12 Incredible Motorcycle Routes to Add to Your Bucket List: Route 66, Trollstigen, the Garden Route & More

Hitting the road on a motorcycle makes any journey feel alive. The wind, the scenery, the curve of the asphalt beneath your tires—it wakes your senses to the whole experience.

For those who crave the thrill of the open road, these legendary motorcycle routes serve up incredible views and enough twists and turns to make any ride an adventure.

Route 66, USA

Few highways are as famous—or as mythologized—as Route 66. Known as the “Mother Road,” this historic route stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, covering 2,448 miles of classic Americana. While the full route no longer exists in its original form, large sections remain open, allowing you to ride by roadside diners, neon-lit motels, and desert landscapes straight out of an old road movie.

Must-see stops: The Cadillac Ranch in Texas, where vintage cars are half-buried in the ground as a living art project; the Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma, an oversized roadside attraction that’s pure nostalgia; and the Santa Monica Pier, where the route officially ends with the Pacific Ocean stretching before you.

Great Ocean Road, Australia

One of the world’s most scenic coastal highways, the Great Ocean Road runs 150 miles along Australia’s southern coast, where towering limestone cliffs meet the roaring surf of the Southern Ocean. The winding roads make for an exhilarating ride, with ocean views at nearly every turn.

Must-see stops: The Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone rock formations rising dramatically from the sea; Great Otway National Park, home to waterfalls, rainforests, and abundant wildlife; and Kennett River, where you can spot koalas lounging in eucalyptus trees.

Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania

Once labeled the “best road in the world” by Top Gear, the Transfăgărășan Highway snakes through Romania’s Carpathian Mountains with 94 miles of pure adrenaline. This twisting, high-altitude route connects Transylvania to Wallachia, packed with hairpin turns and breathtaking scenery.

Must-see stops: Balea Lake, a glacial lake over 2,000 meters above sea level; Poenari Citadel, the actual castle of Vlad the Impaler; and the Balea Tunnel, Romania’s longest road tunnel, cutting through the mountains.

Pacific Coast Highway, USA

California’s State Route 1, better known as the Pacific Coast Highway, is the ultimate oceanfront ride. Stretching from San Francisco to Los Angeles, this route gives riders open-road freedom, ocean breezes, and spectacular coastal scenery.

Must-see stops: The Bixby Creek Bridge, an iconic spot overlooking the Pacific; Big Sur, where cliffs plunge into the sea; and Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a grand estate once home to newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a dream ride if you love narrow, winding roads with sheer drop-offs and unforgettable scenery. This 31-mile stretch along the Mediterranean features whitewashed villages, terraced vineyards, and cliffs that plunge into the sea.

Must-see stops: Positano, a postcard-perfect town with colorful cliffside houses; Amalfi, home to the stunning St. Andrew’s Cathedral; and Ravello, where gardens and panoramic views make for a perfect midday stop.

Milford Road, New Zealand

Part of State Highway 94, Milford Road winds through the remote landscapes of Fiordland National Park, leading to one of New Zealand’s most famous destinations—Milford Sound. The road is a masterpiece, offering mountain passes, mirror-like lakes, and near-empty stretches of perfect riding.

Must-see stops: The Mirror Lakes, where the reflections are so clear they look unreal, and The Chasm, a series of waterfalls carving through rock.

Trollstigen, Norway

Norway’s Trollstigen, or “The Troll’s Ladder,” is a steep, switchback-filled ride through the Romsdal Valley. With eleven hairpin bends and dramatic elevation changes, it’s a technical ride that rewards you with some of the best views in Scandinavia.

Must-see stops: The Trollstigen Visitor Center, where you can get a bird’s-eye view of the route; the Troll Wall, Europe’s tallest vertical rock face; and Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO-listed fjord just beyond the route.

The Garden Route, South Africa

South Africa’s Garden Route, spanning 190 miles between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, takes riders through beaches, forests, and mountain passes, with a mix of landscapes that never get dull.

Must-see stops: Tsitsikamma National Park for hiking and zip-lining; the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn, a vast underground wonder; and Knysna, known for its lagoon and fresh seafood.

The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

The Wild Atlantic Way isn’t just Ireland’s most famous coastal route—it’s the longest-defined coastal drive in the world, covering 1,600 miles. It provides riders with a dramatic mix of cliffs, winding roads, and traditional Irish villages.

Must-see stops: The Cliffs of Moher, towering 700 feet above the Atlantic; Dunluce Castle, perched on a rocky outcrop; and Dingle, a charming fishing village with a thriving pub scene.

The Cabot Trail, Canada

Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail is a 185-mile loop through Cape Breton Island—a mix of coastal riding and highland scenery. It’s one of Canada’s best motorcycle routes, with smooth roads and incredible views.

Must-see stop: Cape Breton Highlands National Park for wildlife and ocean vistas.

Leh-Manali Highway, India

Riders looking for adventure should set their sights on the Leh-Manali Highway. This 300-mile Himalayan route features rugged terrain, high mountain passes, and some of the most remote landscapes in the world.

Must-see stops: The Rohtang Pass, a dramatic high-altitude crossing; the monasteries of Hemis and Thiksey; and Leh, a cultural hub with lively markets.

Ruta 40, Argentina

Running parallel to the Andes for over 3,200 miles, Ruta 40 is one of Earth’s longest and most diverse motorcycle routes. Riders experience everything from arid deserts to glacial lakes.

Must-see stops: the Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia; Cueva de las Manos, a cave filled with prehistoric handprints; and the adventure town of El Chaltén.

The world is full of legendary routes waiting to be explored—fuel up, pack light, and hit the road because adventure is out there!

About the Author

Mike is a writer who researches and shares actionable advice around travel lifestyle, finance, and personal growth. He loves any trip where he can explore the great outdoors, and believes everyone should be able to experience travel for personal development and fulfillment. Read his other articles on Frayed Passport here.

Featured image by Harley-Davidson on Unsplash