From the E roads in Europe to National Highways in China, these are some of the longest roads on the planet, and their distances are mind-blowing.
Road trips are a fun way to travel, and if you are seeking a relatively endless trip, you need to consider packing the car and setting off on one of these epic roads.
While the longest road in the world is the famous Pan-American Highway, there are many other extensive networks through Asia, Europe, Australia and the Americas.
Many of the longest roads in the world are located within the Asian Highway Network. Still, there are many excellent long-distance roads throughout other regions of the world, making for an incredible adventure.
So, sit back and let us inspire your next road trip with the ten longest roads in the world.
Ireland Before You Die’s top tips for driving on these incredible roads:
- One of the main tips is to check the speed limit before you drive, as each country has its own rules and regulations.
- It may be obvious, but knowing which side of the road to drive on is crucial and can sometimes be forgotten when arriving in a new country.
- Carry your international license, proof of insurance and car papers at all times, and always have a photocopy.
- These roads are thrilling to experience, so take your time to soak it all in and don’t rush the journey.
- One of the top tips for driving on these roads is to make sure you have cash for tolls or are signed up for the relevant e-tags to avoid fines.
20. B-R 101 – 4,648 km (2,894 mi)
The longest highway in South America is in Brazil and is consequently one of the longest roads in the world.
19. Interstate 90 – 4,861 km (3,010 mi)
The longest expressway in the United States is Interstate 90, from Washington to Massachusetts.
18. US Route 20 – 5,415 km (3,365 mi)
This east-west US highway is the longest road in the USA, which begins in Oregon and ends in Massachusetts.
17. Golden Quadrilateral – 5,846 km (3,633 mi)
This loop route which connects all four major metro cities in India is the longest in the country.
16. European Route 45 – 5,190 km (3,220 mi)
The E45 is officially the longest north-south road in Europe, starting in Alta, Norway and ending in Sicily, Italy. Driving in Sicily, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Austria using this route is a great way to see many amazing European countries.
15. Asian Highway 3 – 7,331 km (4,555 mi)
This Asian Highway Network Route spans from Russia to Myanmar, albeit with a few missing links.
14. Trans-Canada Highway – 7,476 km (4,645 mi)
The Trans-Canada Highway is the longest road route in Canada and a popular road trip route. It begins in Newfoundland and Labrador. It passes through all the provinces of Canada, and the end is marked by a monument erected in the city of Victoria.
13. National Highway 228 – 7,800 km (4,800 mi)
This road, which is still under construction, will run from the borders of China and North Korea to China and Vietnam.
12. European Route 60 – 8,200 km (5,100 mi)
E60 is the second longest road in Europe and connects France with Kyrgyzstan, crossing several countries.
11. European Route 40 – 8,690 km (5,400 mi)
This is the longest E road in Europe and connects Calais in France with the border of Russia and China.
10. National Highway 331 – 9,200 km (5,700 mi)
One of the longest roads in the world is the National Highway 331 in China, which runs along the northern Chinese border.
9. Asian Highway 9 – 10,000 km (6,200 mi)
Known as The Great Asia Highway, this cooperative road is a project among countries to connect Russia with China.
8. National Highway 219 – 10,000 km (6,200 mi)
This is officially the longest road in China, and some parts are still undergoing construction.
7. Asian Highway 5 – 10,380 km (6,450 mi)
Asian Highway 5 is an east-west route from Shanghai, China, to Turkey.
6. Asian Highway 6 – 10,475 km (6,509 mi)
This Eurasian highway runs from Busan in South Korea to the Belarusian border.
5. Trans-Siberian Highway – 11,000 km (6,800 mi)
Stretching from St Petersburg to Vladivostok in Russia, the Trans-Siberian Highway is a typical long-distance road for overlanders to adventure.
It is the nickname of the network of roads that connects the whole of Russia from the Baltic Sea in the west to the Sea of Japan in the east.
4. Asian Highway 2 – 13,177 km (8,188 mi)
The Asian Highway 2 is one of the longest roads in the world and runs from Indonesia to Iran, which makes up a section of the Asian Highway Network.
3. Highway 1 – 14,500 km (9,000 mi)
Located in Australia, this is the longest route within a single country and is known as the loop route since it follows the country’s outline. It is the longest national highway in the world.
2. Asian Highway 1 – 20,557 km (12,774 mi)
From Japan To Istanbul, Turkey, Asian Highway 1 is the longest route of the Asian Highway network and crosses various Asian countries, including South Korea, North Korea, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, and Pakistan, to name a few.
1. Pan American Highway – 13,000 km (19,000 mi)
Beginning in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina, the Pan-American Highway has long been a famous route for overlanders seeking an incredible trip through several diverse countries in North America, Central America, and South America.
This includes routes crossing through Mexico, Panama, Colombia, Peru, and many more countries.
Notable mentions
Chile Route 5: Ruta 5, which forms a section of the Pan-American Highway, is the longest road in Chile, spanning 3,364km (2,090 mi).
National Highway 27: This East-West National Highway in India spans 3,507 (2,179 mi).
Bang Na Expressway: The Bang Na Expressway is Thailand’s longest car bridge in the world.
G30 Lianyungang-Khorgas Expressway: This is the longest expressway in China at 4,244km (2,637 mi).
Pan-Philippine Highway: This is the longest road in Southeast Asia and is known as the country’s transport backbone, spanning 3,380 km (2,100 mi).
China National Highway 318 (G318): This highway runs from Shanghai to Zhangmu on the China-Nepal border. It is the longest China National Highway at 5,476 km (3,403 mi) in length.
Tongsan Expressway: Also known as China National Highway 010, was the longest such highway in China before it was abolished in 2010. It ran from Tongjiang to Sanya.
Your questions answered about the longest roads in the world
Have you read our article and still have some questions on your mind? Not to worry, for we have you covered! Here, we have put together some of the most frequently asked questions both to us and from online about this topic.
Which country has the longest road in the world?
The Pan-American Highway runs from Canada to Argentina and crosses nine countries in total.
Which is Asia’s longest highway?
Asian Highway 1, which begins in Turkey and ends in Japan.
What is the longest walkable road in the world?
The longest walkable route in the world is said to run from Magadan in Siberia to Cape Town in South Africa.
What is the fastest highway in the world?
The German Autobahn is famous for having no speed limit, making it the fastest highway in the world.
So, there you have it, the longest roads to grace this planet. Which one do you want to take on for your next adventurous road trip?
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