Road trips have always captured the imagination of travellers. There is a certain kind of freedom that comes with hitting the open road, rolling down the windows, and exploring new landscapes at your own pace. Beyond the scenic beauty, road trips offer cultural immersion, offbeat experiences, and the flexibility to stop wherever something catches your eye. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the best road trip routes around the world—routes that combine breathtaking viewpoints, exciting cities, diverse terrains, and unforgettable experiences.
- Why Road Trips Are Becoming More Popular
- Top Road Trip Routes in North America
- Best Road Trips in Europe
- Top Road Trips in Asia
- Best Road Trips in Australia & New Zealand
- How to Choose the Best Road Trip Route (Smart Planning Tips)
- Best Time of Year for Road Trips
- Safety Tips for Road Trip Travellers
- Sample 7-Day Road Trip Route Planner
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Whether you are looking for coastal drives, mountainous routes, desert highways, or forested wilderness lanes, this list has something for every type of traveller. From classic American road trips to lesser-known gems in India, Europe, Australia, and Africa, here are the top road trip routes to consider for your next adventure.
Why Road Trips Are Becoming More Popular
Road trips saw a surge in popularity in recent years for several reasons. Firstly, travellers enjoy more control over their schedules and stops, making them ideal for those who prefer independent travel. Secondly, fuel efficiency improvements and rental car accessibility have made driving cheaper and more convenient. Thirdly, social media has added a storytelling layer to road trips, showcasing picturesque routes globally.
Moreover, many road trip destinations offer safer travel environments compared to crowded public transportation, making them suitable for families, couples, backpackers, and friend groups alike.
Top Road Trip Routes in North America
North America offers some of the most iconic road trip routes in the world, thanks to its diverse landscapes—from canyon-filled deserts to snow-capped mountain highways and dramatic coastlines.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (California, USA)
The Pacific Coast Highway, popularly known as Highway 1, stretches along the California coastline from Orange County up to Mendocino County. This route is known for its dramatic ocean views, rugged cliffs, and beach towns.
Highlights along the route:
- Big Sur and Bixby Creek Bridge
- Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Malibu beaches
- Santa Barbara vineyards
- San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge
The route is best driven south-to-north to maximise scenic viewpoints. Spring and autumn are the ideal seasons to avoid heavy fog and traffic.
2. Route 66 (USA)
The legendary Route 66 runs from Chicago to Santa Monica and is often called the “Mother Road.” Packed with Americana nostalgia, diners, motels, and neon signs, it remains one of the most culturally iconic road trip routes globally.
Major stops include:
- Chicago, Illinois
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Amarillo, Texas
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Flagstaff, Arizona
- Santa Monica Pier, California
Route 66 is about immersing yourself in American history and roadside culture rather than rushing to the destination.
3. Icefields Parkway (Alberta, Canada)
Connecting Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, the Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic mountain drives in the world. The road passes turquoise lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife habitats.
Notable stops include:
- Lake Louise
- Peyto Lake
- Athabasca Glacier
- Sunwapta Falls
With opportunities to spot bears, elk, and bighorn sheep, this drive is especially rewarding for nature lovers and photographers.
Best Road Trips in Europe
Europe’s road networks pass through medieval towns, coastal roads, wine regions, and world-class scenic landscapes. The best part? Many European road trips can be done within a week due to compact geography.
4. Amalfi Coast Drive (Italy)
The Amalfi Coast drive between Sorrento and Salerno is a UNESCO-listed coastal route lined with colourful terraced villages and dramatic cliffside views.
Top stops:
- Positano
- Amalfi
- Ravello
- Fiordo di Furore
The winding roads may seem narrow and intimidating, but the scenery makes it rewarding. It’s best to visit between May and September.
5. Ring Road (Iceland)
Iceland’s Ring Road loops around the entire country and showcases waterfalls, volcanoes, black sand beaches, hot springs, and glaciers.
Highlights include:
- Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls
- Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Mývatn geothermal area
A typical Ring Road journey takes 7–10 days. Travellers often rent campervans to enjoy full flexibility and access to camping sites.
6. Wild Atlantic Way (Ireland)
Stretching over 2,600 kilometres along Ireland’s west coast, the Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world.
Expect dramatic sea cliffs, surf beaches, fishing villages, and wildlife sightings.
Key spots:
- Cliffs of Moher
- Dingle Peninsula
- Ring of Kerry
- Donegal highlands
Ideal travel months range from April to October when the weather is pleasant and routes are easier to navigate.
Top Road Trips in Asia
Asia is full of diverse road trip opportunities—from desert highways to Himalayan mountain passes and tropical coastal roads.
7. Manali to Leh Highway (India)
One of the most thrilling high-altitude road trips in the world, the Manali–Leh route is known for snow-capped mountains, valleys, and tough terrain.
Highlights:
- Rohtang Pass
- Baralacha La
- Pangong Lake (detour)
- Nubra Valley
Accessible primarily from June to September, this route requires acclimatisation and strong riding/driving skills.
8. Hokkaido Scenic Drive (Japan)
Hokkaido offers serene lakes, flower fields, hot springs, and volcanic landscapes, especially during summer.
Must-visit places:
- Furano lavender fields
- Lake Toya
- Shiretoko National Park
- Noboribetsu Onsen
Hokkaido’s well-maintained roads and low traffic make it ideal for self-drive travellers.
9. Ha Giang Loop (Vietnam)
The Ha Giang Loop in northern Vietnam has gained popularity for its jaw-dropping limestone mountains, deep valleys, and ethnic minority cultures.
The 3–5 day loop starting from Ha Giang city is often done by motorbike but can also be driven by car with a guide.
Best Road Trips in Australia & New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand offer rugged coastlines, national parks, beaches, and wildlife experiences perfect for long-distance driving.
10. Great Ocean Road (Australia)
Running from Torquay to Allansford in Victoria, the Great Ocean Road offers unforgettable coastal scenery.
Stops include:
- 12 Apostles
- London Arch
- Loch Ard Gorge
- Apollo Bay
- Bells Beach
This is a photographer’s dream route, especially at sunrise and sunset.
11. South Island Circuit (New Zealand)
New Zealand’s South Island is paradise for road trippers. Most travellers start from Christchurch and loop through national parks and fjords.
Key attractions:
- Lake Tekapo
- Aoraki/Mount Cook
- Queenstown
- Milford Sound
- Franz Josef Glacier
Summer is peak season for driving, though winter offers snowy landscapes.
How to Choose the Best Road Trip Route (Smart Planning Tips)
Selecting the perfect route depends on several factors. Consider the following:
1. Duration
Determine if you need a weekend trip, a 7-day adventure, or a multi-week expedition.
2. Interests
Coastal drives suit beach lovers; mountains suit adventure travellers; historic towns suit cultural travellers.
3. Season
Weather can impact roads significantly. For example, winter may close mountain passes, while monsoons may affect road quality.
4. Vehicle Choice
Off-road vehicles may be required for rugged terrains, while sedans are fine for highways.
5. Budget
Consider fuel costs, tolls, accommodation, and food options along the route.
Best Time of Year for Road Trips
Although road trips can be enjoyed year-round, certain seasons are more favourable:
- Spring: Ideal for floral landscapes, low crowd levels, and mild temperatures.
- Summer: Popular for family vacations, though routes may be crowded and pricier.
- Autumn: Best for scenic foliage drives in places like Canada, USA, and Europe.
- Winter: Suitable for desert routes and tropical destinations.
Always check weather advisories before departure.
Safety Tips for Road Trip Travellers
A successful road trip prioritises safety and preparedness. Keep these points in mind:
- Inspect tyre pressure and engine oil before departure
- Carry a spare tyre, toolkit, and emergency gear
- Download offline maps for areas with weak networks
- Keep basic medicines and first-aid kits
- Avoid driving when tired; take short breaks every 2-3 hours
- Always respect local traffic rules
Renting vehicles from reputable companies also helps avoid breakdowns during long journeys.
Sample 7-Day Road Trip Route Planner
Here is a sample structure for planning a week-long road trip:
- Day 1: Travel to starting point and vehicle check
- Day 2: Scenic drive and first major attraction
- Day 3: Explore national parks or museums
- Day 4: Short drive + cultural town visit
- Day 5: Adventure activity or coastal detour
- Day 6: Relaxation or offbeat spots
- Day 7: Return with stops along the way
This flexible pattern can be adapted to different countries and landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the most scenic road trip in the world?
The Pacific Coast Highway, Amalfi Coast Drive, and Iceland Ring Road are often considered among the most scenic.
Q2: How many hours should you drive per day on a road trip?
Ideally 4–6 hours of driving with breaks to avoid fatigue.
Q3: Can road trips be budget-friendly?
Yes. By camping, cooking, and sharing fuel costs, road trips can be cheaper than flights or tours.
Q4: Is renting a car better than using your own?
For long international drives, rentals are convenient and reduce wear on your own vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Road trips offer a magical blend of freedom, exploration, and spontaneity that few other travel styles can match. Whether you are cruising along California’s coastline, winding through alpine passes in Europe, or exploring remote valleys in Asia, the joy lies not just in the destination but in the journey itself. With thoughtful preparation, the right route, and a spirit of adventure, the world becomes endlessly accessible by road.
If you are ready to plan your next trip, explore more guides on TheTripRoute.com for itineraries, packing lists, transport tips, and route planning resources.
