Top 10 Longest Roads on Earth: Highways That Stretch Across Continents
Some roads are so vast that they cross entire countries and even continents, offering travelers breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable adventures. From icy tundras to scorching deserts, these highways test endurance and showcase the diversity of our planet. Here are the top 10 longest roads on Earth, ranked by their incredible distances.
1. Pan-American Highway (Approx. 30,000 km / 18,641 mi)
Prudhoe Bay, USA to Ushuaia, Argentina
The Pan-American Highway is the longest road network in the world, stretching from Alaska to Argentina. It passes through 14 countries, crossing mountains, jungles, and deserts. However, the Darién Gap—a 160-km (100-mile) stretch of impassable rainforest between Panama and Colombia—interrupts the road, requiring alternative travel methods.
2. Highway 1, Australia (Approx. 14,500 km / 9,000 mi)
Encircling Australia
Australia’s Highway 1 is the world’s longest national highway, forming a continuous loop around the continent. It connects all major cities and takes travelers through the Outback, coastal highways, and remote wilderness areas. Many adventurers attempt the Big Lap, a months-long journey around the country.
3. Trans-Siberian Highway, Russia (Approx. 11,000 km / 6,800 mi)
St. Petersburg to Vladivostok
Spanning Russia, the Trans-Siberian Highway is one of the most challenging long-distance roads, passing through extreme climates and vast, desolate landscapes. It offers a mix of paved and rugged roads, making it a true endurance test for drivers.
4. Trans-Canada Highway (Approx. 7,821 km / 4,860 mi)
Victoria, British Columbia to St. John’s, Newfoundland
The Trans-Canada Highway is the longest national highway in North America, crossing forests, prairies, mountains, and coastal regions. It provides access to famous sights like Banff National Park and the Great Lakes, making it a dream road trip route.
5. U.S. Route 20 (Approx. 5,415 km / 3,365 mi)
Boston, Massachusetts to Newport, Oregon
The longest road in the United States, Route 20, runs coast to coast, passing through small towns, historic sites, and diverse landscapes. Unlike major interstates, it retains much of its old-fashioned charm, making it a favorite for road-trippers.
6. China National Highway 318 (Approx. 5,476 km / 3,404 mi)
Shanghai to Zhangmu (Tibet-Nepal border)
One of China’s most scenic and challenging highways, G318 climbs from Shanghai’s coastal plains to the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau. It includes sections of the perilous Sichuan-Tibet Highway, known for its dramatic mountain passes and breathtaking views.
7. U.S. Route 6 (Approx. 5,158 km / 3,205 mi)
Provincetown, Massachusetts to Bishop, California
Once the longest highway in the U.S. before parts were decommissioned, Route 6 still spans from the East Coast to the Sierra Nevada. It offers a mix of historic towns, deserts, and scenic mountain roads.
8. Interstate 90, USA (Approx. 4,860 km / 3,020 mi)
Seattle, Washington to Boston, Massachusetts
The longest interstate highway in the U.S., I-90 runs coast to coast, passing through cities like Chicago, Cleveland, and Spokane. It crosses diverse terrains, including the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains.
9. BR-101, Brazil (Approx. 4,800 km / 2,983 mi)
Touros to São José do Norte
The BR-101 runs along Brazil’s Atlantic coast, linking tropical beaches, rainforests, and bustling cities. It’s a vital trade route and an epic journey for travelers exploring Brazil’s diverse landscapes.
10. U.S. Route 1 (Approx. 3,825 km / 2,377 mi)
Fort Kent, Maine to Key West, Florida
Stretching from the U.S.-Canada border to the southernmost point of Florida, Route 1 is famous for its scenic coastal drives, historic towns, and the legendary Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys.
These highways are more than just roads—they’re adventures waiting to happen. Whether you’re tackling the icy stretches of the Trans-Siberian Highway, cruising the tropical routes of Brazil’s BR-101, or experiencing the vastness of the Pan-American Highway, each of these roads offers a unique and unforgettable journey.
Which of these legendary roads would you want to drive? Let us know in the comments!
