World's Longest Road Passes Through 14 Countries, No U-Turn For 30,600km
While India's National Highway 44 holds the distinction of being the longest road in the country, spanning a remarkable 4,112 kilometres, on the global stage, an even more extraordinary roadway takes the spotlight.
Stretching an astonishing 30,600 kilometres (19,000 miles), the Pan-American Highway is the longest motorable road in the world. Traversing the vast expanse of the American continents, it begins at Prudhoe Bay in Alaska and ends at Ushuaia in Argentina, at the southernmost tip of South America. What makes this route particularly unique is that it cuts across 14 countries without requiring a single U-turn.
A Monumental Feat Of Engineering
Originally conceived in the early 1920s to promote tourism and connectivity across the Americas, the Pan-American Highway is a testament to international cooperation. By 1937, all 14 participating nations had committed to the project, and the route was officially opened to traffic by 1960.
The 14 countries along its path include Canada, the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and Argentina. Each nation is responsible for the maintenance of the portion of the highway that runs through its territory.
More Than Just A Road
Beyond its sheer length, the Pan-American Highway offers travellers a captivating journey through some of the world's most diverse landscapes. From snow-covered mountains and arid deserts to lush forests and sweeping coastlines, the route presents an ever-changing tableau of natural beauty.
Travelling this road at a pace of 500 kilometres per day would still require over two months to complete the full journey. Its straight path, devoid of sharp turns or detours, makes it not just the longest but arguably one of the straightest highways in existence.
The Pan-American Highway is more than just a marvel of infrastructure, it is a cultural corridor, linking nations and communities with shared histories, economic ties, and a spirit of cooperation that has endured for over a century.
First Published:
April 25, 2025, 13:37 IST
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