The Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in the World: Iconic Roads from Route 66 to the Hai Van Pass
Longing to hit the road and cross some iconic routes off your travel bucket list? In our mind, there’s no better way to see the sights than on two wheels, of course, so we’ve put together some ideas. Here are ten of the most well-known motorcycle rides around the world, from day trips to multi-week rides.
Pacific Coast Highway, USA
Hugging over 600 miles (900 km) of California coastline from San Francisco to San Diego, the Pacific Coast Highway encompasses a rugged and scenic landscape of mountains, trees, beaches, and sky. Though it takes about 10 hours to drive without stopping, you’ll most likely want to make it a several-day trip so you can pull over and enjoy the sights and cities along the way.
Great Ocean Road, Australia
A comfortable one-day ride from Torquay (just south of Melbourne) to Peterborough, this coastal drive is about 300 km (186 miles) long. You’ll experience the Great Otway National Park rainforest, glimpse the dramatic limestone formations of the Shipwreck Coast, and likely want to stop in and experience the natural wonders of Apollo Bay. Expect plenty of blue sky, white sand, and lush green foliage.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
From Sorrento to Amalfi, this gorgeous but narrow stretch of road is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. The 60 km (37 mile) road winds between the rugged mountains and the sea, clinging to steep coastal cliffs that drop straight down into the Mediterranean. It’s a short but adrenaline-inducing ride full of corners, hairpin turns, and the occasional tourist bus, so we recommend taking this one slow and enjoying the picturesque villages, carved rock tunnels, and stunning views along the way.
Route 66, USA
Also known as “The Mother Road” or “The Main Street of America,” this iconic route was one of the first continuous paved highways in the US. It was popularized by a concerted marketing effort on the part of the US 66 Highway Association as well as many songs, books, movies, and TV shows – and, of course, generations of road trippers and motorcycle riders. To quote the song “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” by Bobby Troup, “It winds from Chicago to LA, more than two thousand miles all the way.” (That’s about 3200 km.)
Garden Route, South Africa
This 300 km (186 mile) route from Mossel Bay to Storms River in the Western Cape of South Africa could be ridden in a day, but why rush? Dotted with coastal towns, hiking trails, and beaches, the scenic road goes through Tsitsikamma National Park and Wilderness National Park, so there are plenty of stops to be made along the way for anyone wanting to take in the natural beauty and try and spot animals ranging from whales, penguins, and seals to elephants, lions, and leopards.
The Trolls Ladder, Norway
Also known as the Trollstigen, this jaw-dropping ride is not for the faint of heart. Located halfway between Bergen and Trondheim, the one-lane road snakes up the sides of two mountains and is full of dramatic and technically challenging hairpin turns. Although paved, this 50 km (31 mile) road is best done on an adventure bike with freshly tuned-up brakes. You’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view at the top, of course, so you’ll want to bring your camera.
Route 40, Argentina
Argentina’s answer to USA’s Route 66, Route 40 (also known as Ruta Nacional 40 or La Cuarenta) runs across the country from north to south for just under 5200 km (3230 miles). Ranging from rugged gravel roads to high-altitude passes along the Andes Mountains, the route encompasses 11 different provinces, 20 national parks, and 24 major rivers.
Ceuta to Marrakech Loop, Morocco
Starting in Ceuta, this 2570 km (1597 mile) trip will take you through several cities (Fez, Erfoud, Ouarzazate, Marrakesh, Agadir, Casablanca, and Tangiers) and back, passing through the Rif mountains, Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert, Todra Gorge, and Tizi n’Test Pass along the way. The unique desert ride features plenty of ancient citadels and bazaars, as well as beaches, fossil sites, and an oasis.
Hải Vân Pass, Vietnam
Running through central Vietnam, the Hải Vân Pass is a stunning 20 km (12.4 mile) section of mountain road on the 165 km (103 mile) trip from Hội An to Huế via Đà Nẵng. Popularized by a 2008 episode of Top Gear, the paved highway is now a magnet for motorbikers and backpackers and can be done as a day trip with stops at waterfalls, beaches, and viewpoints.
The Alaska Highway, USA and Canada
Riding the Alaska Highway, you’re more than likely to spot some bear, bison, or moose along (or sometimes in the middle of) the two-lane road. Although it officially starts in Dawson Creek, BC, many motorbikers drive the 700 mile (1127 km) journey from Anchorage to Whitehorse. There are plenty of lodges designated “Motorcycle Friendly” along the way, though most, if not all, of the lodges along the route will welcome bikers.
We know that there are as many different motorcycle rides out there as there are biking enthusiasts, so this is really just the tip of the iceberg. Did we miss any iconic routes that deserve a spot on this list? Let us know in the comments!
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