Highways are not just pathways for vehicles; they represent the lifeblood of a country's connectivity, trade, and transportation. Some highways stretch for thousands of kilometers, connecting nations, facilitating trade, and offering incredible journeys through diverse landscapes. In this article, we explore the 10 longest highways in the world, from the Pan-American Highway that stretches from Argentina to Alaska, to China's vast network of highways.
Quick Overview of the Longest Highways in the World
| Rank | Highway Name | Length (km) | Quick Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pan-American Highway | 48,000 | World's longest, spanning the Americas. |
| 2 | Highway 1, Australia | 14,500 | Australia's longest highway, connecting major cities. |
| 3 | Trans-Siberian Highway | 11,000 | Crosses Russia from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok. |
| 4 | Trans-Canada Highway | 7,821 | Canada’s cross-country highway system. |
| 5 | Golden Quadrilateral, India | 5,846 | Major highway network connecting India's key cities. |
| 6 | China National Highway 010 | 5,700 | Longest national highway in China. |
| 7 | US Route 20 | 5,415 | Longest U.S. highway, crossing nine states. |
| 8 | US Route 6 | 5,158 | Known as the "Grand Army of the Republic" highway. |
| 9 | Interstate 90 (I-90), US | 4,860 | The longest interstate in the U.S. |
| 10 | Interstate 80 (I-80), US | 4,666 | Connects San Francisco to New Jersey. |
Pan-American Highway
The Pan-American Highway is the longest highway in the world, stretching over 48,000 kilometers from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The route passes through more than 20 countries, offering travelers the opportunity to experience diverse cultures, landscapes, and climates. However, one significant obstacle along this route is the Darién Gap, a 100-kilometer stretch of impassable terrain between Panama and Colombia.
Key Highlights:
- Length: 48,000 km
- Passes through: 20+ countries across the Americas
- Notable Feature: Darién Gap (a 100 km stretch between Panama and Colombia)
- Importance: Major trade route, connects two continents, cultural diversity
- Key Stopovers: Buenos Aires (Argentina), Mexico City (Mexico), Edmonton (Canada)
Highway 1, Australia
Highway 1, also known as Australia's National Highway 1, is the second-longest highway in the world, stretching 14,500 kilometers. It circles the entire Australian continent, linking every major city except for Brisbane and Darwin. The highway runs along the coastline, offering incredible views of the Australian beaches, forests, and outback.
Key Highlights:
- Length: 14,500 km
- Route: Circles the entire Australian continent
- Features: Coastal drive with scenic views, passing through major cities
- Major Cities Covered: Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide
- Purpose: Crucial for domestic transport, connects almost every major city in Australia
Trans-Siberian Highway
The Trans-Siberian Highway is one of the longest roads in the world, spanning 11,000 kilometers from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok in Russia. This highway crosses through Siberia, providing an essential route for goods and people traveling across Russia's vast expanse. The highway, which is part of the larger Asian Highway Network, offers travellers a glimpse of Russia's diverse landscapes, from snowy plains to dense forests.
Key Highlights:
- Length: 11,000 km
- Route: Across Russia from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok
- Features: Crosses Siberia, passes through remote regions of Russia
- Significance: Connects European Russia with the Russian Far East
- Notable Sections: M58 (Amur Highway), Russia’s federal highways
Trans-Canada Highway
The Trans-Canada Highway is the world’s fourth-longest highway, stretching 7,821 kilometers. This expansive highway connects the eastern and western coasts of Canada, running from Victoria in British Columbia to St. John's in Newfoundland and Labrador. The highway passes through all ten Canadian provinces, offering scenic views of the Canadian Rockies, forests, and coastlines.
Key Highlights:
- Length: 7,821 km
- Route: From Victoria, British Columbia, to St. John's, Newfoundland
- Features: Crosses all 10 Canadian provinces, passes through major cities
- Purpose: Vital for domestic travel, tourism, and national connectivity
- Scenic Spots: Canadian Rockies, major provincial cities
Golden Quadrilateral, India
The Golden Quadrilateral is one of India’s most important highways, connecting the country’s four major cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. This 5,846-kilometer highway network plays a critical role in boosting India's economy by improving trade routes and making transportation more efficient. The Golden Quadrilateral significantly enhances domestic connectivity, especially between the northern and southern regions of India.
Key Highlights:
- Length: 5,846 km
- Route: Connects Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata
- Features: Four- to six-lane highways, major trade route
- Importance: Economic growth, connects key commercial hubs
- Construction Period: 2001–2012
China National Highway 010
China National Highway 010 is the longest national highway in China, stretching 5,700 kilometers. It runs from Tongjiang City in Heilongjiang Province in the north to Sanya in Hainan Province in the south, connecting numerous provinces across China. This highway is crucial for regional connectivity and serves as a key infrastructure project in China’s ever-growing transport network.
Key Highlights:
- Length: 5,700 km
- Route: From Tongjiang (Heilongjiang) to Sanya (Hainan)
- Features: Crosses key provinces, part of China's five major highways
- Importance: Key infrastructure for China’s national development
- Notable Cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou
US Route 20
US Route 20 is the longest highway in the United States, covering 5,415 kilometers from Boston, Massachusetts, to Newport, Oregon. This historic route is vital for east-to-west travel in the U.S. and runs through nine states. US Route 20 is one of the original highways of the U.S. Highway System, offering a glimpse into the country's rural and urban areas.
Key Highlights:
- Length: 5,415 km
- Route: From Boston, Massachusetts, to Newport, Oregon
- Features: Crosses nine U.S. states, including historic towns
- Importance: Cross-country route for domestic travel
- Key Landmarks: Yellowstone National Park, rural America
US Route 6
US Route 6, also known as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, is the eighth-longest highway in the world at 5,158 kilometers. This highway stretches across the United States from California to Massachusetts. Historically, US Route 6 was a critical transcontinental route and continues to serve as a major connector in the U.S. highway network.
Key Highlights:
- Length: 5,158 km
- Route: From Bishop, California, to Provincetown, Massachusetts
- Features: Crosses many U.S. states, historical significance
- Importance: Part of the U.S. Transcontinental Route System
- Historical Importance: Formerly known as the Roosevelt Highway
Interstate 90 (I-90), US
Interstate 90 (I-90) is the longest interstate highway in the U.S., running 4,860 kilometers from Boston, Massachusetts, to Seattle, Washington. This east-west highway passes through 13 states and serves as a major transportation corridor for the U.S. economy. I-90 connects major metropolitan areas and provides essential infrastructure for cross-country trade.
Key Highlights:
- Length: 4,860 km
- Route: From Boston to Seattle, through 13 states
- Features: Major U.S. interstate highway
- Importance: Vital for cross-country travel and trade
- Key Stops: Chicago, Cleveland, Buffalo
Interstate 80 (I-80), US
Interstate 80 (I-80) runs 4,666 kilometers from San Francisco, California, to Teaneck, New Jersey, crossing through 11 U.S. states. As one of the longest U.S. interstates, I-80 connects the east and west coasts and plays a crucial role in national logistics and transportation.
Key Highlights:
- Length: 4,666 km
- Route: From San Francisco to New Jersey
- Features: Crosses 11 states, connects major metropolitan areas
- Importance: Essential for national trade and transportation
- Notable Sections: Nebraska’s long stretch
FAQs About the longest highway in the world
Q1. Which is the longest highway in the world?
The Pan-American Highway is the longest highway in the world, stretching approximately 48,000 kilometers from Argentina to Canada.
Q2. What makes Highway 1 in Australia special?
Highway 1 in Australia is the country's longest national highway, covering 14,500 kilometers, and offers scenic views along the entire Australian coastline.
Q3. How long is the Trans-Siberian Highway?
The Trans-Siberian Highway spans 11,000 kilometers across Russia, making it one of the longest roads in the world.
Q4. What is the Golden Quadrilateral in India?
The Golden Quadrilateral is a network of highways connecting four major Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, spanning 5,846 kilometers.
Q5. Why is the Trans-Canada Highway important?
The Trans-Canada Highway is vital for connecting Canada's east and west coasts, spanning 7,821 kilometers and passing through all ten provinces.
Q6. Which highway is the longest in China?
China National Highway 010 is the longest national highway in China, running 5,700 kilometers from the north to the south of the country.
Q7. What is the history behind US Route 20?
US Route 20 is the longest highway in the United States, covering 5,415 kilometers from Boston, Massachusetts, to Newport, Oregon.
Q8. How does US Route 6 differ from other highways?
US Route 6, also known as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, stretches 5,158 kilometers across the U.S. and holds historical significance.