Zutobi experts have released a ranking of the world’s best countries for road trips in 2026. The study took into account road quality, safety, fuel costs, traffic congestion, and comfort for drivers. Learn more about the countries that have been named the top destinations for road trips this year

Electronic road vignette for traveling in Europe

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Road trips remain one of the most popular forms of travel in the world. Travelers are increasingly choosing road trips over traditional package tours, as this offers greater freedom, the chance to explore lesser-known destinations, and the ability to plan their own itinerary.

Experts from the Zutobi platform analyzed dozens of countries based on several criteria: road quality, traffic fatality rates, average car rental costs, gas prices, traffic congestion, and tourism infrastructure. As a result, they identified the countries where it is most comfortable, safest, and most cost-effective for foreign drivers to travel.

Are you planning a trip to Europe by car?

In many countries, highways are tolled and require an electronic road vignette. This is a digital permit that confirms payment for the use of toll roads and is checked automatically by the license plate number - without stickers and paper receipts. Making a vignette online before you travel will help you avoid fines, travel delays, and unpleasant situations during inspections.

Slovenia – the best country in the world for road trips

Slovenia took first place in the Zutobi ranking and was named the country with the best conditions for road travel in 2026. Experts noted several advantages: good road quality, low traffic congestion, high safety standards, and short distances between tourist destinations.

One of the main reasons for Slovenia’s popularity among road travelers is its convenience for road trips. In just a few hours, you can travel from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea, see Lake Bled, the Postojna Caves, and the historic center of Ljubljana.

It is also particularly important for tourists that the country has one of the lowest road fatality rates in Europe. In addition, Slovenia has a well-developed road infrastructure:

- Modern highways

- Easy-to-follow navigation

- Numerous rest areas

- High-quality road surfaces even in mountainous areas

Another plus is the relatively low cost of travel. Compared to Norway, Switzerland, or Iceland, car rentals, fuel, and parking in Slovenia are significantly cheaper, making the country particularly popular among European tourists.

In our previous article, we discussed the most common reasons tourists are fined on European roads in 2026.

Portugal – one of the most comfortable countries for road trippers

Portugal has made it to the top of the rankings thanks to a combination of high-quality roads, reasonable prices, and a large number of scenic routes along the ocean. The country has long been a popular destination for road trips, especially among tourists from Europe and the U.S.

One of Portugal’s main advantages is its excellent road network. The highways here are modern and safe, and traffic congestion is significantly lower than in many other tourist destinations in Western Europe. Traveling between Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and the Atlantic coastal cities is particularly comfortable.

The country also attracts visitors with its relatively affordable costs:

- Car rentals are cheaper here than in France or Italy

- Gas is cheaper than in Scandinavia

- There are many free or inexpensive parking lots outside major cities

Portugal is especially popular among fans of long road trips.

Tourists often choose trips along the Algarve coast, where you can see ocean cliffs, small fishing towns, and dozens of beaches that regularly rank among the best in Europe.

We previously reported that Europe is introducing mandatory driver surveillance cameras.

Spain – one of the best countries in Europe for long road trips

Spain also ranked among the leaders thanks to its well-developed road infrastructure and numerous tourist routes. The country is particularly popular among tourists planning extended road trips lasting several weeks.

Spanish highways are considered among the best in Europe. Many roads are toll-free, and the quality of the pavement remains high even in less touristy regions. Additionally, the country has a well-developed infrastructure for drivers:

- Large rest areas

- Numerous gas stations

- Modern roadside services

- Convenient parking lots near tourist attractions

Another advantage of Spain is the variety of routes. In a single trip, tourists can see the coast, mountains, wine-growing regions, and historic cities. The most popular destinations remain:

- The route along the Costa Brava;

- The roads of Andalusia;

- Trips between Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona;

- Mountain routes in the north of the country.

Spain also has a relatively low road fatality rate within the EU. This makes the country a comfortable choice even for tourists traveling abroad by car for the first time.

Learn more about the most popular car brands in different countries around the world by following the link.

Norway – a country with some of the safest roads in the world

Norway has become one of the leaders in the ranking primarily due to its high level of road safety. The country regularly ranks among the nations with the lowest traffic fatality rates in the world, and its roads are considered some of the highest quality in Europe.

For road trippers, Norway is attractive primarily for its landscapes. It is here that the famous routes along the fjords, mountain serpentines, and the North Sea coast are located. Many tourists come to the country specifically for road trips through these natural locations.

The most popular routes remain:

- The Atlantic Road;

- The Trollstigen;

- The road along the Geirangerfjord;

- Trips to the Lofoten Islands.

At the same time, Norway has its downside—very high prices. Car rentals, fuel, parking, and toll roads are significantly more expensive here than in most European countries. For example, gasoline in Norway can cost almost twice as much as in Eastern European countries.

Despite this, the country remains one of the most popular destinations for road travel thanks to its safety, perfect roads, and unique natural routes.

Singapore – the country with the highest-quality roads in the world

Singapore made the ranking thanks to one of the best road systems in the world. Experts particularly noted the quality of the road surface, modern infrastructure, and a very high level of traffic management.

There are practically no bad roads in the city-state, and most highways are equipped with intelligent traffic control systems. Thanks to this, traffic in Singapore remains relatively stable despite the high population density.

Drivers enjoy the most comfortable conditions here:

- Modern road navigation;

- A large number of underground and multi-level parking garages;

- High-quality road lighting;

- Strict traffic safety enforcement.

At the same time, traveling by car in Singapore is hardly cheap. The government deliberately limits the number of cars due to the country’s limited territory, so owning or renting a car here is very expensive. Additionally, Singapore has a toll system for entering certain city districts to combat traffic congestion.

Despite the high costs, Singapore remains one of the most comfortable places in the world for drivers thanks to its perfect roads, strict rules, and high level of safety.

In our previous article, we discussed the world’s most popular tourist attractions in 2026 according to TripAdvisor.

Canada – one of the best countries for long-distance road trips

Canada made the list thanks to its vast number of scenic routes, high-quality roads, and high safety standards. For many tourists, the country has long been one of the top destinations for extended road trips.

Canada’s main feature is its scale. Here, you can drive thousands of kilometers through mountains, forests, lakes, and national parks. Routes in the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta remain particularly popular among tourists.

Canada’s most famous road routes:

- The road between Vancouver and Banff;

- The route through the Rocky Mountains;

- The coast of Nova Scotia;

- Trips around Lake Ontario.

Canada also has a relatively low rate of traffic accidents and good infrastructure for drivers. There are many campgrounds, rest areas, and overlooks along the highways, making travel comfortable even over long distances.

Another advantage is fuel prices. Compared to many European countries, gasoline in Canada is cheaper, which is especially important for long routes spanning hundreds or thousands of kilometers.

In our previous article, we wrote about the top 10 European beaches for a summer holiday in 2026.

Croatia – one of the most popular destinations for road travel in Europe

Croatia is among the countries most frequently chosen by tourists for road trips thanks to its combination of a beautiful coastline, good roads, and a large number of resort towns. Routes along the Adriatic Sea remain particularly popular.

The country has actively invested in road infrastructure in recent years, so today Croatian highways are considered among the best in the Balkan region. The roads here are modern, well-marked, and convenient even for tourists visiting the country for the first time.

The most popular routes for road trips:

- The coast between Split and Dubrovnik;

- The route through Plitvice Lakes National Park;

- The roads of the Istrian Peninsula;

- Trips along the Adriatic Highway.

Another advantage of Croatia is the large number of small towns and beaches, which are most conveniently reached by car. Many tourists combine beach vacations with trips to historic cities and nature parks.

At the same time, during the summer season, the country faces serious traffic jams, especially in popular tourist destinations along the coast. Because of this, experts advise planning routes either early in the morning or outside of peak hours.

New Zealand – one of the most picturesque countries for road trips

New Zealand regularly ranks among the world’s best countries for road travel thanks to its natural landscapes and high-quality roads. For many tourists, driving here becomes the highlight of their vacation.

Routes on the South Island are particularly popular, where you can see mountains, glaciers, lakes, and the ocean coastline all in one trip. It is precisely these landscapes that have become one of the reasons why the country consistently attracts road trippers from all over the world.

The most famous driving routes:

- The road between Queenstown and Milford Sound;

- The coast near Christchurch;

- The route through Aoraki National Park;

- Trips through the volcanic regions of the North Island.

Another advantage of New Zealand is the relatively low number of cars compared to Europe or Asia. Thanks to this, there are significantly fewer traffic jams, and driving remains comfortable even during the tourist season.

At the same time, tourists should be aware of the unique characteristics of local roads. Some routes pass through mountain switchbacks and narrow sections, so inexperienced drivers may find certain routes challenging. This is especially true during the winter months and in remote regions of the country.

Learn more about the best European cities for a short budget trip by following the link.

Italy – a country for road trips between the sea, mountains, and historic cities

Italy remains one of the most popular destinations for road travel in the world. Tourists are attracted not only by famous cities but also by the opportunity to travel independently between the coast, wine-growing regions, and mountainous areas.

The country has a well-developed network of highways connecting major tourist destinations. Most often, travelers choose routes through Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, the Dolomites, and the southern regions of the country.

The most popular driving routes:

- The road along the Amalfi Coast;

- Routes through the wine-growing regions of Tuscany;

- Trips between Milan, Venice, and Florence;

- Mountain roads in the Dolomites.

At the same time, Italy has its own challenges for drivers. In large cities, tourists often encounter chaotic traffic, narrow streets, and expensive parking. Driving is particularly difficult in Rome, Naples, and the central districts of historic city centers.

Additionally, many tourist cities have special restricted-traffic zones where entry is prohibited without a special permit. Because of this, tourists often receive fines after their trip has ended. Despite this, Italy remains one of the best destinations for road trips thanks to its diverse locations and beautiful roads.

In our previous article, we provided a selection of 3 European paradise islands for the perfect honeymoon.

Australia — a country for epic road trips

Australia made the list of the best countries for road travel thanks to its vast array of routes that wind through ocean coastlines, deserts, national parks, and major cities. For many tourists, traveling by car here is the primary way to experience the country.

One of the most famous routes in the world remains the Great Ocean Road in the state of Victoria. Millions of tourists visit it every year thanks to the views of the ocean, cliffs, and beaches.

Australia’s most popular driving routes:

- The Great Ocean Road;

- The Red Centre route;

- Queensland’s coastal drives;

- Tasmania’s roads.

Australia has high-quality highways and modern infrastructure for drivers. At the same time, the country’s main feature is the vast distances between cities. In some regions, gas stations may be hundreds of kilometers apart, so tourists are advised to plan their route carefully.

Another important factor is wildlife. In the evening and at night, kangaroos and other animals often venture onto the roads, increasing the risk of accidents in certain regions. That is why tourists are advised to avoid long nighttime drives outside major cities.

Are you traveling abroad with your own car or a rented car?

Before traveling, it is important to check whether a road vignette is required for toll roads in the countries of your route. Failure to have a valid vignette can result in fines and automatic camera recordings of violations. Getting an electronic vignette from Visit World is an easy way to travel more relaxed, without unnecessary expenses and surprises on the road!

We remind you! Traveling through Europe in 2026 does not have to be expensive, even despite the general rise in prices. Analysts have compiled a rating of the most affordable destinations where you can combine relaxation, experiences, and moderate expenses. Follow the link to learn about budget locations in Europe that are worth considering for your 2026 vacation.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.