to San Antonio, Texas, where it joins the first route.

In practice, given the unofficial status of the routes through Canada and the United States, many other alternatives are possible.

The Mexican city of Nuevo Laredo, just across the border from Laredo marks the start of the official section of the Pan-American Highway.

From there it runs to Mexico City along Mexican Federal Highway 45 and on to the border with Guatemala along Mexican Federal Highway 190.

It then proceeds through Central America, passing through Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. With the exception of Honduras, its route takes it through the capital cities of each of these countries, namely:

• Guatemala City (Guatemala)
• San Salvador (El Salvador)
• Managua (Nicaragua)
• San José (Costa Rica)
• Panama City (Panama)

One of the most challenging sections of the route lies in Costa Rica, where it rises to 3,335 metres (10,942 feet) at the ominously named Summit of Death (Cerro de la Muerte).

This summit marks the highest elevation on the Pan-American Highway in Central America. Indeed, following the completion of the Christ the Redeemer Tunnel between Chile and Argentina (see below), it may well be the highest elevation along the entire route.

The route through Central America terminates abruptly at Yaviza, at the edge of the Darién Gap and resumes on the other side at Turbo, Colombia in South America.

All but the most intrepid circumvent the Gap by taking one of the ferries that go from Panama to Colombia or Ecuador, from where they can reconnect with the Pan-American Highway.

In Colombia the route runs through Medellin and Cali before crossing the border into Ecuador at Tulcán.

In Ecuador the highway goes through the capital, Quito. At 2,850 metres (9,350 feet) Quito is the world’s second highest capital city , exceeded in elevation only by La Paz, Bolivia. From there the route heads south to Peru, where it follows Peru Highway 1, which runs the length of the country and connects all major cities in the coastal area, including the capital, Lima.

On crossing from Peru into Chile the highway enters the Atacama Desert, the driest non-polar location in the world . The highway then follows Chile Route 5 through Antofagasta to Valparaiso.

As shown on the map, there is an unofficial branch of the highway that continues on down the Chilean coast on Route 5 terminating in Quellón on Chiloé Island.

At Valparaiso the official route heads east following Chile Route 60 across the Andes Mountains to Argentina, where it becomes Argentina National Route 7 and crosses the Pampas to Buenos Aires.

Before 1980, the border used to be at the Upsallata Pass, which at 3,832 metres (12, 572 feet) made it the highest point on the Pan-American Highway. However, 1980 saw the opening of the Christ the Redeemer Tunnel (Túnel Cristo Redentor) at 3,200 metres (10,499 feet), which became the new crossing point.

The final (unofficial) leg of the Pan-American Highway runs for 3,045 kilometres (1,892 miles) from Buenos Aires on Argentina National Route 3 to Ushuaia passing through Bahía Blanca and Comodoro Rivadavia.

Near its southern end the route goes back into Chile and crosses the Straits of Magellan via a short ferry ride before going back into Argentina and on to Ushuaia, which is located on Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, the largest island of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago.

Argentina claims Ushuaia as the world’s most southerly city , a fact that is disputed by Chile which claims Puerto Williams for this distinction. While the Chilean town of Puerto Williams is indeed farther south , Ushuaia has a much larger population (71,000 vs. 3,000) , so take your pick.

The record for the fastest trip by car from Ushuaia to Prudhoe Bay (mostly on the Pan-American Highway) is credited to Tim Cahill and Garry Sowerby in the astonishing time of twenty-three days, twenty-two hours, and forty-three minutes .

Tim wrote about his experience in his book Road Fever . In 2003 Kevin Sanders broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest traversal of the highway by motorcycle , taking 34 days.

No account of the Pan-American Highway would be complete without a discussion of its missing link, the Darién Gap .

This area of undeveloped swampland, forest and mountain straddles the border between Panama and Colombia. Thus far, plans to build a road through the Gap have come to nothing .

There are a number of reasons for this including:

• The sheer difficulty and cost of building a road through such difficult terrain.
• Pressure to protect the rainforest environment
• Concerns by indigenous groups, such as the Embera-Wounaan and Kuna that a road would pose a threat to their traditional cultures.
• And concerns that a road would make it easier for foot and mouth disease to enter North America.

Over the years, the enormous challenge of traversing the Gap has attracted a number of diehard souls.

The first vehicular crossing of the Gap was by the Land Rover La Cucaracha Cariñosa (The Affectionate Cockroach) and a Jeep of the international Trans-Darién Expedition of 1959–60, which took 136 days!

The first crossing by a standard two wheel drive passenger car took place in 1961 with three Chevrolet Corvairs, only two of which made it out of the jungle.

Up to this point, the expeditions had used river boats for some sections. The first fully overland wheeled crossing of the Gap was that of British cyclist Ian Hibell, who rode from Cape Horn to Alaska between 1971 and 1973.

The first motorcycle crossing was by Robert L. Webb in March 1975.

The first all-land auto crossing was in 1985–87 by Loren Upton and Patty Mercier in a Jeep, taking an incredible 741 days to travel 201 kilometres (125 miles).

Ed Culberson was the first to follow the entire Pan-American Highway including the Darién Gap on a motorcycle.

There have also been a number of crossings on foot, including that of George Meegan in 1981, who walked the entire distance from Tierra del Fuego to Alaska over a period of 2,425 days !

The most unusual walker was evangelist Arthur Blessitt who traversed the Gap in 1979 while carrying a 12-foot wooden cross as part of what Guinness World Records recognized as “the longest round the world pilgrimage”.

Principal References:

• Pan-American Highway
• Dalton Highway
• Alaska Highway
• Pan-American Highway (South America)
• Atacama Desert
• National Route 3 (Argentina)
• The southernmost settlements in the world

Tim Cahill, Road Fever (1991) Ed Culberson, Obsessions Die Hard: Motorcycling the Pan-American Highway’s Jungle Gap (1966) George Meegan, The Longest Walk (1988) Russell Braddon, The Hundred Days of Darien (1974) John Blashford-Snell, Something Lost Behind the Ranges (1994) Ian Hibell, Into the Remote Places (1984) Mark A Smith, Driven by a Dream (2004) Wade Davis, The Rucksack Man (1976) Arthur Blessitt, The Cross (2009) Joseph R. Yogerst, Long Road South: The Pan American Highway (1999) Raymond and Audrey Pritchard, Driving the Pan-American Highway to Mexico and Central America (1998) Brad and Sheena Van Orden, Drive Nacho Drive: A Journey from the American Dream to the End of the World (2013) Ben Cunningham, The Longest Road: An Irish Pan-American Cycling Adventure (2009)

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Nicolás Valencia says

May 20, 2016 at 7:57 pm

I would like to clarify a point related to Chile. In our country it’s known as Route 5, but instead of arriving to Valparaiso, it goes to Santiago. In fact, in a short section, Route 5 is crossed by Route 60 (Valparaiso – Buenos Aires), before arriving Santiago, capital of Chile.

Route 5 cross Santiago as a north-south axis (well-known as “La Norte-Sur”), then continues on down to Puerto Montt. Then, you have to sail the Chacao Channel from Puerto Montt to Quellon, the southernmost city on Chiloe Island.

GeoNie says

November 2, 2021 at 10:14 pm

It’s on the internet dude!! Geez

November 2, 2021 at 10:18 pm

Hey NicolásValencia. Chile looks so beautiful in its beach front glory to that big wall separating Argentina. I envy you guys and will land in Santiago soon

Veronica Philips says

July 9, 2017 at 8:47 pm

Image what can happen on a family road trip, when your son asks the innocent question, “What’s the longest road in the world?” This was a great read, and I’m thinking it needs to be a bucket list item..

Tom Swinburn says

August 13, 2018 at 7:53 am

Meegan traversed 12 miles a day for YEARS to make his journey. Almost seven years in fact. So there were no sick days, no breaks of any kind? I guess I’m going to have to buy his book. The 12 miles a day was the average, but some days he could have walked much further, other days, like in the Darien gap a mile a day would have been tough. And the elevation changes! The feat seems almost superhuman.

August 10, 2019 at 10:06 pm

Without modern technology, navigating, writing and Reading about this would not be possible. Someday like the Jetsons someone will just be able to fly their own personal vehicle the whole way !!

Ian Sarad says

September 27, 2019 at 5:00 pm

I just did a little research and discovered that it’s actually 30,000 km (not miles).

Muhammad Naeem Khalid says

October 28, 2019 at 6:01 pm

Pan American Highway is 30000 KM or 30000 Miles please clarify

Bill Emerson says

February 23, 2020 at 9:57 pm

In 1998 I drove from my home in Kansas City to Panama…..It was a great trip! To return I put my car on a ship to Florida, and then drove back home. Even though I do not speak Spanish, I did not find language to be a problem. In fact, I had virtually no problems. I have always wanted to do another trip thru South America to southern Chile. Is there anything more that I should know?

Regards, Bill Emerson

Andrus says

September 11, 2020 at 3:51 pm

For a trip to south america, Route 40 in Argentina is far more interesting than the pan-american highway. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Route_40_(Argentina)

September 12, 2020 at 10:21 pm

In Argentina, the 5000 km of Route 40 are much more scenic that panamerica highway.

wayne winzer says

April 7, 2023 at 4:00 am

follow transmigratoty route. easier now than then. I drive Wichita to Guatemala every year

Jane Carpenter says

June 16, 2020 at 9:10 pm

Muhammad I think you’ll find your answer here in this article. Although you may not – it’s still slightly confusing! 🙂 https://www.dangerousroads.org/north-america/usa/4638-pan-american-highway.html

joana galarza johnson says

April 4, 2020 at 1:51 pm

What an interesting article, thank you. I would like to offer one more reason why the Darian Gap’s closure has come to nothing. Colombian drug lords. Colombia’s notorious Pablo Escobar and countless other drug cartel leaders, hid (and had drug distillation industries) at the northernmost tip of South America. In the rainforests.

Also, there is a new book, To Shake the Sleeping Self by Jedidiah Jenkins (2019) about traversing the Pan American Highway on bicycle, from Oregon south to Patagonia. Lovely book.

Stefan White says

April 5, 2020 at 7:01 am

My stepfather was the mechanic of an Inter-American Expedition in 1953 that drove a Sunbeam Alpine non-stop from Fairbanks, Alaska to the southern tip of Tierra del Fuego, using rafts to cross the Gap and sleeping with headhunters in Central America. That would be preceding the claim made here.

June 13, 2020 at 2:43 am

I just came up with about 22,000 kilometers on Google Maps, depending on the specific routes chosen. Clearly, 30,000 kilometers, or miles, is incorrect, since the straight line pole-to-pole distance is only 20,000 kilometers, as measured on Google Earth.

stephen morrow says

March 7, 2021 at 12:59 am

Mileage stated here is way off…19,000 miles is more like it.. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan-American_Highway

V CLEVE WALSTROM says

August 9, 2021 at 8:38 pm

Danny Liska of Niobrara, Nebraska rode a BWM motor cycle the length of the Pan American Highway (he hiked the Darien Gap) in the early 1960’s . His book Two Wheels to Adventure is a classic that out shines all.

Cleve Walstrom

Waithumbi says

October 3, 2021 at 1:34 pm

It’s a Wonderful article to read, like now when the migrants from Haiti are WALKING through the Darien Gap Jungle.

Gerard Deveau says

February 6, 2023 at 6:15 pm

Great article and comments as well! A Bucket List Adventure for sure God willing.

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Travel Tips

The longest road trip roads in the world.

If you dream of epic adventures you should definitely consider traveling down one of the longest road trip roads in the world. Whether you’re in search of some good ol’ American fun, or looking to experience other countries, or even entire continents, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most unique and longest highways systems on earth.

At nearly 3200 miles (5200km) U.S. Route 6 is the second longest road trip road in the United States

Also known as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, U.S. Route 6 is a main route of the United States Highway system. Battling U.S. Route 20 for the title of the longest “continuous” transcontinental highway in America, this road will take drivers through fourteen different states starting in California and ending in Massachusetts.

At over 3300 miles (5400km) U.S. Route 20 is the longest road trip road in the United States

U.S. Route 20 covers 3,365 miles, from Boston, Massachusetts to Newport, Oregon. In 1926, it officially became a U.S. Highway, and during its early years, terminated at Yellow Stone National Park. Now U.S. Route 20 is the longest highway in the country, it crosses through twelve states of America’s beautiful landscape.

The Golden Quadrilateral Highway is the longest road trip road in India at 3600 miles (6000km)

The Golden Quadrilateral Highway in India is a network of highways connecting India’s four top metropolitan cities; Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, forming a quadrilateral. Launched in 2001 as part of India’s National Highways Development Project, it is the largest highway project in India. Overall the quadrilateral consists of four, six lane express highways.

The Trans-Canada Highway is the longest road trip roads in North America

Crossing through six time zones, this once-in-a-life time road trip starts at one end of Canada and ends at the other. Commenced in 1962, the Trans-Canada Highway takes you through ten Canadian provinces and crosses the Pacific Ocean on the west and to the Atlantic Ocean on the east.

The Trans-Siberian Highway runs the entire length of Russia and is the third longest road trip roads in the world

Spanning from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok, the Trans-Siberian Highway is a network of federal highways. As one of the more dangerous roads on this list, it has some of the toughest environments and uneasy terrain, from the Baltic Sea of the Atlantic Ocean to the Japan Sea of the Pacific Ocean.

Highway 1 in Australia, also known as the “Big Lap,” is the second longest road trip roads in the world

As the second largest road in the world, it joins all the mainland capitals of Australia. Constructed almost half a century ago, the first section of the route was signposted between Brisbane and Adelaide in 1955. At the time is was Australia’s only true national highway. Now there are more direct routes that crisscross throughout the country, none of them are more scenic than Australia’s Highway One.

At nearly 30,000 miles, The Pan American Highway is by far and away the longest road trip roads in the world

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Pan American Highway is the longest designated road in the world. At its fullest extent it links most of the nations of North and South America. Stretching from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina, but briefly interrupted by the 100-mile Darien Gap between Central and South America.

You’ll notice that two of the world’s longest highways are located in the United States, however there are many other scenic and unique systems in other parts of the world. When you’re considering your next family vacation or solo adventure, consider road tripping down one of the longest road trip roads in the world.

If you’re looking to travel one of these longest road trip roads and need a vehicle, check out Car Rentals for a great deal.

What's the farthest distance you can drive in North America?

The Pan American Highway, almost 30,000 miles away, is by far the longest win streak trip in the world. Also, Pan American Highway is the longest designated highway throughout the globe, and as per the Guinness Book of World Records. This unites almost all of the nations of North and South America to its greatest extent.

What are the best US road trip routes?

While planning a great American road trip, you must wonder the best of bests road trips in the USA. The list of incredible USA road trips includes Route 66, Pan American Highway, Great River Road, Pacific Coast Highway, Overseas Highway, Hill Country and many more.

What are the longest road trip roads in the world?

The United States boasts of some of the world's longest highways. The Pan-American Highway is the world's longest 'motorable road,' according to Guinness Book of World Records. At over 3300 miles (5400km) U.S. Route 20 is the longest road trip road in the United States of America.

Mike Shubic

Tags: longest road trip roads , Longest road trip roads in the world , longest road trips , longest road trips in the world , What are the longest road trip roads in the world

17 Comments

Bill and I travelled Hwy 6 and 20 in our travels.

Hi Jan…is that right? Did you do the entire length?

I would love to do the longest road trip in the world, but I just don’t like the countries it goes though.

It would be epic indeed.

Hey, Mike! I noticed on the Pan Am Highway, coming south from Alaska, it veers into two sections in Canada. When one fork enters the U.S., is it I-35? Thanks a lot, I enjoyed your blog!

Hi Mike…thanks for stopping by. That’s a good question, I’m not sure. Alaska is actually the only state I have not yet road tripped around. Are you thinking of driving this Pan Am Highway soon? Cheers, Mike

I am looking for travel companions to go anywhere. In some languages I am fluent, in some not, but even I do not speak Spanish I travel every winter in Mexico without any problems so far. From Maharaj to Germany I can communicate with locals, and many of them speak English as well.

Regardless of what the Guinness book of records states, the Darian gap separates the road, pretending otherwise is ridiculous.

Thank you for your thoughts.

The farthest you can drive in Alaska is Prudhoe Bay, which is a full 5335 miles from Miami, FL.

Thank you for sharing, and, for stopping by. Cheers, Mike

Wow, can you imagine road tripping one of these. Very interesting.

Epic indeed.

Such an interesting post. Your blog is amazing!

Glad you enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by.

I would like to thank you for the efforts, this is a great post.

My pleasure. Thank you.

Comments are closed.

Novel: Lines, Signs & Forks

Featured road trips, roadside attractions, travel experiences, most road tripped man in the world, latest posts.

Longest Road Trips in the World You Could Drive

Everyone loves a road trip – out on the open road, free to explore wherever and whenever you want. with a classic playlist on shuffle, plenty of car snacks and a roughly drawn route into the unknown, there’s a reason why road trips feel synonymous with chasing adventure and freedom. with this list, we’re focusing on distance, drawing up some of the longest and most ambitious road trips we can think of. grab a bag, a map and some friends, and head for the sunset… .

London to Cape Town 

This one’s a classic, and many brave adventurers have crossed this monster journey off their list. One of the longest north to south journeys in the world, the fastest known completion of this route was 13 days, 8 hours and 48 minutes, as part of a publicity campaign for the new Ford Cortina. This beat the previous champions by 18 minutes! If, however, you’re keen to actually soak up the incredible sights, a month is likely the minimum time needed to cover this two-continent trip.

Starting with the Eurostar to Calais, passengers can enjoy scenic drives through rural France and Spain, take the ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar and down into the heart of Africa. For those that make it across the harsh Saharan Desert, the road evens out to provide breath-taking drives across countless National Parks, from the primate-filled rainforest reserve of Dja Faunal in Cameroon, to the lion and elephant filled landscape of Etosha National Park in Namibia. Pulling into Cape Town at the southern tip of South Africa, this drive will have covered 13,207km (8,207 miles) and 13 countries.

Australian Coastal Loop

Driving ‘The Big Lap’ is another adventure that is often planned and rarely attempted. With huge swathes of the continent uninhabited due to its searingly hot desert climate, Australian road trips can be lethal to those without a map and plenty of backup fuel. The best bet for anyone looking to cover the whole country is to stick to Highway 1, a 14,935km (9280 miles) long highway that essentially follows the entire Australian coast in one big loop. Starting in Sydney, drivers can follow the coastline up to Brisbane, past Cairns, Darwin, Port Hedland, Perth and Adelaide, before hitting the spectacular Great Ocean Road to Melbourne and finally, back to Sydney.

The drive is perfectly possible to do within a month, but three months will give drivers time to better explore each stop fully. Because of the size of Australia, it is important to also keep an eye on the seasons. It is recommended to start the north in winter and summer in the south, following the milder temperatures round as you go.

Europe to Ulaanbaatar

Centuries ago, nomadic settlers made their way along the central Asian steppe, seeking new lands and adventures. Now you can follow their route, making your way through Eastern Europe and down into Turkey. Crossing the Istanbul bridge, Europe slowly turns into Asia, swapping crumbling Christian churches for Islamic minarets and the sweeping rural expanse of Lake Van. From Turkey you have two choices, head down through the ancient Persian settlements of Iran, or up over the Caspian Sea into Russia. Both routes reconvene in the sweeping grasslands of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, before the Gobi Desert springs over the horizon.

In recent years, adventurers have made this journey into a challenge, dubbing it the Mongol Rally . Each year, participants sign up, buy a beaten-up old car and race from Europe to Mongolia. Generally broadcasting their progress (or non-progress) on social media, the challenge is designed to be as disaster-filled as possible, creating opportunity for “motoring stupidity on a global scale” and unexpected adventures. If this sounds like your cup of tea, sign up for the Mongol Rally 2022 , and start looking for your rubbish vehicle!

Pan-American Highway 

So you might have done a cross-US road trip, but how about dreaming a bit bigger? This mammoth road trip covers almost the entirety of the Americas, from northernmost Alaska, down through Canada and the US, into Colombia, coastal Peru and Chile. The only break to the journey is the Darien Gap , a roadless region preventing driving access between Panama and Colombia (and by extension the entirety of North America to South America). Though there have been several attempts to build a highway, the impenetrable dense rainforest and prevalence of tropical diseases (not to mention the importance of protecting the indigenous communities that remain in the forests), means a road crossing has never been possible.

The only option, bar a famously hellish 5-day ferry journey , is to take a flight, but once safely into Medellin or Bogota, the journey south can carry on unimpeded. Assuming one drives from Prudhoe Bay in Alaska to Panama City, and then Medellin in Colombia to Quellon in Chile, this insane road trip should clock up a cool 23,662km (14,703 miles). Assuming you drove for 8 hours a day, this trip would take you a month. Those who have done it, however, take anytime between 2 months to 2 years.

Trans-Eurasian Belt

Our final route on this list doesn’t actually exist yet. It is an imagined driving route that follows much the same path as the Mongol Rally – from London to Ulaanbaatar. Yet once it hits Mongolia, it carries on, heading up through the easternmost point of Siberia and crossing the Bering Strait into Alaska. From there, the entirety of the Americas is possible, even linking down to South America. This journey is not yet possible, since the Bering Strait remains unconnected. However, plans for a Trans-Eurasian Belt Development are in the works, and we may soon see a connecting bridge be built to truly connect the world.

Who knows what such a connecting bridge will do for global trade, as well as perceptions of East and West? All we know is, it sounds like an epic road trip.

If you're planning a road trip across multiple countries, remember to get yourself covered with adequate car insurance just in case.

Starting from Skratch? Here are a Few Tips to Get You Started:

https://www.outbackcrossing.com.au/Touring/How_Long_Does_it_Take_to_Travel_Around_Australia.shtml

https://medium.com/@katheryn.watson/mapped-the-longest-road-trips-f6cf454b967c

https://www.skratch.world

World's Longest Driving Routes at a Glance:

🇬🇧london to cape town🇿🇦.

Distance: 13,207 km (8,207 miles)

Number of Countries: 13

Time Taken: 17 days (assuming 8 hours a day driving)

🇦🇺Australian Coastal Loop🇦🇺

Distance: 14,935 km (9,280 miles)

Number of Countries: 1

Time Taken: 19 days (assuming 8 hours a day driving)

🇵🇹Lisbon to Ulaanbaatar🇲🇳

Distance: 13,000 km (8,077 miles)

Number of Countries: 16

🇺🇸Pan-American Highway🇨🇱

Distance: 23,662 km (14,703 miles)

Number of Countries: 12

Time Taken: 30 days (assuming 8 hours a day driving)

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The 10 Longest Road Trips in the World

By Nick Mafi

There are perhaps few things more liberating than a road trip. With miles and miles of concrete ahead of you, the only two obstacles are the gas in your tank and the end of the road. While the former can easily be handled with intermittent stops at a gas station, the latter will eventually end, effectively stopping the road trip. So why not consider the longest roads so as prolonging the experience? Modern technology and government collaborations have allowed, for example, for one strip of road to span from the northern tip of North America to the southern expanse of South America—a feat, no doubt, that would've left Magellan speechless. As such, this summer, as you prepare to plan your next road trip, consider the ten longest highways in the world (just make sure you have enough gas money).

Interstate 80

Spanning 2,899 miles, Interstate 80 is roughly 120 miles shorter than I-90. Starting in Teaneck, New Jersey, the highway stretches across 11 states before arriving in San Francisco. I-80 runs a similar route to the Lincoln Highway. Built in 1913, the Lincoln Highway was among the earliest transcontinental highways for automobiles to cross the country.

Interstate 90

Barely surpassing 3,000 miles, Interstate 90 is the longest interstate highway in the United States. Beginning in Boston, the road travels across the northern half of the country, continually uninterrupted until it runs through Seattle. Between those two cities, I-90 spans some 11 states.

U.S. Route 6

Almost running the entirety of the country, U.S. Route 6 begins in Provincetown, Massachusetts, and ends in Bishop, California (near the Nevada border). In total the highway stretches 3,199 miles, at one point going through the Loveland Pass, where it crosses the Continental Divide.

U.S. Route 20

Spanning 3,365 miles, U.S. Route 20 runs east to west, covering some 12 states. Completed in 1926, the road begins in Boston and ends in Newport, Oregon. Pictured here is the Julien Dubuque Bridge, which is a part of U.S. Route 20, and runs over the Mississippi River, connecting Dubuque, Iowa, and East Dubuque, Illinois.

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By Joyce Chen

China National Highway

Ranging some 3,541 miles, the China National Highway is the longest road in the country. It runs from Tongjiang in the eastern edge of the country all the way to Sanya, on the southern tip next to the South China Sea.

Golden Quadrilateral National Highway

The Golden Quadrilateral National Highway is India's largest highway project, and one that connects many of the major cities in the country. Spanning 3,632 miles, the concrete road connects Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kanpur, Surat and Bengaluru, and more, effectively linking many of the major industrial, agricultural, and cultural centers of India.

Trans-Canada Highway

The 4,860-mile-long Trans-Canada Highway crosses the entirety of Canada from east to west. If ever one finds themselves on a long stretch of road in Canada and wonders if it's the Trans-Canada Highway, it's easily identifiable by a distinctive white-on-green maple leaf route marker on its signs.

Trans-Siberian Highway

The Trans-Siberian Highway, which starts in metropolitan St. Petersburg, runs 6,835 miles through the heart of Russia before ending in Vladivostok, on the far eastern end of the country, next to the Pacific Ocean.

Australia's Highway 1 circles around the entire country/continent, totaling some 9,000 miles. Passing through all the major cities, the road covers a wide range of terrain such as tropical swamps, deserts, and ocean coastlines.

Pan-American Highway

Spanning some 19,000 miles, the Pan-American Highway is the longest roadway in the world. Starting in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, the road moves south, passing through Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Central America. There, the road hits a small bump, where travelers have to pass a gap connecting Central and South America briefly by sea before moving through Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile, and ultimately ending in the southern tip of Argentina.

By Kristi Kellogg

By Kristen Flanagan

Roadstotravel

Find the best roads, the ten longest roads in the world, do you know them, what is the longest road in the world .

When you love driving, you want the road to be endless! This article brings together the longest roads in the world: they are not endless but still, some are almost.

Some of these routes cross several countries and even several continents and are therefore several thousand kilometers. If you are looking for long road trip ideas, just read the article!

We let you discover here the 10 longest roads on the earth:

10. Tarim Desert Road in China

About 550 kilometers (340 miles) through China.

This road is situated in China and passes through the Taklamakan Desert in the Xinjiang Region.

If the length of the road seems short, the feeling of being far away from civilization will be there. Indeed this road doesn’t cross any town or village and it will be just you and the desert. It’s the longest road in the world without crossing any civilization signs.

9. Road 66 in the USA

About 3500 kilometers (2175 miles) through the USA.

Road 66 is maybe not the longest road in the US but it is definitely the most iconic one!

The road traverses the country from Chicago in Illinois and goes to Santa Monica in California.

Many people choose this road for their road trips in the US because it gives a great overview of the country and allows travelers to discover many different areas, states, and towns along the route. It’s indeed one of the longest drivable road in the world.

8. Road 40 in Argentina, a long road through the country

About 5000 kilometers (3100 miles) through Argentina.

This road links La Quiaca near the Bolivian border with La Quiaca in the south of the country. This road is a perfect road trip idea if you want to discover Argentina from the south to the north!

Indeed, the road offers a great diversity of landscapes. On the itinerary, you will climb a mountain pass that is higher than 5000 meters (16404 feet) above the sea level, cross glaciers, vineyards but also deserts and cactus forests.

Also, this road is a mix of Asphalted and non-paved roads (only 30% is asphalted). It’s one of the longest drivable road in the world.

7. Road 20 in the USA

About 5400 kilometers (3350 miles) through the USA.

Road 20 is as iconic as road 66 is in the United States, it crosses all the country from east coast to west coast. It starts in Boston and ends in Newport.

You will need a lot of time to drive this road and enjoy all the steps on this road like Lake Michigan or the Yellow Stone National Park! It’s one of the longest highway in the world.

6. Tongsan Expressway in China

About 5700 kilometers (3500 miles) through China.

This road passes through well known Chinese regions, and you will discover amazing and various landscapes on your way: forests, mountains, and rice terraces.

Today the Tongsan Expressway (also known as the national road 010) is composed of the different roads so it’s quite difficult to find the itinerary.

Here is a map which roughly traces the route:

5. Trans-Canada Highway, the longest road in Canada

About 8000 kilometers (5000 miles) trough Canada.

You will need several days to cross the country from Victoria on the Pacific coast to Saint-Jean de Terre-Neuve on the Atlantic coast. This road crosses the 10 provinces of Canada and the main cities: Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montréal, and Québec.

The Trans-Canadian road passes through mountains, lakes, rivers, canyons, and also other dope landscapes!

4. Trans-Siberian road in Russia, a road through two continents.

About 11000 kilometers (6800 miles) crossing Russia.

Russians started to build this road at the end of the 19th century. You will drive from the capital of the Tsars, Saint Petersburg on the baltic sea to Vladivostok on the Pacific coast!

One the most mythical road in the world, you will pass Moscow, the Oural mountains, then in Asia, you’ll drive near the Lake Baikal and near the Mongolian and Chinese border.

On your way, you’ll find big plains, forests, mountains, steppes, rivers and other natural treasures.

3. Highway 1 in Australia, the longest road without interruption

About 14500 kilometers (9000 miles) around Australia.

Highway 1 makes the full turn off the country so, it is the longest national road in the world! The road crosses different landscapes: cities, forests, deserts. It will be an amazing experience!

You will drive through the main cities of the country such as Adelaïde, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairn, Darwin, and Perth.

It is one of the longest roads in the world that you can drive without any interruption.

2. Asian Highway 1 , an utopia road

About 20000 kilometers (12500 miles) through all Asian continent.

This a mythical itinerary that is quite a utopia, indeed you’ll need to drive through such countries as North Korea or Afganistan that is impossible today. You can still travel a portion of this road.

1. Pan-American Highway, the longest road in the World.

About 30000 kilometers (18600 miles) through all the American continent.

Also known as the Trans-American, it is the longest road trip in the world and the perfect itinerary if you are planning a long road trip. You will start in Prudhoe Bay in Alaska and will drive across North, Central, and then South America to Quellón in Chilli.

There is only one passage in Panama where there are tropical forests and swamps where you can’t drive so, you should “transfer” your car or bike on the other side of the Darien Gap .

As you just read in this article the 10th longest roads in the world are located everywhere on earth and on all continents. So if you are looking for the road trip of your life you know now where you can pick up one!

You can also read our article about one of the widest road in the world.

If you like our blog please share it on your social media!

Discover our article about the most known roads in the world: click here or see our road map!

Pictures credit: By Pravit – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons. wikimedia .org/w/index.php?curid=3575961 / Par Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30298357 / By Dario Alpern – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5406542 / Par Fredddie — USA map(GIS data), roads (GIS data), maps to help locate the route in GIS data, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12499286 / google maps / palestrina55 flickr / By Evad37Original author of GIS data:© Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia) 2013. – Own work;GIS data sources: “GEODATA TOPO 5M 2004” from Geoscience Australia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33124065 / By Created by en:User:Seaweege and released to PD – Own work, Copyrighted free use, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1503793

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The world's longest and greatest road trips

Road-trips are the perfect way to experience many different countries, cultures and landmarks all in one epic journey.

Being in control of your destiny and the freedom that comes with jumping in the car and driving wherever you see fit can be liberating. Whilst road-trips do need a decent period of time to undertake there are plenty of options to suit whether you’ve got a long weekend or taking a year to travel the world.

We’re concentrating today on those longer trips, those inspirational life affirming journeys that take you from one side of the world to the other by looking at the world’s longest road trips.

Sagres to Talon: The Longest Overland Road Trip

The furthest that you can drive without the need of ferries or trains is from Sagres in Portugal to Talon in eastern Russia.

This 9,414 mile (15,151km) journey will take around 200 hours of continuous driving. Clearly you’ll be wanting to break up the journey, doing so means you’ll be able to explore a number of wonderful countries from the start point in Portugal, through Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Belarus and across the breadth of Russia via Moscow, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk and to Talon.

Prudhoe Bay to Ushuaia: Pan American Highway

The Pan American Highway spans the North and South American continents, from Prudhoe Bay in Alaska to the southernmost city in the world Ushuaia in Argentina.

It’s a distance of 19,000 miles (30,000km) making it the longest road in the world. It would take an estimated 720 hours to drive the length of the Pan American Highway – which is a solid 3 months of driving, but most people choose to take a much more leisurely approach over the course of 6-12 months.

The journey takes you through Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, United States and Canada – which gives you plenty of places to explore and enjoy along the way. From the Patagonian icefields to the Atacama Desert and the Rockies mountains.

We should be honest and admit that this isn’t fully achievable by car alone, the Darien Gap, which separates South America and Central America is a region of mountainous rainforest and swampland which can only be covered by boat.

Highway 1 in Australia: The Big Lap

Australia’s Big Lap is essentially the world’s biggest ring road. The 9,000 mile (14,500km) Highway 1 connects the capitals of Australia’s states (except Hobart and Canberra) by joining Perth (Western Australia), Darwin (Northern Territories), Brisbane (Queensland), Sydney (New South Wales), Melbourne (Victoria) and Adelaide (South Australia). 

In doing so it becomes the second largest road in the world. It showcases all that Australia has to offer from the Great Ocean Road between Melbourne and Adelaide to the isolation of the north eastern coasts with swamps, deserts and scrubland in between.

Although the record for the Big Lap is a remarkable 6 days, those of us with more time could enjoy the journey over the course of 3-6 months. Taking in all that Australia has to offer in that time.

St. Petersburg to Vladivostok: The Trans-Siberian Highway 

Many would have heard of the Trans-Siberian Railway, but did you know there was a highway as well?

Running the length of Russia from St Petersburg in the north west to Vladivostok in the south east it covers 7,000 miles (11,000km) making it the third longest road in the world.

The journey takes goes from the Baltic Sea coast to the Sea of Japan, through some inhospitable terrain making it one of the toughest road trips you can choose to do.

Driving constantly and going at full tilt will still take around 14 days to make it from one side to the other. Happily though, if you allow 4-6 weeks you can make the journey in a more manageable way and enjoy the cities of Moscow, Kazan and Irkutsk whilst the natural wonder of Lake Baikal. 

St John’s to Vancouver: The Trans-Canada Highway 

Canada is the second biggest country in the world, so it’s not a surprise to see it on a list of the world’s longest road trips. The Trans-Canada Highway meanders from St John’s in Newfoundland and Labrador in the east to Vancouver, the largest city in British Columbia on Canada’s west coast.

The journey is 5,000 miles (7,000km) takes you through ten Canadian provinces and takes you from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Coast in the west. In total, it would take around 120 hours of pure driving, but more realistically a 2-month trip would allow you to leisurely journey where you can take in all that Canada has to offer.

Along the route, stop in the beautiful Quebec City, explore the lakes and mountains of Alberta and try whale watching in Vancouver Bay.

Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata: The Golden Quadrilateral Highway 

India’s longest road trip in 3,600 miles (6,000km) long and connects 4 of India’s largest cities – Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.

In doing so it forms a quadrilateral where the highway gets its name. It is the newest highway on this list having been completed in 2001

2-4 weeks driving this route around India would be able to provide good time to explore each city and immerse yourself in some of India’s most famous landmarks including the world-famous Taj Mahal. 

Boston, Massachusetts to Newport, Oregon: U.S. Route 20

America and road trips go hand in hand, although Route 66 is probably the famous road trip in the world, the longest road trip in the United States is actually Route 20 which connects Boston, Massachusetts on the east coast with Newport, Oregon on the Pacific coast in the north west of the country.

Covering 3,365 miles (5,415km) it runs through 12 different states and some fascinating cities including Cleveland – where you can visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Minneapolis - for some retail therapy at the Mall of America, and Chicago - The Windy City. Aside from cities you can also experience the USAs natural beauty including Yellowstone National Park, Craters of the Moon National Preserve and, if you’re willing take a 2-hour detour, you can see Mount Rushmore.

The 60 hours of driving that it will take can make for an excellent 3-week journey across the route, giving you enough time for a leisurely drive and multiple night stays along the way. 

Istanbul to Tokyo: Asian Highway 1

The longest road trip across Asia spans 12,774 (20,557km) from Istanbul in Turkey – known as the gateway to Asia – to Tokyo in Japan.

Asian Highway 1 takes around 125 hours to complete, but given the number of different countries through which it runs you’ll likely want to allow yourself 4-6 weeks to fully appreciate everything that this route has to offer.

The route runs through South Korea, North Korea, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran. Whilst some of these countries may not be the easiest to navigate through geo-politically speaking the routes does hold some magnificent treasures throughout south east Asian and parts of the Indian sub-continent.

If you’re not sick of driving by the time you arrive in Istanbul, it is possible to continue the trip via the E80 which will lead you across Europe to Lisbon in Portugal. 

John O’Groats, UK to Cape Town: The Longest Euro-African Road Trip

Here’s one that is perfect for us Brits. A 200 hour drive takes us 9,100 miles (14,650km) from the UK’s most northerly mainland point – John O’Groats to Cape Town in South Africa.

It would take just over a week of solid driving to make the distance, but a much more sensible timescale will be 2 to 3 months – that way you can enjoy your trip through Europe and down the length of Africa.

This unique journey travels through France, Spain, Algeria, Nigeria, Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, Namibia and South Africa – allowing you to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Africa in the various deserts, game reserves and national parks with the Algerian Sahara and Deadvlei and Etosha National Park in Namibia being particular highlights.

Serai, Indonesia to Cape Town, South Africa: The Longest Land Route with Ferries

If you’re willing to push the definition of a road trip a bit further and are happy to use a number of ferries, then the longest land route you can do with ferries is between Cape Town and Serai, North Sulawesi in Indonesia.

The longest road trip covers a distance of 20,885 (33,612km) through Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Kazakhstan, Russia and then across Europe from Belarus to Spain. Then head over to north Africa and travel through Algeria, Niger, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and more.

This is a mammoth journey that with constant driving would take 550 hours – the equivalent of 23 days straight!

Ready to hit the road for your next adventure?

Have we inspired to take a road trip? Even if you don’t have the time or the willing to travel tens of thousands of miles there are some excellent road trips closer to home including:

• North Coast 500 – Scotland
• Wild Atlantic Way – Ireland
• Ring Road - Iceland
• The Amalfi Coast - Italy
• Atlantic Road – Norway

If you are planning a driving adventure this year, remember to get yourself covered with travel insurance and car hire excess cover and breakdown cover to make sure you’re fully protected before you hit the open road.

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The top things to do on a U.S. Route 20 road trip

Known as the "Big Daddy," the longest road in the U.S. stretches from Boston, Massachusetts, to Newport, Oregon

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• Classic American road trips

Created by Roadtrippers - December 30th 2020

R oute 66 might be known as America's Mother Road, but U.S. Route 20 is called "Big Daddy" for good reason. It's the longest road in the U.S., stretching from Boston, Massachusetts, to Newport, Oregon. A mega road trip along this epic route will take you through 12 states and across 3,365 miles.

Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site

Start off by admiring the singular beauty of the Pacific Coast at Newport's Yaquina Bay. Oregon's wild beaches, with their seastacks and tidepools, are unlike anything anywhere else in the country. Then, bid adieu to the shore—for now—and prepare yourself to drive right through the beating heart of the U.S.

Salt Creek Falls

Oakridge, OR

Looking to enjoy one of Oregon's tallest waterfalls? Since the location is about 75 miles off the highway once you exit US-20, it is a bit of a drive. However, Salt Creek Falls is worth the trek to gaze at the awe-inspiring beauty.

1 Deschutes Brewery and Public House

After hours of driving, a pint at Deschutes Brewery and Public House will be well deserved. This brewpub in Bend also serves mouthwatering, sophisticated grub. On tap you'll find Deschutes staples like the Black Butte Porter and the Nitro Obsidian Stout, alongside limited releases brewed in house.

2 Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

As you make your way through Idaho, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument is one great place to see how the rocky landscape hides ancient remains. The fossil bed has been an important archaeological site since the 1920s, and it still produces thousands of fossils and shards a year. Learn about intriguing animals like massive ground sloths, saber-tooth cats, and mastodons, which are now extinct but once called Idaho home. The visitor center has great information on the site's history and finds.

3 Idaho Potato Museum & Gifts

You can't drive through Idaho without paying tribute to the state's most famous product. At the Idaho Potato Museum, you'll learn everything you never knew about the root veggie, including its history and various potato-related anecdotes. See a collection of potato peelers and antique farming equipment, as you learn about the potato's role in Idaho's culture. Don't miss a photo with the giant potato statue out front. Grab some fries and the "free taters for out-of-staters" before you head back to the highway.

4 Yellowstone National Park

US-20 passes through West Yellowstone in Montana. You can't miss the chance to stop by the U.S.'s first—and, arguably, most fascinating—national park. Yellowstone is a hotbed of geothermal activity, with geysers, colorful hot springs, bubbling mudpots, and more. If you don't have time to wait for Old Faithful to blow or to hike around the Grand Prismatic Spring, take a scenic drive to spot bison and make a stop at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which features a massive waterfall.

5 National Historic Trails Interpretive Center

Wyoming is also known for its pioneer past. The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is a fascinating look back at life on the prairie in the late 1800s. Hands-on, interactive exhibits keep kids engaged while adults browse the collection of artifacts. The story of Western Expansion is also told through performance and videos. You won't just learn about what life was like in a wagon or on a homestead, you'll get insight into wildlife, native cultures, and natural history, as well.

Stop to appreciate the unique roadside kitsch known as Carhenge. In addition to the collection of weird car art —think graffiti cars and a station wagon made to look like a Conestoga wagon—the crown jewel of the place is the Stonehenge homage made entirely of cars. Set in the rough Badlands scenery, there's actually a lot to see here, making it well worth the stop.

7 Ashfall State Historical Park

Imagine what the landscape of what is now Nebraska looked like millions of years ago—12 million years, to be precise. Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historic Park features a fascinating array of ancient remains. The bones of various prehistoric creatures can be seen here. Walk through the fossil beds, learn about paleontology, and see a dig in action. The site is quite scenic as well, so you may spend an hour or two exploring here.

8 Sioux City Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Sioux City provides a free, in-depth look at the story of Lewis and Clark, following their trials and tribulations as they became the first Westerners to cross the continent. After your tour, you'll be thankful that your cross-country road trip is a bit easier than theirs.

9 Field of Dreams Movie Site

Once you reach Iowa, you'll see a lot of cornfields, but there's one in particular to visit: The one with the baseball diamond from the 1989 film Field of Dreams . Tour the farmhouse, or watch a game.

10 Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio

As you make your way through the ever-changing landscapes, pay tribute to the man who was so inspired by them that he changed architecture forever: Frank Lloyd Wright. His Oak Park Home and Studio is a great way to learn about his formative years and to get a peek into how he worked. This "architectural laboratory" is where he and his team designed over 100 buildings, including some of his most famous works, like the Robie House and the Unity Temple.

11 Michael Jackson's House

The home of another American icon is not too far away. The house where pop star Michael Jackson and his siblings were raised is in the tiny town of Gary, Indiana. The house is fenced off, but you can admire the tributes and memorials placed around it from afar.

12 RV & Motorhome Hall of Fame

Continuing through Indiana, you can make a stop at the RV and Motorhome Hall of Fame in Elkhart. Even if you've never stepped foot in an RV before, the retro vehicles are absolutely fascinating.

13 Cedar Point Amusement Park

Spare a day of travel to spend some time at Cedar Point Amusement Park, which is considered one of the best parks in the U.S. for roller coaster fans. The sheer number of rides and attractions here will keep kids and adults of all ages enthralled for hours. It can be somewhat pricey, between the tickets and the cost of food, but you can save money by packing a picnic and buying tickets online in advance.

14 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

US-20 makes its way through Cleveland, where you can jam out at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. The collection of artifacts is absolutely legendary, including items like Lady Gaga's meat dress, Elvis's car, Michael Jackson's famous glove, and Joey Ramone's leather jacket. The list of iconic objects on display is almost endless. Even if you're not a rock fan, the amount of history here is venerable and well displayed.

15 Johnson Estate Winery

As you make your way into western New York, you'll be in prime wine country. Johnson Estate Winery is a quiet slice of heaven, with rolling green hills and a cozy tasting room, where six samples of wine will only set you back a few dollars. The winery offers a huge variety, from pinot noirs and merlots to rieslings and chardonnays to ice wines, ports, and sherries. For a real taste of the region, try one of the light blush wines.

16 Jell-O Gallery Museum

If you're into attractions that are as interesting as they are quirky, the Jell-O Gallery Museum is a must-visit. Old recipes, Jell-O molds, ads, and more tell the surprising history of this retro snack. Don't forget to grab a box of Jell-O in the gift shop.

17 Harriet Tubman Home

Learn about the incredible history of the abolition movement and the Underground Railroad with a visit to Harriet Tubman's home. Pay tribute to Tubman, who, as an escaped slave, risked her life going back to rescue other slaves. The site has four buildings across 25 bucolic acres.

18 Baseball Hall of Fame

Celebrate a favorite U.S. past time at the Baseball Hall of Fame. Exhibits detailing the long and storied history of the distinctly American sport, from the anything-goes early days to the Negro Leagues to today's greats. You'll leave with a new appreciation for the sport.

Summer is a great time for a trip along US-20. The weather might get hot, and some spots—like Yellowstone—might get crowded, but many roads and attractions close during the winter due to the northern nature of this route. Spring and fall provide mild weather, which is always nice, but plan for variable conditions, including rain. It will take you at least a few weeks to fully appreciate everything offered along US-20, so leave yourself plenty of time—and just enjoy the ride.

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The Longest Road Trips in the World, Mapped

If you’re a lover of long rides and exciting road trips and looking to explore new places this summer, then we have a great list of the longest road trips in the world for you, also nicely mapped.

Saba parking in the UK has mapped some of the longest and most unique road trips, including some that don’t yet exist.

If you’ve at one point wondered what’s the longest possible road trip by car, by ferry, or even the longest single road, then you’re about to find out.

From amazing coastal road trips to epic journeys that will take you across Asia in a single route, there’s something for everyone here.

The Longest Land Route (Europe)

Our first journey takes us all the way from Sagres, Portugal to the frozen Siberian wasteland of Talon, Russia. This is the longest road trip in the world by land.

After an incredible journey 186 hours and 15, 191km later you’ll finally make it to the edge of Asia, on the way you’ll see 7 different countries and many wondrous sites.

The Longest Highway in Asia

“Asian Highway 1” is the longest highway in Asia, stretching over 20,000 km with a total driving time of 123 hours! From Istanbul, Turkey the highway will take you through Iran and the middle east, heading through Pakistan, India, Southeast Asia, China, and Korea and finally ending in Japan.

While there is no bridge from the Korean Peninsula to Japan, you’ll have to take a ferry. However, an undersea tunnel has been proposed for the future.

The Longest Euro-African Road Trip

An epic 181-hour drive and 13,652km will have you complete one of the most beautiful drives on earth, from London all the way to Cape Town in South Africa.

On the way, you’ll discover 14 wonderful countries, including 12 in Africa alone!

The Longest Coastal Route in the World

The “Wild Atlantic Way” in Ireland is one of the most beautiful and unique coastal routes in the world, it is also the longest at a distance of 2,750km.

The 15-hour and 36-minute drive will have you ending up in the Peininishowen Peninsula in the north after starting from the small town of Kinsale in the south.

The Longest Land Route with Ferries

If you’re looking to not only use roads but ferries as well, then this epic 33,612km route will have you covering 3 continents, going all the way from South Africa to the remote islands of Indonesia.

The route would take around 22 days without stopping, which is of course impossible. There are many beautiful destinations on the way where you should consider staying for a while and resting.

The Longest Single Road Outside of Europe

The longest single road outside of Europe is a loop that connects Perth by a massive loop all away around the country of Australia, with a distance of over 13,000km and a total drive of 165 hours.

The Longest Ring Road in Europe

While not as long as the one in Australia , this is the longest “ring road” in Europe, situated in Iceland at a length of 1,339km with a total driving time of 21 hours and 40 minutes.

The Longest Road Trip of the Future

The longest possible proposed route of the future will be from London all across the pond to New York. While it sounds like a fantasy, the Trans-Eurasian Belt Development (TEPR) is a proposed route by the Russians connecting Asia to North America over the Bering sea, supposedly using a bridge or tunnel.

This amazing route would be almost 20,000km but the time to drive such a long distance along this route has yet to be calculated.

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The world by wheels: The longest, most epic road trips

Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly

From movies like Almost Famous, Little Miss Sunshine and the classic Thelma and Louise, road trips are a great way to see the world.

Comparethemarket.com used Google Maps to plot the longest route possible across each continent.

Here’s a selection of the longest trips you can take in your car, as well as some of the best sights that you can see on your journey.

Europe (South-North) – Total Distance: 4,704 miles

Palermo – Rome – Venice – Lucerne – Munich – Prague – Berlin – Copenhagen – Oslo – Tromsø

This trip takes you from the sunny shores of Sicily up to the Arctic Circle in the far north of Norway, taking in some of the continent’s major cities en route.

Starting in Palermo, Sicily, the route takes you via a short ferry crossing through the whole of Italy, including the gorgeous region of Tuscany and a potential detour along the stunning Amalfi coast.

From there you head into central Europe, through Switzerland, Germany and the Czech Republic, before hopping onto another ferry to Copenhagen.

The final stretch takes you right through Scandinavia up to the very top of Norway, and if you don’t mind adding an extra few days on, you can take a detour through the western fjords.

South America – Total Distance: 7,615 miles

Cartagena – Cotopaxi – Machu Pichu – Uyuni Salt Flat – Atacama Desert – Buenos Aires – El Chaltén – Torres del Paine – Ushuaia

Whether you’ve managed to ship your car across the Darién Gap or you just want to split this huge trans-continent trip in two, the South American leg begins in Colombia, before heading past the ancient city of Machu Picchu in Peru, the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia and the Atacama Desert in Chile.

The final leg takes you right down to Patagonia and the Cape of Good Horn at the very southern tip of the continent.

Africa – Total Distance: 8,723 miles

Pyramids of Giza – Valley of the Kings – Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara National Reserve – Mount Kilimanjaro – Nyika Plateau – Mulanje Massif – Victoria Falls – Sossusvlei Dunes – Table Mountain

A trip from the very top to bottom of Africa would allow you to see some of Africa’s most iconic sights, such as the Pyramids of Giza, Mount Kilimanjaro and Victoria Falls, as well as a variety of incredible landscapes.

From the deserts of Northern Africa, through rainforests and the Serengeti, as you make your way down to South Africa, this road trip would take in a number of diverse habitats, all with their own wildlife to spot along the way.

North-Central America – Total Distance: 9,098 miles

Denali State Park – Whistler (Canada) – Yellowstone Park – Grand Canyon – Los Angeles – Las Vegas Strip – The Alamo – Chichén Itzá – Panama City

Route 66 is the road trip most closely associated with North America, but it’s possible to head all the way from Alaska, through Canada and the US, right down to Mexico and almost into South America via the Pan-American Highway.

The route allows you to take in amazing scenery as well as cities such as Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and was it not for a 66-mile section of swampland and forest in Panama known as the Darién Gap, it could take you to the southern tip of South America too.

Australia – Total Distance: 9,264 miles

Sydney – Fraser Island – Great Barrier Reef – Daintree National Park – Kakadu National Park – Kimberly – Perth – Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – Great Ocean Road – Melbourne

One of the world’s most iconic road trips, Australia’s Highway 1 (also known as the ‘Big Lap’), completes a circuit of this vast country.

We’ve largely stuck to that route with this trip, with a detour through the centre of the country to take in Uluru-Kata Tjuta (formerly known as Ayers Rock). A trip around Australia also sees you visit major cities such as Sydney, Perth and Melbourne, as well as the Great Barrier Reef, various national parks, and the famous Great Ocean Road.

Europe-Asia (West-East) – Total Distance: 9,597 miles

Lisbon – Madrid – Barcelona – Paris – Brussels – Amsterdam – Berlin – Warsaw – Vilnius – Tallinn – St Petersburg – Moscow – White Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal – Yekaterinburg – Lake Baikal – Vladivostok

This mammoth trip takes you from mainland Europe’s western tip to the far eastern reaches of Siberia and the Sea of Japan.

From the Portuguese capital Lisbon, you can check off cities including Madrid, Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin before heading up through the Baltic states and onto St Petersburg in Russia.

This is where the trip becomes something of an endurance test, heading from one end of Russia to the other via the Trans-Siberian Highway to Vladivostok. This takes you all the way to the Sea of Japan and is a huge undertaking in its own right.

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The Longest Highway in the US

Your Guide to the Longest Road in the U.S.

Traversing the diverse landscapes of the United States by road has been a popular pastime since the early 20th century and driving vacations continue to capture the passions of Americans today. In fact, a 2019 Ford study conducted by OnePoll found that 73 percent of Americans would rather drive to their holiday destination than fly. So, why not take on the nation's longest road?

Most people know about the classic road trips— Route 66 and the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)—but the northern half of the U.S., especially the Midwestern states, often falls off the radar. Route 20 (US-20) runs right through this region, bookended by Newport, Oregon , and Boston, Massachusetts . The route is 3,365 miles long (Route 66 is 2,448 and the PCH is 665) and passes through 12 states. Most people allocate at least a week to traverse Route 20, which takes 52 to 60 hours just to drive.

South Beach State Park: Lincoln County, Oregon

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If you plan to cross the country from west to east, then you'll begin your journey at Oregon ’s South Beach State Park on the Pacific Coast. South Beach offers plenty of camping (including electrical hookups, hot showers, restrooms, picnic areas, and an RV dump station), so you can stay over the night before and get an early start. This Lincoln County patch of coast also features miles of hiking and biking trails, a playground, disc golf , kayak tours, and more. If the weather is terrible (as it often is on the Oregon coast), you can visit nearby Hatfield Marine Science Center or the Oregon Coast Aquarium . 

Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks: Montana/Wyoming

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Though two separate parks, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are often included in the same itinerary for their close proximity (about an hour's drive). Yellowstone, located at the corners of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is America’s oldest national park. It's packed with hiking trails, geologic features like geysers and pools, rolling meadows filled with wildflowers, and wildlife (grizzlies, wolves, and bison) you're unlikely to see anywhere else. You could while away weeks in Yellowstone, but at least dedicate a day to this pit stop on your Route 20 tour. After you're done, head toward the jagged peaks of Grand Teton National Park, a mountainous region of Wyoming. For camping, Fishing Bridge RV Park in Yellowstone offers electrical hookups, but it can't accommodate large RVs. Many road trippers camp in a nearby privately-owned park like Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park instead.

Boise River Greenbelt: Boise, Idaho

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Boise is an outdoor lover's paradise. It is home to the Bogus Basin ski resort, the Idaho Botanical Garden, hiking trails at Table Rock, and a portion of the ever-famous Oregon Trail. Perhaps its most stunning natural feature, however, is the Boise River Greenbelt, a 25 mile-long waterway that the Boise Parks and Recreation Department has worked laboriously for years to make as scenic as possible. What was once a runoff river is now lined with lush trees, walking and cycling paths, wildlife viewing areas, and wetlands. Walk or cycle (there are nearby rental kiosks) as little or as much as you want along the Greenway; it's the perfect way to stretch your legs after a long stint of driving.

Fort Robinson State Park: Dawes County, Nebraska

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Fort Robinson State Park is home to the Fort Robinson Museum and History Center, but there’s much more to this 22,000-acre space than Old West history. Here, you can hop on a Jeep or horse-drawn tour of the historic preservation site, play golf, go swimming in the indoor, Olympic-size Lindeken Pool, dine at the Fort Robinson Restaurant, go for a picnic, or go exploring by way of kayak or canoe. The on-site Post Playhouse puts on eight theatre shows per week (rotating between several musicals), which makes for great evening entertainment before turning in for the night in this small, often-overlooked Nebraska town.

Carhenge: Alliance, Nebraska

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Route 66 has the colorful cars of Cadillac Ranch, but US-20 offers another bizarre twist on "car art" with Alliance's Carhenge. As the name implies, Carhenge is a quirky roadside attraction where several cars have been painted and stacked to resemble England’s famous Stonehenge . The monument to motoring was built in 1987 by Jim Reinders to honor his late father. Reinders studied Stonehenge while traveling in England to replicate the structure with 38 vehicles forming an almost 100-foot circle. There is a secondary exhibit at Carhenge where stoppers-by can paint their mark on the vehicles.

Millennium Park: Chicago, Illinois

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Get your picture taken in front of Chicago's famous Cloud Gate (i.e. "The Bean") and take a break from the car in the Windy City. Millennium Park , operated by Chicago ’s Department of Cultural Affairs, plays the dual role of park and museum, featuring interactive exhibits throughout the 24.5-square-mile urban sanctuary. You'll find prominent artworks and features like Lurie Garden and Crown Fountain, and because Millennium Park sits on top of a parking structure, it’s actually considered the world’s largest rooftop garden. If you're traveling in a camper, park on the outskirts and take the "L" (the rapid transit system) into town.

RV and Motorhome Hall of Fame: Elkhart, Indiana

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Many who attempt this 3,300-mile road trip do it in a recreational vehicle. So, what better way than to honor your ride than by visiting the RV and Motorhome Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Indiana ? This Midwestern town is, in fact, where many American campers are built. Its 100,000-square-foot museum illustrates the history of traveling by RV and reflects on early industry giants like Airstream and Winnebago . Here, you'll see the oldest Winnebago, the smallest Airstream, and some of the more bizarre RVs to ever hit the market.

Cedar Point: Sandusky, Ohio

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The U.S. is filled with amusement parks, but few can hold a candle to Cedar Point . This park offers entertainment for all ages, from easy rides to some of the world’s most adrenaline-pumping roller coasters. Cedar Point bills itself as the "Rollercoaster Capital of the World," and considering it has six different coasters surpassing the 200-feet-high mark, it would be tough to refute that claim. The Sandusky, Ohio, park encompasses 350 acres of thrill rides (17 coasters in total), water parks, dining and shopping complexes, and more. However, the park is only open between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Cleveland, Ohio

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About an hour from Cedar Point is the bustling city of Cleveland , whose crown jewel attraction is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame . Officially opened in 1985, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame showcases the history of the musical genre across seven levels of exhibits. You can stand just a few inches from some of the most iconic items in rock history, including instruments and memorabilia that once belonged to The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Elvis Presley. You can even learn about what it takes to record a hit song. On the other hand, it may be best to avoid a trip to the Hall if the Cleveland Browns are playing a home game. The massive NFL crowds like to frequent this attraction, too, which could compromise the experience. 

Erie Zoo and Botanical Gardens: Erie, Pennsylvania

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You don’t have to choose between visiting gardens or the zoo when you visit Erie, seeing as this Pennsylvania town has rolled both into one highly-rated venue. At the Erie Zoo and Botanic Gardens , you can marvel at equally exotic flora and fauna. Exhibits include a children’s zoo, the Michele Ridge Rose Garden, a tropical greenhouse, African lions, river otters, and alligators. Between the exhibits, you can set the kids loose on the many carnival rides scattered around the park. You can also pack in a picnic lunch and eat it at Glenwood Park.

Baseball Hall of Fame: Cooperstown, New York

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No drive through upstate New York would be complete without a visit to the museum that honors America’s favorite pastime. Stand in the shoes of baseball’s greatest sluggers and view items that are forever etched into Americana, such as the gloves Ricky Henderson wore when he swiped his 939th base or a baseball that was smacked more than 500 feet by Babe Ruth. The Hall is filled with exhibitions like Baseball at the Movies, which reflects on baseball’s role on the silver screen, and the Sandlot Kids Clubhouse, where your little ones can blow off some steam. Cooperstown, where the Baseball Hall of Fame is located, is right next to Otsego Lake, which offers kayaking, boat tours, and fishing.

Freedom Trail: Boston, Massachusetts

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The long journey ends in Boston , on the city’s famous Freedom Trail . First established in 1630, Boston is filled with history on America's founding fathers. The Freedom Trail directs you through downtown Boston on a 16-stop, 2.5-mile historical walk that passes by Park Street Church, the site of the Boston Massacre, the Paul Revere House, and Old North Church, Boston's oldest surviving church. Stop by the National Park Service-operated visitor center in Faneuil Hall to grab a map of the trail or start a guided tour.

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This Couple Is Breaking the Record for the World's Longest Road Trip in One Country

They've already driven 29,500 miles across the U.S.

Greg Cayea and Heather Thompson are on out to break the record for the world’s longest road trip in one country. The previous record is 22,406.66 miles, and was set in India.

The couple has already covered 29,500 miles over 103 days, passing the 22,406.66-mile mark on September 20.

They started their trip in Tempe, Arizona, and are weaving through America's 48 contiguous states, with only 11 states to go.

Cayea got the idea while listening to a Tony Robbins' audio book, and seeing a writing exercise about setting a world record. He looked into various records, and decided the longest journey completed by car could be good for the two of them to try because they were preparing to move to Philadelphia. And because “being on the road has been such a big part of my life,” Cayea told Travel + Leisure.

“Every chance I could, I would get on the road, because that’s where I felt most at home,” said Cayea, who wrote a book on his experience, “No Direction Home: The Drifter Chronicles Volume One” , which is how he and Thompson are funding their trip.

Cayea and Thompson have been to 22 national parks, and said their favorites have been Yellowstone National Park , Zion National Park , and Crater Lake National Park .

They have also discovered unexpected tourist attractions, like outdoor animal safaris in South Dakota, and have visited quirky spots like the ghost own of Bayhorse , Idaho.

Of all the roads they’ve driven, they said the Beartooth Pass on the Beartooth Highway was the most scenic.

“It’s an insanely beautiful drive that goes around lakes that look like melted glaciers, just like the ones of out Glacier National Park,” Cayea said.

To break the record, they have a set of rules they must follow, which includes no round-trips, no backtracking more than 10 percent of the total mileage, recording every stop, keeping a log book along the trip, recording at least 10 minutes of video footage of the journey per day, and making sure not to cross country borders.

They’re allowed to take two weeks of resting time, and have spent around 35 days of their trip so far on stops, sleeping in their 2008 Subaru Outback the majority of the time.

While being on the road can be tough, the two have found ways to take advantage of the lifestyle, using national park grills to make food, and parking in truck stops, rest stops, or Walmart parking lots before prepping their mattress and watching Netflix in the back of their car.

The couple is currently heading to the Hudson Valley in New York and will most likely be on the road for one more month.

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What’s the Longest Road Trip You’ve Ever Taken?

By Michael Ferguson

The Adventure of a Lifetime

A road trip is an adventure like no other. It gives you the freedom to explore new places, experience different cultures, and create unforgettable memories along the way.

But what happens when you embark on a journey that takes you across several states, countries, or even continents That’s when your road trip becomes an epic adventure that will stay with you for a lifetime.

My Longest Road Trip

For me, my longest road trip was a cross-country drive from New York to California and back. I had always wanted to explore the West Coast and see all the amazing sights it had to offer, so I decided to take a month-long road trip with two of my closest friends. We rented an RV and hit the road with nothing but our sense of adventure and a map.

The journey was long and filled with breathtaking scenery at every turn. We drove through the Great Plains, crossed over the Rocky Mountains, and explored the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico. We visited national parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and Joshua Tree.

Along the way, we experienced all sorts of challenges – from flat tires to unexpected detours – but we remained determined to reach our destination. We met kind strangers who offered us tips on where to go next or shared their own travel stories with us.

The Lessons Learned

Looking back on that epic journey, I realized how much I learned about myself and life in general. Here are some of the most important lessons:

• Be spontaneous: Some of our best experiences were unplanned moments that we stumbled upon while on our journey.
• Pack light: The less you carry, the more you can enjoy the trip.
• Embrace discomfort: Road trips can be uncomfortable at times, but that’s part of the adventure. Embrace it!

The Joy of the Open Road

When you’re on a long road trip, it’s not just about the destination – it’s about the journey. The open road gives you a sense of freedom and independence that is hard to replicate in any other form of travel. You get to see parts of the country that you would never see from a plane or train.

If you haven’t taken a long road trip yet, I highly recommend it. It will challenge you, inspire you, and give you memories that will last a lifetime.

8 Related Question Answers Found

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25 Best Road Trips in the World – That We’ve Taken

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: February 11, 2024

We’ve taken a lot of the best road trips in the world during our travels. We’ve done everything from epic road trips lasting 6 weeks to one-day scenic drives that cover spectacular scenery. We’ve done them all and here are the best road trips Dave and I have done around the world.

Table of Contents

Best Road Trips in the World

Thanks  Johnny Jet  and  Chris McGinnis  for giving us the idea to make this list. It was during their Twitter chat about road trips that we realized, “wow, we’ve driven most of the ultimate road trip destinations on earth!” So without further adieu, let’s take a look at road trips around the world that we have done by country or continent.

Road Trips in the USA

There’s no doubt about it, the United States is one of the best road trip destinations in the world. Many of the best road trips in the world are located right in the United States. We’ve been lucky enough to drive along most of the East and West Coasts of the country and here are a few of our favorite routes.

1. Route 66 – Arizona

Route 66 is the road trip of dreams. We have all listened to that beautiful song by Nat King Cole and fantasized about driving Route 66 one day. And we had the chance. It lives up to the hype. Albeit, only portions of it are worth driving.

Much of the 3,940km route is abandoned and decrepit as it was forgotten when the highway system was put in place, but there are parts that have been turned into national scenic byways in Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, and Arizona . We have driven many different portions of  Route 66 , but you can drive this entire route from Chicago to California.

For more another great US Road trip not on this list check out:  The Ulitmate 10 Day Arizona Road Trip ,

• Duration: 1 Day for portions to 2-3 weeks
• Highlights of Route 66: Best portions are in Arizona , New Mexico, Missouri and Illinois.
• Read more at:  Route 66 Road Trip – Cruising The Main Street of America

2. Pacific Coast Highway – California

It’s the most epic drive in the United States. The drive starts in Monterrey and weaves down Highway 1 to Los Angeles . Make sure to stay the night in Monterrey or Carmel by the Sea . There is great kayaking in the marine reserve of Monterrey and Surfing in Carmel. Read more: Big Sur Road Trip – The Best Viewpoints

It’s a beautiful coastal highway with long stretches of beaches, impressive sea cliffs, and legendary stops where movie stars and billionaires have hung out for decades to escape the hustle and bustle of California cities. And definitely take time to stay at one of the best places to stay in California (Mark Zuckerberg stayed here) the Ventana

• Duration: 2-4 Days
• Highlights of Pacific Coast Highway – The Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Hearst Castle, Santa Barbara, and Pfeiffer Beach.
• Read more at  California Road Trip and Where to Camp in Big Sur

3. San Francisco to LA –  National Parks Route

This is the epic American route. Don’t just drive in a straight line from San Francisco to Los Angeles, go everywhere in between. This road trip takes you through four different states and showcases the best of America’s National Parks and cities.

It takes you through the most rugged and beautiful landscapes of America and you visit the most exciting cities in the country. Read more: Things to do in Yosemite National Park

• Duration: 2 Weeks
• Highlights of San Francisco to Los Angeles – Grand Canyon , Vegas, Antelope Canyon, Zion National Park, Yosemite National Park
• Read More:  Make the Most of Antelope Canyon Photography Tour

4. Hana Highway – Maui Hawaii

It’s just a short drive, but everyone who goes to Maui raves about the Hana Highway. This (mostly) single lane road is a day trip that spans the North Coast of the Island from Paia to Hana.

It twists and turns and you cross 59 bridges during the 2-3 hour drive (one way) there are many scenic stops along the way, but the real beauty begins after Hana when you reach  Haleakala National Park . This is one of the top things to do in Maui , so if you plan a trip, make sure to rent a car and drive the road to hana.

• Duration: 1 Day
• Highlights of the Hana Highway : Bamboo Forest, Painted Eucalyptus Trees, 7 Sacred Pools, Waterfalls, Scenic Views
• Read More: Road Trip to Hana and Beyond

5. 17 Mile Drive – California

It may be a short road trip, but it is a goodie. You can take an entire day exploring 17-Mile Drive at Carmel By the Sea. If you are looking for a different way of road tripping, try e-biking instead of going in a car. A road trip doesn’t have to be always in a car, we’ve included cycling Africa as one of our best road trips we’ve ever done! Read more: Photography Guide to Big Sur Coastal Drive, California

• Duration: a few hours to 1 day
• Highlights of 17 Mile Drive: Ghost Tree, Bird Rock,  the Lone Cypress, Spanish Bay, John Denver Memorial, Beaches, Links at Spanish Bay, Pebble Cove.
• Read More : The Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary and The Best Viewpoints
• Best California Road Trip

6. Miami to Key West

It took Dave and me a few tries to finally make it to Key West. We have driven from Canada to Central Florida many times, but only ever made it as far as Daytona and Orlando .

We had flown into Miami before but never did a road trip to the Florida Keys. When we finally rented a car and made our way to the famous ocean highway to the southern tip of the United States. We felt like we entered a different world. Key West is like being in the Caribbean without having to stamp your passport. Check out these Facts about Florida

It’s only a day trip from Miami to Key West, but we suggest taking your time to explore the Keys on the way down.

• Duration: 1-day return trip to 1 week for exploring.
• Highlights of Key West Road Trip – Marathon Key, Hemingway’s House, Key Largo , Dry Tortugas National Park, snorkeling, underwater museum, Seven Mile Bridge, Southernmost Point , Islamorada Florida Keys , & Where to Stay in The Florida Keys
• Read More: Miami to Key West Road Trip – Best Florida Keys Itinerary

7. Lake Superior Circle Tour – USA and Canada

Road trips can take many forms and we circumnavigated the world’s largest freshwater lake by motorcycle. The Lake Superior Circle Tour is one of the epic motorcycle routes in North America, but it’s also fabulous in a car and makes for an amazing road trip.

From the sandy shores of the southern shore to the rocky high sea cliffs of the wild north, this is an unexpected route through Ontario, Michigan, Wisconson, and Minnesota. Travel through small-town USA, historic treasures and the wild abandoned North of Ontario, this road trip is magnificent.

• Duration: 4 days to 2 weeks.
• Highlights of Lake Superior Circle Tour – Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Terri Fox Memorial, Beautiful coast, three different states and one province in Canada
• Read More:  The Best of the Lake Superior Circle Tour
• See all of the best places to visit in Michigan for your next road trip.

Canadian Road Trips

Canada is our favourite country for road tripping and in our humble opinion, the best road trips in the world are located in our home country. From both coasts to the far north, through high altitude of the Rocky Mountains and along the shore, you will see it all in Canada.

8. Icefields Parkway – Alberta

Alberta’s Icefields Parkway is often considered one of the top road trips in the world! And with good reason. There are so many things to see along the way. There is one spectacular scene after another.

Starting in Banff, the road trip takes you north along Highway 1 through the Rocky Mountains. It spans two of Canada’s most beautiful National Parks. Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. See our full drive here.

There are scenic lookouts galore where you can go hiking or to simply take in the view of mirror lakes reflecting jagged snow-capped mountains. A highlight is stopping at the Athabasca Glacier for a snowcat tour of this gigantic piece of ice and to take a walk on the Icefields Sky Walk. Continue on to Jasper where you can explore more of Alberta’s rugged and remote areas. Suggested hotel Fairmont Jasper and Fairmont Lake Louise

• Duration:  1-3 Days
• Highlights of the Icefields Parkway: Bow Lake, Columbia Icefields Skywalk, Athabasca Glacier, Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise
• Read more about Banff:  The Rocky Mountaineer,   Where to Stay in Banff

9. Dempster Highway – Yukon

For the ultimate road trip adventure, there’s not a lot that compares to the Dempster Highway. You can drive to the Arctic on the Dempster Highway and that is exactly what we did.

This 736 km road stretches from the far Arctic in Inuvik in the Northwest Territories, to Dawson City in the  Yukon. It crosses the equator through the most beautiful landscape in the world. You’ll see caribou, grizzley bears and other wildlife on along the way and it is simply spectacular.

• Duration:  2-6 days
• Highlights of the Dempster Highway:  Crossing the Arctic Circle, Innuvik, Dawson City, Eagle Plains, Tombstone Mountains
• Read More:   Drive to the Arctic, Yes you Can

10. Fundy Trail – New Brunswick

The province of New Brunswick houses one of the most beautiful coastal drives in Canada. Famous for the Hopewell Rocks, we drove along the Bay of Fundy Parkway and witnessed giant sea cliffs plunging into the sea.

There are secluded and isolated beaches, it crosses through the Fundy National Park where you can hike to waterfalls and lookouts and it drives along one of the longest undeveloped coastlines in North America.

It is home to the world’s highest tides where you can walk out for miles on the ocean floor. Take your time to drive along this stretch of road that houses some of the most spectacular scenery on earth.

• Duration:  3 – 4 Days
• Highlights of the Fundy Trail : Hopewell Rocks, Saint Stephen’s Sea Caves, Fundy National Park, Cape Enrage, Town of Alma, Covered Bridges. 
• Read More:  Things to do in Saint John, New Brunswick

11. Cowboy Trail – Alberta

If you love getting away from it all and having a rip-roaring adventure, the Cowboy Trail is for you. This is one of our favourite road trips we’ve ever done. Following the route through Southern Alberta is easy, well marked and filled with activities and beauty. There is something to see every single day and this trip will surprise you.

From the lunar landscape of the badlands to where the great plains meet the Rocky Mountains, you’ll be driving through the varied landscapes that will take your breath away.

• Highlights of the Cowboy Trail: Dinosaur Provincial Park, Crows Nest Pass, Bar U Ranch, Waterton Lakes National Park, Hoodoos of Drumheller
• Read more:  Full Itinerary – Alberta Road Trip, Where to Stay in Banff

12. Cabot Trail – Nova Scotia

The Cabot Trail is one of Canada’s Ultimate Scenic Highways. Located on  Nova Scotia’s  Cape Breton Island, it is filled with sea cliffs, coastal hikes, beaches, and untamed wilderness. You’ll see moose on the Skyline walk, whales on kayaking and scenic boat trips and stunning sunsets over the Gulf of St. Lawrence explore the best scenic stops in the country.

• Duration: 2-5 Days
• Highlights of the Cabot Trail: Skyline Trail, Alexander Graham Bell’s house, Uisge Ban Waterfall Hike, North River Kayaking, Ingonish Beach, Middle Head Trail, Boat Tours, whale watching and wildlife.
• Read More:  11 Not to be Missed Stops on the Cabot Trail

13. Sea to Sky Highway – British Columbia

Canada is known for its multiday road trips since the country is so massive, but the Sea to Sky Highway is an excellent short road trip from Vancouver. The Sea to Sky drive is only about 90 minutes from Vancouver to Whistler, but there are many sights to see along the way this mountain road.

We suggest taking at least two days and spend the night in Squamish. Squamish has some of the best rock climbing in the world at Big Chief, there are world-class kite surfing and backcountry hiking. It also has fantastic dining options.

On the way to Whistler (home to the 2010 Olympics), there are scenic lookouts, waterfalls, hiking trails and adrenaline sports like bungy jumping, skydiving and scenic flights) Read more at Sea to Sky Highway Stops – What to See From Vancouver to Whistler

14. Sunshine Coast – British Columbia

A 90-minute ferry ride from Vancouver takes you to the start of the Sunshine Coast drive at Gibsons Landing. The beloved Canadian TV Series, The Beachcombers was filmed here for 20 years! You may also like These Best Places to Visit in British Columbia

The Sunshine Coast takes you through a gorgeous coastal drive, historic towns, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It has some of the best mountain biking and hiking in the country with well marked trails and few crowds.

It’s a wonderful road trip taking you on several ferries, over bridges and along the coast. The entire loop goes through the towns on the Sunshine Coast to Vancouver Island.

• Duration: 1 week Highlights of the Sunshine Coast: Gibson’s Landing, Smuggler’s Cove, Historic Powell River, Rockwater Resort, Secret Cove, Lund, Desolation Sound
• Watch our video of our Sunshine Coast Road Trip

The Best European Road Trips

5. wild atlantic way – ireland.

It’s the longest Coastal Route in the World and Ireland has done an incredible job at marketing it as the best road trips on earth. During our many trips around Ireland, The Wild Atlantic Way is a standout. Starting in Dublin , we made a b-line for the west coast of Southwest coast of Ireland from Cork to the  Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal .

The Wild Atlantic Way runs 2500 km up the Western Coast of Ireland. There are so many things to see and do on this route. Every day offers spectacular views of enormous sea cliffs, incredible beaches, and unique culture . This is a road trip that packs a huge punch with a road that goes along the entire west coast of Ireland. Read more: 23 of The Very Best Things to do in Ireland

• Duration: 2-4 weeks
• Highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way: Cliffs of Moher, Skellig Michael, Mizen Head, Poulnabrone Dolmen, Slea Head Drive, Aran Islands
• Read more about this Road Trip :  Tips for Driving the Wild Atlantic Way 

16. North Coast 500 – Scotland

The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to America’s Route 66. With legendary castles, extraordinary coastal scenery, and famous whisky distilleries lining the winding single track lanes, the North Coast 500 is the ultimate drive for travel lovers.

At 500 miles long it is a touring route around Scotland’s northern coast, starting in Inverness. A Highlithg was most certainly Duncansby Head’s Seastacks

• Duration: 5 Days to 2 Weeks
• Highlights of the North Coast 500:  Inverness, Duncansby Head, Loch Ness, Distilleries, Dornoch Castle, Smoo Caves, Ullapool, Klinlochewe Viewpoint, Applecross, Baelnabach. Eilean Donan Castle
• Read More:  The Essential Guide to the North Coast 500

17. Amalfi Coast – Italy

I think the best road trip in Europe is the Amalfi Coast . We fell in love with that drive from Sorrento to Ravello. There is a reason this drive along the most stunning sea cliffs on earth has been used in so many movies.

The towns and lookouts along the coast are something out of a fairytale. They are just gorgeous. We pulled off to the side of the road to look at the luxurious island of Capri. We saw yachts sailing along the coast, and we were ein awe at the height of the seacliffs. It is truly spectacular.

• Duration:  2 days to a week
• Highlights of the Amalfi Coast  – Positano , Amalfi Town, Ravello, Sorrento, Beaches, Grottos, Capri, Hiking and Waterfalls. 
• Watch it:  Watch our video of our Amalfi Road Trip
• Check out our post :  The Best Things to do on the Amalfi Coast

18. Causeway Coast – Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is so amazing for driving and its star attraction is the Causeway Coast. The Causeway Coastal Route is filled with stop after stop of amazing sights and scenery.

It’s a much shorter route than the Wild Atlantic Way and it can be done in just a couple of days, but we recommend giving at least 4 days to explore this coast because there is so much to see.

We actually took 9 days to drive around Northern Ireland and it was perfect. Highlights include the Giant’s Causeway, Carick a Rede Bridge, The Dark Hedges and Belfast

• Duration: About a Week
• Highlights of the Causeway Coast – Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, Belfast, Game of Thrones. 
• Read more:  Best things to do in Northern Ireland

19. Bavaria – Germany

Driving through the Bavarian Alps will take your breath away. Our road trip through the Alps started in Munich where we made our way to some of Germany’s most iconic sites.

Take a trip through fairytale castles and the highest peaks of Germany for one of the most memorable drives on earth. Go to the Olympic town of Garmish-Partenkirken, tour the world’s oldest monastery and brewery and hike through the picturesque landscape filled with rivers, valleys, lakes, and mountains.

• Duration: 2  Weeks
• Highlights of Bavaria : Neuschwanstein Castle, Berchtesgaden ,  Weltenburg Abbey, Danube Gorge, Munich , Nuremberg, Volkach wine region, Alpspix
•   The Best of Bavaria  
• Things to do in Garmisch Partenkirchen
• Things to do in Munich

20. Ring Road – Iceland

The Ring Road Route 1 of Iceland circles the entire country offering drivers the chance to explore every nook and cranny. People normally drive the route in 10 days to 2 weeks, but to really explore Iceland properly you should take longer. We drove around the island in a counterclockwise directly from Reyjavik Vik and then turning north to see the rest of Iceland.

You can camp or stay at hotels along the way. We drove counterclockwise around the 1,322 km (821 miles). With magnificent glaciers, mountains, hot springs, an untamed coastline, and fascinating culture, The Iceland Ring Road is definitely one of the best road trips in the world.

• Duration: 2 Weeks
• Highlights of the Ring Road:  Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Skogafoss waterfall, Seljalandsfoss, Vik, Horseback Riding Skagafjörður Region, Myvatn Geothermal Area, Kirkjufellsfoss
• Read more:  18 Photos of Iceland’s Mind-Blowing Beauty and 30 of the Best Places To Visit In Iceland

The Best International Road Trips

21. south island – new zealand.

The best way to get around New Zealand is by driving independently. We traveled the South Island two ways, on a bus with the Flying Kiwi which was affordable and a great way to see the highlights, but once we took more time to explore with our own camper van, that’s when the true road trip in New Zealand began.

Just follow the roads in a circle around the South Island island to explore all there is to see and do. New Zealand has a diverse landscape in a very little area. You’ll be mesmerized by the changing landscape before your eyes at each and every turn. Be sure to drive the Milford Road to see the incredible Milford Sound.

There are glaciers, mountains, lakes, and amazing adventures to be had. Read all about it on 46 Top Things to do in New Zealand

• Duration: 4 Weeks
• Highlights : Queenstown, Milford Sound, Abel Tasman, Lake Tekapo, Kaikoura, Pancake Rocks
• Read more about New Zealand:  33 Reasons to Visit New Zealand

22. Great Ocean Road – Australia

Australia is an amazing country to take a driving tour. The Great Ocean Road is probably the most scenic road trip in the country. The route is more than 600km (400 miles) and drives along sea cliffs, jungles, and out to amazing beaches. Some of the top beaches for surfing are located along this route.

If you can, get out and hike because that is where you really get to witness the spectacular coast. We did the Great Ocean Walk – A Beautiful Way to Experience the Twelve Apostles and it was truly a memorable experience.

• Duration:  1 – 3 days
• Highlights  – Twelve Apostles, Bells Beach, Koalas of Kennet River, Otway National Park,
• Read more:   Great Ocean Walk to the 12 Apostles

Overland Europe to Asia

23. mongol rally – 12 countries/2 continents.

It’s the mother of all road trips and the most epic road trip we have ever taken. We hit the open road for six weeks traveling overland from England to Mongolia. iI you are up for the adventure of a lifetime, this is a must.

The Mongol Rally is on many a bucket list and it lives up to the hype! The Mongol Rally is a charity rally starting in London, England and ending in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Read more: 38 Best Things to do in London, England In 2023

You choose your route and take as long as you want to get there. Take your time to get to know the people, and to experience some of the most remote regions on earth.

You just have to raise a certain amount of money for charity and buy a car that used to be donated to the country, but now must be shipped back when you finished.

Or if you have loads of time, return in back around in a different route!

• Duration – 3-8 weeks
• Highlights – 15 countries, 2 continents, endless possibilities – Siberia, The Mongolian Steppe, Prague, Brussels , Kyiv, Kazakhstan, it all really depends on the route you choose to take.
• Countries include England , France, Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Tip of Austria, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia.

Africa Road Trips

24.  garden route – south africa.

I always thought the Garden Route of South Africa sounded a little tame, the name sounds like we’d be driving through Botanical gardens. I had visions of sipping tea in manicured gardens as we overlooked the ocean, but this road trip is filled with amazing adventure, striking coastlines, wild animals, incredible nature, and world class wine and dining.

The Garden Route is the southern half of the Durban to Cape Town road trip that we took, and we highly recommend doing the entire thing. South Africa has it all in one of the most exotic and beautiful places on earth. From Gorgeous coastal views, whale watching, jungles and caves. There is so much to see. This is a year round route so hop in your car and go any time.

• Highlights – Great White Shark Diving, Cango Caves, Big 5 Safari, Ostrich Farm, Microlight over Durban, Cape Town
• Read More:  Awesome Things to do in South Africa

25. Cairo to Cape Town –  Entire Coast of Africa

We said early that road trips take many forms, so we wanted to include this one as well. This is more than a cross country road trip, it’s a cross-continent road trip!

Even though we did it by bicycle, you can drive an SUV or motorcycle down the Eastern side of Africa. 12,000 km takes you through some of the most fascinating countries on earth.

Landscapes and cultures vary drastically as you start in the desert landscape of Egypt’s Middle East and the Islamic culture of Sudan. It’s then into the great plains, jungles, and wildlife of Eastern and Southern Africa that takes you all the way down to the Southern point of the continent. Wow!

You can drive this epic route down Africa going through 9 countries: Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Botswana, Zambia, South Africa.

• Duration: 3 – 4 months
• Highlights : 10 countries, 3- 6 months, the possibilities are once again endless…Pyramids of Egypt, Blue Nile, Victoria Falls, Safaris, Chobe National Park, Addis Ababa, Nubian Desert of Sudan, Cape Town South Africa
• Read more:  We cycled the Continent of Africa

Road Trip Planner Apps

• Road Tripping Apps – Going on a Road Trip Check out these driving route planners and travel apps to make the most of your trip.
• Apple Maps:  We used Apple Maps recently from Florida to Toronto and found it to be better than Google Maps. It offered more options for avoiding traffic than Google.
• Road Trippers:  Road Trippers is a popular one that is free for shorter road trips offering 7 waypoints. If you upgrade to the paid subscription you get 150 points to pin on your route.
• Waze:  Dave os a huge fan of Waze, even for daily commutes. It’s a social-riven app that lets you know of collisions, traffic, police radar and gas prices.
• Spotify:  Okay, this isn’t a route planning app, but it is a must for road tripping. We have our tunes for each part of the day sectioned on playlists.
• To get started we use our  Ultimate Road Trip playlist  and then as the day goes on we end with our mellow mix.

Travel Tips for Road Trip Planning

We have taken a lot of road trips, and the best times we have had were when we were prepared.

We aren’t saying that you can’t stray from your route, but have what you need ready in case of an emergency or any unplanned hiccups.

I know a lot of this is common sense, but if you go through the checklist, it will make for fewer headaches when you are on the road.

Route Planning and Maps

Plan the route on your road trip planner,  but have a hard copy map with you as well. In many places, you are going to drop cellular coverage and will have to rely on good old fashioned map reading.

Have car chargers for your electronics . Most cars have a USB charger, but we find we need more than one. We love the dual USB charger, we have even charged our drone in our car while on a road trip.

Car Insurance

Insurance : If you are renting a car, check with your insurance company to see if it covers rentals, if not make sure you get insurance.

Our American Express Platinum Card also covers all insurance if we rent our car through our credit card in the same name that the rental is in. Check with your credit card company to see if you are covered for everything.

We nearly always get the extra coverage because we don’t want the hassle of having to go through our insurance should something happen.

If there is a fender bender, we just hand over the keys and don’t worry about a thing. but it is more money, so be prepared.

If you enjoyed this post, save it to Pinterest for future travel planning. 

So there you have it. The best road trips ever! (that we have taken) There are other road trips on our list. Like Let us know if you have a suggestion, we are always adding to our list.

Read other road trip itineraries destinations around the world

• Tasmania Road Trip
• Ultimate Arizona Road Trip Itinerary
• Bosnia and Herzegovina Road Trip
• Tips for Driving from England to Mongolia
• Mongol Rally Gear Guide

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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72 thoughts on “25 Best Road Trips in the World – That We’ve Taken”

I was very excited after reading about Road Trip. I like this part “It’s the longest Coastal Route in the World and Ireland has done an incredible job at marketing it as the best road trips on earth” very much because I have never here about it. Thanks for writing about road trip. I also write a blog on it but it is nothing in front of your Article.

I would have never thought about the Mongol Rally until I saw this. That is an awesome trip out of so many I honestly don’t know how to pick a favorite. Thanks so much for all this good information to have.

I loved reading about your road trip experience around the world. Your descriptions really made it come alive for me. Happy travels!

Arizona is my one of the favorite places. hope, i’ll go there in future. thanks for sharing this amazing post with us.

So many fantastic road trips – so much to be discovered! We have done a lot in the USA, and especially loved our California road trip that included 5 national parks and we REALLY LOVE Colorado – you two would love a southwest Colorado road trip !

The view of the Arizone road 66 is awesome.It stars attracting me,haha

OMG! These places are really so amazing. I always love to travel whenever I’ve chance to visit. Also, I want to say that these roads are beautiful to see. You’ve counted the most beautiful place from all over the world. In this article all pictures are mindblowing. Thanks

When i “grow up” i want to to atleast half of this 🙂 🙂 Thanks for sharing.

Really a great list of road trips. Love to do one of these road trips. Thanks for sharing.

Amazing post! I’ve only been to a few of these road trips in past four years. Now it looks like I have many more to add to my bucket list. Pictures are gorgeous! Thanks for the list.

Wow, what a great list of the trips. It is nice and informative.

Can any one give me a perfect travel plan to visit Amalfi Coast – Italy. May i know the monsoon time of Amalfi Coast.

You can check out our blog here. We are planning on updating it with more information, but it gives you the highlights here. https://theplanetd.com/things-to-do-in-amalfi-coast-italy/

Thanks for sharing a great post!

Great post, we have to go back to Canada for a while next year and planning a few road trips out west. We’ve seen much of the world the last 5 years but really haven’t seen much of Canada.

We did our own version of the Garden Route a few years back, crossing the mountains into the Karoo and then across the Swartberg pass to Prince Albert. The best road trip we’ve done.

Fantastic list of imagination I love road trips very much. I feel more close to nature Maybe in my next trip I’ll think about one of them and over time I’ll try it all Thank you I’m constantly following up on your advice

Looks like you have not traversed the entire Route 66 so let’s do it. When do you want to go?

Thank you all for your responses. Greatly appreciated.

I’ve done the road 66 with my best friends and laugh a lot, I really need to make much more road trips it was so a good experience, loved it! I’ve written an article also about Road trips

I’d add the Corniche, the drive along the French Riviera coastline from St Tropez to Cannes, past and then on to Juan Les Pins, Antibes and Nice, a really brilliant drive.

Awesome article and inspiration, thanks Dave and Deb! I agree with you on the South African Garden Route (also the trans-Karoo is spectacular…and many more in our beautiful country). One more to try out if you haven’t is Namibia – that country was MADE for gravel travel roadtripping! From south to north, the desert scenery turns to bush and lush riverine country in the north – and NEVER gets ugly, boring or repetitive. An outstandingly beautiful and safe country to travel. PS our names are also Dave and Deb 🙂

hey Dave and Deb, In search of freedom and liberty, I quit my job and started my business. Hope this venture of mine goes successful. If that happens, the first thing that I am gonna do is spend a nice and a long vacation with my family. you guys are amazing. keep travelling and keep sharing.

regards, Dhruv K. Mangukia

Amazing photos, great list of Road trips. You guys done a great job. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

Thabks sharing the awesome travel Skills

I think Ireland will be one for us soon ? Headed to the US soon but no roadtrip one this trip!

Another nice but short road-trip is from Lisbon to Faro at the west-coast of Portugal. I did this last year with a friend and it was awesome! Although the weather wasn’t that good we saw a lot of beautiful bay areas. forests and hidden cliffs!

Wow these are all epic, I would love to do some of these road trips – fantastic post!

really a very good list.. thanx for sharing

Great list! I’d love to take one of these road trips one day. Thanks for sharing..

Love your site!!! We me and my wife are getting ready for a European roadtrip in a mobile home do you have any expirience or tips of that? All our best Annika & Daniel Majak

We haven’t done a European mobile home trip, but we did have a campervan in New Zealand. just have a great time, be flexible and enjoy the campgrounds. We’ve stayed at a few campgrounds in Europe and they are excellent! They’re often close to cities and some even have shuttles.

I have almost finished 2500km walk around Ireland, doing both the Coastal walk, and the Wild Atlantic way, the published distance is a bit missleading, you would have to go back and forth on every sign poated road for the WAW to be 2500. That said , it is spectacular.

That is great that you have walked nearly all around Ireland. The official Website for the WAW also says 2500 km. That’s their claim to fame, the longest coast driving route int he world. Pretty awesome. I didn’t measure the exact km we did from bottom to top, but it was pretty much 2500 km as well. We definitely did a lot of back and forth and around different bays and lochs, so that probably explains. If you go in a direct line, it definitely cuts km off:)

Awesome and interesting post.

Massive list!! You guys have done on a lot! Currently doing a massive road trip to Mongolia, inspired by the mongol rally. But i like to take some more time then 3-8 weeks 😉

One good roadtrip that you guys ‘should’ do is the Transfagarasan in Romania. 90 km both ways and very scenic!

Love your website!!! Arnoud

That’s a good idea. We’d like to do it again but take a few months. There’s so much to see and so many different routes. The Mongol Rally was a blast, but longer would be better. Thanks for the suggestion about Romania. We drove through Romania during the Mongol Rally, but I’m not sure if we went that route. Cheers!

Would do any of these at the drop of a hat. Road trips are such a fun, classic way to see the world 🙂

They are a great way to see the world aren’t they?

Some incredibly beautiful places…… all the pics in this post are worthy of becoming wallpaper on my laptop……. I will make at least a couple of these my laptop wallpapers!!

Some of these are still on the bucket list, and while the LA to SF is one of the shortest it is one of my favorite! So many people think California is just LA and don’t take the time to spend the extra couple days to enjoy the AMAZING drive up the coast. Carmel might just be one of my favorite little towns on Earth!

Great list! I’d love to take one of these road trips one day. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you Sanjana. You would love any one of these road trips. We definitely did.

Amazing photos, great list of Road trips. Though I’m a hiking lover but you did succeed in encouraging me to try road trips. I don’t know how to drive and my parents never taught me. Maybe I can ask my parents to drive for me and explore all of this area.

Glad we could entice you to give road trips a try. We love hiking too. The great thing about a road trip, is you can take time off to go for a hike. The car gives you freedom to do whatever you like. I think your parents would love a road trip too!

Taking note, as a few of these are in the works. And guys, Norway has fabulous road trips, especially along the long coast. Just sayin’. 🙂

Thanks Sophie! Have a great time road tripping! I would love to go to Norway, hopefully one day soon, that is one long coas.t We’ll be sure to rent a car!

The Cairo to Cape town trip looks exciting. Is the route generally safe?

Dave & Deb, having just made the legendary road-trip along California’s Highway One, I’m eager to do more, and like the look of the drives that you included here. Another one of our favorites has been exploring the Dalmatian coastline in Croatia, and then crossing into Montenegro and Albania too. Love your captures, particularly those from Hawaii and Dark Hedges,.

They sound like awesome road trips, thanks for sharing! WE havne’t been to Montenegro or Albania, I smell another road trip on the horizon! Thanks for the compliment regarding the photographs. It’s pretty easy to be inspired by such beautiful destinations.

Some great exciting road trips, im from New Zealand and have yet done a South Island road trip, although many of my friends have and say it is amazing!

Thank you! You’ll definitely have to get that South Island road trip in, it’s amazing!

I have done a few of these road trips that you mentioned, but nothing to the level that you guys have done. The pictures are fabulous. Your mention of the Route 66 road trip brought back memories to me. I made a cross country road trip of the USA where most of it was on Route 66 when they were still building the interstate highway system, so most the the route was still there. I am so glad that I did because a lot of that is gone now and I have memories that cannot be duplicated today. I am intrigued with Canada and would love to take a trip across the southern portion. I would also enjoy such a trip by train and leave the driving to them. I heard there is such a great trip available.

Hey Bob, that would have been amazing. We only gave it an honorable mention because we haven’t done the entire thing. We felt that we couldn’t properly say we’ve done Route 66 when we’ve only done portions. Now to do the whole thing, that would be amazing. I’d love to do it on a motorcycle. You would love visiting Canada, In the summer, it’s beautiful. A road trip through the Rockies is outstanding.

Loved doing road trips in South Africa and in South Island New Zealand where the blues are the most gorgeous hues we have ever seen! Next time, do try the Route 62 from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth in South Africa – the towering cliffs just come at you! Also you two will love the east coastal drive in Sri Lanka – although hugging the east coast, the route also takes you inland through some rugged terrain with elephants. Lovely images – thanks for inspiring us.

Sounds fantastic! Thanks for the recommendations. You could spend a lifetime doing road trips around the world and barely scratch the surface. We didn’t get to explore much of the Eastern Sri Lankan Coast, another reason to go back!

South Island, New Zealand is very beautiful place in world. Really I like this place very much. Anyone can be more delighted to come here.

These all look amazing. I was on the Hana Highway many years ago, and would love to go back. Having lived in Alberta in the 70’s (and dating a couple of cowboys!), I’d love to go back and do the Cowboy Trail

thanks for this compilation. It will now be on my bucket list before I turn 60. 10 years to go. Keep exploring guys !

Fantastic photos guys. Very sharp! I’ve done a road trip from LA through to Arizona, Utah and Nevada. It was our first time in America and I did this with my husband and young son. Also, we drove from Berlin to London. I’m not sure that you would call it a road trip per se, but I think driving through 5 independent countries and then crossing the British Channel should surely count LOL! Nice post guys. 🙂

Hi Victoria, Thanks for the compliment. Sounds like you’ve done some awesome road trips. I call Berlin to London a road trip for sure. Anytime you drive and travel, it’s a road trip to me! Love it!

Wow, what a great list of road trips! Some wonderful photos too. Really like the bamboo forest. I’ve only done a couple road trips that you have listed…Page to Antelope Canyon being one of them. I actually did a little video if your readers are interested: http://www.mikesroadtrip.com/antelope-canyon

Thanks Mike, that bamboo forest is pretty incredible eh? I’ll definitely check out the video, thanks for sharing.

Would love to do every single one of the road trips you mentioned above. Especially the Mongol Rally would be something I´d love to do. My aunt and uncle did it a couple of years ago and they fell in love with the landscape in Mongolia. If you have a chance you should do a road trip in Southern France. The Lavender Route is a great route where you will drive along one of the largest canyons in Europe and you will drive past the famous lavender fields.

Your Aunt and Uncle are right. The landscape of Mongolia is so beautiful, we both really want to go back. We’ve actually done Southern France, I should have included that one! We went from Paris through the South of France, into Spain and then over to the Cinque Terre in Italy. You’ve reminded me that I will have to add it to this list when I get a chance.

Great list!! We are currently driving the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland! Also headed to the Causeway Coast. Love the Lake Superior Circle Tour (Duluth/Superior is our home town!!!) and loved the Road to Hana. Nothing like a great road trip.

Have an amazing time on the Wild Atlantic Way! It’s incredible isn’t it? And enjoy the Causeway Coast,try to stay over night at the Giant’s Causeway to see it in the morning or at sunset without all the tour buses there. Totally worth it.

Great post with amazing photos!

Thanks Johnny! And thanks for the inspiration it was #TravelSkills that got me thinking about putting all the road trips together!

I’ve only been to a few of these road trips, looks like quite a few more I would need to add to my bucket list – gorgeous pics!

Thanks Noel, I’m glad we could inspire you with a few ideas:)

Fantastic list of imagination I love road trips very much. I feel more close to nature Maybe in my next trip I’ll think about one of them and over time I’ll try it all Thank you I’m constantly following up on your advice

Thanks Noel even I am glad to know this Thank You very much

25 Practical Tips for Long Road Trips

By Jason Barnette | Travel writer and photographer with 15+ years of road tripping experience

• Last Updated on May 26, 2023
• Published on July 7, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Affiliate Disclosure here .

You’re finally ready to embark on that epic road trip that will take you across the country from sea to shining sea. The gas tank is full, you’ve checked off every item on the packing list, and you’re ready to hit the road. But are you actually ready for a long road trip?

The longer a road trip, the more complicated it can get. I didn’t say would get, but it certainly can get complicated. Have you packed enough clothing for the entire trip, or will you need to do laundry along the way? Are you ready for chilly nights, rain, and unexpected adventures? Unfortunately, these are the kinds of questions many people don’t consider until the road trip is underway – and it’s too late to make many changes.

These 25 practical tips for long road trips will help you get prepared long before you leave home, save money along the way, and help you spend more time enjoying the road trip and less time dealing with those pesky complications.

Buy food at grocery stores instead of gas stations

Road trip snacks are almost as necessary as gasoline for the car – they even perform similar functions. But one of the worst things a person can do on a road trip is to buy the snacks spontaneously at random gas stations along the way.

Save money and time with those snacks at grocery stores or bulk purchase stores. Stock up on all the snacks, drinks, and coffee at a fraction of the price of buying it along the way. The more you save, the longer you can drive.

Get your car inspected

Before leaving home, get your car inspected. Most national chain auto repair shops offer free inspections because they want your business when they find something wrong with the car.

But it’s an excellent way to get all the fluids topped off, tires rotated and balanced, and the hundreds of moving parts of a car inspected before you leave. Spur of the moment auto repairs during a road trip can be prohibitively expensive – not to mention you might have to shack up at a roadside motel for a few days while the work is done.

Keep your car maintained

Did you know properly inflated tires can lead to better gas mileage? Under-inflated tires cause a drop of 0.2% miles per gallon for every 1 PSI of all tires. That may not seem like much, but it can add up on long road trips.

Consider a 5,000-mile road trip in a vehicle that gets 30 miles per gallon. This would require 167 gallons of gas to complete the trip. However, if all four tires are underinflated by an average of 4 PSI, that means the vehicle is only achieving 27.6 miles per gallon. This would require 182 gallons to complete the trip – an increase of 15 gallons.

Beyond tire pressure, be sure to maintain fluids for the radiator, brakes, and engine oil to prevent damage to the engine. Replaced burned out headlights and taillights immediately. Keep up with oil changes and tire rotations for trips longer than 5,000 miles.

20 Essential Travel Apps for Awesome Road Trips

Set a reasonable daily mileage goal

The point of a road trip is to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Driving 500 miles per day on the interstate highways doesn’t make for a very enjoyable road trip adventure. Driving that far on two-lane roads is incredibly tedious and exhausting.

By the time you stop at a couple roadside attractions, go for a hike in a state park, sit down for lunch, and take a short detour, the number of miles you’ll be able to cover in a single day will be limited at best. But that’s the point of the road trip! Set a limited number of miles to drive each day, giving yourself plenty of time to enjoy everything you’ll discover along the way.

Avoid rush hour traffic and peak dinner times

Sitting in congested traffic and waiting for food are two of the biggest examples of losing time on a long road trip. In fact, those are the biggest time wasters for just about any kind of travel. But there is a simple way to avoid losing time: avoid rush hour and peak dinner times.

Eat breakfast after 9 a.m., get lunch around 2 p.m., and consider dinner either early at 4 p.m. or wait until 7 p.m. During those time frames, you’ll get seated faster, and food served quicker. Also, when driving around town or between destinations, avoid the rush hours of 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.

As an added bonus, use a navigation app or dedicated GPS device in your car that includes traffic information – this information will help you spot potential traffic jams from congestion, construction, or accidents and usually includes optional detours. Using an app like OpenTable ( iOs | Android ) will allow you to make reservations at many restaurants – cutting down the time spent waiting for a table to open.

Road Trip to the 8 Presidential Sites Throughout Northern Ohio

A void Small Town Travel on Sundays and Mondays

Roll into almost any small town with a population of less than 20,000 on a Sunday or Monday, and you’re likely to find every restaurant, museum, and attraction closed. It’s not from the owners’ lack of business sense but rather because the owners often work in their businesses, and they want a couple of days off each week.

Sundays and Mondays tend to be the most common days these local businesses are closed. However, it may also include mid-weekdays like Tuesday and Wednesday. Instead of visiting the small towns, consider spending the night in state or national parks, driving scenic routes, or just taking a couple of days to relax.

Pack everything – including the kitchen sink

I own six rain jackets, four sets of trekking poles, and two pairs of Crocs Swiftwater shoes . It’s not because I want a particular color combination for each day of the week, but instead because I kept leaving the items behind, thinking I wouldn’t need them.

Pack everything you can possibly fit into your vehicle for a long road trip. Go beyond your tentative itinerary and think about things you enjoy doing that you might want to do along the way. Take those golf clubs or stunt kites, pack the fleece hoodie, and bring more than two pairs of shoes. Although it’s impossible to prepare for every eventuality, every little bit helps save money in the budget.

Fill the gas tank on Monday

GasBuddy ( iOS | Android ) conducted a survey a few years ago to determine the best and worst times for gas prices. Interestingly, Mondays were the cheapest day of the week to get gas on average, with the best time coming around 10 a.m.

Also, interesting – though not surprising – was that the worst day to get gas was Friday or the day before a major holiday. During those days, gas prices tended to spike first thing in the morning.

18 Essential Items That Belong on Every Road Trip Packing List

Don’t rely on cellular service

One universal constant of any long road trip is the eventuality of running into a cellular dead zone. Rural areas in the Midwest, rugged terrain in the Rockies, and sporadically throughout the Southeastern United States are areas in between cellular towers that will leave your cellphone or tablet as useful as screen doors for submarines.

Be prepared to eventually lose cellular service during your long road trip. Download Google Maps ( iOS | Android ) for offline use, make sure all your apps are up to date, and download movies for entertainment. Doing as much of this as possible while connected to WIFI will prevent you from breaching a monthly data limit.

Plan to do laundry on the road

Depending on the length of the road trip, the activities you plan to enjoy along the way, and your fashion style, it just might not be possible to pack a new outfit for every single day. So rather than pack five suitcases stuffed with every stitch of clothing you own, consider doing laundry somewhere along the way.

As a rule of thumb, pack at least five of each type of clothing. Shorts, pants, tees, polos or blouses, underwear, and socks. On top of that, pack something for chilly nights and rain. This will give you about a week of clothing – but you’ll need to get used to wearing those shorts and that shirt more than once in between washing.

Buy a laundry bag and take it with you on the road trip. However, do not buy laundry detergent ahead of time. The heat and humidity will ruin most detergents and leave your car with an overwhelming smell. When you finally decide to do laundry, be sure to take enough quarters to complete your load, never leave your laundry unattended, and always use a laundromat during daylight hours.

Get organized

Organizing all your clothing, gear, food, and accessories is a crucial and often overlooked aspect of any long road trip. But, after two, three, or four weeks of restacking bags, hunting for that small item, and shifting cargo around every curve of the road, you’ll be on the edge of losing it.

Buy stuff sacks or use gallon-sized Ziplock bags to organize smaller items. Buy midsized duffel bags or plastic totes for organizing smaller bags. Stackable totes that can lock together are best for keeping the totes from sliding around in the vehicle. Label everything and always leave the most frequently used items on top.

Get plenty of sleep

The first few days of a long road trip, you’ll likely feel energized by the excitement and tempted to stay up 18 hours a day. I can typically keep that level of stamina going for about the first three weeks of constant travel – but eventually, everyone slows down.

Getting plenty of sleep is important to maintaining your mental and physical health, not to mention keeping morale high. Spending too much time traveling and not enough sleeping will eventually lead to exhaustion, depression, and moodiness.

On a long road trip, plan to take one or two days a week off from travel. Find a nice roadside motel, splurge on a super nice hotel with a free hot breakfast, or settle into a campground for two nights. Avoid the temptation to go out and explore the area – just focus on rest and relaxation.

Road Trip Along the Scenic Route from Gatlinburg to Asheville

Keep the car clean (inside and out)

The day before any road trip begins, I always find one of those really nice car washes with the conveyor belt that pulls the vehicle through a wash cycle. Then, after getting the exterior cleaned – included RainX and a tire shine – I visit the vacuum cleaners. There is no greater feeling than starting a long road trip with a squeaky-clean vehicle.

On long road trips, it will probably be necessary to do a little cleaning along the way. Car washes are easy enough. Instead of relying on their vacuum cleaners – or paying for them – consider buying the THISWORX Car Vacuum Cleaner . It uses 12v power with a removable collection bin and comes with a nice travel bag.

For an added touch, the Little Trees Vent Wrap Car Air Freshner’s “new car smell” will make your vehicle smell brand new after getting it clean.

Join a roadside rescue plan

Most auto insurance companies and cellular providers offer some sort of roadside assistance rescue plan. If you don’t have the option for either of those, consider buying a AAA membership to access their roadside rescue plan.

At the very least, roadside rescue plans will unlock a vehicle, tow your vehicle to safety, and provide gas in case you run out. Better plans will include longer towing distances and more gas. It’s the one thing you never think about until you need it – so this time, plan ahead.

Road Trip on the Scenic North Carolina Waterfall Byway

Keep up with monthly bills

Only about 40% of Americans use auto pay for monthly bills like utilities and credit card payments – I’m not one of them. One of the biggest mistakes with long road trips that last more than a month is forgetting to take care of those bills before you hit the road or somewhere during the trip.

It’s easy to pay those bills with the home computer with your login information saved, but could you pay those bills on the road with a cellphone or tablet? Be sure to take your login information with you and keep it in a safe location like a locked glovebox or portable security case. Add the due date for any bills to your travel itinerary – and remember that cellular service is not a guarantee everywhere.

Life Pro Trip: Many credit card companies and certain utilities allow you to choose a due date for your monthly bill. Aligning all these bills for the same due date makes it easier to keep up with – especially while you’re traveling.  

Leave room for souvenirs

I know I said “pack everything – including the kitchen sink” earlier, but don’t go overboard and fill the entire vehicle before you hit the road. More than likely, you will want to buy some souvenirs along the way.

Smaller souvenirs like clothing, décor, and Christmas ornaments – my favorite type of souvenir to buy – are easy enough to pack into a bag or tote in the vehicle. But if you buy more oversized items like artwork, glassware, or large gift items, ask the retailer if they can ship them to your home or a relative’s home for safekeeping. Often, the shipping is included, especially in areas of high tourism where they expect the buyers to be non-locals.

Insider Tip: An easy way to keep up with souvenirs on a long road trip is to mail them to a friend or relative. The Flat Rate boxes at the United States Postal Service come in several sizes and are indeed a single flat rate – ranging from about $5-$15 per box – no matter where you ship it in the continental U.S.

Bring your favorite ___________

Do you have a favorite coffee mug? Slippers? Or what about a television series you love to watch? Just because you’re going on a road trip doesn’t mean you can’t bring some of those with you.

Bringing your favorite items with you on a long road trip can help you feel more at home and relaxed. Instead of missing that perfect coffee mug or comfortable slippers, you’ll feel much better having them with you.

Have an itinerary but leave room for spontaneity

It’s always good to have a travel itinerary. It’s essential to know the business hours of museums, restaurants, and attractions, so you don’t arrive too late or on a day when they are typically closed. Building an itinerary can help you avoid those frustrations.

However, leave room for spontaneous detours that will inevitably come along during a long road trip. Be prepared for entire destinations to change as your route progresses. Take advice from locals and be willing to give something new a try!

Road Trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Fill all prescriptions and bring extra

For three years, I worked as a certified pharmacy technician at CVS/Pharmacy in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. During the hectic – sometimes chaotic – summer months, we would sometimes fill thousands of prescriptions in a single day. The most common type of prescription was for someone who had left the medication at home.

If you have any kind of regular medication, be sure to pack that for your trip. But for long road trips that last more than 30 days, you might run out while on the road. Make sure your prescription has refills on file with your pharmacy or take a new prescription with you – as long as it is not a controlled substance. If your insurance allows, consider getting two or three months’ worth filled at one time for your long road trip.

Watch out for 140-degree heat in the car

On sunny days during the summer months, vehicles’ internal temperatures can rise 30-40 degrees higher than the outside temperature. When I was a kid, I remember going for a walk to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse during a family vacation. When we returned, my mom opened the back of the car to make snacks – only to discover the Cheese Whiz had exploded all over the car!

The high internal temperatures of vehicles can ruin more than just pressurized cans of food. Contact lenses, prescriptions, electronics, and coolers are all susceptible to damage from temperatures over 100 degrees.

You can reduce those internal temperatures by using a windshield sunshade. Close the sunshade on the moonroof. You may even consider buying curtains for the side windows – it’s not as silly as you might think.

Set a daily and final budget

My first road trip adventure of 2021 was a spontaneous, itinerary-free adventure along the Gulf Coast from Gulf Shores, Alabama, across Florida to Vero Beach. After a week exploring that area of Florida, I was considering heading south to Key West for what would have been my first visit. But when I looked at my bank account, my heart hit the floor when I realized my travel budget was at an end.

I’ve never been good at creating or keeping to a travel budget, and that resulted in a road trip cut short. So the better method is to create a daily budget and stick to it. But also give yourself leeway for those rare opportunities to do something awesome and set a final budget for the entire trip.

The advantage of a long road trip is that if you’re on the road long enough, you might just get an extra paycheck while you’re traveling. So how many vacation days do you have saved up for your long road trip?

Only travel by day

Some people only travel at night to avoid any traffic congestion at all – and that’s a good idea. But driving on unfamiliar roads at night poses some safety issues – not to mention what would happen if your vehicle broke down at 3 a.m.

The safest and surest way is to only travel by day. It will be much easier to keep aware of the unfamiliar road ahead, and you’re certain to get roadside assistance faster during normal business hours.

The Ultimate Road Trip on the Skyline Drive Through Shenandoah National Park

Choose the best road trip route

My #1 Rule for Road Trips is no interstate highways. There is just no reason to take a road trip route onto the interstate – you’ll miss everything along the way.

But what is the best road trip route? National scenic byways are a good start – there are dozens across the country. But sometimes, the most scenic or exciting road trip route is just a simple country road connecting interesting destinations. The best way to find those is to ask the locals – they always know the best route.

Document the trip

After returning home from an epic long road trip, it might be difficult to remember precisely where you found that amazing cheeseburger or savory salted caramel ice cream cone or watched that stunning sunset. It can be downright frustrating when you realize you don’t have a single photo to share or any clue where to find the name of that restaurant.

But what exactly does it mean to document the trip? I am not advocating for ten thousand photos plus an additional five thousand selfies from your long road trip. Don’t become one of those people who jump out of the car on the Blue Ridge Parkway just long enough for a selfie and then leave just as quickly.

It starts with the photos. Capture an exterior photo of every restaurant, museum, and attraction you visit – and be sure to include the name of the business. Capture an interior photo and then one or two photos of every meal or activity.

Take a journal. Jot down notes of the places you visit. Feelings. Smells. Sights. Take note of the business name, details of the food you eat, and reaction to museums. Draw pictures and maps, create word maps, put any word to paper that comes to mind. It will all be wonderful to see all the photos and notes again when your long road trip is finished.

Keep in touch with regular updates

One of the most important safety measures you can take during a long road trip is to let someone know where you are and where you are going by the end of the day. Particularly in places where cellular reception could be spotty, it’s good to tell someone that by nightfall, you should be at a particular destination and able to call them again.

That way, if your vehicle breaks down while in a cellular dead zone with little traffic, at least someone knows the route you were driving to send rescue your direction.

5 Responses

Great tips. Do you have a good app that we can use to track how our car is doing. So like we put in the mileage and it does the calculations for us of how many miles to gallon and stuff like that?

The best app I know about is called Mile IQ. It’s meant for contractors who have to keep up with their mileage for bookkeeping, but it works for road trippers as well. Give that a look and let me know if it works~!

Wrote down some of the tips that I want to remember before the trip. Changed the idea of minimizing clothing to being sure to cover (see what I did there) all bases. Like having a warm hoodie even though I am planning a trip, late June, to the South. Having something & not needing it is so much more logical that getting something I already have but not bringing it. Thank you for your tips.

Thank you very much for taking the time to put these tips together! Very helpful!

Great tips, thank you! My son is traveling the month of May on a solo road trip for the first time so wanted to pass these tips on to him!

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The 12 Best Beginner Motorcycles For Long Road Trips

I t's easy to romanticize the idea of setting off on a long road trip, especially when it concerns doing it on two wheels . It's a chance to revel in the freedom the open roads give you, explore, and, quite importantly, get to know the vehicle enabling this experience. Given that, though, it's critical to get the right kind of machine along for this trip.

UPDATE: 2024/01/26 16:17 EST BY RAUNAK AJINKYA

Road trips, in general, can be tough if you don't have the right motorcycle along for the ride, especially if you are a novice rider. Given that, we have updated this list to include a few more entries of motorcycles perfectly suited for the job.

This is especially true if you're a rider devoid of a lot of seat time. The last thing you want to do is bring someone's sportbike along because while it may have a lot of power and consume miles rapidly, it's something you'll tire of rather quickly because of the compromised riding triangle. Luckily, this list should help you get through that selection process. It features beginner-friendly motorcycles you can legitimately rely on for long road trips by the likes of Suzuki , Harley-Davidson , Yamaha , and even Ducati, among others.

How we got our model selections: To compile this list, HotCars made a list of all the appropriate motorcycles on offer that enable long trips. While power was considered a criterion to narrow the list down, the motorcycles also needed to be beginner-friendly, meaning priority was given to motorcycles with comfortable ergonomics, impressive fuel tank capacity, and easy-to-handle curb weight figures. It should be noted that this list is a mix of motorcycles currently in production and those that have been discontinued but can be readily found in the used market. Also, the motorcycles have been organized in increasing order of the current market values.

Top 10 Beginner Motorcycles Under 500cc

Suzuki boulevard s40, used price range: $2,000-$6,000.

Suzuki's cheapest Boulevard doesn't leave you wanting for much. The 652cc engine is strong but not too strong for the bike's weight. It's not quite as long as other cruisers, which is nice for a beginner, and it's got a fairly affordable used price range, too. The seating is relaxed, with handles a little closer to you.

The newer ones come in a cool street-color gray and a classic blue. The way it features less chrome with a blacked-out engine and black finish on the wheels makes it look sporty and simple. A single speedometer over the gas tank is analog, and it has plates on the sides for saddlebags if you need cargo space.

2019 Suzuki Boulevard S40 Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs )

Harley-Davidson Iron 883

Used price range: $2,000-$10,000.

This Harley-Davidson gets 833 America-made ccs of power and goes for well under $10k in the used market. It's one of the best Harleys to start with, and you won't get kicked out of a biker bar for owning one. The Iron 883 has a V-Twin engine. If you don't know, this is a cool thing to have if you wear a leather jacket with patches unironically.

Admittedly, you don't get quite as much for your investment as an Indian Scout Sixty, and both will always be less reliable than a Honda or Kawasaki, but there are some things that just don't compare, like the trademark Harley rumble! Plus, with motorcycles, there's always less to fix than with cars so that you can do a lot of the work yourself.

2008 Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Specs

Yamaha v star 250, starting msrp: $4,699.

The Yamaha V-Star 250 is one of the very best for uneasy beginners looking to road trip . A new one costs just $4,699, and it gets 78 MPG. That means 195 miles between stops, which is pretty decent for a motorcycle. If you haven't figured it out, most of the time, the numbers by the name represent the ccs in a bike, so this has 249 (thus, 250). That means it's a very comfortable beginner's bike that won't scare you but can still get up to cruising speed faster than most cars. It also means the bike is lighter and easier to control.

It has a decent rear seat for passengers and a good base for saddlebags and packs. The speedometer is analog, and the styling is classic, so you might get confused if you park by any V-Star from the past 40 years. Despite the timeless look, the bike holds up to aging well and won't feel rough or uncomfortable on a long trip.

2024 Yamaha V-Star 250 Specs

(Specs sourced from WebBikeWorld )

These Are The Best Cheap Beginner Motorcycles From Japan

Ducati scrambler sixty2, used price range: $5,000-$7,000.

The Scrambler Sixty2 is a 399cc sportbike marketed more towards women. It weighs less than any on this list at just 403 lbs, which is great for people worried about laying it down on accident. It may look like a "naked" (a sportbike with no fairings or extra body covers), but this bike gets just shy of 250 miles of range, and even though the seat is a little more aggressive and won't hug your buns, the way it's shaped actually is relaxing and won't rub your behind the wrong way like a dirt bike (for men and women).

This bike won't be able to hold saddlebags, but the Sixty2 makes a great road trip bike for someone who won't spend more than three days riding in a row and wants a good in-town motorcycle the rest of the time. Surprisingly, for its size (but not for Ducati's standards), it can go up to 100 mph, so you'll never be left wanting more power on the freeway.

2018 Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 Specs

Bmw g 310 gs, starting msrp: $5,890.

The BMW G 310 GS is an adventure bike , meaning with some knobby tires, it makes a decent dirt bike for trails as well. With an adventure bike, you get way more travel (7.5 inches) for smoother rides, a more comfortable seat than a dirt bike, and a more upright seating position than dirt or bullet bikes. The 310 GS is one of the cheapest Beamers you can buy new for just $5,890. That being said, it is a Beamer. This won't win any awards for reliability.

The 310 GS makes a comfortable 313cc that won't get you up any hill climbs but will easily take you up to 90 miles per hour. With 71 MPG, it has a range of 213 miles. The digital display shows gas, gear, and speed in bold fashion, and the LED light makes for a great off-road light in bright mode.

2024 BMW G 310 GS Specs

Honda rebel 500, starting msrp: $6,499.

The Rebel 500 is an affordable and comfortable bike that will last you your whole life. It has 471ccs, which won't let you do any wheelies but does get you up to cruising speed sooner than you need. To keep yourself from locking up your brakes (a significant factor in motorcycle crashes), you can and should get the ABS option. The blacked-out bike may mimic a Harley, but the low seat height makes it ideal for women and the height-challenged. It is also surprisingly fitting for full-height people.

The Rebel has been around for years, so used ones aren't hard to find, and a new one will run for just $6,499. The digital cluster is simple and includes a fuel gauge (not included on all motorcycles). Honda’s slip/assist clutch makes shifting easy for the uninitiated, but sadly, this doesn't come with an automatic transmission. The manual is very forgiving, easy to learn, and worth it, in our opinion. This bike is ideal for beginners who don't plan on switching bikes for years to come.

2024 Honda Rebel 500 Specs

These are the best beginner motorcycles money can buy, kawasaki vulcan s, starting msrp: $7,349.

According to their official website, Kawasaki advertises the Vulcan as being able to fit a wide range of people. The 649cc engine has a good kick at low to mid-range for city stops, but it can also get up to 100 mph. For $7,349, it will feel sportier and quicker than other bikes, but it's also reportedly fun to sit on on the freeway! It has one of the most natural seating positions of any bike under $10,000, probably because it's adjustable.

It may look nothing like a beginner's bike, but it is what Kawasaki offers as their entry-level cruiser . If you're not worried about the bike weighing a little more, it is a very forgiving and comfortable ride. ABS is available, features like a windshield and back support are easy to add, and they are a massive plus on long rides.

2024 Kawasaki Vulcan S Specs

Honda nc750x, starting msrp: $9,499.

If there were a contender for the bike on this list that you could buy with your eyes closed, the Honda NC750X would be right up there at the top of that list.

It's easy on the eyes, great for beginners in terms of the riding ergonomics, is affordable enough, has a great ride, and the DCT on it is the cherry on the icing. It even includes riding modes, a windshield, and a low seat height. That the NC750X often gets discounted is a puzzle.

2024 Honda NC750X Specs

Triumph tiger 660, starting msrp: $9,695.

The star of the show here is, of course, Triumph's lovely 3-cylinder engine, but the Tiger 660 is no one-trick pony. This is about as close to ideal for beginners to get on and go on a long trip .

Tack on luggage and load it up, and the excellent tractability of the motor will still pull you along comfortably. You can even add optional extras that will make the journey more comfortable, like additional lighting and heated grips. Hard to fault the Tiger 660, really.

2023 Triumph Tiger 660 Specs

10 best beginner motorcycles money can buy, bmw f 750 gs.

BMW's GS motorcycle lineup is legendary . The F 750 GS is a natural at completing longer journeys in absolute comfort. One of the most important factors is, of course, the seat, and the F 750 GS makes do with one that's ideally suited to road trips.

At 32.1 inches, it's much lower than you'd expect for a bike this size, but if that's not enough, BMW will also sell you a suspension lowering kit and soft seat, bringing the seat height down further to 30.3 inches. In addition to that, it also gets dynamic traction control, ride modes, and adjustable brake and clutch levers, among others. For the money, it's quite a deal.

2023 BMW F 750 GS Specs

Indian scout sixty, starting msrp: $11,749.

The Indian Scout Sixty is one "beginner" bike that will earn you a lot of respect . It starts at $11,749 and is pretty long and wide but isn't necessarily heavy. The wider handlebars give you better in-city control around corners, and ABS is an option. The engine is 1000ccs, the most of any on this list, but not something an average-fit person couldn't handle easily.

While this is more of a luxury option, it allows for things like a windshield (don't discount how useful one of these is after just two hours of 60+ mph wind in your face) and genuine leather saddlebags. The seat is wide, which benefits the narrow-waisted as well as larger people.

2024 Indian Scout Sixty Specs

Energica eva esseesse9+, starting msrp: $16,110.

This electric bike warrants some cautionary tales: First, do not listen to music until you are comfortable with traffic flow and riding defensively! Cars cannot hear you at all, and they can't see you too well either. Also, its range is 143 miles combined, which is not the best for long trips but is still passable with some planning.

With that out of the way, you get an 80% charge in 40 minutes with a fast charge! All you need to do is stop for a meal by a power station, and you're as well off as any ICE bike. The EsseEsse9 has a nice, upright position , but you're also working with a lot of torque, so make sure you take it slow, or you can pop a wheelie. Otherwise, unlike combustion bikes, it's small and simple and won't have any mechanical issues to stump you. The gauge is simple and can tell the range so you won't be left without power.

2020 Energica EVA EsseEsse9+ Specs

(Specs sourced from Bikez )

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Advice about planning a long road trip through the USA - Road Trips Forum

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Advice about planning a long road trip through the USA

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We are planning a road trip as a couple across the United States and would appreciate your feedback about our general plan.

Some background:

Duration: up to 90 days.

Starting point: Seattle

End point: New York

Interests: We love nature, specifically hiking, camping. Additionally, we enjoy good shows (las vegas and new york come to mind) and amusement parks.

Budget: For the most part, as it is a long trip, we want it to be budget-friendly and up to 400$ for both of us per day on average. (Hopefully less on the west coast and probably more on the east coast?). Would it be feasible?

Our current high-level plan:

Our trip will be divided into two parts.

The first part is focused mainly on nature and national parks along the west coast and we anticipate this part of the trip to last about 60 days.

We will begin our journey in Seattle, where we plan to rent a campervan or an RV (we are still trying to determine the pros and cons of each). Then, we will travel in a big loop visiting several national parks along the way. We have a list of possibilities, and we may stay longer in some parks than others based on our preferences.

The second part of our trip will last around 20 days and will focus on the East Coast. We plan to begin in Miami Keys, visit a few Disney and Universal parks in Orlando, fly to Boston for a few days, and then fly to New York for another few days before returning to our home country.

Questions and feedback:

We would love to hear your thoughts on our plan, as well as feedback on things to look out for or things you would recommend changing. Additionally, we have a few specific issues we need clarification on.

This will be our first time renting a campervan or an RV; as such, we would love to hear your thoughts about this idea and the issues we might be overlooking.

One issue that we noticed was which platform to rent from. We have seen Outdoorsy but are hesitant due to their obscure insurance program. We noticed that they only offer state minimum liability, which doesn't seem right, and they only provide more than that on their most expensive plan, which doubles the rental price and makes renting a van less cost-effective than perhaps getting a car and staying in motels, do any of you have experience with them?

Is a budget of 400$ per day for both of us reasonable in such an outline of a trip? How much should we budget for the first and second parts of our trip? 

What are the pros and cons of renting a campervan over an RV over a car and a motel on such a trip? 

Thank you in advance. We appreciate any help and advice you can offer.❣️❣️

66 replies to this topic

@charlottem, do you keep food (and toiletries -- even lip balm!) in your truck or do you use a bear proof method of storing it or hang it from a tree?

I have read about bears breaking into vehicles to get at food, especially in Yosemite. They have such a strong sense of smell a locked truck is no obstacle. https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bears.htm

I would say as long as you're where you want to be by dusk, that's probably good enough.

I was surprised to find out that the timed entry restrictions for Yosemite include driving through on Tioga Road/CA-120.

panchopup ~ the smart bears in & near Yosemite figured out how to climb trees to get food. Bear canisters were invented to thwart them! And no food is allowed inside a vehicle at night in Yosemite. Nothing with an odor. Of course bears might break into your vehicle in the day when you have hidden your food, but generally bears are easy to scare away and are seen during the day.

travellerCA ~ Locals can just drive through Tioga Road, but when the NPS tried to allow others just to "pass through", many of them cheated and detoured to other areas or stopped to hike. So now all visitors need a permit or an overnight reservation inside the Park (or a few other options.)

Whenever in Bear country, I keep food either locked in the truck or in a bear box when available. I also travel with a bear vault and the ability to hang food if necessary. In addition, I spent the extra money it costs to get a bear proof/bear resistant cooler that locks. And I always have bear spray on hand. With the basic precautions on place, in all my travels I've never had any problems with bears.

Good to know @charlottem. Might be something for the OP to be aware of and prepare for.

In regard to bears most of you will know that for the trips I take, bears and bear sightings are a serendipitous bonus, and far from the key objective of the trip unlike another DE of this forum. Nonetheless as somebody who has done quite a number of North American road trips through areas where bears can be present, we learned fast to think about being ‘bear aware’ about the trip and prepare an plan appropriately. Bears do not get mentioned as part of trip preparation often but for campers especially or those heading into more off the beaten track areas, some consideration should be made.

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10 Hybrid Cars That Are Perfect For Long Road Trips

Agog with hybrid cars, the U.S. market offers several ideal ones perfect for long road trips with expansive space and a great range of efficiency.

Read update

The following list has been updated to reflect the latest updates, as of 2024. All the vehicles are now pure hybrids, except for Mercedes-Benz S580e 4Matic which is the only plug-in hybrid on the list. The entries have been arranged in the increasing order of their range. The total estimated range and mileage is sourced from the official website of EPA to ensure credible information, so you are aided in making the best choice for your long drives.

Paramount to any long road trip is the art of planning ahead. Perhaps the most important factor to consider is the vehicle you will be traveling in. Fuel economy, cargo capacity, auto cruise control capabilities, and an entertaining infotainment system are all features that make any long road trip ahead quite relaxing for all those involved.

With the introduction of hybrid cars in the United States in 1999, long road trips have become much more economical in lieu of their ability to run on an electric motor and fuel. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics , hybrid cars captured 5.5-percent of the light vehicle market in the United States by the year 2021.

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To accommodate a growing market like the hybrid vehicle market, an extensive infrastructure has been built. Till May 2023, 138,111 examples of charging outlets and 53,393 units of charging stations have been built across the country. Traveling long distances in a hybrid car has never been easier, prompting more potential buyers to consider purchasing the best hybrid cars for long road trips.

UPDATE: 2024/05/08 13:00 EST BY VEDANT OJHA

Plug-in hybrid suv with the highest all-electric range in 2024, 1 2024 lexus ls 500h, overall driving range: 555 miles.

The 2024 Lexus LS is a luxury sedan, one of the few on this list, with a coupe-like profile. The 500h trim with a hybrid powertrain was launched globally on January 15, 2018, while the LS sedan has been around in the US since 1989. The first-gen LS was a direct competitor of the Mercedes-Benz S-class, and helped gain the emerging Lexus brand a lot of success and recognition.

In its fifth-generation now, the gasoline trim features a 416 horsepower turbocharged V-6, while the hybrid powertrain comprises a non-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 and two electric motors to make a combined 354 horsepower. With an eye-watering price tag of $115, the 500h has AWD setup as standard, while the other trims have that as an option. The 2024 Lexus LS 500h has an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency of 22 MPG city, and 29 MPG highway.

2024 Lexus LS 500h Specifications

(Source: Lexus, EPA)

• In 2024, the Lexus LS receives a larger 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a head-up display, and digital key functionality.
• Strangely, the transmission is a mashup of a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and a regular four-speed automatic which, according to Car and Driver, is decent as best .
• The trunk is generously sized at 15.2 cubic-feet, and can hold six carry-on suitcases, but the rear seatbacks are fixed, so bulky cargo items may not easily fit in the LS.
• What makes the expensive Lexus LS 500h a fair choice for long drives is the comfort this luxury sedan promises, with a competitive total estimated range.
• However, the unimpressive mileage paired with a brow-raising price tag diminishes its appeal when compared to other luxury sedans on this list.

2 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

Overall driving range: 565 miles.

The Corolla was first introduced in Japan by Toyota in 1966, and two years later, in the United States, for the 1969 model year. Since then, this model has come a long way, bolstering Toyota's reputation as offering simple, family-friendly, fuel-efficient cars. Now with a hybrid powertrain, the 2024 Toyota Corolla is a solid option for long drives . It offers an EPA-estimated 565 miles of total range, which means you can easily drive it from Philadelphia to Cleveland without worry.

However, if you expect some power from your long-range hybrid sedan, the Corolla is lacking as the Hybrid XLE trim only makes 138 horsepower. Its pure-gasoline siblings don't excite much either, with only 169 horsepower on offer. But when it comes to what most Toyotas are good at, fuel efficiency, the Corolla Hybrid XLE promises 53 MPG in the city, and 46 MPG on the highway.

2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid XLE Specifications

(Source: Toyota, EPA)

• If we overlook the horsepower, the Corolla does offer a lot, including options for ambient interior lighting, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats.
• Offering a total of 4 hybrid trims: Hybrid LE for $24,900, Hybrid SE, Hybrid Nightshade for $28,340, and Hybrid XLE for $27,250, the Toyota Corolla is one of the cheapest hybrid sedans on the market with impressive mileage.
• The Corolla Hybrid sedan only has 13.1 cubic-feet of trunk volume, which may not be a lot compared to other hybrid sedans on the list, but should be just enough for long trips, allowing you to stuff in four medium-sized suitcases.
• What's worth noting is that the Hybrid XLE trim is the only hybrid in the lineup that doesn't have an AWD setup.
• Like almost all sedans, the Corolla Hybrid can comfortably seat up to 5 individuals, and it pairs the powertrain with an E-CVT.

10 Electric Cars With The Lowest Range

3 2024 lexus es 300h, overall driving range: 581 miles.

Lexus launched the first-gen ES back in 1989, and now in its seventh-generation since 2019, the 2024 Lexus ES remains one of the best hybrid sedans on the market . With its hybrid trim known as ES 300h, the automaker is so confident that it doesn't shy away from calling it not just the most fuel-efficient Lexus sedan, but the most fuel-efficient among all non-plug-in luxury sedans.

Pairing the powerful performance of a potent 2.5-liter engine with an estimated 44-MPG combined economy , the ES 300h can easily travel from New Hampshire to New Jersey and back. Its powertrain churns a net combined horsepower of 215 ponies, zipping from standstill to 60 MPH in just 8.1 seconds.

2024 Lexus ES 300h Specifications

• The Lexus ES 300h hybrid sedan comes in several different trims with varying performance: the line starts with ES 300h, ES 300h Luxury, ES 300h Ultra Luxury, ES 300h F Sport Design, and ES 300h F Sport Handling.
• The performance doesn't change as you go up the trim levels, but additional features and luxury improve.
• A hallmark of the ES hybrid is its comfort. The seats are built to provide support throughout long journeys with their firm back support and minimal side bolsters.
• The rear seats are comfortable, and their flat design allows for long stretches.
• While the base trim starts at an MSRP of $44,490 , the price goes up to $50,885 for the top-of-the-line ES 300h F Sport Handling.

Plug-In Hybrid Sedan With The Highest All-Electric Range In 2024

4 2024 toyota crown, overall driving range: 594 miles.

The Toyota Crown has historically been in production since 1955, and it used to be sold only at premium Toyota showrooms. Although it was discontinued in the US in 1972, it made a comeback in 2023 with an all-hybrid lineup, another example of Toyota's electric ambitions.

It would, however, be unfair to call the Crown a pure sedan, as it betrays some SUV chops as well, perhaps to make it more attractive to new potential customers. The 2024 Toyota Crown features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and three electric motors with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

2024 Toyota Crown XLE AWD Specifications

• The 2024 Toyota Crown is offered in 4 trim levels: the XLE, Limited, Nightshade, and the top-of-the-line Platinum.
• While the XLE trim starts at $41,440, the most expensive is the Platinum, costing around $54,990 in the US.
• Toyota has positioned the Crown as a luxury sedan, and that is evident from the fact that all Crown trims offer a more luxury-oriented experience than other four-door offerings from Toyota.
• All Crown models have a hybrid powertrain, but only the top-spec Platinum model gets Toyota’s new Hybrid Max setup.
• The Hybrid Max setup on the Crown Platinum pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor on the rear axle for a combined 340 horsepower. However, that limits its fuel-efficiency.

5 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid

Overall driving range: 614 miles.

The Honda Accord was our pick as the Best Midsize Sedan Of 2024 . It received a major makeover in 2023, and in the 2024 iteration, it continues to be attractive, primarily because of the sheetmetal it dons. While the two entry-level trims, Accord LS and EX, run purely on gasoline, the hybrid engine makes an appearance starting with the Sport Hybrid trim .

The 2024 Honda Accord's hybrid powertrain is composed of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors that deliver a combined 204 horsepower. The EX-L Hybrid is the most frugal Accord, with a fuel efficiency of 51 MPG in the city, and 44 MPG on the highway, as per EPA . Not only is this trim the most efficient, but it offers a slight upgrade from the Sport Hybrid trim, with just a little under $2,000 extra.

2024 Honda Accord EX-L Hybrid Specifications

(Source: Honda, EPA)

• According to an independent test by Car And Driver, the Accord hybrid zipped from 0 to 60 MPH in just 6.5 seconds , while offering superb handling.
• Honda has redesigned the Accord's front seats to support torsos more firmly, which promises a good long drive.
• Moreover, the Japanese automaker has also carefully shaped the trunk to hold up to 16.7 cubic feet of cargo, which is impressive in the segment, allowing it to hold 4 standard suitcases.
• Although it doesn’t feature a traditional transmission, the E-CVT with Deceleration Selectors has been programmed to automatically adjust its RPM for smooth shifting.
• While the 2024 base gasoline Accord LX trim starts at $27,895, the EX-L Hybrid trim we're zooming in on here will cost you around $34,540 .

10 Electric Cars That Prioritize Efficiency Over Performance, Ranked By Range

6 2024 hyundai sonata hybrid, overall driving range: 620 miles.

The Sonata Hybrid first came out in 2011, and it was the first hybrid vehicle sold by the South Korean automaker in the United States. In its recent 2024 iteration, the Sonata can travel a total distance of 620 miles due to its 13.2 gas tank and 9.8 kWh lithium polymer battery .

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata gained popularity mainly as a reliable midsize hybrid for families with a cabin as spacious as an SUV. The hybrid’s performance is on par with its hybrid competitors, providing a smooth acceleration of 0 to 60 MPH in 8 seconds. This is largely due to its automatic six-speed transmission that channels its power to the front wheels.

2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL Hybrid Specifications

(Source: Hyundai)

• The 2024 Hyundai Sonata has received a host of upgrades this year. The new daytime running lights span the width of the front bumper. The rear bumper cover and taillights were also redesigned.
• What's truly fascinating about the 2024 upgrade are the two 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreens fitted to a single curved display mount.
• While most modern hybrids have moved over to a CVT, Hyundai still offers the conventional automatic transmission.
• Its cargo capacity expands over 16 cubic feet with a wide ease-of-use opening with access levels for the rear seats.
• With a total of 4 trims (of which two are hybrid, the SEL and the Limited), the 290 horsepower Sonata N-Line trim is one of the quickest front-drive cars in its league.
• The hybrid also comes with adaptive cruise control with the ability to stop and go.

7 2024 Toyota Prius

Overall driving range: 644 miles.

The Toyota Prius, our pick as the Best Small-Sized Sedan of 2024 , is yet another sedan that has been loved by the American market. Ever since it received a major facelift in 2023, it has become a lot more stylish to help improve its fan base. What bolsters its appeal is that it is significantly less expensive than most of the new compact electric cars on sale today.

The 2024 Toyota Prius Hybrid comes with a powerful electric motor working alongside a four-cylinder ICE engine. Its LE trim has a fuel consumption of 56 MPG on the highway. It features a 11.3-gallon gas tank that helps its traveling range to touch an impressive 644 miles.

2024 Toyota Prius LE Specifications

(Source: Toyota)

• The Prius, like almost all sedans, can seat up to 5 people comfortably.
• The Prius LE trim comes with an expansive cargo space of 23.8 cubic feet, while the XLE and Limited trims offer 20.3 cubic feet, allowing for easy storage of four to five standard suitcases.
• Although the 2024 Toyota Prius Hybrid comes with more legroom, its roof slopes inwards, causing any rear passenger over six feet to have their head dangerously close to the roof.
• The 2024 Toyota Prius comes in three trims with FWD as standard, but optional AWD. The three trims are LE, XLE, and Limited, quite like most Toyota trims.
• However, with the AWD trims, the fuel-tank capacity dips from 11.3 gallons to 10.5 gallons.

10 Electric Trucks With The Best Range

8 2024 hyundai elantra hybrid, overall driving range: 670 miles.

Another Hyundai features on this list, and it is the Elantra Hybrid, its Blue trim in particular . Boasting a fuel efficiency of top-of-the-segment 58 MPG on the highway, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue offers an impressive range of efficiency. Compact sedans are fairly popular among customers for a host of reasons, including that they are a great first-time buy for most, and they usually perform better on the fuel-efficiency front. The Elantra is a stylish example of one such car.

Courtesy of its 12.4-gallon gas tank alongside a 32 kW battery, the Elantra Blue can travel up to 670 miles , which is enough to travel from Miami to Atlanta in a single go. The cargo volume of 14.2 cubic-feet adds to its merits as a great sedan for long drives.

2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue Specifications

• Hyundai Elantra Hybrid prioritizes efficiency and comfort with thick tire sidewalls, making for a comfortable ride as the wheels absorb any jerks or shocks caused by undulated roads.
• It features well-cushioned seats, a suspension curated for pliancy, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. These features help make long drives more safe and comfortable.
• For the 2024 model year, Hyundai's compact car has been facelifted with a sharper-looking front end, updated exterior lighting elements, and new wheels. New color options are also available.
• The 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid starts at an MSRP of $21,625 , but the Hybrid Blue trim costs $26,250, which is practically a steal for a hybrid sedan with the performance it packs.
• The NHTSA, after conducting crash tests, awarded it a five-star rating.

9 2025 Toyota Camry

Overall driving range: 686 miles.

It wouldn't be hyperbole to say that the Camry is one of the most loved Toyota cars, at least in the US. And, with the 2025 model, it goes hybrid-only. This Japanese automaker's hybrid cars often rank high in terms of their fuel efficiency, as the Camry Hybrid LE boasts an impressive MPG of 53 on the highway , and 51 MPG in the city, as per EPA.

Positioned as one of the most affordable modern HEVs in the market today, the 2024 Camry features an 88 kW electric motor and 13.2-gallon fuel tank, to travel a total estimated distance of 686 miles, the highest driving range as of May 2024. The Camry Hybrid has no dearth of cargo space, which expands over 15.1 cubic feet, and can easily fit around three large suitcases with space to spare for small bags and loose items.

2024 Toyota Camry LE Specifications

• While it comes with a spacious cabin that offers 38 inches of legroom, its battery is positioned underneath its rear seats, thus the overall space isn’t as expansive as it could’ve been.
• However, due to the battery placement, its trunk has a lower liftover height and a wider opening.
• With an NHTSA rating of 5 stars, the 2024 Camry Hybrid makes for safe yet speedy long trips due to its power output of 225 horses.
• The Toyota Camry goes all hybrid, with four trim options: the base LE, SE, XLE, and the XSE, with prices starting from $28,400 all the way to $34,600 . All models are HEV.
• What's more is that, with the available AWD setup, the Camry makes 232 horsepower.

10 2024 Mercedes-Benz S580e 4Matic

Overall driving range: 470 miles.

If someone mentions luxury sedans with great performance, it's blasphemy to leave out the Mercedes-Benz S-class. From competitive power and performance, to unmatched comfort and luxury, this is a car loved by all, from CEOs to diplomats. The plug-in hybrid in the lineup, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz S 580e , is a special mention in this list of hybrids.

Pairing a turbocharged straight-six with an electric motor, the S 580e (S is an abbreviation for 'Sonderklasse', which means 'special class' in German) pumps out 510 horsepower. Like all S Class models, all-wheel drive is standard. With around 46 miles of all-electric range, this luxury plug-in hybrid went to 60 MPH from standstill in just 4.2 seconds , as per an independent test by Car And Driver. Interestingly, that is quicker than the 4.8 second time claimed by the German automaker.

2024 Mercedes-Benz S580e Specifications

(Source: Mercedes-Benz USA, EPA)

• The S580e plug-in hybrid sedan has an EPA-estimated mileage of 49 MPGe.
• Mercedes has given this PHEV a lot of screens; five to be precise, including a giant center touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
• Comfort is something Mercedes rarely misses out on , and the luxurious interior backs that. An enhanced head-up display shows navigation directions in augmented reality.
• The 2024 Mercedes-Benz S580e 4matic has a maximum cargo capacity of 12.4 cubic feet, which is just right for a sedan of this size.
• Priced at $127,750 MSRP, the Mercedes-Benz S 580e 4MATIC Sedan is equipped with the 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission, and the powertrain delivers a torque of 553 pound-feet combined.

Nuggets even series against Timberwolves with second road win

Nikola Jokic drops 35 points as the Nuggets hang on for a 115-107 win over the Timberwolves in Game 4 to even the series. (1:38)

• Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS -- Nikola Jokic scored 16 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter, and Aaron Gordon had 27 points on 11-for-12 shooting to propel the Denver Nuggets to a series-tying 115-107 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals.

Jamal Murray had 12 of his 19 points in the third quarter for the Nuggets in a momentum carryover from his buzzer-beating swish from behind the half-court line in the second quarter, and the Wolves only cut the deficit below double digits in the second half for brief stretches.

Anthony Edwards scored 44 points in another spectacular performance for Minnesota, shooting 16-for-25 from the floor. But despite a 42-31 rebounding edge, the Wolves were beaten at their own game for the second straight time at home by the defending NBA champions, who were fired up after dropping the first two games of the series on their home court.

"Game 2 definitely woke us up," Murray said. "We realized we can't hold ourselves back."

The series goes back to Denver for Game 5 on Tuesday night.

Mike Conley had 15 points, Karl-Anthony Towns went just 5-for-18 from the field for 13 points and 12 rebounds, and Rudy Gobert came alive late to score 11 points and grab 14 rebounds. Still, the Wolves were on their heels at home for a second straight outing.

Gordon didn't miss until there was 3:39 to go. The Nuggets scored eight points in 20 seconds to close the first half, highlighted by Murray's improbable heave.

"The shot-making, the play-making, the physicality, the defense on two All-Stars, so much is being asked of him right now," coach Mike Malone said. "What you love about Aaron Gordon since Day 1, when he put on that Nuggets uniform, It's always been about the Nuggets first. He is truly selfless."

The three off days between Games 2 and 3 did the Wolves no good, yielding a 27-point defeat after which coach Chris Finch declared them feeling "fat and lazy" after all the fawning near and far for their performance in Denver. The Wolves needed to reintroduce their edge right away in Game 4 to keep the crowd consistently roaring, and Edwards dutifully led that response.

The 2020 No. 1 draft pick scored nine points in the first four-plus minutes Sunday evening before Murray even touched the ball, with Gordon and Jokic sharing the point guard duties to reduce the burden on Murray and his strained left calf muscle.

After a quiet Game 3, Edwards was on a mission to will Minnesota to win, as the Nuggets fully expected. Their loading up on him in the lane wasn't enough, as he hit from everywhere on the court.

But the rest of the Wolves frequently failed to make Denver pay for leaving them open. They missed tip-ins at the rim, not just corner 3s. Towns missed his first seven shots, and while his effort and defense never suffered, he was a mess trying to get the ball to the basket, rarely drawing the fouls he argued for.

The Wolves showed off their league-best defense and their enviable depth in the first two games, but the Nuggets copied and pasted that formula on the road. When the Nuggets' secondary scorers and bench players are hitting their jumpers, they're awfully tough to beat.

Gordon, Justin Holiday (10 points), Christian Braun (11 points) and Reggie Jackson (six points) went a combined 8-for-11 from 3-point range. They fueled a 26-4 run that bridged the first and second quarters, and all but five points on that surge came with the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Gobert resting on the bench.