Best Driving Roads in the World 2026 — 30 Iconic Routes Ranked

The world’s best driving roads — the quick answer

The greatest driving roads run from the Italian Alps to the Pacific coast — the Stelvio Pass and its 48 hairpins, Norway’s Trollstigen, Romania’s Transfăgărășan, California’s Highway 1 and New Zealand’s Milford road. What they share is dramatic scenery, technical curves and big elevation change. Most have a short season — many Alpine passes close in winter — so timing matters. All 30 routes, ranked, with when to go and how to prepare, are below.

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This guide covers the most celebrated driving roads across every continent, with practical information on when to visit, what to expect, and how to prepare. From the legendary alpine passes of Europe to the dramatic coastal highways of the Pacific, these are the routes that every driver should experience at least once.

The Stelvio Pass — Italy

The Stelvio Pass in the Italian Alps is one of the highest paved mountain passes in Europe, reaching 2,757 metres above sea level. Its eastern approach from Bormio features 48 numbered hairpin bends climbing through a spectacular alpine landscape. The western descent toward Switzerland adds another series of switchbacks through green valleys.

The road is typically open from June to October, and snow can close it unexpectedly at either end of the season. Traffic can be heavy during peak summer months with motorcycles, sports cars, and cyclists all sharing the narrow road. Drive defensively, watch for oncoming traffic on blind corners, and remember that uphill traffic has priority. For details on Italian driving rules and speed limits, check our country guide. Make sure your tyres are in excellent condition before attempting mountain passes.

Transfagarasan Highway — Romania

Made famous by a motoring television programme that called it the best road in the world, the Transfagarasan Highway crosses the Fagaras Mountains in Romania through a series of dramatic switchbacks, tunnels and viaducts. The road reaches 2,042 metres at the Balea Lake summit and offers views that are genuinely breathtaking.

The northern approach from Curtea de Arges is the more dramatic section with tight hairpins climbing through dense forest before emerging above the tree line. The road is generally open from late June to late October, though exact dates vary by snow conditions. Traffic is heavy in July and August so consider visiting in September for quieter roads and autumn colours.

The Furka and Gotthard Passes — Switzerland

Switzerland is home to some of Europe finest driving roads. The Furka Pass at 2,429 metres featured in a famous spy film car chase and offers stunning views of the Rhone Glacier. The nearby Gotthard Pass, the historic route connecting northern and southern Europe, is a masterpiece of road engineering with perfectly surfaced cobblestones on sections of the original road.

The Susten, Grimsel, Julier and Bernina passes also rank among Europe finest driving roads. Switzerland demanding mountain roads require good vehicle condition, appropriate tyres, and confident driving skills. The road surfaces are excellently maintained but the gradients are steep and the hairpins tight. Always check pass opening status online before departing as conditions change rapidly in the Swiss Alps.

Trollstigen — Norway

Norway Trollstigen or Troll Ladder is a mountain road in western Norway that climbs through 11 hairpin bends up a steep mountainside with waterfalls cascading alongside the road. The road is narrow with passing places and the gradient reaches 10 percent in sections.

Open from late May to October, Trollstigen is part of one of Norway designated National Tourist Routes, a network of scenic roads with architectural viewpoints and rest areas designed by leading architects. The Atlantic Road, another Norwegian marvel, crosses a series of small islands and bridges over the open Atlantic, creating one of the most dramatic coastal drives anywhere in the world.

Pacific Coast Highway — United States

California State Route 1 along the Pacific coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles is arguably the most famous scenic drive in the United States. The Big Sur section in particular, where the road clings to cliffs hundreds of metres above the Pacific Ocean, offers views that are impossible to forget.

The route passes through charming coastal towns, past sea lion colonies, through groves of ancient redwood trees, and alongside some of the most photographed coastline in the world. The road is well-surfaced but narrow and winding in sections with frequent fog along the coast. Allow a full day for the Big Sur section alone to enjoy the many viewpoints and short walks.

The Tail of the Dragon — United States

With 318 curves in just 18 kilometres, the Tail of the Dragon on US Route 129 between Tennessee and North Carolina is a mecca for sports car and motorcycle enthusiasts. The road follows the Little Tennessee River through dense Appalachian forest with no intersections, driveways or other interruptions along its length.

The road is technically challenging with constant direction changes and elevation shifts. Speed limits are posted and enforced. The Dragon attracts thousands of enthusiasts annually and professional photographers stationed along the route capture your car at the most dramatic curves. It is an intense and memorable driving experience unlike anything in Europe.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road — Austria

Austria premier driving road, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, climbs to 2,504 metres with views of the Grossglockner, Austria highest peak, and the Pasterze Glacier. The toll road features 36 hairpin bends and is maintained to an excellent standard with wide lanes and good surfaces.

Unlike many alpine passes, the Grossglockner road charges a toll (approximately EUR 40 for cars) which funds maintenance and conservation. The road is open from May to October and features exhibition centres, restaurants and viewpoints along its length. It is one of the most accessible and enjoyable alpine driving experiences in Europe.

The Great Ocean Road — Australia

Australia Great Ocean Road stretches 243 kilometres along the southeastern coast of Victoria, passing through rainforest, alongside dramatic cliffs, and past the iconic Twelve Apostles limestone stacks. Built by returned soldiers after World War I as a memorial, it is the world largest war memorial and one of the most scenic coastal drives.

The road is well-surfaced but narrow in sections with sharp curves and steep gradients. Australian driving rules require you to keep left and speed limits are strictly enforced with cameras. The full drive from Torquay to Warrnambool takes approximately 4 hours without stops, but you should allow a full day to explore the many viewpoints, beaches and short walks along the route.

The Amalfi Coast — Italy

The Amalfi Coast road in southern Italy winds along dramatic Mediterranean cliffs between Sorrento and Salerno, passing through colourful villages perched impossibly on steep hillsides. The road is narrow, busy, and demands absolute concentration, but the views of turquoise water, lemon groves and historic architecture make it one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

Traffic is extremely heavy in summer and large tour buses share the narrow road with cars, scooters and pedestrians. Visit in spring or autumn for a more enjoyable experience. Note that some sections have one-way alternating traffic during peak periods. Good wing mirrors and confident reverse skills are essential.

Preparation and Safety Tips

Before tackling any challenging driving road, prepare your vehicle thoroughly. Check tyre condition, tread depth and pressure as we recommend in our tyre pressure guide. Ensure brakes are in excellent condition because mountain driving puts extreme demands on braking systems. Fill the fuel tank before starting as petrol stations are often sparse on mountain routes.

Carry water, a phone charger, a first aid kit, and warm clothing even in summer because temperatures drop significantly at altitude. Check your insurance covers the countries you will drive through and understand any restrictions on mountain or unpaved roads. Our car rental tips guide covers important considerations for renting a car for scenic drives.

Planning Your Driving Road Trip

The best driving roads reward those who plan carefully and drive at a pace that allows them to enjoy the experience. Do not rush through hairpins trying to set a time record because the point is to enjoy the journey, not just reach the destination. Pull over at viewpoints to take in the scenery, photograph the road from above, and stretch your legs.

Research road conditions, opening dates and traffic patterns before you go. Many alpine passes have webcams that show current conditions. Check our road trip Europe checklist for comprehensive preparation guidance. For routes crossing multiple countries, ensure you have the correct documentation including an international driving permit if required.

Conclusion

The world best driving roads offer experiences that no motorway can match. From the switchbacks of the Stelvio to the ocean views of the Pacific Coast Highway, these routes combine the joy of driving with landscapes that take your breath away. Plan carefully, prepare your vehicle, respect the conditions and local rules, and you will create memories that last a lifetime. Use our world speed limit map and country guides to research the rules for every destination on your driving road bucket list.