In this article, we will be navigating through the 25 countries with the most beautiful roads in the world. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis, you can move directly to the 5 Countries with the Most Beautiful Roads in the World.
An Intertwined Relation: Infrastructure And Tourism
As reported by The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), travel and tourism contributed 7.6% to the global GDP in 2022. The domestic and international visitor spending also witnessed an increase in 2022. As 2023 commenced, international tourism was reported to further rebound by recovering to 88% of the pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, preliminary estimates of tourism direct gross domestic product were $3.3 trillion, accounting for 3% of the global GDP. Simultaneously, export revenues from tourism were estimated at $1.6 trillion in 2023.
Road travel plays a significant role in tourism by offering a way to access tourist destinations. As reported by NIH, transport infrastructure and tourism are closely intertwined, complement each other, and contribute to the economy. An improved road and transport infrastructure leads to tourism development in the region. This has given rise to the emerging trend of green transport in tourist areas which enables better and sustainable tourism. On March 3, 2023, The Times of India reported that the state government in Himachal Pradesh has intentions to replace diesel buses with electric vehicles. The state chief minister has asked EV manufacturers to make Himachal-specific prototype electric buses to improve tourism in the region.
Apart from road-tripping as a way to travel distances, roads serve as popular tourist destinations. Some of these roads tend to offer views of nature around or the adrenaline associated with adventure. While picturesque coastlines make road trips worthy on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, the altitude mesmerizes road trip enthusiasts who take the Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road in the UAE. Sometimes, travelers are interested in witnessing several attractions lined up on a single roadway as in the case of Ruta 40 in Argentina. While the reasons influencing such road trips may be diverse, roads function as more than transportation infrastructure.
United States: Home to Quality Scenic Roads
Among other countries, The United States hosts some of the most scenic and developed roads in the world. Companies such as AECOM (NYSE:ACM), Granite Construction Incorporated (NYSE:GVA), and Sterling Construction Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:STRL) continue to improve transportation infrastructure in the country. You can also look at states with the best roads in the US.
AECOM (NYSE:ACM) is a multinational infrastructure consulting firm. The firm offers planning, design, and construction management services for a wide project portfolio including transportation projects. On March 5, AECOM (NYSE:ACM) reported that a company-led team has been chosen to help in the development of the Susquehanna River Rail Bridge Project which will be enhancing rail connectivity along the US Northeast Corridor. Under this project, the current two-track bridge in Maryland will be replaced with two new bridges. Services including design coordination, stakeholder coordination, project management, and schedule management will be offered by the firm.
Granite Construction Incorporated (NYSE:GVA) is a known construction and construction materials company in the US. The company engages in both public and private sector transportation infrastructure projects. On January 31, Granite Construction Incorporated (NYSE:GVA) reported that the City of Tucson had awarded the company a contract to widen the Grant Road from Palo Verde to Venice. Under this contract worth nearly $55 million, Grant Road will be widened to improve traffic flow in Tucson. The project is expected to commence in April and complete in December 2026. Other large construction companies in the US have also been previously covered.
Sterling Construction Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:STRL) undertakes infrastructure and rehabilitation projects for US roads, bridges, and highways. On February 26, the company reported that two highway projects had been awarded to its subsidiary Road and Highway Builders, LLC (RHB) by the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT). This encompasses the $49 million NDOT 3996 Lohantan project which was planned to begin in late February and the $29 million NDOT 4501 Tonopah project will commence in March. Both of the projects are expected to be completed in 2024.
Without further ado, let’s move to the 25 countries with the most beautiful roads in the world.
25 Countries with the Most Beautiful Roads in the World
Our Methodology:
In order to compile a list of the 25 countries with the most beautiful roads in the world, we began with a consensus approach using multiple sources including Travel+Leisure, Culture Trip, Planet of Hotels, and Enjoy Travel. We gathered a list of countries that were commonly mentioned across our sources for having beautiful roads. Once we had acquired this list, we used a road quality metric for the respective countries to rank them.
For the road quality metric, we sourced data from the Road Quality and Mean Speed Score Report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The data was published in May 2022 and represents the latest insights. Mean speed score has been chosen as our metric since it can be used as a measure to compare countries in terms of road quality.
Finally, we ranked the countries with the most beautiful roads in the world in ascending order of their mean speed score.
25 Countries with the Most Beautiful Roads in the World
25. Bolivia
Mean Speed Score: 50 Kilometers Per Hour
The North Yungas Road is also known as the death road since it is a dangerous route. However, the road is known for its scenic beauty. The road is based in Bolivia which offers a mean speed of 50 kilometers per hour.
24. Vietnam
Mean Speed Score: 51 Kilometers Per Hour
Hai Van Pass is a famous route in Vietnam that offers views of the East Sea. The route is rather short and makes Vietnam one of the countries with beautiful roads. The mean speed score for Vietnam was recorded at 51 kilometers per hour.
23. India
Mean Speed Score: 58 Kilometers Per Hour
Rohtang Pass is based in India and is a gateway to the Himalayas and Lahaul Valley. It is one of the most scenic drives and makes India another country with beautiful roads. India offers a mean speed of 58 kilometers per hour.
22. Norway
Mean Speed Score: 73 Kilometers Per Hour
Eagles Road also known as Ørnevegen is a steep route in Norway from where views of the Geirangerfjord can be enjoyed. Norway offers a mean speed of 73 kilometers per hour.
21. Romania
Mean Speed Score: 73 Kilometers Per Hour
The mean speed score recorded for Romania was 73 kilometers per hour. The country ranks among other countries with beautiful roads in the world. It hosts the Transfagarasan Road which is a popular attraction among tourists who wish to seek a scenic driving experience.
20. Russia
Mean Speed Score: 76 Kilometers Per Hour
The Chuya Highway is a historic road situated in Russia. It starts from Biysk to the border with Mongolia and is one of the most beautiful roads worldwide. Russia offers a mean speed of 76 kilometers per hour.
19. Iceland
Mean Speed Score: 77 Kilometers Per Hour
Iceland’s Route 1 ranks the country among other countries with the most beautiful roads in the world. It is also known as the Ring Road and circles the entire Iceland. Iceland offers a mean speed of 77 kilometers per hour.
18. United Arab Emirates
Mean Speed Score: 80 Kilometers Per Hour
Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road is one of the most beautiful roads in the world. It is on the western side of the Tuwwam region of the United Arab Emirates. The road is popular both for its altitude and the driving experience it provides.
17. Japan
Mean Speed Score: 81 Kilometers Per Hour
Japan is home to the Iroha-zaka winding roads which are based in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture and hold historical importance. Furthermore, Japan has a mean speed score of 81 kilometers per hour.
16. New Zealand
Mean Speed Score: 83 Kilometers Per Hour
The Milford Road, also known as State Highway 94, is one of the most beautiful roads in the world. This drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound offers captivating views along the way.
15. Pakistan
Mean Speed Score: 86 Kilometers Per Hour
Karakoram Highway in Pakistan has been deemed one of the highest paved roads in the world. It also serves as a significant trade route that connects China and Pakistan. Furthermore, Pakistan offers a mean speed of 86 kilometers per hour.
14. Switzerland
Mean Speed Score: 87 Kilometers Per Hour
Furka Pass is a mountain pass in the southern Swiss Alps and ranks Switzerland as one of the countries with the most beautiful roads in the world. According to the IMF, the mean speed for Switzerland was recorded at 87 kilometers per hour.
13. Ireland
Mean Speed Score: 88 Kilometers Per Hour
Ireland ranks among countries with the most scenic roads since it is home to the Wild Atlantic Way which is situated along the west coast of Ireland. The long coastal route is suitable for travelers looking for an attractive road journey in Ireland.
12. China
Mean Speed Score: 90 Kilometers Per Hour
Tianmen Mountain Road ranks China among the countries with the most beautiful roads worldwide. The mean speed offered by China is 90 kilometers per hour. Tianmen Mountain Road is situated within the Tianmen National Park in Zhangjiajie and offers a steep climb.
11. Argentina
Mean Speed Score: 91 Kilometers Per Hour
Ruta 40 in Western Argentina is one of the longest routes in the world. The road crosses various provinces, passes, national parks, and rivers in the country. The country offers a mean speed of 91 kilometers per hour.
10. Italy
Mean Speed Score: 95 Kilometers Per Hour
Italy offers a mean speed of 95 kilometers per hour and ranks as one of the countries with the most scenic roads. The Amalfi Coast Road in Italy is referred to as one of the best coastal drives in the world.
9. Australia
Mean Speed Score: 96 Kilometers Per Hour
Great Ocean Road is situated along the south-eastern coast of Australia. The road is a famous tourist attraction and ranks Australia among the countries with the most beautiful roads in the world.
8. Germany
Mean Speed Score: 97 Kilometers Per Hour
According to the IMF, the mean speed score for Germany was reported to be 97 kilometers per hour. The country hosts multiple scenic roads including Wine Route, Romantic Road, Alpine Route, and Fairy Tale Route.
7. Namibia
Mean Speed Score: 99 Kilometers Per Hour
Sossusvlei Road is based in Namibia which offers a mean speed of 99 kilometers per hour. The road leads to the Sossusvlei area which has some of the highest dunes worldwide and is a known attraction in the country.
6. South Africa
Mean Speed Score: 100 Kilometers Per Hour
The coastal road Chapman’s Peak Drive is positioned in South Africa’s Western Cape province. Views of the western side of the Cape Peninsula can be enjoyed on the drive. Hence, South Africa ranks among other countries with the most beautiful roads worldwide.
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Disclosure: None. 25 Countries with the Most Beautiful Roads in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey.