Khaizuran RashidReady to rev up those engines and embark on the adventure of a lifetime? We’ve got just the routes to ignite your travel dreams. Picture yourself cruising down endless highways and stopping at quirky roadside attractions. Plus, you’ll get to immerse yourself in cultures as diverse as the landscapes you traverse.
Road trips aren’t just about the destination. They’re about the stories you collect, and the moments that become the highlight reels of your life. So, buckle up, and let’s dive into the eight longest and most epic road trips in the world!
Also read: Singapore to Europe by Land: It Took Me 7 Weeks & S$3,000
1. Pan American Highway: From Arctic Frost to Southern Frostbite
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Hold onto your hats (and your maps) because the Pan American Highway is the longest road in the world, stretching a mind-boggling 30,000km from Prudhoe Bay in Alaska to Ushuaia in Argentina. Think of it as a continental playground where you can explore everything from the icy tundras of Canada to the fiery deserts of Patagonia.
Sure, the idea of spending 720 hours behind the wheel might make your eyes glaze over. However, most adventurers take a leisurely 6-12 months to truly savour the journey. Just a heads-up: The infamous Darien Gap between Central and South America is a no-go for cars, so you’ll need to channel your inner sailor there (i.e., take a ferry from Panama to Colombia). But hey, a little detour never hurt anyone, right?
2. Highway 1 Australia: The Great Aussie Loop
Image credit: Tourism Australia | Official Website
G’day, road warriors! Australia‘s Highway 1 is essentially the world’s largest ring road, covering 14,500km and connecting the vibrant capitals of Perth, Darwin, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. It’s a smorgasbord of Aussie wonders, from the iconic Great Ocean Road’s coastal cliffs to the remote beauty of the Outback.
While record-breakers might circle the loop in just 6 days, most of us would rather take our time. So, why not soak up the sun, sand, and surf over 3-6 glorious months? Trust us, the land down under has more to offer than you can shake a Vegemite jar at!
3. Trans-Siberian Highway: Russia’s Road Trip Royale
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Move over, Trans-Siberian Railway – There’s a highway to rival your wildest dreams! Stretching 11,000km from Saint Petersburg to Vladivostok, the Trans-Siberian Highway is Russia’s answer to the ultimate road trip. Traverse the vast and varied Russian landscape, from the bustling streets of Moscow to the serene beauty of Lake Baikal.
While a non-stop dash would take around 14 days, a leisurely 4-6 week jaunt lets you savour each stop, making pit stops in Kazan, Yekaterinburg, and Irkutsk a part of your epic saga. Just pack your warmest layers – Siberia waits for no one!
4. Asian Highway 1: Asia’s Continental Conquest
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Ready to conquer Asia? Asian Highway 1 is your gateway, stretching a staggering 20,557km from Tokyo, the vibrant crossroad of Asia and Europe, all the way to Istanbul. This route zips through a kaleidoscope of countries, including South Korea, China, Vietnam, Thailand, and more.
While the geopolitical landscape can be tricky, the journey is peppered with incredible treasures – from bustling markets in Bangkok to the serene beauty of the Indian subcontinent. Allocate 4-6 weeks to truly embrace the diverse cultures, cuisines, and landscapes along the way. And if you’re not ready to stop in Istanbul, keep going via the E80 and make your way to Lisbon, Portugal. Now, that’s a road trip!
5. Trans-Canada Highway: Canada’s Grand Road Stretch
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Oh, Canada! The second-largest country on the globe is a playground for road trippers, and the Trans-Canada Highway is your golden ticket. Spanning 7,000km from St John’s in Newfoundland to Vancouver in British Columbia, this route winds through ten provinces, each with its own unique flavour.
Imagine stopping in the historic Quebec City, exploring Alberta’s rugged lakes and mountains, and whale watching in the serene waters of Vancouver Bay. While 120 hours of driving sounds daunting, a leisurely 2-month trip lets you savour each province’s charm. No need to rush the magic!
6. Sagres to Talon: The Grand Overland Odyssey
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Imagine cruising from the sun-kissed shores of Sagres in Portugal all the way to Talon in eastern Russia without hopping on a ferry or catching a train. That’s a whopping 15,151km of pure driving bliss! Honestly, 200 hours of non-stop motoring sounds bonkers (and a tad exhausting). However, breaking up the journey lets you explore a smorgasbord of stunning countries.
Picture yourself sipping espresso in Lisbon, marvelling at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and wandering through the vibrant streets of Moscow. From the historical charm of Poland to the vast expanses of Russia, this trip is a marathon of memories waiting to happen.
7. The Golden Quadrilateral: India’s Road Jewel
Image credit: Soham Banerjee | Flickr
India’s Golden Quadrilateral is a road trip gem connecting four of the country’s bustling metropolises: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. Covering 6,000km, this highway forms a quadrilateral that showcases India’s diverse landscapes and rich culture.
Completed in 2001, it’s a relatively new addition to the world’s road trip hall of fame. Spend 2-4 weeks cruising through this vibrant route, and you’ll have ample time to explore iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal, savour delicious street food, and immerse yourself in the kaleidoscope of Indian life. Namaste to that!
8. U.S. Route 20: America’s Longest Trail
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Forget Route 66; America’s true road trip champion is U.S. Route 20. Stretching 5,415km from Boston, Massachusetts, to Newport, Oregon, this route traverses 12 states, each offering a slice of the American dream.
From rocking out at Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to indulging in retail therapy at Minneapolis’s Mall of America, and marvelling at Chicago‘s skyline, this is truly the road trip of your dreams. Nature lovers can revel in Yellowstone’s geysers and the surreal landscapes of Craters of the Moon National Preserve. With 60 hours of driving, a 3-week adventure allows you to explore cities, national parks, and everything in between. And you get to do it at a comfortable pace!
Also read: How to Plan a 10 Day UK Road Trip under £400
There you have it – Eight of the world’s longest and most awe-inspiring road trips ready to fuel your travel dreams. Each journey promises not just destinations. You’ll gain experiences that will shape your story and leave you with memories to cherish forever. So, pack your bags, grab a trusty map, and set off on a journey that’s as limitless as your imagination. Here’s to endless horizons, unexpected detours, and the open road ahead!
