Top 10 Driving Experiences Around the World

Encircling the island nation, Iceland’s Ring Road delivers one of the most diverse driving adventures in the world. Stretching over 1,300 kilometers, it passes glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and geothermal fields. Few routes offer such concentrated natural wonder in a single journey.

Driving the Ring Road is about contrasts. One hour you are watching geysers erupt, the next you are standing at the base of a roaring waterfall or gazing across lava fields. The road also introduces travelers to Icelandic culture, with small towns, local farms, and coastal fishing villages scattered along the way.

Local advice stresses preparation, as weather can change suddenly and roads may be challenging in winter. Summer offers long days of sunlight, perfect for maximizing exploration. The Ring Road is one of the most unforgettable driving experiences around the world, blending otherworldly landscapes with the freedom of an epic road trip.

Canada’s Icefields Parkway stretches between Jasper and Banff in Alberta, delivering one of the most breathtaking mountain drives in the world. Surrounded by the Canadian Rockies, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and dense forests, the 230-kilometer route is a showcase of wilderness grandeur.

Driving here is a visual feast. Glaciers cascade down mountain slopes, rivers sparkle under the sunlight, and wildlife such as bears and elk are often seen along the roadside. Highlights include Peyto Lake, with its brilliant blue waters, and the Columbia Icefield, where travelers can step onto ancient ice.

Locals suggest allocating a full day or more to the drive, as countless stops invite exploration. The best times are summer and early autumn, when roads are clear and colors are vibrant. The Icefields Parkway is an iconic driving experience, combining rugged wilderness with accessible beauty that makes every kilometer unforgettable.

For a driving experience unlike any other, Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni offers surreal beauty. This vast salt flat, the largest in the world, stretches endlessly across the Andean plateau. During the dry season, the surface forms a blinding white expanse, while the rainy season transforms it into a giant mirror reflecting the sky.

Driving here feels otherworldly. The horizon disappears, creating the illusion of floating in an endless void. Vehicles leave trails across the salt crust, and landmarks like the Isla Incahuasi break the monotony with cactus-covered islands. The sense of scale is overwhelming, reminding travelers of the planet’s raw and unspoiled beauty.

Local guides recommend caution, as the terrain can be disorienting. Many choose to hire 4x4 vehicles with experienced drivers, but adventurous travelers often self-drive. Salar de Uyuni is one of the most extraordinary driving experiences around the world, offering a surreal journey across nature’s most stunning canvas.

Norway’s Atlantic Road is often called the most beautiful drive in the world, and for good reason. Stretching just over eight kilometers, the route connects a series of islands with sweeping bridges that rise dramatically over the sea. Though short, the journey delivers extraordinary intensity, especially when waves crash against the road during storms.

Driving the Atlantic Road feels like floating between land and sea. Curving bridges give the illusion of leaping into the horizon, while the surrounding seascape shifts constantly with weather and light. The experience is both dramatic and serene, capturing the raw power of nature and the ingenuity of engineering.

Local tips include visiting during summer for calmer seas or autumn for more dramatic waves. The road is also dotted with fishing spots and viewpoints where travelers can pause and absorb the scenery. The Atlantic Road is one of the most unique driving experiences around the world, turning a short stretch of asphalt into a spectacular encounter with nature.

Often hailed as one of the most spectacular roads in Europe, Romania’s Transfăgărășan Highway winds through the Carpathian Mountains with sharp curves and dramatic landscapes. Built during the communist era, the road climbs to over 2,000 meters, weaving past glacial lakes, forests, and rocky peaks.

Driving here is an experience of contrasts. Wide sweeping roads give way to narrow, twisting turns, demanding focus and patience. At the summit lies Bâlea Lake, a glacial wonder that reflects the surrounding peaks. The road has gained global fame for its beauty, famously praised by car enthusiasts and travel programs alike.

Locals recommend tackling the highway in summer, as winter snow often makes it impassable. The route is best enjoyed slowly, with stops at viewpoints that reveal the vast beauty of the Carpathians. The Transfăgărășan Highway is a thrilling driving experience, offering a blend of history, challenge, and natural splendor in the heart of Eastern Europe.

South Africa’s Garden Route is a showcase of natural diversity, stretching along the southeastern coast from Mossel Bay to Storms River. This drive is celebrated for its blend of beaches, forests, mountains, and wildlife reserves, creating a unique road trip unlike anywhere else in the world.

The journey is rich in variety. One moment you are gazing at whales breaching offshore, the next you are wandering through ancient forests or crossing dramatic mountain passes. Small towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay provide cultural stops, offering local cuisine and artisanal markets. The name “Garden Route” perfectly captures the lush greenery that frames much of the drive.

Locals recommend setting aside several days to fully appreciate the area, with opportunities for hiking, safaris, and exploring local vineyards. The Garden Route offers one of the most enriching driving experiences around the world, blending scenery, culture, and adventure into a single unforgettable journey.

In the Italian Alps lies one of the most dramatic driving routes on Earth: the Stelvio Pass. Known for its hairpin turns and breathtaking elevation, this mountain pass challenges drivers with over 48 switchbacks as it climbs to 2,757 meters. It is not for the faint-hearted but rewards those willing to take on the curves with unmatched alpine views.

The drive is exhilarating. Snow-capped peaks rise dramatically in the background, while the winding road tests skill and focus. Motorcyclists and car enthusiasts flock here for the thrill, often comparing it to a racetrack carved into the mountains. Yet beyond adrenaline, the Stelvio Pass offers pure beauty. Alpine meadows, rushing streams, and crisp mountain air create an unforgettable setting.

Local advice stresses caution, as traffic can become heavy in summer months. Early mornings or late afternoons provide quieter conditions and softer light for photography. The Stelvio Pass is often described as the ultimate European driving experience, a perfect mix of challenge, beauty, and exhilaration that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who takes it on.

Known as the “Main Street of America,” Route 66 is more than just a road—it is a cultural icon. Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, the legendary route covers nearly 4,000 kilometers and passes through eight states. For decades, it symbolized freedom, exploration, and the promise of the open road in American culture.

Driving Route 66 is a journey through history. Old diners with neon signs, retro motels, and vintage gas stations recall the golden age of road trips. Classic cars still cruise sections of the road, and travelers immerse themselves in Americana at every turn. Beyond nostalgia, the route showcases diverse landscapes, from the plains of Illinois to the deserts of Arizona and the shores of California.

Local travelers suggest breaking the trip into sections, allowing time to explore hidden gems along the way. Murals, roadside attractions, and small-town diners are all part of the magic. Route 66 remains one of the most iconic driving experiences around the world, a blend of nostalgia, culture, and adventure that still captivates modern explorers.

Australia’s Great Ocean Road is often described as one of the most beautiful coastal drives on the planet. Stretching over 240 kilometers from Torquay to Allansford, the route combines rugged cliffs, serene beaches, and lush rainforests. The highlight for many travelers is the sight of the Twelve Apostles, towering limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean, but the road is filled with countless other treasures.

Driving the Great Ocean Road is about variety. One moment you are weaving along dramatic seaside cliffs, and the next you are immersed in the green canopy of Great Otway National Park. Koalas perch in eucalyptus trees, surfers ride rolling waves, and seaside villages welcome visitors with local charm. Every bend reveals a new perspective, reminding drivers why this road is considered a national treasure.

Locals recommend taking your time, perhaps spreading the drive over two or three days to fully appreciate its magic. Sunrise and sunset create especially dramatic views along the coastline. The Great Ocean Road stands as a celebration of Australia’s natural wonders, combining stunning vistas with a relaxed, exploratory spirit that makes every kilometer rewarding.

Few routes capture the essence of freedom like California’s Pacific Coast Highway. Stretching along Highway 1, this legendary drive winds through dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming seaside towns. The route from Los Angeles to San Francisco delivers a mosaic of experiences: the rolling waves of Malibu, the rugged beauty of Big Sur, and the artistic community of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

The drive is more than scenery—it is sensory immersion. The smell of saltwater lingers in the air as sea lions bask along the shorelines. The road itself, hugging the coastline with sharp turns and panoramic views, demands both patience and attention. Driving here is about savoring the rhythm between winding curves and sudden vistas of the Pacific Ocean stretching endlessly to the horizon.

Travelers often stop at lookout points to watch sunsets that ignite the water in shades of orange and red. Local tips include starting early to avoid congestion and allocating time to explore hidden beaches or small cafes along the route. The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most iconic driving experiences in the world, offering the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural charm, and pure adventure.