Our selection of the best road trips in the world
Some roads aren’t just a way to get from A to B—they’re the adventure itself. Cruising along a coastline with waves crashing beside you, weaving through towering mountains, or cruising through vast open landscapes where it feels like you're the only person on Earth, these drives are all bucket-list material.
From legendary scenic highways to wild, off-the-beaten-path routes, here are 10 of the most iconic roads you need to experience at least once in your lifetime.
1. The Garden Route – South Africa (+ Panorama Route!)
This South African classic runs along the southern coast, combining stunning beaches, lush forests, and wildlife encounters. It's perfect for adventure lovers, with plenty of hiking, whale watching, and even bungee jumping along the way. Check out our Garden Route itinerary for more inspiration.
Must-see stops:
Tsitsikamma National Park: Home to epic hikes and the famous Storms River Mouth suspension bridge.
Knysna: A charming lagoon-side town with great seafood.
Addo Elephant Park: A chance to spot the Big Five on safari.
Bonus tip: The Panorama Route (Inland Detour) – If you drive all the way up or from Johannesburg, this stunning route is definitely worth checking out. It features Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes—some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country.
Best time to go: September to April for warm weather and whale-watching season.
2. South Island Circuit – New Zealand
New Zealand’s South Island is a dream for road-trippers, with snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, and fjords around every corner. The landscapes are straight out of The Lord of the Rings. We've got several great road trips in New Zealand, check them here.
Must-see stops:
Milford Sound: Fjords, waterfalls, and epic boat trips.
Lake Tekapo: Bright blue waters with the Southern Alps in the background.
Arthur’s Pass: A stunning mountain route with kea parrots along the way.
Haast Pass to Franz Josef Glacier: A remote but jaw-dropping drive through rainforests and past glaciers.
Best time to go: November to March for summer, or July to August for a winter wonderland vibe.
3. Highway One – USA (Pacific Coast Highway, California)
One of the most famous road trips in the world, the Pacific Coast Highway stretches along California’s rugged coastline, offering stunning ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and a classic American road trip feel. We suggest starting in San Francisco, so you have all the amazing views on your side of the road!
Must-see stops:
Big Sur: The most scenic stretch, featuring Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls.
Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea: Perfect for a seafood stop and scenic coastal views.
San Francisco: End (or start) your trip by crossing the Golden Gate Bridge.
Santa Barbara & Malibu: Beach vibes, surfing, and celeb-spotting.
Best time to go: Late spring to early fall for the best weather and least fog.
4. Karakoram Highway – Pakistan to China
The highest paved international road in the world, this route through the Himalayas is one of the most dramatic and extreme drives on Earth. It connects Pakistan and China, cutting through remote mountain villages and glacier-fed rivers.
Must-see stops:
Hunza Valley: Home to fairy-tale forts and ancient villages.
Passu Cones: Sharp, needle-like peaks that look unreal.
Khunjerab Pass: The highest border crossing in the world (4,693m).
Attabad Lake: A surreal turquoise lake formed after a landslide.
Best time to go: May to October (winter is too extreme).
5. North Coast 500 (NC500) – Scotland
Why it’s iconic:
Scotland’s answer to Route 66, this 500-mile loop around the Scottish Highlands is a mix of rugged coastlines, mystical lochs, and ancient castles. It’s remote, wild, and full of dramatic scenery.
Must-see stops:
Bealach na Bà: A hair-raising mountain pass with insane views.
Duncansby Stacks: Giant sea stacks rising out of the ocean.
Ullapool & Durness: Tiny but charming Highland villages with great seafood and beaches.
Smoo Cave: A massive sea cave with an underground waterfall.
Best time to go:May to September for the best chance of dry weather
6. Icefields Parkway – Canada
This drive through the Canadian Rockies is a jaw-dropping mix of glaciers, emerald lakes, and towering peaks. Canada is the perfect country for a road trip, empty, endless stretches of road through stunning scenery. Get inspired with more road trips in Canada here.
Must-see stops:
Lake Louise & Moraine Lake: Iconic blue lakes framed by mountains.
Athabasca Glacier: A glacier you can walk on.
Peyto Lake: Shaped like a wolf’s head, and an unreal shade of blue.
Best time to go: June to September.
7. Route 40 (Ruta 40) – Argentina
One of the longest roads in the world, running from the Bolivian border to the southern tip of Patagonia—a dream for those who love vast, empty landscapes.
Must-see stops:
Salta & Cafayate: Wine regions surrounded by red rock landscapes.
Perito Moreno Glacier: A massive glacier where you can watch huge ice chunks break off into the water.
Mount Fitz Roy: One of the most famous peaks in Patagonia.
Best time to go: October to March (Patagonia is too cold in winter).
8. Transfagarasan Highway – Romania
One of the most thrilling mountain roads in Europe, featuring tight hairpin turns and insane views. Top Gear once called it “the best road in the world.”
Must-see stops:
Balea Lake: A stunning glacial lake at the top of the pass.
Vidraru Dam: A massive hydroelectric dam surrounded by mountains.
Poenari Castle: A ruined fortress linked to Vlad the Impaler (the inspiration for Dracula).
Best time to go: June to October (closed in winter due to snow).
9. The Pamir Highway – Tajikistan to Kyrgyzstan
One of the wildest and least-traveled roads on this list, this high-altitude route is often called the "Roof of the World." Expect lunar-like landscapes, nomadic yurts, and a sense of total isolation.
Must-see stops:
Murghab: The highest town in the former Soviet Union.
Wakhan Valley: Stunning views of the Afghan mountains.
Karakul Lake: A surreal blue lake at 3,960m above sea level.
Best time to go: June to September (brutal winters).
10. The Great Ocean Road – Australia
A legendary coastal drive in Victoria, Australia, packed with stunning ocean cliffs, dense rainforests, and iconic limestone formations. It’s one of the most scenic road trips Down Under, and one of our favourites. Check them all here.
Must-see stops:
Twelve Apostles: The most famous rock formations along the route.
Loch Ard Gorge: A breathtaking hidden cove with a shipwreck history.
Bells Beach: A must-visit for surf lovers.
Otways Rainforest: Lush forests, waterfalls, and glow-worm caves.
Best time to go: November to April for warm weather and clear skies.
Ready to hit the road?
These are the holy grail of road trips—some remote, some famous, all absolutely legendary. The real question is: which one are you driving first? 🚗💨
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