The World’s Best Road Trips: Epic Drives for Every Traveller

Few travel experiences compare to the freedom of the open road. Whether you prefer dramatic coastlines, desert highways or winding alpine passes, the world offers spectacular routes that turn a simple journey into an unforgettable adventure. Here are some of the best road trips across the globe — complete with sights, distances, timings, seasons and ideal vehicles.

North Coast 500 – Scotland

Length: ~516 miles (830 km)
Time needed: 5–7 days
Best time to go: May–September
Ideal vehicle: Comfortable car or campervan

Scotland’s North Coast 500 encircles the wild Highlands, offering rugged beauty at every turn. Highlights include the fairy-tale ruins of Ardvreck Castle, the pristine sands of Achmelvich Beach, the dramatic Bealach na Bà pass, and remote fishing villages such as Ullapool. While many attempt the NC500 in fewer days, the real joy lies in taking your time to appreciate the landscape, whisky distilleries and coastal walks.

Here’s our wider Scotland trip itinerary from some ideas if you want to make it a longer trip.

Route 66 – USA

Length: ~2,448 miles (3,940 km)
Time needed: 2–3 weeks
Best time to go: April–June or September–October
Ideal vehicle: Classic car, SUV or Harley-Davidson for the full Americana experience

The iconic “Mother Road” stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, crossing eight states. Expect neon-lit diners, desert panoramas, quirky roadside attractions like the Cadillac Ranch, and the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon detour. The full route takes several weeks, but those seeking a shorter version can comfortably drive the western half — from Oklahoma City to Los Angeles — while still enjoying the most atmospheric scenery.

We’ve got a couple of other suggestions for road trips in the US.

The Garden Route – South Africa

Length: ~190 miles (300 km)
Time needed: 3–5 days
Best time to go: November–March
Ideal vehicle: Standard car or SUV

South Africa’s Garden Route blends beaches, lagoons and lush forests along its stretch between Mossel Bay and Storms River. Key stops include Knysna’s sandstone heads, the wildlife sanctuaries of Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, and Bloukrans Bridge — home to one of the world’s highest bungee jumps. Its manageable length makes it ideal for a short but diverse adventure.

We’ve got some itineraries for a longer South Africa trip or a combination of Southern Africa countries if you want to make it a longer trip..

New Zealand Road Trip – North & South Islands

Length: 1,000–1,500 miles depending on route
Time needed: 2–4 weeks
Best time to go: November–April
Ideal vehicle: Campervan or 4x4

New Zealand is tailor-made for road trips, with its dramatic fjords, volcanic landscapes and turquoise lakes. Popular routes include Auckland to Queenstown via Rotorua, Tongariro, Wellington, and then across to the South Island’s West Coast glaciers, Lake Tekapo and Milford Sound. Travellers short on time can focus solely on the South Island loop from Christchurch, which delivers many of New Zealand’s highlights in 10–12 days.

Here’s our suggested New Zealand itinerary.

Australia – Great Ocean Road & Red Centre Way

Great Ocean Road

Length: ~150 miles (243 km)
Time needed: 1–2 days
Best time to go: December–April
Ideal vehicle: Car or campervan

This coastal masterpiece winds past the towering limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles, rainforest pockets in Great Otway National Park and pristine surfing beaches such as Bells Beach.

Red Centre Way (Northern Territory)

Length: ~700 miles (1,100 km)
Time needed: 4–7 days
Best time to go: May–September
Ideal vehicle: 4x4 essential

For an entirely different Australian experience, the Red Centre Way loops from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and Uluru. Expect deep red landscapes, ancient Indigenous sites and star-filled desert nights. 

Here’s our longer itinerary for a trip around Australia.

Ruta 40 – Argentina

Length: ~3,227 miles (5,200 km)
Time needed: 3–5 weeks
Best time to go: November–March
Ideal vehicle: 4x4 recommended for rough stretches

Stretching along the spine of the Andes, Argentina’s Ruta 40 is one of the world’s longest and most varied road trips. Sights include the vineyards of Mendoza, the stunning turquoise lakes of Patagonia, the Calchaquí Valleys and the windswept beauty of Los Glaciares National Park. For those seeking a shorter but spectacular version, the Patagonia leg — from Bariloche to El Chaltén — offers glaciers, mountains and lakes in a 7–10 day drive.

We’ve also put together a few other itineraries covering Argentina and South America.

Iceland Ring Road – Iceland

Length: ~825 miles (1,332 km)
Time needed: 7–10 days
Best time to go: June–September (summer) or October–March (Northern Lights)
Ideal vehicle: Car or 4x4 in winter

Iceland’s Ring Road circumnavigates the island, revealing its waterfalls, volcanic craters, black-sand beaches and geothermal pools. Highlights include Seljalandsfoss, the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Lake Mývatn and the East Fjords. Those with limited time can drive the southern section — from Reykjavík to Höfn — to see Iceland’s most photographed landscapes.

Have a look at our Iceland itinerary for some ideas.

The Gobi Desert Drive, Mongolia

Length: ~930 miles (1,500 km)
Time needed: 7–10 days
Best time to go: May–October
Ideal vehicle: 4x4 with high clearance

For those looking for a more off-the-beaten-track experience, the Gobi Desert Drive offers a remote and rugged adventure far from conventional tourist routes. Travelling between Ulaanbaatar and Dalanzadgad, you’ll encounter dramatic sand dunes, vast steppe landscapes, ancient petroglyph sites and the striking Flaming Cliffs, famous for dinosaur fossil discoveries. Nights under the desert sky are a highlight, with minimal light pollution creating incredible stargazing opportunities. Travellers seeking a shorter route can focus on the loop around Dalanzadgad, which captures the region’s best dunes and canyons in 3–4 days.

The Karakoram Highway, Pakistan to China

Length: ~800 miles (1,300 km)
Time needed: 7–12 days
Best time to go: May–October
Ideal vehicle: 4x4 or sturdy SUV

For true adventure seekers, the Karakoram Highway cuts through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery on Earth. Travelling from Islamabad towards the Chinese border at Khunjerab Pass, you’ll witness towering peaks of the Karakoram Range, emerald lakes like Attabad, ancient Silk Road villages, and awe-inspiring valleys such as Hunza and Gilgit. The altitude, switchbacks and rugged terrain make it a demanding but unforgettable drive. For those wanting a shorter version, the stretch from Gilgit to the Khunjerab Pass offers the most spectacular scenery in just 3–4 days.

Conclusion

Whether you’re chasing rugged coastlines, vast deserts, volcanic landscapes or winding mountain passes, the world is full of extraordinary journeys best experienced behind the wheel. Each of these road trips offers its own blend of scenery, culture and adventure — along with the freedom to travel at your own pace. From short coastal escapes to multi-week expeditions across entire countries, there’s a route to suit every traveller. All that’s left is to choose your destination, prepare your vehicle and hit the open road.