Roads have long served as vital arteries connecting distant lands, facilitating trade, travel, and cultural exchange. As technology advances and infrastructural marvels unfold, the world witnesses the emergence of longer and more intricate road networks. In this article, we embark on a journey to discover the longest roads on the planet in 2024, marveling at the engineering feats that link nations and traverse continents.
World’s Longest Road 2024
The Pan American Highway stands as the undisputed champion of road networks, earning the prestigious title of the longest road in the world as of 2024. Stretching an astonishing 30,000 kilometers (19,000 miles), this epic journey begins its odyssey in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, before embarking on an awe-inspiring voyage all the way down to Ushuaia, Argentina.
While Guinness World Records lauds the Pan American Highway as the longest “motorable road,” it’s essential to note a natural obstacle along the route. A 106-kilometer (66-mile) expanse known as the Darien Gap separates South and Central America, presenting a formidable challenge for adventurers. Travelers seeking to conquer this stretch by land must endure a four-day hike, while those opting for convenience can cross the gap via ferry from Panama to Colombia.
Top-10 Longest Roads in the World 2024
Pan American Highway, with the total of 30,000 km, holds the title of the longest road in the world, followed by Highway 1, Trans-Siberian Highway, G219, and WE-WC Highway.
Here is the list of top-10 longest roads in the world 2024:
Longest Roads in the World 2024 | |||
Rank | Name | Country | Length (in km) |
1. | Pan American Highway | Several | 30,000 |
2. | Highway 1 | Australia | 14,500 |
3. | Trans-Siberian Highway | Several | 11,000 |
4. | G219 | China | 10,000 |
5. | WE-WC Highway | Several | 8,445 |
6. | Trans-Canada Highway | Canada | 7,821 |
7. | Golden Quadrilateral Hway | India | 5,846 |
8. | China National Hway 010 | China | 5,700 |
9. | G318 | China | 5,476 |
10. | US Route 20 | USA | 5,415 |
Longest Road in the World – Pan American Highway
Length: 30,000 km
As of 2024, the Pan American Highway reigns as the world’s longest road, spanning 30,000 kilometers from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Ushuaia, Argentina. While lauded by Guinness World Records, it faces a natural hurdle: the 106-kilometer Darien Gap. Adventurers brave a four-day hike, or opt for a ferry crossing from Panama to Colombia.
Second Longest Road of the World – Highway 1
Length: 14,000 km
At over 14,000 kilometers, Australia’s Highway 1 forms the world’s second-longest national highway, connecting all state capitals except Canberra. This extensive network acts as a coastal ring road, offering motorists a chance to explore many of Australia’s prime attractions, though completing the journey would take weeks.
World’s Third Longest Road – Trans-Siberian Highway
Length: 11,000 km
The Trans-Siberian Highway traverses Russia from Vladivostok to Saint Petersburg, spanning approximately 11,000 kilometers. As the world’s third-longest national highway, it closely follows the historic Trans-Siberian Railway route. This extensive road network offers travelers a remarkable journey across Russia, echoing the country’s vastness and historical significance.