There’s something special about a long road trip—miles of open highway, the hum of your tires on the pavement, and that irresistible feeling of freedom. For some, this might sound like a daydream, but there are roads out there that seem to stretch on forever—roads that traverse entire countries, even continents.
Imagine starting in one country and driving thousands of miles until you’re in a completely different place. Maybe you’ve felt that sense of awe before—heading out on a road trip, knowing that the highway you’re on extends far beyond the horizon, connecting you to places you’ve never even imagined. That’s what these roads offer—adventure, discovery, and a reminder that sometimes, the journey really is the destination.
So, if the idea of a never-ending road trip appeals to you, buckle up. Here are 14 of the longest roads in the world.
1. Pan-American Highway (19,000 miles)
The Pan-American Highway is the undisputed king of long roads, spanning 19,000 miles from the frigid north of Alaska to the southern tip of Argentina. This massive network of roads connects two continents and takes you through some of the most diverse landscapes imaginable.
However, there’s a gap—the Darién Gap, a 100-mile stretch of impassable jungle between Panama and Colombia. Good news is that this gap can be circumnavigated by boat for the safety of travelers. But even with that break, this road remains the longest continuous stretch you can drive on Earth.
2. Highway 1, Australia (9,000 miles)
Highway 1 in Australia is not just a road, it’s a massive loop that circles the entire continent. Spanning 9,000 miles, it connects major cities like Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane, giving travelers a full tour of Australia’s coastal beauty. If you’re driving along the Great Barrier Reef or cruising through the red desert outback, Highway 1 is a testament to Australia’s vast and diverse landscapes.
It’s a must for anyone wanting to truly experience Australia’s natural wonders—from tropical rainforests to sun-baked plains.
3. Trans-Siberian Highway, Russia (6,800 miles)
Russia’s Trans-Siberian Highway is a journey through extremes. Stretching 6,800 miles from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok, it’s the longest continuous road in the world’s largest country. This road takes you through snowy forests, endless plains, and some of the most remote regions on Earth. In the winter, it becomes a test of endurance, with icy roads and harsh conditions challenging even the most seasoned drivers.
But the reward is an unparalleled view of Siberia’s wild and untamed beauty.
4. U.S. Route 20 (3,365 miles)
Running coast-to-coast from Boston, Massachusetts, to Newport, Oregon, U.S. Route 20 is the longest road in the United States. At 3,365 miles, this historic highway takes you through the heart of America—across the farmlands of the Midwest, the mountainous regions of the Rockies, and into the vast wilderness of the Pacific Northwest.
It’s the perfect road for anyone looking to experience the diversity of the American landscape, with plenty of small towns and national parks along the way.
5. China National Highway 318 (3,541 miles)
China National Highway 318, or G318, offers an epic road trip across one of the world’s most diverse countries. Starting in Shanghai, this road stretches over 3,500 miles to the Nepalese border, passing through picturesque rural areas, towering Himalayan peaks, and the Tibetan Plateau. Known for its beautiful but challenging mountain sections, G318 is not for the faint of heart, but the stunning views make it all worthwhile.
6. Golden Quadrilateral, India (3,633 miles)
India’s Golden Quadrilateral is an impressive network of highways that connects the country’s four largest cities, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. Covering over 3,600 miles, this road takes travelers through some of the busiest, most vibrant parts of India. The route blends modern urban environments with ancient rural landscapes, offering a unique snapshot of India’s evolving culture.
This road is a lifeline for the nation’s economy, but it’s also an incredible way to see India’s vast geography, from bustling markets to tranquil countryside and picturesque coastline.
7. Interstate 90, USA (3,020 miles)
Interstate 90 is one of the longest interstate highways in the United States, running from Boston to Seattle. Stretching over 3,000 miles, I-90 takes you from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific, passing through major cities like Chicago and through vast stretches of American heartland. From the open plains of the Midwest to the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains, this highway is a snapshot of America’s natural beauty.
It’s a dream for road-trippers, offering a scenic, coast-to-coast adventure.
8. Trans-Canada Highway (4,860 miles)
The Trans-Canada Highway is the world’s longest national road, covering 4,860 miles and connecting the country from Victoria, British Columbia, to St. John’s, Newfoundland. Along the way, you’ll experience the full range of Canadian landscapes, from the towering Rocky Mountains to the flat prairies of the Interior and the rugged coastlines of the Atlantic.
The road is a lifeline for travelers and truckers, but it’s also a road-tripper’s paradise, especially if you’re a fan of wide-open spaces and stunning natural beauty.
9. BR-101, Brazil (2,958 miles)
BR-101 is one of Brazil’s main coastal highways, running for nearly 3,000 miles along the Atlantic coastline from the northern state of Rio Grande do Norte to the southern border with Uruguay. This road is an incredible way to experience Brazil’s diverse ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to bustling cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
With scenic coastal views and a vibrant culture to explore, BR-101 is a favorite for those wanting to see the best of Brazil’s natural beauty and urban excitement.
10. Route 66, USA (2,448 miles)
Few roads are as iconic as Route 66. While it’s no longer part of the U.S. highway system, this historic route, once spanning from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, remains a symbol of the great American road trip. Covering 2,448 miles, Route 66 takes you through small towns, wide-open deserts, and some of America’s most famous landmarks.
Known as the “Mother Road,” it’s a nostalgic journey that embodies the spirit of adventure and the freedom of the open road.
11. Interoceanic Highway, South America (1,600 miles)
Connecting Peru’s Pacific coast with Brazil’s Atlantic coast, the Interoceanic Highway is an ambitious 1,600-mile road that takes travelers through the breathtaking Andes mountains and the dense Amazon rainforest. This road is a vital trade route between the two countries, but it’s also a thrilling drive for adventurers looking to explore the heart of South America.
From the looming peaks of the Andes to the lush jungles, the Interoceanic Highway is a road that showcases South America’s natural wonders.
12. Great Northern Highway, Australia (2,090 miles)
Stretching through the remote wilderness of Western Australia, the Great Northern Highway is a 2,090-mile journey through some of the most isolated landscapes on the planet. It runs from the city of Perth to the northern town of Wyndham, passing through vast deserts, rugged terrain, and quiet mining towns.
If you’re looking for solitude and raw beauty, this road offers it in spades—just make sure your car is in good shape because help is far, far away.
13. Interstate 80, USA (2,899 miles)
Interstate 80 is another transcontinental road that stretches from Teaneck, New Jersey, to San Francisco, California, covering 2,899 miles. It follows the historic route of the Lincoln Highway, the first road to cross the country. I-80 takes you through a variety of landscapes, from the crowded streets of New York City to the wide, open spaces of the Great Plains, before you finally reach the Pacific Coast.
Whether it’s driving through the bustling Midwest cities or cruising past the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains, I-80 offers a perfect mix of history and adventure.
14. Karakoram Highway, China/Pakistan (500 miles)
The Karakoram Highway is one of the most dramatic roads in the world, connecting China and Pakistan through the towering Karakoram mountain range. Spanning 500 miles, it’s the highest paved international road, offering breathtaking views of some of the world’s tallest peaks, including K2. The highway is not just a road—it’s a testament to human ingenuity, carving a path through some of the most rugged terrain on Earth.
Although it’s often challenging to drive, the reward is an unforgettable journey through a landscape of glaciers, deep valleys, and towering cliffs.
13 Unique Road Trip Stops Across the US
Fill up the gas tank, grab some snacks (and maybe a map or two, because who needs GPS anyway?), and get ready to experience America in a whole new way. Let’s wander off the beaten path and uncover those hidden treasures that’ll make you want to linger a little longer on your next road trip!
13 Unique Road Trip Stops Across the US
10 Top States for an Epic Road Trip Experience
Let’s explore the 10 consistently favorable states with high road trip potential. It’s important to note that some of these more Southwestern states (aka the desert) will be extra hot in summer and require careful planning and preparation to avoid overheating- of the car and yourself!
10 Top States for an Epic Road Trip Experience
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
