- 1. Ring Road, Iceland
- 2. Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway
- 3. Leh Manali Highway, India
- 4. Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria
- 5. Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia
- 6. Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway, USA
- 7. The Garden Route, South Africa
- 8. Amalfi Coast Road, Italy
- 9. The Great Ocean Road, Australia
- 10. Route 66, USA
Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Embarking on a road trip is a remarkable way to explore the diverse beauty of our world. From scenic coastlines to rugged mountains, we’ve curated a list of the best road trips in the world, showcasing the most captivating routes and destinations. Routes that cross multiple countries, cultures and terrains often require detailed planning and on-ground support, which is why many of them are undertaken as part of international road trip experiences.
1. Ring Road, Iceland
Kicking off our journey of the best road trip routes in the world is the awe-inspiring Ring Road in Iceland. Also known as Route 1, this is the epitome of a Nordic adventure. This 1,332-kilometer-long road circumnavigates the entire island, offering a spectacular showcase of Iceland’s natural wonders. Picture glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes, and fjords all in one trip. The Ring Road embodies the essence of a perfect road trip, making it a must on every road trip enthusiast’s list.
2. Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway
In the realm of the best road trip destinations, Norway’s Atlantic Ocean Road holds a special place. This 8.3-kilometer-long wonder is a masterpiece in coastal engineering. It snakes through an archipelago, creating an illusion of a road rising from the ocean. As you traverse this road, you’re treated to breathtaking views of the Norwegian Sea and the dramatic coastline. Undoubtedly, it’s a road that fuels the wanderlust of those seeking the very best.
3. Leh Manali Highway, India
For those in search of the best road trips in the world, the Leh Manali Highway in India is a true gem. Connecting the enchanting Leh in Ladakh to the picturesque town of Manali in Himachal Pradesh, this highway stretches for 490 kilometers and takes you on a journey through the mighty Himalayas. The route promises an exhilarating adventure, showcasing high-altitude desert landscapes, snow-capped peaks, and serene valleys. It’s a road trip that redefines the essence of an adventurous expedition.
4. Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria
Among the best road trip routes in the world, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria stands out for its alpine grandeur. Covering 48 kilometers, this toll road winds through the Hohe Tauern National Park, revealing Austria’s highest peak, Grossglockner, and its neighboring majestic peaks. The journey offers unparalleled vistas and insightful exhibits about the unique Alpine ecosystem. An adventure on this road serves as testament to the unmatched beauty of the Austrian Alps.
5. Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia
Although not your traditional road, the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia promise a surreal adventure that can’t be missed on the list of the best road trip destinations. Spanning over 10,000 square kilometers, these vast salt flats create a mirror-like effect during the dry season, leaving you with a feeling of driving through the heavens. It’s an extraordinary and mesmerizing experience that epitomizes the essence of an otherworldly adventure.
6. Highway 1, Pacific Coast Highway, USA
Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), is a quintessential road trip route in the USA. Stretching over 650 miles along the rugged California coastline, this iconic highway offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and charming seaside towns. It’s a road trip that encapsulates the American spirit of adventure, making it a must-visit for those seeking the best road trips in the world.
7. The Garden Route, South Africa
For nature lovers, the Garden Route in South Africa is a road trip paradise. This scenic drive spans approximately 300 kilometers, showcasing the country’s diverse landscapes, including lush forests, pristine beaches, and stunning lagoons. It’s a route that combines adventure with natural beauty, earning its spot among the best road trip routes in the world.
8. Amalfi Coast Road, Italy
Italy’s Amalfi Coast Road is a visual feast that should be on every road trip enthusiast’s bucket list. Meandering along the dramatic cliffs of the Tyrrhenian Sea, this 50-kilometer drive offers spectacular vistas of colorful villages, terraced vineyards, and the azure Mediterranean waters. It’s a road trip that embodies Mediterranean elegance and allure, making it one of the best road trip destinations globally.
9. The Great Ocean Road, Australia
Australia’s Great Ocean Road is the epitome of coastal beauty. Stretching over 240 kilometers, it unfolds breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean, limestone cliffs, and iconic rock formations like the Twelve Apostles. This road trip is an adventure that captures the essence of Australia’s diverse and rugged landscapes, securing its place among the best road trip routes in the world.
10. Route 66, USA
Last but not least, Route 66, known as the “Main Street of America,” is a legendary road trip route that spans over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. Steeped in history and Americana, it offers a glimpse into the past with roadside diners, neon signs, and vintage motels. Route 66 is a journey through the heart of America, making it an iconic addition to the list of the best road trips in the world.
These road trips promise unforgettable experiences, each with its unique charm and natural wonders. Whether you seek the ethereal beauty of Iceland, the coastal marvels of Norway, the high-altitude adventure in the Indian Himalayas, the alpine grandeur of Austria, or the surreal scenery of Bolivia’s salt flats, alongside the allure of America’s highways or the Mediterranean splendor, these road trips will leave you in awe of the diverse and beautiful world we live in.
This list of the best road trips in the world is an attempt to showcase the diversity of our planet, taking you on a journey of discovery, awe, and an insatiable craving for more.
After being on the road for more than a decade, we can assure you that Adventures Overland can help you plan the best road trips. All you have to do is put the key in the ignition and hit the road. Happy road-tripping!
Written by
Damini Sharma
Damini has travelled the world solo, sometimes for work, primarily for self‑discovery, and now she explores full‑time! She enjoys slow, mindful travel & immerses herself in any country she visits. Working for AO, she transforms itineraries into adventures and destinations into dreams. Having explored the UAE, Indonesia, the Northeast, the Andaman Islands, and beyond, Damini writes from lived experience—capturing the sights, sounds, and soul of each journey. Whether drafting court‑worthy briefs or breathtaking travel blogs, Damini crafts experiences that invite readers to step into memory, embrace wonder, and discover deeper human connections.
