longest trip world

Longest Road Trips in the World You Could Drive

Everyone loves a road trip – out on the open road, free to explore wherever and whenever you want. with a classic playlist on shuffle, plenty of car snacks and a roughly drawn route into the unknown, there’s a reason why road trips feel synonymous with chasing adventure and freedom. with this list, we’re focusing on distance, drawing up some of the longest and most ambitious road trips we can think of. grab a bag, a map and some friends, and head for the sunset… .

London to Cape Town 

This one’s a classic, and many brave adventurers have crossed this monster journey off their list. One of the longest north to south journeys in the world, the fastest known completion of this route was 13 days, 8 hours and 48 minutes, as part of a publicity campaign for the new Ford Cortina. This beat the previous champions by 18 minutes! If, however, you’re keen to actually soak up the incredible sights, a month is likely the minimum time needed to cover this two-continent trip.

Starting with the Eurostar to Calais, passengers can enjoy scenic drives through rural France and Spain, take the ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar and down into the heart of Africa. For those that make it across the harsh Saharan Desert, the road evens out to provide breath-taking drives across countless National Parks, from the primate-filled rainforest reserve of Dja Faunal in Cameroon, to the lion and elephant filled landscape of Etosha National Park in Namibia. Pulling into Cape Town at the southern tip of South Africa, this drive will have covered 13,207km (8,207 miles) and 13 countries.

Australian Coastal Loop

Driving ‘The Big Lap’ is another adventure that is often planned and rarely attempted. With huge swathes of the continent uninhabited due to its searingly hot desert climate, Australian road trips can be lethal to those without a map and plenty of backup fuel. The best bet for anyone looking to cover the whole country is to stick to Highway 1, a 14,935km (9280 miles) long highway that essentially follows the entire Australian coast in one big loop. Starting in Sydney, drivers can follow the coastline up to Brisbane, past Cairns, Darwin, Port Hedland, Perth and Adelaide, before hitting the spectacular Great Ocean Road to Melbourne and finally, back to Sydney.

The drive is perfectly possible to do within a month, but three months will give drivers time to better explore each stop fully. Because of the size of Australia, it is important to also keep an eye on the seasons. It is recommended to start the north in winter and summer in the south, following the milder temperatures round as you go.

Europe to Ulaanbaatar

Centuries ago, nomadic settlers made their way along the central Asian steppe, seeking new lands and adventures. Now you can follow their route, making your way through Eastern Europe and down into Turkey. Crossing the Istanbul bridge, Europe slowly turns into Asia, swapping crumbling Christian churches for Islamic minarets and the sweeping rural expanse of Lake Van. From Turkey you have two choices, head down through the ancient Persian settlements of Iran, or up over the Caspian Sea into Russia. Both routes reconvene in the sweeping grasslands of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, before the Gobi Desert springs over the horizon.

In recent years, adventurers have made this journey into a challenge, dubbing it the Mongol Rally . Each year, participants sign up, buy a beaten-up old car and race from Europe to Mongolia. Generally broadcasting their progress (or non-progress) on social media, the challenge is designed to be as disaster-filled as possible, creating opportunity for “motoring stupidity on a global scale” and unexpected adventures. If this sounds like your cup of tea, sign up for the Mongol Rally 2022 , and start looking for your rubbish vehicle!

Pan-American Highway 

So you might have done a cross-US road trip, but how about dreaming a bit bigger? This mammoth road trip covers almost the entirety of the Americas, from northernmost Alaska, down through Canada and the US, into Colombia, coastal Peru and Chile. The only break to the journey is the Darien Gap , a roadless region preventing driving access between Panama and Colombia (and by extension the entirety of North America to South America). Though there have been several attempts to build a highway, the impenetrable dense rainforest and prevalence of tropical diseases (not to mention the importance of protecting the indigenous communities that remain in the forests), means a road crossing has never been possible.

The only option, bar a famously hellish 5-day ferry journey , is to take a flight, but once safely into Medellin or Bogota, the journey south can carry on unimpeded. Assuming one drives from Prudhoe Bay in Alaska to Panama City, and then Medellin in Colombia to Quellon in Chile, this insane road trip should clock up a cool 23,662km (14,703 miles). Assuming you drove for 8 hours a day, this trip would take you a month. Those who have done it, however, take anytime between 2 months to 2 years.

Trans-Eurasian Belt

Our final route on this list doesn’t actually exist yet. It is an imagined driving route that follows much the same path as the Mongol Rally – from London to Ulaanbaatar. Yet once it hits Mongolia, it carries on, heading up through the easternmost point of Siberia and crossing the Bering Strait into Alaska. From there, the entirety of the Americas is possible, even linking down to South America. This journey is not yet possible, since the Bering Strait remains unconnected. However, plans for a Trans-Eurasian Belt Development are in the works, and we may soon see a connecting bridge be built to truly connect the world.

Who knows what such a connecting bridge will do for global trade, as well as perceptions of East and West? All we know is, it sounds like an epic road trip.

If you're planning a road trip across multiple countries, remember to get yourself covered with adequate car insurance just in case.

Starting from Skratch? Here are a Few Tips to Get You Started:

https://www.outbackcrossing.com.au/Touring/How_Long_Does_it_Take_to_Travel_Around_Australia.shtml

https://medium.com/@katheryn.watson/mapped-the-longest-road-trips-f6cf454b967c

https://www.skratch.world

World's Longest Driving Routes at a Glance:

🇬🇧london to cape town🇿🇦.

Distance: 13,207 km (8,207 miles)

Number of Countries: 13

Time Taken: 17 days (assuming 8 hours a day driving)

🇦🇺Australian Coastal Loop🇦🇺

Distance: 14,935 km (9,280 miles)

Number of Countries: 1

Time Taken: 19 days (assuming 8 hours a day driving)

🇵🇹Lisbon to Ulaanbaatar🇲🇳

Distance: 13,000 km (8,077 miles)

Number of Countries: 16

🇺🇸Pan-American Highway🇨🇱

Distance: 23,662 km (14,703 miles)

Number of Countries: 12

Time Taken: 30 days (assuming 8 hours a day driving)

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Travel Tips

The longest road trip roads in the world.

If you dream of epic adventures you should definitely consider traveling down one of the longest road trip roads in the world. Whether you’re in search of some good ol’ American fun, or looking to experience other countries, or even entire continents, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most unique and longest highways systems on earth.

At nearly 3200 miles (5200km) U.S. Route 6 is the second longest road trip road in the United States

Also known as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, U.S. Route 6 is a main route of the United States Highway system. Battling U.S. Route 20 for the title of the longest “continuous” transcontinental highway in America, this road will take drivers through fourteen different states starting in California and ending in Massachusetts.

At over 3300 miles (5400km) U.S. Route 20 is the longest road trip road in the United States

U.S. Route 20 covers 3,365 miles, from Boston, Massachusetts to Newport, Oregon. In 1926, it officially became a U.S. Highway, and during its early years, terminated at Yellow Stone National Park. Now U.S. Route 20 is the longest highway in the country, it crosses through twelve states of America’s beautiful landscape.

The Golden Quadrilateral Highway is the longest road trip road in India at 3600 miles (6000km)

The Golden Quadrilateral Highway in India is a network of highways connecting India’s four top metropolitan cities; Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, forming a quadrilateral. Launched in 2001 as part of India’s National Highways Development Project, it is the largest highway project in India. Overall the quadrilateral consists of four, six lane express highways.

The Trans-Canada Highway is the longest road trip roads in North America

Crossing through six time zones, this once-in-a-life time road trip starts at one end of Canada and ends at the other. Commenced in 1962, the Trans-Canada Highway takes you through ten Canadian provinces and crosses the Pacific Ocean on the west and to the Atlantic Ocean on the east.

The Trans-Siberian Highway runs the entire length of Russia and is the third longest road trip roads in the world

Spanning from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok, the Trans-Siberian Highway is a network of federal highways. As one of the more dangerous roads on this list, it has some of the toughest environments and uneasy terrain, from the Baltic Sea of the Atlantic Ocean to the Japan Sea of the Pacific Ocean.

Highway 1 in Australia, also known as the “Big Lap,” is the second longest road trip roads in the world

As the second largest road in the world, it joins all the mainland capitals of Australia. Constructed almost half a century ago, the first section of the route was signposted between Brisbane and Adelaide in 1955. At the time is was Australia’s only true national highway. Now there are more direct routes that crisscross throughout the country, none of them are more scenic than Australia’s Highway One.

At nearly 30,000 miles, The Pan American Highway is by far and away the longest road trip roads in the world

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Pan American Highway is the longest designated road in the world. At its fullest extent it links most of the nations of North and South America. Stretching from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina, but briefly interrupted by the 100-mile Darien Gap between Central and South America.

You’ll notice that two of the world’s longest highways are located in the United States, however there are many other scenic and unique systems in other parts of the world. When you’re considering your next family vacation or solo adventure, consider road tripping down one of the longest road trip roads in the world.

If you’re looking to travel one of these longest road trip roads and need a vehicle, check out Car Rentals for a great deal.

What's the farthest distance you can drive in North America?

The Pan American Highway, almost 30,000 miles away, is by far the longest win streak trip in the world. Also, Pan American Highway is the longest designated highway throughout the globe, and as per the Guinness Book of World Records. This unites almost all of the nations of North and South America to its greatest extent.

What are the best US road trip routes?

While planning a great American road trip, you must wonder the best of bests road trips in the USA. The list of incredible USA road trips includes Route 66, Pan American Highway, Great River Road, Pacific Coast Highway, Overseas Highway, Hill Country and many more.

What are the longest road trip roads in the world?

The United States boasts of some of the world's longest highways. The Pan-American Highway is the world's longest 'motorable road,' according to Guinness Book of World Records. At over 3300 miles (5400km) U.S. Route 20 is the longest road trip road in the United States of America.

Mike Shubic

Tags: longest road trip roads , Longest road trip roads in the world , longest road trips , longest road trips in the world , What are the longest road trip roads in the world

17 Comments

Bill and I travelled Hwy 6 and 20 in our travels.

Hi Jan…is that right? Did you do the entire length?

I would love to do the longest road trip in the world, but I just don’t like the countries it goes though.

It would be epic indeed.

Hey, Mike! I noticed on the Pan Am Highway, coming south from Alaska, it veers into two sections in Canada. When one fork enters the U.S., is it I-35? Thanks a lot, I enjoyed your blog!

Hi Mike…thanks for stopping by. That’s a good question, I’m not sure. Alaska is actually the only state I have not yet road tripped around. Are you thinking of driving this Pan Am Highway soon? Cheers, Mike

I am looking for travel companions to go anywhere. In some languages I am fluent, in some not, but even I do not speak Spanish I travel every winter in Mexico without any problems so far. From Maharaj to Germany I can communicate with locals, and many of them speak English as well.

Regardless of what the Guinness book of records states, the Darian gap separates the road, pretending otherwise is ridiculous.

Thank you for your thoughts.

The farthest you can drive in Alaska is Prudhoe Bay, which is a full 5335 miles from Miami, FL.

Thank you for sharing, and, for stopping by. Cheers, Mike

Wow, can you imagine road tripping one of these. Very interesting.

Epic indeed.

Such an interesting post. Your blog is amazing!

Glad you enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by.

I would like to thank you for the efforts, this is a great post.

My pleasure. Thank you.

Comments are closed.

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The 10 Longest Road Trips in the World

By Nick Mafi

There are perhaps few things more liberating than a road trip. With miles and miles of concrete ahead of you, the only two obstacles are the gas in your tank and the end of the road. While the former can easily be handled with intermittent stops at a gas station, the latter will eventually end, effectively stopping the road trip. So why not consider the longest roads so as prolonging the experience? Modern technology and government collaborations have allowed, for example, for one strip of road to span from the northern tip of North America to the southern expanse of South America—a feat, no doubt, that would've left Magellan speechless. As such, this summer, as you prepare to plan your next road trip, consider the ten longest highways in the world (just make sure you have enough gas money).

Interstate 80

Spanning 2,899 miles, Interstate 80 is roughly 120 miles shorter than I-90. Starting in Teaneck, New Jersey, the highway stretches across 11 states before arriving in San Francisco. I-80 runs a similar route to the Lincoln Highway. Built in 1913, the Lincoln Highway was among the earliest transcontinental highways for automobiles to cross the country.

Interstate 90

Barely surpassing 3,000 miles, Interstate 90 is the longest interstate highway in the United States. Beginning in Boston, the road travels across the northern half of the country, continually uninterrupted until it runs through Seattle. Between those two cities, I-90 spans some 11 states.

U.S. Route 6

Almost running the entirety of the country, U.S. Route 6 begins in Provincetown, Massachusetts, and ends in Bishop, California (near the Nevada border). In total the highway stretches 3,199 miles, at one point going through the Loveland Pass, where it crosses the Continental Divide.

U.S. Route 20

Spanning 3,365 miles, U.S. Route 20 runs east to west, covering some 12 states. Completed in 1926, the road begins in Boston and ends in Newport, Oregon. Pictured here is the Julien Dubuque Bridge, which is a part of U.S. Route 20, and runs over the Mississippi River, connecting Dubuque, Iowa, and East Dubuque, Illinois.

By Charlotte Collins

By Joyce Chen

By David Nash

China National Highway

Ranging some 3,541 miles, the China National Highway is the longest road in the country. It runs from Tongjiang in the eastern edge of the country all the way to Sanya, on the southern tip next to the South China Sea.

Golden Quadrilateral National Highway

The Golden Quadrilateral National Highway is India's largest highway project, and one that connects many of the major cities in the country. Spanning 3,632 miles, the concrete road connects Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kanpur, Surat and Bengaluru, and more, effectively linking many of the major industrial, agricultural, and cultural centers of India.

Trans-Canada Highway

The 4,860-mile-long Trans-Canada Highway crosses the entirety of Canada from east to west. If ever one finds themselves on a long stretch of road in Canada and wonders if it's the Trans-Canada Highway, it's easily identifiable by a distinctive white-on-green maple leaf route marker on its signs.

Trans-Siberian Highway

The Trans-Siberian Highway, which starts in metropolitan St. Petersburg, runs 6,835 miles through the heart of Russia before ending in Vladivostok, on the far eastern end of the country, next to the Pacific Ocean.

Australia's Highway 1 circles around the entire country/continent, totaling some 9,000 miles. Passing through all the major cities, the road covers a wide range of terrain such as tropical swamps, deserts, and ocean coastlines.

Pan-American Highway

Spanning some 19,000 miles, the Pan-American Highway is the longest roadway in the world. Starting in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, the road moves south, passing through Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Central America. There, the road hits a small bump, where travelers have to pass a gap connecting Central and South America briefly by sea before moving through Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile, and ultimately ending in the southern tip of Argentina.

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Longest journey by car

As of 4 April 2017 the longest driven journey is 741,065 km (460,476 miles) and was achieved by Emil and Liliana Schmid (Switzerland) who travelled across 186 countries in the same Toyota Land Cruiser in a journey that started on 18 October 1984 and is still ongoing.

The Schmids arranged for the 3rd rejuvenation of the Land Cruiser in East Malaysia in March 2017. The next destination will be Indonesia where they will visit new corners and new islands. They still have not decided what's afterwards.

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Roadstotravel

Find the best roads, the ten longest roads in the world, do you know them, what is the longest road in the world .

When you love driving, you want the road to be endless! This article brings together the longest roads in the world: they are not endless but still, some are almost.

Some of these routes cross several countries and even several continents and are therefore several thousand kilometers. If you are looking for long road trip ideas, just read the article!

We let you discover here the 10 longest roads on the earth:

10. Tarim Desert Road in China

About 550 kilometers (340 miles) through China.

This road is situated in China and passes through the Taklamakan Desert in the Xinjiang Region.

If the length of the road seems short, the feeling of being far away from civilization will be there. Indeed this road doesn’t cross any town or village and it will be just you and the desert. It’s the longest road in the world without crossing any civilization signs.

9. Road 66 in the USA

About 3500 kilometers (2175 miles) through the USA.

Road 66 is maybe not the longest road in the US but it is definitely the most iconic one!

The road traverses the country from Chicago in Illinois and goes to Santa Monica in California.

Many people choose this road for their road trips in the US because it gives a great overview of the country and allows travelers to discover many different areas, states, and towns along the route. It’s indeed one of the longest drivable road in the world.

8. Road 40 in Argentina, a long road through the country

About 5000 kilometers (3100 miles) through Argentina.

This road links La Quiaca near the Bolivian border with La Quiaca in the south of the country. This road is a perfect road trip idea if you want to discover Argentina from the south to the north!

Indeed, the road offers a great diversity of landscapes. On the itinerary, you will climb a mountain pass that is higher than 5000 meters (16404 feet) above the sea level, cross glaciers, vineyards but also deserts and cactus forests.

Also, this road is a mix of Asphalted and non-paved roads (only 30% is asphalted). It’s one of the longest drivable road in the world.

7. Road 20 in the USA

About 5400 kilometers (3350 miles) through the USA.

Road 20 is as iconic as road 66 is in the United States, it crosses all the country from east coast to west coast. It starts in Boston and ends in Newport.

You will need a lot of time to drive this road and enjoy all the steps on this road like Lake Michigan or the Yellow Stone National Park! It’s one of the longest highway in the world.

6. Tongsan Expressway in China

About 5700 kilometers (3500 miles) through China.

This road passes through well known Chinese regions, and you will discover amazing and various landscapes on your way: forests, mountains, and rice terraces.

Today the Tongsan Expressway (also known as the national road 010) is composed of the different roads so it’s quite difficult to find the itinerary.

Here is a map which roughly traces the route:

5. Trans-Canada Highway, the longest road in Canada

About 8000 kilometers (5000 miles) trough Canada.

You will need several days to cross the country from Victoria on the Pacific coast to Saint-Jean de Terre-Neuve on the Atlantic coast. This road crosses the 10 provinces of Canada and the main cities: Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montréal, and Québec.

The Trans-Canadian road passes through mountains, lakes, rivers, canyons, and also other dope landscapes!

4. Trans-Siberian road in Russia, a road through two continents.

About 11000 kilometers (6800 miles) crossing Russia.

Russians started to build this road at the end of the 19th century. You will drive from the capital of the Tsars, Saint Petersburg on the baltic sea to Vladivostok on the Pacific coast!

One the most mythical road in the world, you will pass Moscow, the Oural mountains, then in Asia, you’ll drive near the Lake Baikal and near the Mongolian and Chinese border.

On your way, you’ll find big plains, forests, mountains, steppes, rivers and other natural treasures.

3. Highway 1 in Australia, the longest road without interruption

About 14500 kilometers (9000 miles) around Australia.

Highway 1 makes the full turn off the country so, it is the longest national road in the world! The road crosses different landscapes: cities, forests, deserts. It will be an amazing experience!

You will drive through the main cities of the country such as Adelaïde, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairn, Darwin, and Perth.

It is one of the longest roads in the world that you can drive without any interruption.

2. Asian Highway 1 , an utopia road

About 20000 kilometers (12500 miles) through all Asian continent.

This a mythical itinerary that is quite a utopia, indeed you’ll need to drive through such countries as North Korea or Afganistan that is impossible today. You can still travel a portion of this road.

1. Pan-American Highway, the longest road in the World.

About 30000 kilometers (18600 miles) through all the American continent.

Also known as the Trans-American, it is the longest road trip in the world and the perfect itinerary if you are planning a long road trip. You will start in Prudhoe Bay in Alaska and will drive across North, Central, and then South America to Quellón in Chilli.

There is only one passage in Panama where there are tropical forests and swamps where you can’t drive so, you should “transfer” your car or bike on the other side of the Darien Gap .

As you just read in this article the 10th longest roads in the world are located everywhere on earth and on all continents. So if you are looking for the road trip of your life you know now where you can pick up one!

You can also read our article about one of the widest road in the world.

If you like our blog please share it on your social media!

Discover our article about the most known roads in the world: click here or see our road map!

Pictures credit: By Pravit – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons. wikimedia .org/w/index.php?curid=3575961 / Par Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30298357 / By Dario Alpern – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5406542 / Par Fredddie — USA map(GIS data), roads (GIS data), maps to help locate the route in GIS data, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12499286 / google maps / palestrina55 flickr / By Evad37Original author of GIS data:© Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia) 2013. – Own work;GIS data sources: “GEODATA TOPO 5M 2004” from Geoscience Australia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33124065 / By Created by en:User:Seaweege and released to PD – Own work, Copyrighted free use, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1503793

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These are the longest road trips (mapped)

Are you a travel enthusiast and want to experience a new adventure? Tired of the classic routes and common destinations? Park Indigo has mapped some of the longest road trips in the world that one could cross.

In such a journey you will have the opportunity to jump not only from one country to another, but also from continent to continent, crossing many countries, seeing dozens of enchanting landscapes and mainly traveling many miles. Have you ever wondered what the largest ring road in Europe is? Or what is the longest land route you can cover by car?

Using Google Maps, Park Indigo designed 8 of the largest road trips in the world:

The Longest Ring Road in Europe: Route 1, Iceland

Starting the road trip from Reykjavik, Iceland, you will cover a distance of 1,339 km, crossing 22 cities and communities throughout Iceland, driving a total of 21 hours and 40 minutes, and finally ending up in Reykjavik again.

The Longest Coastal Route in the World: The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Starting your journey in Ireland's Inishowen Peninsula, you will drive 15.6 hours, and you will end up in Kinsale, Ireland covering a distance of 2,750 km.

The Longest Euro-African Road Trip

It's an 181-hour drive from London to Cape Town, where it would take just over a week to complete the 13,652.07 km drive. Starting in London, UK, the inspirational journey travels to many countries, including France, Spain, Algeria, Nigeria, Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, Namibia and South Africa.

The Longest Leg (single road) outside of Europe: Highway One, Australia

Crossing Perth, Australia from end to end, you will need 165 hours of driving, having covered a distance of 13,563 km.

The Longest Land Route

From Sagre, Portugal to Talon, Russia, a journey of 186 hours of driving, covering a distance of 15,191km between continents.

The Longest Road Trip of the Future: Trans-Eurasian Belt Development 

The Trans-Eurasian Belt Development (TEPR) is planned by the Russian School of Science. It would mean you could drive (with help from the Eurostar and the Panama Canal) from the top of the UK, say Wick in Scotland, to the very bottom of South America, Cape Horn, covering a distance of 19,955 km. It has not been calculated how many driving hours it would take to complete such a road trip.

The Longest Highway in Asia: Asian Highway 1

Asian Highway 1  is the longest route of the Asian Highway Network, running 20,557 km from Tokyo, Japan via Korea, China, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran to the border between Turkey and Bulgaria west of Istanbul where it joins end-on with European route E80. You will need 123 hours of driving and over 5 days to complete this scenic route.

The Longest Land Route with Ferries

The longest road trip covers a distance of 33,612 kilometers. Starting just to the right of the Indian Ocean in Serai, Indonesia this long voyage includes ferries, travels along to Malaysia, north through China, west across Asia and Russia where it meets Europe at Belarus. From here the route carries on west through Europe to Spain, and south through Africa, reaching its final destination of Quoin Point, South Africa. Without stopping, not even for sleep or to check a map, something impossible and of course, not recommended, you would need 22 days to finish the route.

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The Pan American Highway: The Longest Road In The World

At its fullest extent the Pan-American Highway is a network of roads stretching from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Ushuaia, Argentina, a distance of around 48,000 kilometres (30,000 miles).

According to Guinness World Records, the Pan-American Highway is the world’s longest “motorable road” . However it is not readily possible to drive all the way since the route is interrupted by the 160 kilometre-wide (100 mile) Darién Gap between Central and South America.

The Highway consists of both official and unofficial elements. The official section, which is referred to in Spanish variously as the Autopista / Carretera / Ruta Panamericana, runs from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico on the U.S. Border to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina.

However, as shown on the map there are extensive unofficial sections to both the north and south of this.

The route shown on the map runs through 14 countries:

• The United States
• El Salvador

It also has links to a number of other countries. In the process it passes through all the major climate zones and many varied landscapes including arctic tundra, boreal forest, mountains, prairies, arid deserts and tropical jungles.

Moving from north to south, the route starts at Deadhorse, Alaska near the Prudhoe Bay oilfields and for the first 662 kilometres (414 miles) follows the Dalton Highway to Fairbanks.

The Dalton Highway was constructed in 1974 as a supply road to support the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. It is a challenging drive, with no services of any kind on one 384 kilometre (240 mile) stretch, and was the first road to be featured in the BBC’s World’s Most Dangerous Roads .

From Fairbanks there is a 155 kilometre (96 mile) link to Delta Junction at the northern end of the Alaska Highway, the next part of the route.

The Alaska Highway was constructed in 1942 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, as a wartime project using around 10,000 troops . Its purpose was to link Alaska with the 48 contiguous states through Canada to help defend against a possible Japanese attack.

It was originally around 2,700 kilometres long but as of 2012 had been shortened to 2,232 kilometres (1,387 miles) and is now paved over its entire length.

The Alaska Highway terminates at Dawson Creek, B.C. from where the route shown continues to Edmonton, Alberta. After Edmonton the map identifies two possible routes.

The first goes through Minneapolis after which it follows the Interstate 35 through Dallas/Fort-Worth to the Mexican border at Laredo, Texas.

The second route runs through Calgary, Alberta and Billings, Montana and then connects with the Interstate 25 through Denver, Colorado to Las Cruces, New Mexico and from there on the Interstate 10 to San Antonio, Texas, where it joins the first route.

In practice, given the unofficial status of the routes through Canada and the United States, many other alternatives are possible.

The Mexican city of Nuevo Laredo, just across the border from Laredo marks the start of the official section of the Pan-American Highway.

From there it runs to Mexico City along Mexican Federal Highway 45 and on to the border with Guatemala along Mexican Federal Highway 190.

It then proceeds through Central America, passing through Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. With the exception of Honduras, its route takes it through the capital cities of each of these countries, namely:

• Guatemala City (Guatemala)
• San Salvador (El Salvador)
• Managua (Nicaragua)
• San José (Costa Rica)
• Panama City (Panama)

One of the most challenging sections of the route lies in Costa Rica, where it rises to 3,335 metres (10,942 feet) at the ominously named Summit of Death (Cerro de la Muerte).

This summit marks the highest elevation on the Pan-American Highway in Central America. Indeed, following the completion of the Christ the Redeemer Tunnel between Chile and Argentina (see below), it may well be the highest elevation along the entire route.

The route through Central America terminates abruptly at Yaviza, at the edge of the Darién Gap and resumes on the other side at Turbo, Colombia in South America.

All but the most intrepid circumvent the Gap by taking one of the ferries that go from Panama to Colombia or Ecuador, from where they can reconnect with the Pan-American Highway.

In Colombia the route runs through Medellin and Cali before crossing the border into Ecuador at Tulcán.

In Ecuador the highway goes through the capital, Quito. At 2,850 metres (9,350 feet) Quito is the world’s second highest capital city , exceeded in elevation only by La Paz, Bolivia. From there the route heads south to Peru, where it follows Peru Highway 1, which runs the length of the country and connects all major cities in the coastal area, including the capital, Lima.

On crossing from Peru into Chile the highway enters the Atacama Desert, the driest non-polar location in the world . The highway then follows Chile Route 5 through Antofagasta to Valparaiso.

As shown on the map, there is an unofficial branch of the highway that continues on down the Chilean coast on Route 5 terminating in Quellón on Chiloé Island.

At Valparaiso the official route heads east following Chile Route 60 across the Andes Mountains to Argentina, where it becomes Argentina National Route 7 and crosses the Pampas to Buenos Aires.

Before 1980, the border used to be at the Upsallata Pass, which at 3,832 metres (12, 572 feet) made it the highest point on the Pan-American Highway. However, 1980 saw the opening of the Christ the Redeemer Tunnel (Túnel Cristo Redentor) at 3,200 metres (10,499 feet), which became the new crossing point.

The final (unofficial) leg of the Pan-American Highway runs for 3,045 kilometres (1,892 miles) from Buenos Aires on Argentina National Route 3 to Ushuaia passing through Bahía Blanca and Comodoro Rivadavia.

Near its southern end the route goes back into Chile and crosses the Straits of Magellan via a short ferry ride before going back into Argentina and on to Ushuaia, which is located on Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, the largest island of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago.

Argentina claims Ushuaia as the world’s most southerly city , a fact that is disputed by Chile which claims Puerto Williams for this distinction. While the Chilean town of Puerto Williams is indeed farther south , Ushuaia has a much larger population (71,000 vs. 3,000) , so take your pick.

The record for the fastest trip by car from Ushuaia to Prudhoe Bay (mostly on the Pan-American Highway) is credited to Tim Cahill and Garry Sowerby in the astonishing time of twenty-three days, twenty-two hours, and forty-three minutes .

Tim wrote about his experience in his book Road Fever . In 2003 Kevin Sanders broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest traversal of the highway by motorcycle , taking 34 days.

No account of the Pan-American Highway would be complete without a discussion of its missing link, the Darién Gap .

This area of undeveloped swampland, forest and mountain straddles the border between Panama and Colombia. Thus far, plans to build a road through the Gap have come to nothing .

There are a number of reasons for this including:

• The sheer difficulty and cost of building a road through such difficult terrain.
• Pressure to protect the rainforest environment
• Concerns by indigenous groups, such as the Embera-Wounaan and Kuna that a road would pose a threat to their traditional cultures.
• And concerns that a road would make it easier for foot and mouth disease to enter North America.

Over the years, the enormous challenge of traversing the Gap has attracted a number of diehard souls.

The first vehicular crossing of the Gap was by the Land Rover La Cucaracha Cariñosa (The Affectionate Cockroach) and a Jeep of the international Trans-Darién Expedition of 1959–60, which took 136 days!

The first crossing by a standard two wheel drive passenger car took place in 1961 with three Chevrolet Corvairs, only two of which made it out of the jungle.

Up to this point, the expeditions had used river boats for some sections. The first fully overland wheeled crossing of the Gap was that of British cyclist Ian Hibell, who rode from Cape Horn to Alaska between 1971 and 1973.

The first motorcycle crossing was by Robert L. Webb in March 1975.

The first all-land auto crossing was in 1985–87 by Loren Upton and Patty Mercier in a Jeep, taking an incredible 741 days to travel 201 kilometres (125 miles).

Ed Culberson was the first to follow the entire Pan-American Highway including the Darién Gap on a motorcycle.

There have also been a number of crossings on foot, including that of George Meegan in 1981, who walked the entire distance from Tierra del Fuego to Alaska over a period of 2,425 days !

The most unusual walker was evangelist Arthur Blessitt who traversed the Gap in 1979 while carrying a 12-foot wooden cross as part of what Guinness World Records recognized as “the longest round the world pilgrimage”.

Principal References:

• Pan-American Highway
• Dalton Highway
• Alaska Highway
• Pan-American Highway (South America)
• Atacama Desert
• National Route 3 (Argentina)
• The southernmost settlements in the world

Tim Cahill, Road Fever (1991) Ed Culberson, Obsessions Die Hard: Motorcycling the Pan-American Highway’s Jungle Gap (1966) George Meegan, The Longest Walk (1988) Russell Braddon, The Hundred Days of Darien (1974) John Blashford-Snell, Something Lost Behind the Ranges (1994) Ian Hibell, Into the Remote Places (1984) Mark A Smith, Driven by a Dream (2004) Wade Davis, The Rucksack Man (1976) Arthur Blessitt, The Cross (2009) Joseph R. Yogerst, Long Road South: The Pan American Highway (1999) Raymond and Audrey Pritchard, Driving the Pan-American Highway to Mexico and Central America (1998) Brad and Sheena Van Orden, Drive Nacho Drive: A Journey from the American Dream to the End of the World (2013) Ben Cunningham, The Longest Road: An Irish Pan-American Cycling Adventure (2009)

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Nicolás Valencia says

May 20, 2016 at 7:57 pm

I would like to clarify a point related to Chile. In our country it’s known as Route 5, but instead of arriving to Valparaiso, it goes to Santiago. In fact, in a short section, Route 5 is crossed by Route 60 (Valparaiso – Buenos Aires), before arriving Santiago, capital of Chile.

Route 5 cross Santiago as a north-south axis (well-known as “La Norte-Sur”), then continues on down to Puerto Montt. Then, you have to sail the Chacao Channel from Puerto Montt to Quellon, the southernmost city on Chiloe Island.

GeoNie says

November 2, 2021 at 10:14 pm

It’s on the internet dude!! Geez

November 2, 2021 at 10:18 pm

Hey NicolásValencia. Chile looks so beautiful in its beach front glory to that big wall separating Argentina. I envy you guys and will land in Santiago soon

Veronica Philips says

July 9, 2017 at 8:47 pm

Image what can happen on a family road trip, when your son asks the innocent question, “What’s the longest road in the world?” This was a great read, and I’m thinking it needs to be a bucket list item..

Tom Swinburn says

August 13, 2018 at 7:53 am

Meegan traversed 12 miles a day for YEARS to make his journey. Almost seven years in fact. So there were no sick days, no breaks of any kind? I guess I’m going to have to buy his book. The 12 miles a day was the average, but some days he could have walked much further, other days, like in the Darien gap a mile a day would have been tough. And the elevation changes! The feat seems almost superhuman.

August 10, 2019 at 10:06 pm

Without modern technology, navigating, writing and Reading about this would not be possible. Someday like the Jetsons someone will just be able to fly their own personal vehicle the whole way !!

Ian Sarad says

September 27, 2019 at 5:00 pm

I just did a little research and discovered that it’s actually 30,000 km (not miles).

Muhammad Naeem Khalid says

October 28, 2019 at 6:01 pm

Pan American Highway is 30000 KM or 30000 Miles please clarify

Bill Emerson says

February 23, 2020 at 9:57 pm

In 1998 I drove from my home in Kansas City to Panama…..It was a great trip! To return I put my car on a ship to Florida, and then drove back home. Even though I do not speak Spanish, I did not find language to be a problem. In fact, I had virtually no problems. I have always wanted to do another trip thru South America to southern Chile. Is there anything more that I should know?

Regards, Bill Emerson

Andrus says

September 11, 2020 at 3:51 pm

For a trip to south america, Route 40 in Argentina is far more interesting than the pan-american highway. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Route_40_(Argentina)

September 12, 2020 at 10:21 pm

In Argentina, the 5000 km of Route 40 are much more scenic that panamerica highway.

wayne winzer says

April 7, 2023 at 4:00 am

follow transmigratoty route. easier now than then. I drive Wichita to Guatemala every year

Jane Carpenter says

June 16, 2020 at 9:10 pm

Muhammad I think you’ll find your answer here in this article. Although you may not – it’s still slightly confusing! 🙂 https://www.dangerousroads.org/north-america/usa/4638-pan-american-highway.html

joana galarza johnson says

April 4, 2020 at 1:51 pm

What an interesting article, thank you. I would like to offer one more reason why the Darian Gap’s closure has come to nothing. Colombian drug lords. Colombia’s notorious Pablo Escobar and countless other drug cartel leaders, hid (and had drug distillation industries) at the northernmost tip of South America. In the rainforests.

Also, there is a new book, To Shake the Sleeping Self by Jedidiah Jenkins (2019) about traversing the Pan American Highway on bicycle, from Oregon south to Patagonia. Lovely book.

Stefan White says

April 5, 2020 at 7:01 am

My stepfather was the mechanic of an Inter-American Expedition in 1953 that drove a Sunbeam Alpine non-stop from Fairbanks, Alaska to the southern tip of Tierra del Fuego, using rafts to cross the Gap and sleeping with headhunters in Central America. That would be preceding the claim made here.

June 13, 2020 at 2:43 am

I just came up with about 22,000 kilometers on Google Maps, depending on the specific routes chosen. Clearly, 30,000 kilometers, or miles, is incorrect, since the straight line pole-to-pole distance is only 20,000 kilometers, as measured on Google Earth.

stephen morrow says

March 7, 2021 at 12:59 am

Mileage stated here is way off…19,000 miles is more like it.. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan-American_Highway

V CLEVE WALSTROM says

August 9, 2021 at 8:38 pm

Danny Liska of Niobrara, Nebraska rode a BWM motor cycle the length of the Pan American Highway (he hiked the Darien Gap) in the early 1960’s . His book Two Wheels to Adventure is a classic that out shines all.

Cleve Walstrom

Waithumbi says

October 3, 2021 at 1:34 pm

It’s a Wonderful article to read, like now when the migrants from Haiti are WALKING through the Darien Gap Jungle.

Gerard Deveau says

February 6, 2023 at 6:15 pm

Great article and comments as well! A Bucket List Adventure for sure God willing.

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The world's longest and greatest road trips

Road-trips are the perfect way to experience many different countries, cultures and landmarks all in one epic journey.

Being in control of your destiny and the freedom that comes with jumping in the car and driving wherever you see fit can be liberating. Whilst road-trips do need a decent period of time to undertake there are plenty of options to suit whether you’ve got a long weekend or taking a year to travel the world.

We’re concentrating today on those longer trips, those inspirational life affirming journeys that take you from one side of the world to the other by looking at the world’s longest road trips.

Sagres to Talon: The Longest Overland Road Trip

The furthest that you can drive without the need of ferries or trains is from Sagres in Portugal to Talon in eastern Russia.

This 9,414 mile (15,151km) journey will take around 200 hours of continuous driving. Clearly you’ll be wanting to break up the journey, doing so means you’ll be able to explore a number of wonderful countries from the start point in Portugal, through Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Belarus and across the breadth of Russia via Moscow, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk and to Talon.

Prudhoe Bay to Ushuaia: Pan American Highway

The Pan American Highway spans the North and South American continents, from Prudhoe Bay in Alaska to the southernmost city in the world Ushuaia in Argentina.

It’s a distance of 19,000 miles (30,000km) making it the longest road in the world. It would take an estimated 720 hours to drive the length of the Pan American Highway – which is a solid 3 months of driving, but most people choose to take a much more leisurely approach over the course of 6-12 months.

The journey takes you through Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, United States and Canada – which gives you plenty of places to explore and enjoy along the way. From the Patagonian icefields to the Atacama Desert and the Rockies mountains.

We should be honest and admit that this isn’t fully achievable by car alone, the Darien Gap, which separates South America and Central America is a region of mountainous rainforest and swampland which can only be covered by boat.

Highway 1 in Australia: The Big Lap

Australia’s Big Lap is essentially the world’s biggest ring road. The 9,000 mile (14,500km) Highway 1 connects the capitals of Australia’s states (except Hobart and Canberra) by joining Perth (Western Australia), Darwin (Northern Territories), Brisbane (Queensland), Sydney (New South Wales), Melbourne (Victoria) and Adelaide (South Australia). 

In doing so it becomes the second largest road in the world. It showcases all that Australia has to offer from the Great Ocean Road between Melbourne and Adelaide to the isolation of the north eastern coasts with swamps, deserts and scrubland in between.

Although the record for the Big Lap is a remarkable 6 days, those of us with more time could enjoy the journey over the course of 3-6 months. Taking in all that Australia has to offer in that time.

St. Petersburg to Vladivostok: The Trans-Siberian Highway 

Many would have heard of the Trans-Siberian Railway, but did you know there was a highway as well?

Running the length of Russia from St Petersburg in the north west to Vladivostok in the south east it covers 7,000 miles (11,000km) making it the third longest road in the world.

The journey takes goes from the Baltic Sea coast to the Sea of Japan, through some inhospitable terrain making it one of the toughest road trips you can choose to do.

Driving constantly and going at full tilt will still take around 14 days to make it from one side to the other. Happily though, if you allow 4-6 weeks you can make the journey in a more manageable way and enjoy the cities of Moscow, Kazan and Irkutsk whilst the natural wonder of Lake Baikal. 

St John’s to Vancouver: The Trans-Canada Highway 

Canada is the second biggest country in the world, so it’s not a surprise to see it on a list of the world’s longest road trips. The Trans-Canada Highway meanders from St John’s in Newfoundland and Labrador in the east to Vancouver, the largest city in British Columbia on Canada’s west coast.

The journey is 5,000 miles (7,000km) takes you through ten Canadian provinces and takes you from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Coast in the west. In total, it would take around 120 hours of pure driving, but more realistically a 2-month trip would allow you to leisurely journey where you can take in all that Canada has to offer.

Along the route, stop in the beautiful Quebec City, explore the lakes and mountains of Alberta and try whale watching in Vancouver Bay.

Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata: The Golden Quadrilateral Highway 

India’s longest road trip in 3,600 miles (6,000km) long and connects 4 of India’s largest cities – Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.

In doing so it forms a quadrilateral where the highway gets its name. It is the newest highway on this list having been completed in 2001

2-4 weeks driving this route around India would be able to provide good time to explore each city and immerse yourself in some of India’s most famous landmarks including the world-famous Taj Mahal. 

Boston, Massachusetts to Newport, Oregon: U.S. Route 20

America and road trips go hand in hand, although Route 66 is probably the famous road trip in the world, the longest road trip in the United States is actually Route 20 which connects Boston, Massachusetts on the east coast with Newport, Oregon on the Pacific coast in the north west of the country.

Covering 3,365 miles (5,415km) it runs through 12 different states and some fascinating cities including Cleveland – where you can visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Minneapolis - for some retail therapy at the Mall of America, and Chicago - The Windy City. Aside from cities you can also experience the USAs natural beauty including Yellowstone National Park, Craters of the Moon National Preserve and, if you’re willing take a 2-hour detour, you can see Mount Rushmore.

The 60 hours of driving that it will take can make for an excellent 3-week journey across the route, giving you enough time for a leisurely drive and multiple night stays along the way. 

Istanbul to Tokyo: Asian Highway 1

The longest road trip across Asia spans 12,774 (20,557km) from Istanbul in Turkey – known as the gateway to Asia – to Tokyo in Japan.

Asian Highway 1 takes around 125 hours to complete, but given the number of different countries through which it runs you’ll likely want to allow yourself 4-6 weeks to fully appreciate everything that this route has to offer.

The route runs through South Korea, North Korea, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran. Whilst some of these countries may not be the easiest to navigate through geo-politically speaking the routes does hold some magnificent treasures throughout south east Asian and parts of the Indian sub-continent.

If you’re not sick of driving by the time you arrive in Istanbul, it is possible to continue the trip via the E80 which will lead you across Europe to Lisbon in Portugal. 

John O’Groats, UK to Cape Town: The Longest Euro-African Road Trip

Here’s one that is perfect for us Brits. A 200 hour drive takes us 9,100 miles (14,650km) from the UK’s most northerly mainland point – John O’Groats to Cape Town in South Africa.

It would take just over a week of solid driving to make the distance, but a much more sensible timescale will be 2 to 3 months – that way you can enjoy your trip through Europe and down the length of Africa.

This unique journey travels through France, Spain, Algeria, Nigeria, Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, Namibia and South Africa – allowing you to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Africa in the various deserts, game reserves and national parks with the Algerian Sahara and Deadvlei and Etosha National Park in Namibia being particular highlights.

Serai, Indonesia to Cape Town, South Africa: The Longest Land Route with Ferries

If you’re willing to push the definition of a road trip a bit further and are happy to use a number of ferries, then the longest land route you can do with ferries is between Cape Town and Serai, North Sulawesi in Indonesia.

The longest road trip covers a distance of 20,885 (33,612km) through Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Kazakhstan, Russia and then across Europe from Belarus to Spain. Then head over to north Africa and travel through Algeria, Niger, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and more.

This is a mammoth journey that with constant driving would take 550 hours – the equivalent of 23 days straight!

Ready to hit the road for your next adventure?

Have we inspired to take a road trip? Even if you don’t have the time or the willing to travel tens of thousands of miles there are some excellent road trips closer to home including:

• North Coast 500 – Scotland
• Wild Atlantic Way – Ireland
• Ring Road - Iceland
• The Amalfi Coast - Italy
• Atlantic Road – Norway

If you are planning a driving adventure this year, remember to get yourself covered with travel insurance and car hire excess cover and breakdown cover to make sure you’re fully protected before you hit the open road.

8 of the World's Longest Train Rides

By Nell McShane Wulfhart

The Trans-Siberian Express

Distance: 5,772 miles

Duration: More than six days

The longest rail journey in the world (and getting longer ) is the stuff of legend—a train ride that starts in Moscow and ends, more than six days later, in Vladivostok. Over the course of the journey, the train crosses time zone after time zone and the landscape changes constantly, from the Ural Mountains to Lake Baikal and all the steppes one could want in between. Trains depart every two days.

Eastern & Oriental Express

Distance: About 1,200 miles

Duration: Three to four days

This classic journey aboard the Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express winds through Southeast Asia from Singapore to Bangkok (and vice versa), with stops at River Kwai and the Malaysian district of Kuala Kangsar. You can choose from routes lasting either three or four days, usually stretching over the weekends. Accommodations are private and richly decorated but compact, making the trip a great option for solo travelers .

The Canadian

Distance: 2,775 miles

Duration: Three days

There’s no Wi-Fi on VIA Rail's transcontinental jaunt, so be prepared for hours of watching the scenery. Luckily, what you'll see—snow-capped Rocky Mountains, the forest of the Canadian Shield, and the rest of Canada ’s strikingly empty landscape—is breathtaking. Beginning in Toronto and ending in Vancouver , the ride is made even better by comfortable sleeper cars and the chances of seeing moose, deer, and even bears from the windows.

California Zephyr

Distance: 2,438 miles

Duration: 51 hours, 20 minutes

With each trip taking a little more than two days, this Chicago -to- San Francisco journey is the longest in the U.S. It covers 2,438 miles along the trail of the pioneers, taking in the Rockies, the canyons of Colorado’s Western Slope, and the Sierra Nevadas, but you can also jump off at Reno if you're ready to trade nature for neon.

Alex Erdekian

CNT Editors

Jesse Ashlock

Charlie Hobbs

The Indian Pacific

Distance: 2,704 miles

Duration: Four days

Over the course of four days and three nights, the Indian Pacific traverses the width of Australia , from Perth to Sydney . It stops in Adelaide, the ghost town of Cook, and Broken Hill (an artist colony that was once a mining town). From the comfort of your seat, you'll see the Australian outback as well as the forests and waterfalls of the Blue Mountains; meanwhile, off-train excursions have been added for travelers headed east.

Vivek Express

Distance: Around 2,650 miles

Duration: Approximately four days

This 80-plus-hour trip on the Vivek Express is the longest train journey in India and one of the world’s longest as well, clocking in at approximately 2,650 miles. It takes between three and four days aboard the train to arrive, traveling the length of the country at an average speed of 32 miles an hour. There are 57 stops in total, beginning in the far north at Dibrugarh and ending in Kanyakumari, at India’s southern tip (pictured).

Beijing-Guangzhou Bullet Train

Distance: 1,200 miles

Duration: Eight hours

At roughly 1,200 miles, this isn’t a competitor for the longest journey, but it takes the prize for the fastest long-distance train. This high-speed train service launched in 2012, and has cut the 21-hour trip down to eight, reaching speeds of 186 miles per hour. At this pace the scenery flies by, but there are 35 stops, most in major cities like Wuhan.

The Blue Train

Distance: 994 miles

Duration: 27 hours

Spot wild game on the savannah from the windows of South Africa ’s famously decadent Blue Train, which crosses the country in just over a day. Traveling from Pretoria to Cape Town , the train is more like a fast-moving luxury hotel, with butler service, Cuban cigars, and gourmet dinners. But the main attraction is the view of the country’s spectacular farmlands, forests and vineyards.

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This 154-night Sailing Is One of the Longest World Cruises Ever — Crossing 3 Oceans, 41 Countries, and 40,000 Nautical Miles

The trip will cover 39,722 nautical miles and stop at 77 ports of call.

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas

Regent Seven Seas Cruises just announced its longest sailing yet, a once-in-a-lifetime trip called The Sense of Adventure.

The 154-night trip crosses three oceans with stops in the Americas, the South Pacific, Australia, Asia, Africa, and Europe on board its Seven Seas Mariner ship. The sailing, departing from Miami on Jan. 10, 2026, will cruise a whopping 39,722 nautical miles, stop at 77 ports of call, and help travelers gain 41 new stamps in their passports across six continents.

“Luxury travelers want to travel further afield and for longer durations, which is why we are excited to announce our newest and longest World Cruise for 2026,” said Andrea DeMarco, the president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, in a release sent to Travel + Leisure . “' The Sense of Adventure' appeals to those who desire just that — over 154 nights of unforgettable experiences where guests will travel to the far-flung reaches of the globe.” That includes stopping in three new-to-the-company ports along the way, including Lifou Island and Maré in the South Pacific's New Caledonia archipelago and Sumba Island, Indonesia.

As part of the journey, guests can take part in more than 400 free shore excursions to help them fully immerse in each destination. The trip also includes 16 overnight stays, in destinations like Bora Bora in French Polynesia; Darwin, Australia; and Walvis Bay, Namibia. 

On board, guests can expect perks like unlimited valet laundry, all-inclusive dining at seven venues, and plenty of entertainment options, like a casino and a theater hosting living performances. For more practical purposes, the ship also comes with onboard medical services, and guests can take advantage of its comprehensive visa package, so they don’t have to worry about destination-specific paperwork. The delights extend to the rooms as well, thanks to the ship’s all-suite accommodations. 

“Our World Cruise guests will enjoy unmatched personalized service, impeccable hospitality, the sumptuous comfort of our all-suite, all-balcony accommodations, and an extensive list of inclusions that provide every luxury,” DeMarco added. 

Fares for the extended journey begin at $94,999 per guest. Reservations open on March 22, 2023, however, those interested can pre-register as of March 13 by visiting RSSC.com/2026-World-Cruise .

Related Articles

• The World's Longest Train Journeys

Rail transportation is one of the oldest forms of modern transport. Even today, it is used by hundreds of millions of people around the world. In many places, trains are often the cheapest option for long distance travel across land. Furthermore, it can also be comfortable and enjoyable as trains tend to be spacious and allow passengers to observe their surroundings. In addition to passenger transport, trains also allow large amounts of goods to be transported and serve an important role in the economy of imports and exports. The world's longest rail journey is the Trans-Siberian Railway. 

Longest Train Services

Trans-siberian railway.

The longest train service in the world is known as the Trans-Siberian Railway. It runs from Moscow, Russia to Vladivostok, Russia. This train service is used for both tourist transportation and transporting goods across the country, and is the most important train service in Russia. Approximately 30% of Russia’s exports travel through this train service. The total time it takes this train to get from start to finish is nearly six days and in this time it covers over 9,000 kilometers.

Chinese Train Services

After the Trans-Siberian Railway, the next three longest train services in the world are located in China with the longest being the service from Guangzhou to Lhasa. The Train that operates on this route is the T264, and it is operated by China Railways. The primary purpose of this train is to serve as a passenger mover, and a train departs on this route once a day. The time this train takes to reach its final destination is approximately 2 and a half days and in this time it covers almost 5000 kilometers.

Toronto to Vancouver, Canada

Another long train service is found in Canada between Toronto and Vancouver. The train that runs this route is called the Canadian, and it is operated by Via Rail Canada. This train is a passenger train, and it is known to be one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. The total time it takes for this train to reach its final destination is over three days and the distance it covers in this time is 4,446 kilometers. This journey is the longest train service in North America, and it is the fifth longest train service in the world. A train on this route leaves three times a week.

Tourism Aspect of Train Services

All of these train services attract many tourists, both domestic and international. The Trans-Siberian Railway is very popular for international visitors, but it also attracts a large number of Russians. Similar can be said about all these trains as they attract many domestic and international tourists. It is not always that the tourists use these services to get from one place to another, but often they avail these services to enjoy the experience. The main reason for this is the scenic settings of these train routes. With all this is mind, it can be safe to say that train services are a big part of the tourism industry.

Longest Train Services In The World

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All four corners, one epic voyage.

The Ultimate World Cruise

The most epic world cruise ever to set sail.

Get ready to see the world in a whole new light — introducing the Ultimate World Cruise onboard Serenade of the Seas®. You can spend 274 nights bonding with like-minded explorers over global discoveries across all seven continents. Or pick a corner of the globe and explore every inch of it on one of four Ultimate World Cruise℠ segments — each an immersive voyage of 60+ nights. Connect with countless distinct cultures, soak up the most spectacular landscapes on Earth, and marvel at World Wonders that showcase mankind’s boundless imagination.

Or call your local travel advisor . For more information, call the Ultimate World Cruise Contact Line at 800-423-2100.

Dive deeper into the world's wonders

Ultimate world cruise.

Visit 150+ destinations and 8 World Wonders, across 7 continents and 60+ countries. The Ultimate World Cruise features four distinct segments that traverse the globe in one incredible journey.

Dec 10th – Feb 11th

Ultimate Americas Cruise

Feb 11th - May 9th

Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise

May 9th - July 10th

Ultimate Africa & Southern Europe Cruise

July 10th - Sep 10th

Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise

Chichén Itzá, Cozumel, Mexico

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Machu Picchu, Lima, Peru

Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, Australia

Great Wall of China, Beijing, China

The Taj Mahal, Cochin, India

The Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Berlin, Germany

Copenhagen, Denmark

New York, New York

Dec 10th 2023 – Feb 11th 2024

Venture across Three Continents

36 Destinations, 64 Nights

Arica, Chile

Your once-in-a-lifetime journey begins December 2023, embarking from in Miami on the first segment of the Ultimate World Cruise℠ — the Ultimate Americas Cruise. Go from postcard-perfect Caribbean shores—including the ABC islands —to viewing abundant wildlife like sea lions, penguins and whales roaming glacier-studded Antarctica as you round Cape Horn. Along the way, discover World Wonders in South America, including man-made marvels and extraordinary natural phenomena.

Take in the largest Art Deco sculpture in the world, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Behold the largest waterfall system on the planet, Iguazú Falls near Buenos Aires. And explore Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic symbols of Peru’s ancient Inca heritage. Then sail up to the Yucatàn Peninsula to discover hidden coves and dramatic rock formations along Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas before exploring Ensenada.

Feb 11th 2024 - May 9th 2024

Far East. Down Under. And up for anything

40 Destinations, 87 nights

Taj Mahal, India

Venture miles from ordinary in Australia and Asia on this leg of the Ultimate World Cruise SM . Explore Hawaii and discover the crystal-clear waters of Mo’orea and Tahiti in unspoiled French Polynesia. Set out for Australia’s Great Barrier Reef — the only living thing on the planet that’s visible from space. Trek from pristine natural beauty in Bali to one of the most iconic man-made World Wonders, the Great Wall of China. And discover the unparalleled culture and modern architecture of Tokyo, then take in one of the most breathtaking sights in the world — The Taj Mahal.

May 9th 2024 - July 10th 2024

Beauty beyond belief

Ultimate Africa & Med Cruise

39 Destinations, 63 Nights

Walvis Bay Sandwich Harbour

Explore the orange sand dunes of the world’s oldest desert in Namibia. Bask in the beauty of idyllic beaches in Cape Town. And hike mist-topped rainforests along the Ivory Coast. Plus, go back in time as you wander through the Colosseum in Rome and get lost in the Venetian-style streets of Corfu.

Then your journey continues to even more destinations known for their storied history — like the fortified walls of Split, Croatia and the cobblestoned streets of Barcelona, Cannes and Provence.

July 10th 2024 - September 10th 2024

Set a course for the north

40 Destinations, 63 Nights

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

The final leg of the Ultimate World Cruise is an immersive cultural exploration starting in the Med heading north. Discover Barcelona’s brilliant architecture, including Gaudi’s Sagrada Família. Savor flavors across continents — like a dinner of tagine and mint tea in Morocco.

Go from taking in fjords in Norway to biking through Copenhagen. Finally, experience another natural marvel — the other-worldly geothermal seawater at The Blue Lagoon in Iceland before stopping in New York and Perfect Day at CocoCay on your way back to Miami.

Amenities Included in your entire adventure

Join us for the entire Ultimate World Cruise, you’ll enjoy exclusive perks and amenities — all included in your adventure. So you can complement back-to-back discoveries onshore with all your favorite comforts onboard, plus thoughtful touches to elevate every moment.

*New World Wonders Shore Excursions included for Crown & Anchor® Society Platinum members & above

Business Class Airfare

Premium Transportation Between Airport, Hotel and Ship

Pre-cruise Hotel & Gala

New World Wonders Shore Excursion*

Deluxe Beverage Package

Wash & Fold Laundry Service

VOOM Surf & Stream

A World Wandering Fleet Favorite

Designed with acres of glass offering panoramic vistas of sea, sky and land, Serenade of the Seas® is the perfect ship for scenery-scoping. Take in captivating views of Norway’s majestic fjords, gaze at glaciers in Antarctica, and soak up the sun and the sights while cruising through French Polynesia. In between adventures onshore, you can unwind poolside or tee off on the mini golf green. Settle in for dazzling entertainment or dance until dawn beneath the stars. And with top-notch restaurants onboard, every meal turns into a global taste-tour that’s as immersive as your Ultimate World Cruise.

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Machu Picchu, Peru

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Cruise Details & Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ultimate World Cruise?

The Ultimate World Cruise is a never-before-offered Royal Caribbean adventure that takes you on a 274-night journey around the world from December 10, 2023 – September 10, 2024. The adventure begins and ends in Miami, Florida, visiting all 7 continents, 65 countries, 150 ports of call, with 16 overnights and 8 World Wonders. More than 40 of the ports you’ll visit are either rarely available on our other itineraries or brand new to Royal Caribbean, so get ready for the exploration of a lifetime. Book The Ultimate World Cruise early to ensure the best accommodation throughout the entire voyage.

What is the starting price for the Ultimate World Cruise and its 4 individual segments?

Ultimate World Cruise Starting Price

Considering all that’s included in your 274-night Ultimate World Cruise fare, you’ll enjoy an incredible value. No matter which stateroom you choose, your fare includes Ultimate World Cruise complimentary amenities like business class airfare, pre-cruise hotel and gala, Deluxe Beverage Package, gratuities, VOOM internet package, wash and fold laundry service, and more.

*Taxes, fees, and port expenses of $4,667 USD per person are additional and are subject to change at any time. All starting prices listed are per person, in USD, cruise only, based on double occupancy and are subject to change at any time.

Ultimate World Cruise Segments Starting Price

Considering all that’s included in your Ultimate Cruise segment fare, you’ll enjoy an incredible value. No matter which stateroom you choose, your fare includes Ultimate Cruise segment complimentary amenities like Deluxe Beverage Package, gratuities, VOOM internet package, and wash and fold laundry service.

*Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional and are subject to change at any time. All starting prices listed are per person, in USD, cruise only, based on double occupancy and are subject to change at any time.

What are the 8 World Wonders the Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments will visit, and on what dates?

Ultimate Americas Cruise: December 10, 2023 – February 11, 2024

Chichen Itza: via Cozumel Dec 13, 2023

Christ the Redeemer: via Rio de Janeiro Dec 31, 2023

Iguazu Falls: via Buenos Aires Jan 5, 2024

Machu Picchu: via Lima Jan 29-30, 2024

Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise: February 11, 2024 – May 9, 2024

Great Barrier Reef: via Airlie Beach and Cairns March 13-14, 2024

Great Wall of China: via Beijing April 7-8, 2024

Taj Mahal: via Cochin May 1, 2024

Ultimate Africa & Med Cruise: May 9, 2024 – July 10, 2024

Colosseum: via Rome July 1, 2024

Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise: July 10, 2024 – September 10, 2024

There are no World Wonders visited during this Ultimate Cruise segment.

What benefits are included when booking the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

Guests who join us for the entire Ultimate World Cruise will receive the following inclusions:

Embarkation Amenities

Round-trip business class airfare

Pre-cruise hotel and gala

Premium transfers between airport, hotel and ship

Onboard Amenities

Deluxe Beverage Package for entire voyage

VOOM Wi-Fi internet for entire voyage

Gratuities for entire voyage

Wash and fold laundry service

Our Crown & Anchor Society guests who hold Platinum status and above will also receive the exclusive benefit of included excursions to the 7 New World Wonders.

Guests who join us for one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments will receive the following inclusions:

Deluxe Beverage Package for entire segment

VOOM Wi-Fi for entire segment

Gratuities for entire segment

Wash and fold laundry service for entire segment

Will I receive the same stateroom for the entire duration of my Ultimate World Cruise or Ultimate Cruise segment?

Our Ultimate World Cruise team will ensure that you get the same stateroom for the entirety of the cruise when purchased within the exclusive booking window through November 2021. If you are purchasing your Ultimate World Cruise after the Ultimate Cruise segments have opened for sale, our team will work with you to make every effort to secure the same stateroom for your entire time onboard, based on the remaining available inventory.

What is the payment schedule for the Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

To reserve a stateroom on the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments a non-refundable deposit is required. Final payment must be received by Royal Caribbean 180 days prior to cruise departure. For bookings created within 180 days prior to cruise departure, final payment must be received within 48 hours of booking.

How long do I have to place my deposit for the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

If outside of final payment, our Ultimate World Cruise and Ultimate Cruise segment guests are able to place a two-week hold to lock in their preferred stateroom and price before deposit is required. Your deposit must be placed within the two-week offer period to secure your selected stateroom.

Are there travel insurance options available on the Ultimate World Cruise or the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

There are travel insurance options available to guests who meet certain qualifications. For more information, please call 800-423-2100 or contact your Travel Advisor.

Why are the Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments only offered as nonrefundable?

Our Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments are a unique adventure that has never before been offered by Royal Caribbean and we want to ensure that our guests who are committed to sharing this experience with us receive priority placement. To preserve this unique experience, all sailings onboard Serenade of the Seas from December 10, 2023 – September 10, 2024, will be offered as exclusively nonrefundable.

Explore More

Simple Flying

Top 5: these are the world's longest airbus a380 routes in summer 2024.

Out of the five longest Airbus A380 routes, four are operated by Emirates out of Dubai International Airport (DXB).

• While the Airbus A380 is not the Airbus A350-900 or Boeing 787-9, which typically operate ultra-long-haul routes, the type has plenty of long routes.
• Apart from one, the five longest Airbus A380 routes are operated by Emirates.
• The longest Airbus A380 route lands in Auckland, New Zealand.

While the Airbus A380 might not be synonymous with ultra-long-haul routes, unlike aircraft such as the Airbus A350-900 or Boeing 787-9, the type still has plenty of very long-range itineraries, connecting cities that are separated by thousands of nautical miles or kilometers.

The list includes direct flights, which is why such flights as Emirates flight EK412, connecting Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Christchurch International Airport (CHC) via Sydney Airport (SYD), despite an Emirates Airbus A380 covering 7,650 nautical miles (14,168 kilometers) on a flight, are absent.

The great-circle distance, sourced from Great Circle Mapper , would make it the second-longest Airbus A380 route. However, when split into single itineraries, the route falls short, with the DXB – SYD flight being overshadowed by other routes, including those that have also failed to make the list.

How To Fly On An Airbus A380 In 2024

5 melbourne airport (mel) – los angeles international airport (lax), great circle distance: 6,883 nautical miles (12,748 kilometers).

The only flight on the list originating in Australia without going through DXB is the Qantas route between Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), known as flight QF93. According to data from the aviation analytics company Cirium , the Australian airline operates flights twice a week.

However, the route will also be operated by another Qantas aircraft, a Boeing 787-9, which is scheduled to operate flight QF95 between MEL and LAX. However, while Qantas scheduled the Airbus A380 to fly twice per week during the summer, the Boeing 787-9 flights start out with seven daily flights in June and are reduced to six and five in July and August, respectively.

United Airlines also has three weekly flights connecting the two cities during the three summer months. The US-based carrier also utilizes Boeing 787-9 aircraft to fly the route. As such, during the busiest summer month for the route, there are 12 weekly flights with a total of 3,393 weekly seats.

Top 5: The Oldest Airbus A380s In Service Today

4 dubai international airport (dxb) – san francisco international airport (sfo), great circle distance: 7,041 nautical miles (13,041 kilometers).

The first out of four routes originating in DXB is the DXB – San Francisco International Airport (SFO) route, which Emirates is scheduled to fly daily with the Airbus A380. The two airports are separated by 7,041 NMI (13,041 km), making it the fourth-longest route operated by the Superjumbo.

No other airlines or aircraft are present on the route, making the Airbus A380 the only option to fly from DXB to SFO directly. As a result of the daily flights with the type, there are 3,388 weekly seats, amounting to 44.1 million available seat kilometers (ASK).

15 Years On: Emirates’ San Francisco Service Examined

3 dubai international airport (dxb) – houston george bush intercontinental airport (iah).

Great circle distance: 7,097 nautical miles (13,144 kilometers)

Another DXB to the US connection, the route connecting Dubai and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) with the Airbus A380, is the third-longest in the world. However, similarly to the DXB – SFO route, Emirates, with its flagship double-decker, is the only airline to fly the route.

Due to that fact, there are 3,388 weekly seats, amounting to 44.5 million ASKs. However, much like with SFO, an extensive codeshare partnership between Emirates and United Airlines, which has a hub at IAH, allows passengers to fly to other destinations in the US and Mexico. The partnership was expanded in September 2023.

What Are The Advantages Of The Partnership Between United Airlines & Emirates For Each Carrier?

2 dubai international airport (dxb) – los angeles international airport (lax), great circle distance: 7,246 nautical miles (13,420 kilometers).

Once again, Emirates is the exclusive operator of the route with the Airbus A380, being the only airline to fly directly between DXB and LAX. Still, the seven weekly flights result in 3,388 weekly flights and 45.4 million ASKs, with the Airbus A380 covering 7,246 NMI (13,420 km) on the journey.

However, while United Airlines has an extensive network to LAX, namely 855 weekly flights out of the airport, the codeshare with Emirates does not cover domestic routes originating in LAX. Still, Los Angeles is an attractive destination in itself, with the City of Angels offering plenty of sites to visit while traveling one of the largest metro areas in the US.

Emirates Celebrates 15 Years Of Flying To LAX

1 dubai international airport (dxb) – auckland airport (akl), great circle distance: 7,668 nautical miles (14,200 kilometers).

Unlike flights to CHC, Emirates flies to Auckland Airport (AKL), another destination in New Zealand, directly, which is the longest Airbus A380 route. A one-way journey between DXB and AKL is 7,668 NMI (14,200 km), with flight EK448 having a scheduled block time of 945 minutes or 15 hours 45 minutes.

As such, Emirates is the only airline to connect DXB and New Zealand, operating the fifth-freedom route DXB to CHC via SYD, as well as the direct flight between DXB and AKL. In total, the airline is scheduled to deploy 6,776 weekly seats per month during the summer, with 55.7 million weekly ASKs to the country.

Emirates Celebrates 20 Years Of Flights To New Zealand

The longest, strangest trip: Some psychedelic drug users are stuck with unwelcome highs

A rare condition called hallucinogen persisting perception disorder has puzzled researchers and raised alarms as psychedelics go mainstream..

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A.J. took two small hits off a cannabis vape pen, a common ritual with his morning coffee. Moments after exhaling, a transfigured, kaleidoscopic version of the world emerged before his eyes.

“Some colors are seeping into the other colors,” the 30-year-old said, gesturing across his art-filled living room in Yorba Linda. “In that Persian tapestry on the wall, the flowers are flowing like the wind, back and forth, and the centerpieces of the horses and other animals, they’re stagnant still but I can feel them kind of moving, almost like a gallop.”

A.J. — who requested anonymity to discuss his drug use and medical history — was on no other mind-altering substances beyond the caffeine in his mug. The fantastical visions, which he’s come to expect and in some ways even enjoy, were a lingering effect of past drug use. They’re a manifestation of a rare condition called hallucinogen persisting perception disorder, or HPPD, which has puzzled psychiatrists and researchers and raised alarms as psychedelic drugs have become more mainstream for both therapeutic and recreational use.

LSD and other hallucinogens have long been said to cause flashbacks for some heavy users, but HPPD is a unique phenomenon. It’s a lasting condition defined by a range of symptoms straight out of the “Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test.”

Psychiatrists, researchers and more than a dozen people with HPPD said in interviews that the mysterious and beguiling condition may be more common than currently known.

Some who suffer from HPPD develop the disorder after years of using hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD and psilocybin mushrooms. For others, just a single psychedelic experience can bring on its lasting effects. In a smaller number of cases, it has been triggered by MDMA and even cannabis alone.

Some with the condition live for years with frequent or near-constant visual aberrations. Others experience mild symptoms that pass after a few months. Many develop serious psychological and mental conditions, including anxiety, depression and dissociation from reality.

At its most severe, HPPD can destroy people’s lives or impair their basic faculties. Some lose jobs or fail out of school. A.J.’s visual perception was so affected that he had to relearn how to write and drive.

Many professionals who treat people with HPPD say they don’t want to discourage safe and informed use of psychedelics. But they warn that the condition can be life-changing, and that people should know the risk before dabbling in hallucinogens. Like any drug, doctors say, these powerful substances have side effects; for some, those effects don’t subside, and they are left to live for months or years with HPPD.

“Informed consent would mean full awareness of the risks, and I don’t think that’s happening right now,” said Sara Ouimette, a licensed psychotherapist in Oakland who has treated more than 20 people with the condition. “We’re only going to see more cases, unfortunately, as people are doing psychedelics like the Wild West.”

‘The brain-mind interface’

A former Harvard Medical School psychiatry professor and one of the world’s leading authorities on HPPD, Dr. Steven Locke, described the condition as “really at the brain-mind interface.”

Like the brain itself, much about the disorder remains a mystery.

The first description in a mainstream medical journal of the phenomenon was published more than 65 years ago, Locke said, and since then there have been sporadic news reports and psychological studies. It was first included as a diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM, more than 30 years ago — yet many psychiatrists and other clinicians still have no idea the disorder exists.

After Dr. Henry Abraham, considered the grandfather of HPPD research, retired in 2017, Locke took on many of his patients. Since then, Locke has developed a general working theory of what causes HPPD and how it works.

“Long after the drug has left the body, there’s nevertheless a persistence of abnormal activity in the brain,” he said. Exposure to psychedelics such as LSD and psilocybin is believed to be able to alter parts of the brain, he said.

On Sunday, one of Locke’s colleagues will present the findings of a recently completed survey at the annual conference of the American Psychiatric Assn. in New York.

Locke and other researchers from Harvard, Columbia and Johns Hopkins universities and the New York State Psychiatric Institute conducted an online survey of more than 650 people who self-identified as having experienced HPPD symptoms. The results present one of the most complete pictures to date of the scope of the perplexing condition and efforts to treat it.

Nearly half of the respondents reported taking multiple “precipitating drugs,” about one-fifth said they took only LSD, roughly 13% took only psilocybin mushrooms, and 5.5% listed only cannabis. The average age of the survey’s respondents was 28, and more than 8 in 10 identified themselves as white — about the same proportion as were male.

There appears to be a correlation with previous mental health diagnoses. More than half of the survey’s respondents reported that they had previously struggled with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other conditions.

What’s baffling is that some people can develop permanent-trip symptoms after using drugs only a few times, while others emerge from years of frequently dosing on LSD and mushrooms with no lingering issues.

Studies have found that 2% to 4% of people who experiment with psychedelics will develop HPPD, and many of them will have short-lived or mild cases. Some clinicians put the proportion far lower, though others caution that there probably is a significant undiagnosed population.

Some experts believe a bad drug trip can inflict severe trauma that leaves people with a condition akin to PTSD. Dr. Wesley Ryan, who has treated about a dozen people with HPPD at his psychiatric practice in Marina del Rey, said such patients often experience depersonalization and derealization. They feel like they are witnessing their own life from the outside or that nothing is real.

“Maybe the wires get crossed in a way that they shouldn’t have, and that’s why they get these persistent visual hallucinations,” Ryan said.

Experts say a person’s mindset and the setting in which they take hallucinogens are key to avoiding negative experiences. Being with trusted people in a safe, comfortable location can go a long way toward avoiding a bad trip that could potentially trigger the onset of HPPD.

Many who develop symptoms experienced trauma as children, said Carol Gilson, a Texas-based psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker supervisor, who has treated about two dozen patients with the disorder.

In psychedelic therapy, the drugs are used to help people unlock feelings and work through past trauma. But in non-therapeutic environments, Gilson said, there’s a risk the experience “might amplify a past traumatic experience or your greatest fear.”

The psychotherapist Ouimette agreed, adding, “If they’ve had that childhood trauma, as opposed to being healing, it can kind of get stuck.”

When trauma resurfaces during a psychedelic experience, Gilson said, the result for some is “the fight or flight system gets activated and it doesn’t get turned off.”

The detrimental effects can last decades.

“I have quite a few patients who’ve had their symptoms for 10 years or more,” Locke said. “Those people have a fair amount of regret because they feel that they’ve broken their brains.”

‘Everything’s melting, everything’s morphing’

Adonai Vargas was 14 years old when he first developed HPPD. He was already an experienced hallucinogen user who had experimented with the powerful compound DMT and says he was taking LSD once a week “like a dumb teenager.”

Now he’s 21 years old and entirely sober, save for the benzodiazepines he takes for limited relief when he can’t handle his ceaseless symptoms.

He used to enjoy books but hasn’t been able to read anything longer than a few pages since the symptoms began. He often uses voice to text on his phone because his perception of words and letters is so scrambled.

“I’m still seeing visuals all the time, constantly,” he said last month during a phone interview from Miami. “It’s like you took three tabs of acid, straight up. Everything’s melting, everything’s morphing, geometric patterns everywhere, everything breaking and cutting and splitting…. It never stops from when I wake up to when I go to bed.”

Vargas’ case is extreme, but researchers and clinicians who treat patients with the condition say he’s not unique.

For Vargas, it all began with what he termed “a nightmare experience with a bad trip.” As a 14-year-old in his room in his childhood home in Albuquerque, he took two tabs of what he described as “really strong acid” that he bought off the dark web.

“Out of nowhere, I got sent to a hellish dimension I don’t how to explain in words,” he said. “Time didn’t exist, infinite torture, chainsaws ripping through my body, thousands of my worst fears I didn’t know I had were happening to me.”

Vargas called out for his mother, who found him in a delusional state and called the police. He blacked out and was taken to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation and treatment.

Since then, he’s struggled to find anyone who knows anything about HPPD. Sometimes, he thought doctors’ efforts did more harm than good, such as when he was prescribed antipsychotics and antidepressants that seemed to exacerbate his symptoms.

The lack of awareness and understanding among medical professionals is a common complaint of those who suffer from HPPD. With research into the condition still in its infancy, the internet has filled a void for those seeking help.

Vargas said he found support and solidarity last month on the HPPD subreddit when his symptoms were at their worst. Dozens of commenters shared their own stories of overcoming the condition and offered resources and treatment recommendations, such as meditating or medicating with antidepressants or vitamins.

He found the responses heartening and is now seeking a way to either eliminate his symptoms or learn to live with them. He’s since begun meditating and plans to see a new psychiatrist soon.

It can be a long journey back to the unaltered world, and some never make it. But an HPPD diagnosis does not necessarily mean being doomed to suffer from the disorder’s most disorienting and debilitating effects.

‘Doctors need to know this is a thing’

Will Higgins sat looking out at the Santa Rosa Mountains beyond his backyard in La Quinta as heavy gusts blew cushions off furniture and covered everything in a layer of fine sand. He first developed HPPD in 2013, he said, three days after he took what he was told was LSD but now believes was a different, more dangerous synthetic hallucinogen.

“Who I was disappeared overnight. There’s a core of me that obviously was still there, but it just blew me away like that wind,” the 33-year-old said. “I had to rebuild myself. It took a long time.”

Higgins was days away from starting classes at a new college, where he had recently transferred to study ceramics, but the initial symptoms were overwhelming. Initially, he said, he suffered “near-constant panic attacks” and saw “wavy gasoline colors” from the moment he woke up. He felt like his IQ had plummeted and he was rendered almost incapable of reading and writing. Everything around him, he said, “was growing and shrinking … like ‘Alice in Wonderland.’”

For two years, he had no idea that his condition had a name. But over time, Higgins said, he discovered that living cleanly and spending time in nature reduced the negative effects. He also found relief from two medications, a mood stabilizer called Lamictal and an anticonvulsant called Keppra. Today, he no longer experiences much in the way of HPPD-induced visual effects.

More than 90% of the people who responded to Locke’s online survey reported that they had taken medication or supplements or undergone other mental heath treatment for their HPPD symptoms. Benzodiazepines such as Xanax showed the highest success rate, with 58% of those who took them reporting that their symptoms improved. Antidepressants, meanwhile, had a positive impact on only 11% of respondents’ symptoms, while a third of those who took them said their symptoms worsened.

A few HPPD sufferers who spoke with The Times said they have tried taking more psychedelics in pursuit of a way back to their pre-trip existence. Gilson, the Texas psychotherapist, said the visual changes she experienced after experimenting with hallucinogens in high school “mostly resolved themselves” after she completed psychedelic therapy years later. They haven’t gone away entirely, but she considers the low-grade lingering effects “a gift.”

“I’m looking at a tree in my backyard right now, and the way the sun is shining, some leaves sparkle while others are in the shade,” she said, describing a “kaleidoscopic” effect. “I don’t see it as something that’s scary or anything wrong. It’s just a moment of the door of perception being opened.”

Nearly half of the respondents to Locke’s survey who tried yoga, meditation, neuro-feedback and other nonmedical treatments reported that they were helpful. For many, simply coming to terms with its negative effects can be an effective way to reduce them.

Samuel Smith, 21, said he already suffered from depression and anxiety before he developed HPPD after a single time ingesting a relatively moderate dose of about two grams of psilocybin mushrooms. Now, he takes an anti-seizure drug called Lamotrigine each day, which he said has “dumbed down the visuals a lot, and it got rid of the geometric patterns and colors and stuff when I closed my eyes.”

He initially experienced crushing anxiety over the condition, but ultimately found that limiting the attention he dedicated to its worst effects helped bring them under control.

“You’ve got to learn to ignore it and live with it,” the Henderson, Nev., resident said. “As someone who had it pretty bad, I was able to get over it, and once you get over it, that helps with reducing the visuals.”

Higgins now dedicates much of his time to research and helping people with the condition better understand the diagnosis and how to treat it.

“This disorder has stigma and shame attached to it. People often dismiss people with HPPD as druggies,” he said. “We deserve the same amount of caring and attention as people with any serious life-altering condition. … For that to happen, doctors need to know this is a thing.”

More to Read

A champion of psychedelics who includes a dose of skepticism.

May 4, 2024

Do dying people have a ‘right to try’ magic mushrooms? 9th Circuit weighs case

May 1, 2024

11% of high school seniors report using delta-8 THC, advertised as ‘legal’ form of cannabis

March 13, 2024

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16 Largest Caves In The World, Ranked By Size

• The Kazumura Cave in Hawaii is the longest and deepest lava tube in the world, measuring 40.7 miles long and 3,614 feet deep. Tourists cannot enter the cave, but there are tours available in the surrounding area.
• Fingal's Cave in Scotland is known for its impressive acoustics and is accessible by boat. The cave's length varies between 227 and 270 feet, with its arched roof reaching up to 72 feet above the sea. Visit during low tide for the best access.
• The Clearwater Cave System in Malaysia is over 30 miles long and exists within Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features an underground river and unique rock formations. The cave system is still being explored.

Serving as a gateway into the past and an example of the way our planet has evolved, the world's incredible caves have always sparked human interest. While some are inaccessible to tourists, many of the world’s most famous caves contain distinct rock formations, underground bodies of water, and other fascinating highlights, making them major attractions for locals and visitors alike. It’s humbling to think that there are some caves large enough to house New York City's epic skyscrapers and entire city blocks within them. Here are the largest caves in the world and where tourists can find them.

UPDATE: 2023/09/28 14:36 EST BY NOAH STAATS

There Are Two More Massive Caves To Check Out

This article has been refreshed with two new caves to see this year and helpful information on existing locations. Whether someone wants to cave dive, take a tour of an active volcanic site, or simply do some research, the planet is filled with incredible cave systems worth understanding. Be safe, and have fun!

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Kazumura Cave, Hawaii

• This is the longest and deepest lava tube in the world.

For anyone in Hawaii, the Kazumura Cave is one not to miss. Here lies the lava tube, which has been surveyed at 40.7 miles long and 3,614 feet deep, making it the longest and deepest lava tube in the world. The Kazumura Cave in Hawaii is located on the island of Hawaiʻi on the eastern slope of Kīlauea and is one of the more recently active in the area. Tourists are unable to go inside the cave as it is an active volcanic site, but there are tours in the surrounding area. After all, Hawaii is filled with stunning scenery (volcanoes and beyond), so this is a hidden gem.

Fingal's Cave, Scotland

• This cave is known for its impressive acoustics.

Another massive cave worth exploring is Fingal's Cave in Scotland. This cave is not only on the uninhabited island of Staffa, in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, but is also known for its natural acoustics. Many tourists will venture to the cave to scream, sing, and hear the vast echoes of afar. Fingal's Cave is accessible by boat, making it a nice sight for those willing to get on the water. Moreover, this cave's length varies between 227 feet (69 meters) and 270 feet (82 meters), and its arched roof is said to reach between 66 feet (20 meters) and 72 feet (22 meters) above the sea.

During low tide, guests have the best access to Fingal's Cave.

Clearwater Cave System, Malaysia

• This cave system runs 30+ miles and exists in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Situated in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia, the limestone Clearwater Cave System consists of a series of interconnected caves rather than just a single one. Clearwater - on its own - has been mapped to just above 30 miles; however, Clearwater Cave System is more than just its longest member. Discovered in the late 1970s, the cave system exists within Gunung Mulu National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

In the Clearwater Cave System, people will find an underground river, as well as a plethora of unique rock formations. Containing an exceptionally large passage, the Clearwater Cave System is one of the longest of its kind in Southeast Asia and serves as a major tourist attraction. The amazing thing about caves is that nobody knows their true size. Clearwater is still being explored to this very day.

Hölloch Cave, Switzerland

• This is one of the biggest caves in the world that tourists can enter.

Tourists can enter the Hölloch, one of the biggest caves in the world. This enormous underground marvel is 124.5 miles long and impressively deep at 3079.3 feet. The Hölloch is a natural wonder not to be missed, with its striking limestone structures and subterranean waterways.

Lechuguilla Cave, New Mexico

• Located within the Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Lechuguilla Cave is located within Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico . A limestone and gypsum cave spanning more than 138 miles , Lechguilla is full of interesting mineral formations that have attracted the interest of geologists around the world. While discovered in the 1950s, approximately three decades would pass before Colorado would permit the cave to be explored further. Since the decade of hair metal, explorers have investigated Lechuguilla Cave while marveling at its beauty.

Wind Cave, South Dakota

• This is one of the oldest National Park cave attractions in the United States.

Wind Cave National Park is one of the oldest of its kind in the United States. Another cave that’s classified as a “maze cave” due to its convoluted structure and many underground passages, Wind Cave's density is staggering, even compared to other caves on this list. Those visiting the cave should also take some time to explore the national park in which it resides.

Wind Cave National Park is brimming with picturesque views and serves as a protective habitat for the local wildlife.

Related: Visit Ontario's Largest-Known Cavern: The Tyendinaga Caves

Shuanghedong Cave Network, China

• This is the longest cave network in China and the continent of Asia.

The Shuanghedong Cave Network is the longest cave in China and Asia , situated in Guizhou. Running for more than 150 miles, the network was discovered in 1987 and is a fine example of underground ecosystems. There are at least three rivers in the lower levels of the cave, as well as a number of waterfalls.

Within these bodies of water live creatures such as fish and salamanders. Since its discovery in the late 1980s, various expeditions have been carried out in an attempt to map the passages and discover the cave's secrets.

Optymistychna Cave, Ukraine

• Ukraine boasts the longest gypsum cave in the world.

Earning the crown for the longest gypsum cave, Optymistychna Cave in Ukraine extends for over 161 miles and is divided into 10 different areas. These are based on the various passage structures and gypsum varieties found within. Optymistychna Cave, located in Korolivka, Ukraine, is widely known as a maze cave due to the fact that it is extremely elaborate and a little complicated to navigate.

Visitors should be prepared for a lot of mud, especially in the depths of the cave.

Sistema Ox Bel Ha, Mexico

• This cave runs within a 30-mile radius of Mexico's other largest cave system.

Mexico’s Sistema Ox Bel Ha is located within a 30-mile radius of the country’s other largest cave system, Sistema Dos Ojos. Discovered in 1996 and spanning over 160 miles , Ox Bel Ha is thought to have begun forming approximately 18,000 years ago. The name Ox Bel Ha comes from the Yucatec Maya language and translates to “Three Paths of Water” in English.

Since its formation, Ox Bel Ha has become flooded due to the effects of global warming. Today, the system is valued as one of the prominent sources of freshwater in the region.

Mulu Caves, Borneo

• These caves are home to the Sarawak and Deer Chambers and hundreds of bats.

Home to the Sarawak and Deer Chambers, Mulu Caves houses hundreds of bats and one of the world's most impressive and largest cave formations. Some of the most stunning cave formations may be seen at the Mulu Caves, situated in the Gunung Mulu National Park on the island of Borneo (home to some of the biggest cave systems in the world) .

The Deer Chamber is one of the biggest underground tunnels on Earth, while the Sarawak Chamber, with a surface size of 1.66 million square feet, is the largest cave overall. Tourists may take guided excursions to explore their maze-like pathways.

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Jewel Cave, South Dakota

• This Jewel Cave is one of the most beautiful in the United States.

As far as aesthetically pleasing caves go, South Dakota’s Jewel Cave is not to be missed. Nestled in the Black Hills National Forest, this gem boasts beautiful scenery below the ground as well as above. The name Jewel Cave comes from the colorful crystals that can be found adorning the inner corners of the cave.

There are a number of tours visitors can take to truly experience Jewel Cave in all its splendor, whether they want to trek to the cave system underground or enjoy the trails on the land above ground.

Sistema Dos Ojos, Mexico

• This cave network runs for over 200 miles and is connected to other underwater caves.

Located in Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico, Sistema Dos Ojos was discovered in 1987 and has hooked the interest of explorers ever since. Running for over 200 miles , this limestone cave is connected to the underwater cave of Sistema Sac Atun.

According to Largest.org , Sistema Dos Ojos is considered a prime archeological site. Archaeologists have discovered information within this cave system that has led to many discoveries about a number of cultures. After the channel connecting Sistema Dos Ojos with Sistema Sac Atun was discovered, this cave system became known as the largest underwater cave in existence.

Sac Actun, Mexico

• This is the largest cave system in Mexico.

The greatest cave system in Mexico is an underwater one, and new parts of it are constantly being found and investigated. Sac Actun is one of the world's largest underwater cave systems; it presently extends over 228 miles as new caverns are found. Sac Actun won't let down adventurers with all the beauty and majesty that a cave of this size involves.

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Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

• Mammoth Cave is not fully understood or mapped yet.

It’s unknown how far Mammoth Cave actually extends, but to date, it has been recorded that the underground system stretched at least 365 miles . New caves in the network are constantly being discovered, so there’s no telling just how expansive the system really is - some believe it could be the biggest cave in the world, given that nobody knows its true size yet.

Humans have been exploring Mammoth Cave for over 4,000 years, and today, it’s still a major tourist attraction in Kentucky. A particularly stunning cave, it hosts a variety of stalactite formations. These were created through water that leaked through the limestone ceiling of the cave over the millennia.

People can visit Mammoth Cave National Park and see the cave for real .

Miao Room Cave, China

• This cave is only reachable via its underground stream.

The Miao Room is undoubtedly one of the largest caverns in the world. This chamber, 380,700,000 cu ft in volume , is only reachable via its underground stream. These measurements were discovered during a laser-mapping trip that was supported by the National Geographic Society, and they were then presented at the national caving conference in the UK.

Son Doong Cave, Vietnam

• The Son Doong Cave is one of the largest in the world, forcing guests to drop 260 feet to enter.

With caverns large enough to house a 40-story skyscraper, the recently discovered Son Doong Cave in Vietnam is the largest cave in the world and forces visitors to descend 260 feet just to enter its perimeters. Son Doong was discovered in 1991 by a man named Ho Khanh, who was living in the nearby jungle.

The first expedition to the cave was led by the British Cave Research Association in 2009. They found that Son Doong is more than 400 million years old . For those wanting to visit, Oxalis Adventures is the only company to run tours into the Son Doong Caves . Overall, this beast dwarfs many of the other largest caverns in the world, so it's a must-see for any cave enthusiast looking for their next adventure.