If you love driving, there are some roads that we know will be on your bucket list.
But if you wanted to narrow down the most incredible driving roads in the world to just 20, where would they be?
Luckily for you we’ve come up with 20 hair raising, beautiful, unmissable and in some cases just really high roads from all four corners of the globe.
For driving enthusiasts, the open road represents freedom, adventure, and the thrill of exploration. From mountainous hairpins to scenic coastal highways, these 20 routes offer some of the best driving experiences in the world.
Whether you’re in search of breathtaking views or challenging switchbacks, this list has something for every petrolhead.
1. Furka Pass, Switzerland
Nestled in the Swiss Alps, the Furka Pass is famous for its sweeping curves and stunning views. The elevation gives drivers an adrenaline rush while winding through snow-capped peaks.
2. Stelvio Pass, Italy
This iconic route, featuring 48 hairpin turns, is a bucket-list drive for anyone seeking adventure. The Stelvio Pass offers an exhilarating climb through the Eastern Alps, with jaw-dropping panoramas at every twist.
3. Route 66, USA
Stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, Route 66 is one of the most iconic road trips. It’s a journey through American history, offering a mix of desert landscapes, quirky roadside attractions, and small-town charm.
4. Great Ocean Road, Australia
Following the dramatic coastline of southern Australia, this road offers stunning ocean views, towering limestone cliffs, and lush rainforests. It’s perfect for scenic drives with frequent stops at beaches and wildlife lookouts.
5. Pacific Coast Highway, USA
Also known as California’s Highway 1, this coastal road takes you from San Francisco to Los Angeles, providing a breathtaking ride with cliffs on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other.
6. Transfăgărășan, Romania
Dubbed “the best road in the world” by Top Gear, this serpentine mountain road twists through the Carpathian Mountains, offering steep ascents, tunnels, and spectacular landscapes.
7. Trollstigen, Norway
This steep mountain road in Norway winds through a series of tight hairpins, offering awe-inspiring views of waterfalls, valleys, and fjords. It’s a thrilling drive best suited to experienced drivers.
8. Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria
This high-altitude road cuts through Austria’s alpine landscape with twists, turns, and stunning views of the country’s highest peak, the Grossglockner.
9. Atlantic Road, Norway
Often called one of the most beautiful roads in the world, this coastal route bridges tiny islands and offers breathtaking views of the sea, fjords, and mountains.
10. Sani Pass, South Africa/Lesotho
This rugged route connects South Africa to the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Its steep, unpaved switchbacks and high-altitude views make it one of the most challenging drives in the world.
11. Chapman’s Peak Drive, South Africa
This stunning coastal road offers dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean and towering mountains. The 9 km stretch features more than 100 curves along cliffs that plunge into the sea.
12. Icefields Parkway, Canada
Stretching from Banff to Jasper, this scenic route winds through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, offering stunning views of glaciers, emerald lakes, and snow-capped peaks.
13. Milford Road, New Zealand
A journey through Fiordland National Park, Milford Road offers breathtaking views of rugged mountains, mirror-like lakes, and lush rainforests, ending at the famous Milford Sound.
14. Nürburgring, Germany
Okay, not technically a road but it is open to the public. Known as the Green Hell, the legendary race track is a combination of sharp corners and elevation changes attracts car enthusiasts from around the world.
15. Amalfi Coast Road, Italy
This coastal road clings to cliffs above the Mediterranean, with narrow, winding roads passing through charming villages, offering stunning ocean views at every turn.
16. The Karakoram Highway, Pakistan/China
Known as the highest paved international road in the world, the Karakoram Highway cuts through towering mountains and offers spectacular views of glaciers, valleys, and peaks.
17. The Road to Hana, Hawaii, USA
This winding road on Maui’s coast features lush rainforests, waterfalls, and tropical beaches. Its narrow, serpentine route is both beautiful and challenging, with over 600 curves.
18. Susten Pass, Switzerland
This road offers a scenic drive through the Swiss Alps, with sweeping views of glaciers, valleys, and snow-covered peaks. It’s perfect for those who enjoy high-altitude driving with picturesque stops.
19. Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road, UAE
This smooth, snaking road is a favorite among car enthusiasts and tourists alike. The drive offers panoramic views of the desert landscape as it ascends the 1,240-meter-high Jebel Hafeet mountain.
20. Col de Turini, France
Famous for its appearance in the Monte Carlo Rally, this twisting route through the French Alps is known for its hairpins and scenic mountain views, attracting drivers seeking an exciting challenge.
