Road Trips In The World: Take Unforgettable Drives Through Iconic Landscapes

View of the Amalfi highway, one of the best spots for road trips in the world

Embarking on a road trip is one of the most exciting ways to explore the world, offering endless possibilities for adventure and discovery. From winding coastal highways to rugged mountain passes, road trips in the world are a passport to unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re craving scenic landscapes, cultural immersion, or simply the freedom to explore at your own pace, the open road has something for every type of traveler. Buckle up and get ready to dive into some of the most iconic and hidden gems of global road trips—because the world is waiting for you to hit the road!

Top 10 Spots For Road Trips In The World

These are the top 10 spots to take road trips in the World combining history, modernisation, and scenic beauty:

1. Ruta 40, Argentina

Ruta 40, located in Argentina is one of the top most road trips in the world to go to.

Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Argentina is an immense country, ranking as the sixth-largest in the world. It boasts an epic and diverse landscape, from the towering Andes to lush vineyards and glacial expanses. Ruta 40, Argentina’s longest highway, runs parallel to the Andes for an astonishing 3,227 miles, stretching from La Quiaca in the north to Punta Loyola in the south. This legendary road trip features high-altitude drives, national parks, and mesmerising natural beauty.

Must-See Pitstops: Perito Moreno Glacier, Salta, Patagonia National Park
Best Time To Visit: October – March

2. Karakoram Highway, Pakistan

Karakoram Highway, located in Pakistan is one of the top road trips in the world.

Photo: Iván Rivero / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Take your road trip to the next level on the Karakoram Highway, the highest paved road in the world. This breathtaking 800-mile route connects Pakistan to China, threading through steep valleys and beneath some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2. Adventure seekers will love navigating the winding roads that cut through the dramatic Karakoram mountain range. The highway also offers access to stunning cultural and historical sites, including the Hunza Valley, known for its lush green beauty and ancient forts.

Must-See Pitstops: Hunza Valley, Khyber Pass
Best Time To Visit: February – May, September – November

3. Ring Road, Iceland

View of the Ring Road, located in Iceland with the clear blue sky in the background

Photo: Ben & Gab / Wikimedia Commons

Iceland’s Ring Road, also known as Route 1, is an 821-mile journey that encircles the entire island. This drive takes travelers through an alien-like landscape of volcanic mountains, glaciers, hot springs, and dramatic coastlines. Along the way, you’ll encounter breathtaking waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, explore black sand beaches in Vík, and witness the dazzling Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. The ever-changing weather conditions make the journey even more exciting, offering a mix of sun, rain, and mist in just one drive.

Must-See Pitstops: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, Vík, Jökulsárlón Glacier
Best Time To Visit: April – October

4. Route 66, United States

Route 66, located in US offers an exciting road trip experience for a quick getaway

Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons

Few roads are as legendary as Route 66, stretching 2,400 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. Known as the “Mother Road,” this iconic American highway is a symbol of freedom, adventure, and nostalgia. It winds through eight states—Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California—offering travelers an unforgettable journey through small-town America. The drive takes you past vintage motels, neon-lit diners, quirky roadside attractions, and historic landmarks that reflect the golden era of American road trips.

Must-See Pitstops: The Painted Desert, Gateway Arch, Wigwam Hotel
Best Time To Visit: May – October

5. Hana Highway, Hawaii

Hana Highway, located in Maui is one of the best road trips in the world to drive

Photo: Stas Tsibro / Pexels /Image For Representation Only

Though only 64 miles long, the Hana Highway is one of the most thrilling and scenic coastal drives in the world. This breathtaking road stretches from Kahului to Hana along Maui’s northeastern coast, offering breathtaking ocean vistas, tropical rainforests, and cascading waterfalls. The journey itself is the attraction, featuring 620 curves and 59 bridges, many of which are single-lane, adding an element of adventure.

Must-See Pitstops: Bamboo Forest, Painted Eucalyptus Trees, 7 Sacred Pools

6. Dempster Highway, Canada

Dempster Highway, located in Canada is one of the remotest road trips in the world

Photo: PierreWiki / Wikimedia Commons

For a truly remote and rugged adventure, the Dempster Highway is one of the few roads in the world that takes you directly to the Arctic Circle. Spanning 456 miles (736 km) from Dawson City, Yukon, to Inuvik, Northwest Territories, this challenging gravel road offers some of the most stunning wilderness landscapes on Earth. The drive takes you through Tombstone Territorial Park, known for its rugged mountains, sharp ridges, and tundra valleys. As you continue north, you’ll cross the Mackenzie and Peel Rivers via ferry and pass through migratory paths of the Porcupine caribou herd.

Must-See Pitstops: Arctic Circle Crossing, Tombstone Mountains
Best Time To Visit: June – September

7. North Coast 500, Scotland

North Coast 500, located in Scotland is one of the exciting spots for an road trip

Photo: Peter Moore / Wikimedia Commons

Dubbed “Scotland’s Route 66,” the North Coast 500 (NC500) is a 516-mile (830 km) loop showcasing the most breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Beginning and ending at Inverness Castle, this epic road trip passes through rugged coastlines, ancient castles, and some of the most remote wilderness areas in Europe. The drive takes you along winding single-track roads, dramatic cliffs, and endless moorlands, offering jaw-dropping views at every turn.

Must-See Pitstops: Castle of Mey, Smoo Cave, Corrieshalloch Gorge
Best Time To Visit: May – October

8. Amalfi Highway, Italy

The Amalfi, located in Italy is one of the most rewarding road trips in to go on

Photo: Walter Sepulveda / Unspalsh / Image For Representation Only

The Amalfi Coast’s winding roads and dramatic cliffside views make for one of the most romantic and exhilarating road trips in the world. The 31-mile (50 km) Amalfi Highway (SS163) is carved into sheer rock cliffs, offering breathtaking ocean vistas, charming Italian villages, and Mediterranean landscapes. Starting in Sorrento and ending in Amalfi, the route passes through Positano, Praiano, Ravello, and Minori, each town boasting colorful buildings, terraced vineyards, and sun-soaked beaches.

Must-See Pitstops: Positano, Ravello, Amalfi
Best Time To Visit: October – April

9. Garden Route, South Africa

View of the Garden Route, located in South Africa near a lake

Photo: Edmond Cheok / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

The Garden Route is a 227-mile (366 km) coastal drive along South Africa’s southern coast, offering some of the most diverse landscapes in the world. From lush forests and secluded beaches to vibrant lagoons and rocky cliffs, this scenic road trip is a paradise for nature lovers. Starting in Mossel Bay and ending in Port Elizabeth, the Garden Route is home to incredible wildlife, including elephants, whales, dolphins, and exotic birds.

Must-See Pitstops: Hermanus, Mossel Bay, Cango Caves
Best Time To Visit: February – April

10. Great Ocean Road, Australia

Great Ocean Road, located in Australia is one of the top most road trips in the world.

Photo: Johannes Plenio / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Stretching 151 miles along Australia’s southeastern coast in Victoria, the Great Ocean Road is one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world. Built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 as a war memorial, this scenic highway winds along rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and lush rainforests, providing an unforgettable journey through some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes. One of the route’s most famous highlights is the Twelve Apostles, a collection of towering limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean.

Must-See Pitstops: The Twelve Apostles, Hopetoun Falls
Best Time To Visit: March – April

Embarking on one of these incredible road trips is more than just a drive—it’s an adventure filled with stunning landscapes, cultural landmarks, and unforgettable moments. From classic Americana nostalgia on Route 66 to the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, these road trips in the world cater to every kind of traveller, whether you seek history, nature, or pure adrenaline. Let TripXL help you plan your next epic road trip!

Cover Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time depends on the location, but generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
It depends on your preference, but Route 66, the Ring Road, and the Great Ocean Road are among the most famous.
Countries like the USA, Australia, and Iceland are known for their diverse and scenic road trips.
For beginners, consider routes with well-maintained roads and plenty of amenities. The Garden Route (South Africa) is an excellent choice with beautiful views and easy access to accommodations.
Yes, pets can be great travel companions on road trips. Ensure your pet’s comfort by bringing essentials like food, water, and a leash.

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