12 Greatest Road Trips Around the World

There is a special freedom to a great road trip. The route becomes the destination, every bend reveals something new, and you travel entirely on your own schedule rather than a timetable. You can stop where the view demands it, linger over a roadside meal, and change your plans on a whim. These 12 journeys are among the most spectacular drives on earth, spanning rugged coastlines, soaring mountain passes, and vast empty deserts. Pick one and start dreaming.

We have grouped them by region, with a sense of the scenery and a practical tip for each. Several are short enough for a long weekend behind the wheel, while others are epic crossings to savour over weeks, so there is a route here to suit any amount of time you can spare.

The Americas

Pacific Coast Highway, USA

California Highway 1 hugs dramatic cliffs between San Francisco and Los Angeles, passing the wild beauty of Big Sur, hidden coves, and laid-back seaside towns. Crashing surf on one side and golden hills on the other make almost every mile photogenic. Tip: Drive from south to north so you are on the ocean side of the road, and book Big Sur stays well in advance as they fill up fast.

The Icefields Parkway, Canada

This Rocky Mountain route between Banff and Jasper is widely rated one of the most beautiful drives on the planet, lined with ancient glaciers, glowing turquoise lakes, and thundering waterfalls. The scale of the peaks is genuinely humbling. Tip: Stop often, as the lookouts come thick and fast, and watch for bears, elk, and bighorn sheep at dawn and dusk.

Ruta 40, Argentina

One of the longest roads in the world, running the length of the country along the spine of the Andes through Patagonian desert, glacier country, and shimmering lake districts. It is raw, remote, and endlessly cinematic. Tip: Fill up on fuel whenever you can, as stations are very far apart in the sparsely populated south.

Europe

The Ring Road, Iceland

A complete loop of the island past tumbling waterfalls, creeping glaciers, black-sand beaches, steaming geothermal fields, and otherworldly volcanic landscapes. It packs more dramatic scenery into one route than almost anywhere on earth. Tip: Allow at least a week to do it justice, and check road and weather conditions daily outside the summer months.

The Amalfi Coast, Italy

A thrilling cliffside drive past pastel-painted villages, terraced lemon groves, and glittering Mediterranean views around every hairpin bend. It is as romantic as driving gets, if a little white-knuckle. Tip: Drive outside peak summer to avoid the worst of the narrow-road traffic, and consider a smaller car for the tight corners.

The North Coast 500, Scotland

A 500-mile loop around the rugged northern Highlands, past mirror-still lochs, brooding castles, single-track passes, and dramatic Atlantic coast. The sense of wild, empty space is the real draw. Tip: Use the passing places courteously on single-track roads, and pack for genuinely changeable weather in every season.

The Transfagarasan, Romania

A jaw-dropping mountain road of endless hairpin bends climbing high through the Carpathians, with tunnels, a glacial lake, and viewpoints that feel like the edge of the sky. Tip: It is only fully open in the warmer months once the snow clears, so always check the road status before you set out.

The Middle East and Africa

Muscat to Salalah, Oman

A long, beautiful desert and coastal drive that crosses Oman dramatic interior, past dunes and rocky plateaus, before descending into the surprisingly lush southern region. It is a regional road-trip gem that few outsiders attempt. Tip: Time the southern leg for the khareef misty season between June and September, when the hills turn unexpectedly green.

The Garden Route, South Africa

A scenic coastal drive weaving between indigenous forests, golden beaches, and tranquil lagoons along the southern cape, with adventure activities at every turn. It is gentle, well-serviced, and endlessly pretty. Tip: Build in stops for whale watching in season and a walk through the lush Tsitsikamma forest.

The Dead Sea Highway, Jordan

A striking route running along the lowest point on the surface of the earth, linking the mineral-rich Dead Sea, deep desert canyons, and ancient biblical sites. The light and the silence are unforgettable. Tip: Combine it with a detour up to the historic King Highway to reach Petra, Wadi Rum, and the desert castles.

Asia and Oceania

The Great Ocean Road, Australia

A famous coastal drive past world-class surf beaches, pockets of rainforest, and the towering Twelve Apostles sea stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. The roadside scenery shifts constantly from forest to cliff to bay. Tip: Visit the Twelve Apostles at sunset, when the limestone glows amber and the day-trip crowds finally thin out.

The Leh-Manali Highway, India

A high-altitude Himalayan adventure crossing some of the highest motorable passes in the world, through stark, moon-like terrain, river crossings, and tiny mountain villages. It is a true bucket-list drive for the adventurous. Tip: It is only passable in the summer months, and properly acclimatising to the thin air is essential before you attempt it.

Frequently asked questions

Which road trips are best for beginners?

The Garden Route, the Great Ocean Road, and the Pacific Coast Highway are well-signed, well-serviced, and forgiving, making them ideal first big drives.

Which is the easiest road trip from the Gulf?

The Muscat to Salalah drive in Oman and the Dead Sea Highway in Jordan are both close, accessible, and stunning, perfect for a regional road-trip adventure.

What should I check before a long road trip?

Confirm your driving permit and insurance, check seasonal road closures, plan fuel stops in remote areas, and book key accommodation ahead in peak season.

A great road trip stays with you long after you return the keys. Choose a route that matches your time and confidence, leave room for spontaneous stops, and let the open road deliver some of the finest travel memories of your life.