Top 10 Scenic Drives in the World in 2027

1. Queenstown to Milford Sound

This 290-km drive ranks first for the unmatched density of dramatic scenery on a sealed, well-maintained road, passing Mirror Lakes, the Eglinton Valley, and the Homer Tunnel before ending at Milford Sound beneath 1,692-m Mitre Peak. The journey takes about four hours one-way without stops, with waterfalls plunging from sheer cliffs throughout Fiordland National Park. Best driven October through April when winter avalanche risk and chain requirements are absent.

This drive suits confident drivers who can handle a single-lane, unlit tunnel with seasonal traffic-light waits and no services beyond Te Anau, so fuel up beforehand. It trades away flexibility for spectacle, requiring a full day or an overnight in Te Anau. Compared to the Great Ocean Road below, it offers wilder, more concentrated alpine scenery but lacks the coastal surf culture and easy multi-day pacing. Sandflies at the water's edge demand repellent.

2. Great Ocean Road, Australia

This 243-km coastal route ranks second for its extraordinary blend of surf coast, rainforest, and dramatic cliffs, anchored by the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. Built by returned WWI soldiers as the world's largest war memorial, it runs from Torquay to Allansford and is entirely free to drive. Allow two to three days with overnights in Lorne or Apollo Bay, and drive east to west so lookouts sit on your side of the road.

This drive suits road-trippers wanting a relaxed, multi-day journey with abundant stops, including Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps, and the Cape Otway Lightstation. It trades away the raw, fjord-like intensity of the Queenstown-to-Milford route for a more varied, accessible coastal experience with koala spotting near Kennett River. Compared to the top pick, it offers easier driving, more towns, and gentler gradients, though it lacks the singular, jaw-dropping finale of Milford Sound.

3. Trollstigen & Atlantic Road, Norway

This Norwegian combination ranks third for engineering drama and raw fjord scenery, with Trollstigen's 11 hairpin bends at gradients up to 10% and the Atlantic Road's 8.3 km of bridges, including the dramatic Storseisundet Bridge. Both roads are free to drive, with Trollstigen open roughly mid-May to October and the Atlantic Road accessible year-round, especially wild during storms. The wider Geiranger–Trollstigen tourist route links them via the Eagle Road above the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord.

This drive suits adventurous travelers who appreciate mechanical feats and don't mind seasonal closures or ferry crossings between fjord sections. It trades away the continuous coastal sweep of the Great Ocean Road for a shorter, more intense alpine experience with unpredictable weather. Compared to the Australian route, it demands more careful planning around snow and offers fewer services, but rewards with more dramatic, vertical scenery.

4. Amalfi Coast, Italy (SS163)

This 50-km cliff-hugging road ranks fourth for postcard Mediterranean beauty, with hairpin turns above the Tyrrhenian Sea and pastel villages tumbling toward the water between Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi. The narrow, traffic-clogged SS163 is free to drive, but parking is scarce and expensive, often exceeding 20 euros per day in peak season. Best visited April through June or September through October to avoid summer gridlock. Stop in Ravello for its cliffside gardens and sweeping coastal views.

This drive suits confident drivers with small cars who accept nerve-wracking conditions, as buses and trucks share the hairpins and parking in Positano and Amalfi is notoriously difficult. It trades away the open, fast-flowing feel of Norway's routes for a slow, intimate coastal crawl with frequent stops. Compared to the Trollstigen–Atlantic Road combination, it offers warmer weather and cultural charm but far less driving thrill and more congestion.

5. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

This 2,500-km coastal route ranks fifth as the best value scenic drive, running Ireland's entire Atlantic seaboard from Donegal to Kinsale with no tolls on its scenic stretches. It is free to drive, well signposted, and passes the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and Slea Head, offering thousands of kilometers of rugged coast for the cost of fuel alone. Best visited May through September for weather, though the Atlantic drama peaks in moody shoulder seasons.

This drive suits budget-conscious road-trippers who want flexibility and variety without the pressure of a single iconic destination. It trades away the concentrated, jaw-dropping moments of the Amalfi Coast for a longer, more diffuse experience with gentler driving and fewer crowds. Compared to the Italian route, it offers far more space, cheaper parking, and easier navigation, but lacks the same postcard-perfect villages. The route rewards slow exploration, with hidden beaches and cliff walks around every bend.

6. Garden Route, South Africa

This 300-km N2 route ranks sixth for diversity and value, running between Mossel Bay and Storms River along a lush coast of lagoons, forests, and beaches. It is largely free to drive, with only a few small tolls elsewhere on the N2, and easily completed in three to five days. Highlights include Knysna's lagoon, Tsitsikamma National Park's suspension bridge, and whale-watching at Plettenberg Bay, best from June through November.

This drive suits nature-loving travelers who want a mix of ocean, forest, and wildlife without extreme driving challenges. It trades away the dramatic cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way for a more varied, temperate landscape with warmer weather and unique fauna. Compared to the Irish route, it is shorter and more focused, with better opportunities for adventure activities like bungee jumping and forest hikes. The road is generally gentle, making it accessible to less confident drivers.

7. Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania

This 90-km alpine road ranks seventh for thrilling driving in the Carpathians, climbing to 2,042 m through the Făgăraș Mountains with switchbacks, tunnels, and the glacial Bâlea Lake at the summit. Made famous by Top Gear, it is free to drive and open only roughly July to October due to snow closing the high section. The route offers dramatic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, with a detour to Poenari Castle, the real fortress of Vlad the Impaler.

This drive suits driving enthusiasts who prioritize the thrill of the road over scenic variety, with tight curves and steep gradients demanding attention. It trades away the coastal beauty of the Garden Route for a shorter, more intense alpine experience with a very limited season. Compared to the South African route, it offers more dramatic elevation changes and fewer services, but less biodiversity and milder weather. The road is well-maintained but narrow in places, requiring careful overtaking.

8. Chapman's Peak Drive, South Africa

This 9-km cliff road ranks eighth for spectacular short coastal driving, carving 114 curves between Hout Bay and Noordhoek above the Atlantic on the Cape Peninsula. A small toll of about R59 (roughly $3) applies, and the road occasionally closes for rockfall or high wind. It links directly to the Cape of Good Hope, making it an easy day trip from Cape Town. Best at sunset, with views over the Sentinel and the bay.

This drive suits travelers with limited time who want a concentrated dose of coastal drama without committing to a full-day journey. It trades away the length and variety of the Transfăgărășan for a shorter, more accessible experience with warmer weather and ocean views. Compared to the Romanian highway, it offers easier driving with fewer hairpins but still demands confidence on narrow, cliff-edged sections. The toll is minimal, and the road is well-maintained.

9. Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii, USA

This 64-mile route ranks ninth for tropical lushness packed into a short, intense drive, with 620 curves and 59 one-lane bridges through rainforest, waterfalls, and black-sand beaches. It is free to drive, though some stops like Waiʻanapanapa State Park charge non-resident reservation and parking fees of about $15 total. The journey takes a full day out-and-back, with highlights including Twin Falls, the Garden of Eden, and roadside banana bread stands.

This drive suits patient travelers who enjoy lush, humid scenery and don't mind slow progress, as the winding road demands constant attention. It trades away the open coastal views of Chapman's Peak for a dense, enclosed rainforest experience with frequent stops. Compared to the South African route, it offers more waterfalls and tropical vegetation but less dramatic ocean vistas and more traffic. The one-lane bridges require yielding to oncoming vehicles, and parking at popular stops fills quickly.

10. Icefields Parkway, Canada (Highway 93)

This 232-km mountain route ranks tenth for classic Canadian Rockies scenery, running between Lake Louise and Jasper past glaciers, turquoise lakes like Peyto and Bow, and the Columbia Icefield. A Parks Canada pass costing about CAD $11 per adult per day is required, and the road is best driven June through September when wildlife and golden light are abundant. Must-see pullouts include Peyto Lake's wolf-head-shaped turquoise water, Athabasca Falls, and the glass-floored Columbia Icefield Skywalk.

This drive suits nature photographers and wildlife enthusiasts who want alpine grandeur with accessible pullouts and guided glacier walks. It trades away the tropical warmth of the Hana Highway for a cooler, more dramatic mountain experience with fewer curves but higher elevation. Compared to the Maui route, it offers more open vistas and larger wildlife like bears and bighorn sheep, but requires layered clothing and weather flexibility. Winter brings closures and avalanche control, limiting the season.

How we ranked these

We measured and weighted five factors for each route: scenery density (40%), road quality and safety (20%), iconic stops and cultural significance (20%), seasonal accessibility (10%), and value for cost (10%). Rankings reflect a composite score favoring routes with sustained visual drama, reliable infrastructure, and minimal fees, such as Queenstown to Milford Sound and the Wild Atlantic Way.

We deliberately ignored subjective factors like personal driving thrill, off-road adventure potential, and luxury amenities, as these vary widely by traveler preference and are not objectively comparable. We also excluded routes requiring significant off-road capability or those with unreliable seasonal access, focusing instead on paved, publicly drivable roads that most travelers can experience without specialized equipment or permits.

Related questions

What is the best time of year to drive the Icefields Parkway?

The best time is June through September, when the road is fully open and snow-free. During these months, you can access all viewpoints, including Peyto Lake and the Columbia Icefield. Winter brings closures and avalanche control, so plan for summer or early fall to ensure safe driving and optimal wildlife viewing.

How long does it take to drive the Road to Hana?

The Road to Hana is a full-day drive, typically taking 8-12 hours round trip from Kahului, including stops. The 64-mile route has 620 curves and 59 one-lane bridges, so driving slowly is essential. Start early to avoid traffic and allow time for waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and roadside banana bread stands.

Are there tolls on the Amalfi Coast drive?

No, the Amalfi Coast road (SS163) is free to drive, but parking is scarce and expensive in towns like Positano and Amalfi. You may pay for parking garages or street parking, which can cost €5-€10 per hour. Many visitors prefer taking the SITA bus or hiring a driver to avoid the stress of narrow, traffic-clogged roads.

What is the best scenic drive for beginners?

The Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland is ideal for beginners due to its well-signposted, mostly flat coastal roads with gentle curves and wide lanes. It's also free and toll-free, allowing you to drive at your own pace. The Garden Route in South Africa is another gentle option with good road conditions and plenty of stops.

Can I drive the Transfăgărășan in winter?

No, the Transfăgărășan is closed from roughly late October to June due to heavy snow and avalanche risk. The high section, including Bâlea Lake, is only accessible by cable car or on foot in winter. Plan your drive between July and October for the best conditions, and check local weather before heading up.

What is the most scenic drive in the United States?

While not in the top 10, the Hana Highway in Maui is often cited as one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. due to its lush rainforest, waterfalls, and ocean views. Other contenders include the Pacific Coast Highway in California and the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana, but Hana's unique tropical beauty stands out.

Is the Great Ocean Road worth driving in winter?

Yes, the Great Ocean Road is stunning year-round, but winter (June-August) brings cooler temperatures and more rain. The Twelve Apostles are still impressive, and you'll have fewer crowds. However, some detours like the Otway rainforest may be muddy. If you prefer mild weather, visit between November and April.

How much does it cost to drive the Icefields Parkway?

You need a Parks Canada pass, which costs about CAD $11 per adult per day, or CAD $22 for a family. This pass covers access to all national parks along the route, including Banff and Jasper. There are no additional tolls, but fuel and food are available at Lake Louise and Saskatchewan River Crossing.

FAQ

What is the most scenic drive in the world?

The drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound in New Zealand is widely considered the best overall. It's a 290-km journey through Fiordland, featuring Mirror Lakes, the Homer Tunnel, and the dramatic fjord with Mitre Peak and waterfalls. The density of scenery on a well-maintained road is unmatched.

Which scenic drive is the best value?

Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way is the best value, offering 2,500 km of rugged Atlantic coast, including the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry, all free to drive with no tolls. You only pay for fuel, and you can sample a section over a few days rather than the entire route.

Are scenic mountain drives open year-round?

No. Alpine passes like Norway's Trollstigen, Romania's Transfăgărășan, and the high section of Canada's Icefields Parkway close in winter due to snow and avalanche risk. Trollstigen runs roughly mid-May to October, and the Transfăgărășan is open July to October. Coastal drives are generally open all year.

Do I need to be a confident driver for these routes?

Some routes demand confidence. The Amalfi Coast and Chapman's Peak Drive are narrow, winding, and cliff-edged, and the Road to Hana has 59 one-lane bridges. If those make you uneasy, take a tour bus or hired driver. Routes like the Wild Atlantic Way and Garden Route are far gentler.

What is the best scenic drive for a day trip?

Chapman's Peak Drive in South Africa is perfect for a day trip, offering 9 km of cliff-hugging road with 114 curves and stunning Atlantic views. It's a short, manageable drive from Cape Town, and you can combine it with a visit to the Cape of Good Hope. The Atlantic Road in Norway is another great half-day option.

How long is the Wild Atlantic Way?

The Wild Atlantic Way is 2,500 km long, making it the world's longest defined coastal route. It runs from Donegal in the north to Kinsale in the south, passing through counties like Clare, Kerry, and Galway. Most travelers drive a section over 3-7 days rather than the whole route.

Are there tolls on the Great Ocean Road?

No, the Great Ocean Road is free to drive. It runs 243 km from Torquay to Allansford and is maintained by the state of Victoria. There are no tolls, but you may pay for parking at popular stops like the Twelve Apostles. Fuel and food are available in towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay.

What is the best time to drive the Amalfi Coast?

The best times are April-June and September-October, when the weather is pleasant and crowds are thinner. Summer (July-August) brings heavy traffic and scarce parking, making the drive stressful. Winter is quieter but some hotels and restaurants may close. Spring and fall offer the best balance.

Can I drive the Trollstigen in a campervan?

Yes, but it's challenging. The Trollstigen has 11 hairpin bends with gradients up to 10%, and the road is narrow in places. Campervans are allowed, but you must be cautious and use low gears. There are designated parking areas at the top and bottom, but overnight parking is restricted. Check size limits before you go.

What is the most underrated scenic drive?

The Garden Route in South Africa is often underrated compared to more famous drives. It offers 300 km of lush coastline, lagoons, forests, and beaches, with highlights like Knysna's lagoon and Tsitsikamma National Park. It's also great value, with only a few small tolls, and pairs well with a Cape Town safari trip.

Sources

• https://www.newzealand.com/
• https://www.doc.govt.nz/
• https://www.visitvictoria.com/
• https://www.sanparks.org/
• https://www.visitnorway.com/
• https://www.failteireland.ie/
• https://www.pc.gc.ca/
• https://www.gohawaii.com/
• https://www.nationalgeographic.com/
• https://www.lonelyplanet.com/

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