10 of the Longest Roads and Highway Routes in the World
Maps make long roads look easy until you hit a ferry or a national park gap. The Pan-American Highway is a perfect example because the Darién Gap between Panama and Colombia breaks that smooth line. Still, these massive road networks have earned their bragging rights. Just remember to read the fine print. These are some of the longest routes on Earth, provided you do not expect one single, endless lane for the whole trip.
U.S. Route 6
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U.S. Route 6 has an interesting history. In 1937, officials extended it to Long Beach, California, thus creating a 3,652-mile transcontinental highway from Provincetown, Massachusetts. Later, changes in California moved the western end to Bishop and shortened the route. The road was formally dedicated as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway in 1953 to honor the Union Army veterans of the American Civil War.
China National Highway 318
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China National Highway 318 starts in Shanghai and stretches about 3,403 miles west to Zhangmu near the Nepal border, which makes it the longest national highway in China. The eastern part passes through heavily populated cities and central Chinese regions, but the landscape changes dramatically farther west. As the route enters Tibet, it climbs into high-altitude mountain terrain and connects with the famous Friendship Highway between Lhasa and Zhangmu. That western section is especially known for its elevation, mountain scenery, and long-distance overland driving routes.
Australia Highway 1
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Australia’s Highway 1 is the famous “Big Lap,” but the details matter. It is a network totaling about 9,009 miles, not a single neat strip of asphalt. The mainland section circles the continent, and Tasmania has a separate signed section between Hobart and Burnie. Daily drivers use short stretches, while full-loop travelers would need serious planning and a high tolerance for distance before challenging this route.
Trans-Siberian Highway
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The Trans-Siberian Highway is a logistical challenge. This unofficial chain of Russian federal highways stretches over 6,800 miles between St. Petersburg and Vladivostok. Much of its Russian stretch overlaps Asian Highway 6, although AH6 is a broader international route. Also, parts of the way cross remote territory, and fuel can be scarce in places, so drivers need to make adequate plans.
European Route E40
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E40 runs about 5,000 miles between Calais, France, and Ridder, Kazakhstan, which makes it the longest route in the International E-road network. A full drive is not as simple as following signs east. It would involve multiple international borders, so visa, border, and security conditions need to be checked before travel.
National Highway 44
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National Highway 44 runs north-south across India. Official listings put it at about 2,555 miles, between Srinagar and Kanyakumari. The highlight of this road is the sheer distance between those endpoints. Drivers can pass through a wide range of regions under a single highway number, which helps explain NH 44’s status as India’s longest national highway.
Trans-Canada Highway
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Canada’s coast-to-coast highway, which officially opened in 1962 and was fully completed in 1971, brings water into play. The Trans-Canada system connects Victoria, British Columbia, and St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, with about 4,860 miles of road and ferry-linked routing; the main route is also listed at 4,645 miles. You’ll find the ferry crossings near Newfoundland and Vancouver Island.
Golden Quadrilateral
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India gave this route network a glamorous name and a practical job. The Golden Quadrilateral covers 3,633 miles, linking Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai through national highways. Freight traffic gives it much of its everyday importance. Trucks and long-distance travelers benefit when major economic centers are connected by a faster circuit.
U.S. Route 20
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The Federal Highway Administration lists the U.S. Route 20 at 3,365 miles between Boston and Newport, Oregon. Still, Yellowstone National Park raises some hurdles, especially because U.S. numbered highways are not designated inside national parks. This little rule makes the route more interesting, but its title as the longest road in the United States still counts.
Interstate 90
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Interstate 90 runs 3,099.74 miles between Seattle and Boston, so it’s the longest Interstate Highway in the United States. The road passes through 13 states and covers major northern regions at the pace of a modern freeway. It may be the least romantic entry here, but it is probably the easiest one to use.