Travel

Famous Road Trips Around the World

admin · November 7, 2026 · 6 min read

Some journeys are about the destination, and some are about the road itself. The most famous road trips around the world combine dramatic scenery, history and that wonderful feeling of freedom that only comes with an open road ahead. This guide covers classic drives across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania, with practical notes to help you plan.

Distances, road conditions, seasonal closures and driving rules change, and some routes need permits or special vehicles. Always check the official source, such as national tourism boards and road authorities, before you travel, and plan driving time realistically with regular rest breaks.

Classic Road Trips in North America

North America has some of the most iconic road trips ever filmed, written about and sung about.

Route 66, USA: The historic highway once ran around 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica in California. It was officially removed from the US highway system in 1985, but much of it survives as Historic Route 66, lined with diners, neon signs and small towns.
Pacific Coast Highway, California: Mainly following State Route 1, this drive hugs cliffs and beaches, with Big Sur as a highlight. Sections can close after landslides, so check status before you go.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina: A 469-mile scenic road through the Appalachian Mountains, especially beautiful in autumn.
Overseas Highway, Florida: Roughly 113 miles of road and bridges connecting the Florida Keys, ending in Key West.
Icefields Parkway, Canada: About 232 kilometres between Lake Louise and Jasper in the Canadian Rockies, with glaciers, turquoise lakes and wildlife. Winter conditions can be severe.

Spectacular Drives in Europe

Europe packs huge variety into short distances, from coastal cliffs to mountain passes.

North Coast 500, Scotland: A circular route of around 516 miles starting and ending in Inverness. Many roads are single-track with passing places, so drive patiently and never park in passing places.
Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland: A coastal touring route of around 2,500 kilometres along Ireland’s west coast, from Donegal down to Cork.
Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway: A short but famous road of about 8 kilometres, hopping across islands on a series of bridges, dramatic in stormy weather.
Amalfi Coast, Italy: A narrow, winding coastal road between cliff-top villages. Traffic can be heavy in summer, and local restrictions may apply, so check before driving.
Romantic Road, Germany: A themed route of roughly 350 kilometres from Würzburg to Füssen, passing medieval towns and ending near Neuschwanstein Castle.
Transfăgărășan, Romania: A mountain road climbing through the Carpathians with countless hairpin bends. High sections are usually only open in summer.

Iceland’s Ring Road

Iceland’s Route 1, known as the Ring Road, loops around the island for about 1,300 kilometres. It passes waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches and volcanic landscapes. Weather can change quickly, and some roads leading off the Ring Road, especially highland F-roads, require four-wheel drive and are only open in certain months. Check road and weather updates daily, and never stop on the road itself to take photos.

Unforgettable Road Trips in Asia

Asia offers high-altitude adventures and busy coastal routes alike.

Manali to Leh Highway, India: Around 490 kilometres through the Himalayas, crossing high mountain passes. It is usually open only for part of the year, roughly from early summer to autumn, depending on snow. Altitude sickness is a real risk, so acclimatise gradually and check road conditions.
Mumbai to Goa, India: A popular coastal drive with beaches, forts and plenty of local food stops along the way.
Hai Van Pass, Vietnam: A scenic coastal mountain pass between Hue and Da Nang, famous for sea views.
Karakoram Highway, Pakistan and China: A high mountain road linking the two countries through remarkable scenery. Border crossings and permits apply, so research carefully.

Road Trips in Africa

African road trips combine wildlife, coastlines and vast landscapes.

Garden Route, South Africa: Roughly 200 kilometres between Mossel Bay and Storms River, with forests, lagoons and beaches.
Chapman’s Peak Drive, South Africa: A short toll road near Cape Town carved into the cliffside above the Atlantic.
Namibia’s coast and desert routes: Long gravel roads leading to the dunes of Sossusvlei and the Skeleton Coast. Fuel stops can be far apart, so plan carefully and drive slowly on gravel.

Australia and New Zealand

Oceania is made for road trips, with long empty roads and dramatic coastlines.

Great Ocean Road, Australia: Around 240 kilometres along the coast of Victoria, famous for the limestone stacks known as the Twelve Apostles.
Milford Road, New Zealand: A spectacular alpine route from Te Anau to Milford Sound. Avalanche risk can affect winter travel, so check conditions.
Sydney to Brisbane coastal route, Australia: Often promoted as the Legendary Pacific Coast, a long coastal journey between Sydney and Brisbane, with surf towns and beaches.

South America’s Epic Roads

Ruta 40 in Argentina runs for roughly 5,000 kilometres along the length of the country, parallel to the Andes, passing deserts, vineyards, lakes and Patagonian steppe. Parts are remote and unpaved, so it suits experienced travellers with careful planning. Chile’s Carretera Austral offers a wilder, rougher drive through Patagonian fjords and forests.

Choosing the Right Road Trip for You

Not every famous drive suits every traveller. Think about these factors before you choose.

Experience: Mountain passes, single-track roads and gravel routes demand more skill than well-paved highways. Newer drivers may prefer routes like the Garden Route or the Romantic Road.
Season: High-altitude roads such as the Manali to Leh Highway and the Transfăgărășan are only open for part of the year.
Driving side: Some routes are in left-hand traffic countries, such as Scotland, Ireland, India, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, while others drive on the right.
Vehicle: Remote routes may need a four-wheel drive vehicle, a spare tyre and extra fuel.
Time: Allow enough days to enjoy the route rather than racing through it. Rushed road trips are tiring and less safe.

Quick Tips for Planning a Famous Road Trip

Research driving rules for each country, including which side of the road to drive on and licence requirements such as an International Driving Permit.
Check seasonal closures, permits and road conditions on the official source before setting off.
Plan realistic daily distances, leaving time for stops and photos.
Take regular breaks and share the driving where possible to avoid fatigue.
Carry water, snacks, a first aid kit and offline maps, especially in remote areas.
Use proper pull-ins and car parks for photos, never the road itself.
Respect local communities, wildlife and nature, and leave no trace.

Final Thoughts

The famous road trips around the world all share a sense of adventure, but each offers something unique, from American nostalgia to Himalayan passes and Scottish single-track roads. Choose a route that matches your experience and the season, prepare properly, and drive with patience. The best road trips are the ones you enjoy safely from start to finish.