15 Epic Road Trips Around the World

Few things beat the thrill of the open road, especially when the journey is as unforgettable as the destination. From rugged coastlines to high-altitude passes, these road trips deliver wild beauty, local flavor, and memories that don’t fit in a suitcase. Whether you’re dreaming of deserts, fjords, or cliff-hugging curves, these 12 routes are the stuff of road trip legend. All you need is a good playlist, a full tank, and a hunger for adventure.

1. Pacific Coast Highway – USA (California)

Stretching from San Francisco to Los Angeles, this coastal classic is all about ocean views, cliffside turns, and golden light. You’ll pass through Big Sur’s dramatic curves, cute beach towns, and endless stretches of Pacific beauty. Must-stops include Bixby Bridge, Monterey, and the sea lion hangout in San Simeon. The vibe? Relaxed and cinematic. Roll down your windows and let the California breeze do the rest.

2. Ring Road – Iceland

This 828-mile loop around Iceland covers waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and steaming hot springs. You’ll drive through landscapes that look like another planet—volcanoes, lava fields, and ice caps all in a day’s work. It’s best done over 7–10 days, with wild camping or cozy guesthouses along the way. Keep your eyes open for puffins and the Northern Lights. This is a road trip for the books (and your camera roll).

3. Garden Route – South Africa

Between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth lies one of Africa’s most scenic coastal routes. The Garden Route mixes wild beaches, lush forests, and cliffside roads—plus wildlife reserves and epic hikes. Stop in towns like Knysna or Tsitsikamma for fresh seafood and canopy walks. There’s also the chance to bungee jump off Bloukrans Bridge if you’re feeling bold. It’s beautiful, affordable, and never boring.

4. Great Ocean Road – Australia

This winding stretch along Australia’s southern coast is famous for the Twelve Apostles—massive limestone stacks rising from the sea. But there’s more: rainforests, surf towns, koalas in eucalyptus trees, and golden beaches for miles. The 150-mile trip is best done slow, with photo stops every 15 minutes. It’s a short road trip—but the kind that lingers in your memory.

5. The Alps Road Trip – France, Switzerland, Italy

If you want mountain passes, cowbells, and tiny villages that serve world-class cheese, this one’s for you. Wind through the French Alps into Switzerland and down into northern Italy, hitting places like Chamonix, Zermatt, and the Dolomites. Every turn offers new peaks, lakes, and postcard-worthy scenery. It’s dramatic and peaceful all at once. Just make sure your brakes are in good shape—these roads don’t play.

6. Carretera Austral – Chile

One of the wildest, most remote road trips in the world, this 770-mile highway runs through Chilean Patagonia. It’s not fully paved, which adds to the adventure. You’ll pass fjords, glaciers, turquoise rivers, and empty roads for hours. It’s for travelers who like their beauty raw and their journeys quiet. Fuel up often and pack snacks—you might not see another car for miles.

7. Atlantic Ocean Road – Norway

This short but jaw-dropping road snakes across small islands and over sea-sprayed bridges in Norway’s fjord country. It’s only about 5 miles long, but it packs a punch. Dramatic skies, icy blue water, and modern architecture make it a favorite for photographers. Combine it with a longer Norway trip through places like Ålesund and Geirangerfjord for full effect. It’s like driving through a minimalist painting.

8. Route 40 – Argentina

This legendary road stretches over 3,000 miles from the Bolivian border to Patagonia’s southern tip. Expect endless open landscapes, snow-capped peaks, desert plains, and tiny roadside towns with big stories. The stretch through Mendoza (wine country) and Patagonia is especially popular. It’s wild, long, and full of gaucho spirit. If you like your road trips with altitude and attitude—this is it.

9. Transfăgărășan Highway – Romania

Made famous by Top Gear, this road twists through the Carpathian Mountains like a giant ribbon. Built in the 1970s as a strategic military route, it’s now a surreal drive of tunnels, switchbacks, and sweeping alpine views. It’s open only a few months a year due to snow, so time it right. It’s not a long trip, but the scenery is so intense it’ll stick with you. Add Dracula’s castle nearby for bonus legend points.

10. North Coast 500 – Scotland

Scotland’s answer to Route 66, this 500-mile loop takes you through the Highlands’ most breathtaking coastal roads. Think ancient castles, lonely lochs, sheep traffic jams, and sea cliffs that go on forever. It’s best done over 5–7 days, with plenty of whisky stops and pub food along the way. The landscapes are dramatic, the roads are winding, and the vibe is pure Celtic wild.

11. Route des Grandes Alpes – France

This mountain route from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean cuts through the French Alps’ most iconic passes. You’ll zigzag through ski towns, alpine meadows, and lavender fields, topping out at high-altitude points like Col de l’Iseran. It’s best tackled in summer, when the roads are open and the air is crisp. If you’ve got a love for curves and altitude, it’s pure bliss behind the wheel.

12. Wild Atlantic Way – Ireland

Stretching along Ireland’s west coast, this 1,500-mile route is rugged, poetic, and packed with soul. Expect cliffside roads, sheep-dotted hills, colorful fishing villages, and ancient ruins at every turn. It’s not about speed—it’s about slow, moody beauty. Locals are warm, pubs are lively, and the scenery is straight out of folklore. A road trip made for dreamers and storytellers.

13. Route 1 – USA (Alaska’s Seward Highway)

Often overshadowed by the Lower 48, this Alaskan road trip is a raw, scenic masterpiece. The Seward Highway stretches 125 miles from Anchorage to Seward, hugging Turnagain Arm and slicing through glacial valleys. You’ll spot bald eagles, moose, and maybe even beluga whales along the way. Towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and pull-offs with jaw-dropping views make it feel like a National Geographic reel. It’s short, wild, and unforgettable—especially under the midnight sun.

14. Silk Road – Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan)

For the adventurous spirit, the ancient Silk Road route through Central Asia offers rugged landscapes and rich cultural encounters. Start in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and wind your way through mountain passes, yurt-filled valleys, and on to the blue-tiled cities of Uzbekistan like Samarkand and Bukhara. Expect open roads, local hospitality, and scenery that shifts from alpine to desert. It’s not a polished road trip—but that’s the magic. Think nomad trails, ancient trade routes, and endless horizon.

15. Cabot Trail – Nova Scotia, Canada

This 185-mile loop around Cape Breton Island is one of Canada’s best-kept secrets. You’ll drive through coastal cliffs, dense forests, and misty fishing villages, all while soaking in views of the Atlantic. The trail is especially magical in autumn when the leaves explode into color. Stop for fresh seafood, local music, and the occasional moose sighting. It’s a quiet road with big views and even bigger charm.