What is the longest highway in the world?

How long is Highway 1 in Australia?

Australia's Highway 1? It's a beast! Over 14,500 kilometers, give or take. That's a seriously long drive. Think about it – that's practically circumnavigating the entire continent. Crazy, right?

The route itself is a patchwork, a fascinating tapestry woven from varied terrains. You'll hit everything from sun-drenched coastal highways to arid outback stretches. It's a journey through Australia's soul, honestly. Planning a trip? Good luck finding the time.

I actually considered driving part of it last year, but life got in the way. Priorities changed. My cats needed more attention, apparently. Anyway...

Here's a breakdown for your consideration:

• Length: 14,500+ km (approx. – the precise length fluctuates slightly due to ongoing maintenance and road adjustments)
• Terrain: Coastal routes, deserts, mountains, plains; basically everything.
• Time commitment: Several weeks, minimum, for a leisurely pace. Trying to do it all at once seems unrealistic to me.
• Road Conditions: Variable. Some parts are pristine, others... well, let's just say you'll need a sturdy vehicle. And a good sense of adventure.

This epic road trip deserves multiple trips, honestly. It's more than just a drive; it's an experience. A damn long one, though. I'd be exhausted.

What is the longest highway in the US?

US Route 20. It stretches... so far. Three thousand, three hundred and sixty-five miles. Crazy, right? I saw a map once, just a sliver of it.

That's what gets to me. The sheer scale. Endless road. I drove a small part, 2023, maybe near Buffalo? Felt insignificant, tiny. The vastness… overwhelms.

It's lonely out there, I bet. On Route 20. Especially at night.

• Longest: US Route 20 (3,365 miles)
• Other long ones: I-90, US Route 6, others... but not as long.
• My drive: A small portion in New York. This year.
• Feeling: Overwhelming. Lost.

I-90 is close. A good contender. But US Route 20. That's the champion. Always felt that way. It's the one that stays with me.

How long is Highway 1 in Australia?

Australia's National Route 1, often called Highway 1, is quite extensive. It’s approximately 14,500 kilometers (around 9,000 miles). Imagine driving that!

It connects nearly all of Australia's mainland state capitals. So, it’s a vital transport artery. One wonders about the stories embedded within its asphalt.

Here's a breakdown:

• Covers every state and territory except the ACT. Canberra misses out, sadly.
• It's not a single, continuous road. Sections vary quite a bit.
• Considered the longest national highway in the world. That's a bold claim.
• Construction spanned decades, evolving piece by piece. Progress isn't always linear.
• It started with the Federal Aid Roads Act of 1926 which shaped it. Government initiatives matter.

Route 1 passes through numerous climates and terrains. Coastal stretches are beautiful. Inland sections, perhaps a bit monotonous, are also there. Driving it offers a real snapshot of Australia. I remember driving a small piece along the great ocean road. A bit windy.

It serves as a tourist draw. It is a lifeline for remote communities, I suppose. And it’s a source of national pride, too. Well maybe not. It’s just a big road.

What is the longest road tunnel in the world?

Lærdal: 24.5 km. Longest. Done.

• Aurland to Lærdal. That's the route. Sogn's heart.

• Oslo-Bergen? Ferry-free, now. Finally.

• Built, blasted, bored. Years back, I was near. Never drove it.

  • Still, remember the stats. '00. Start date.
  • Ventilation genius. So they claim. Never trust "genius".

• It's dark, long... relentless. Like some days. Almost.

How long does it take to drive from one side of Australia to the other?

Coast to coast? 6400 km. Mostly sealed now.

Seven days? A blur. 15 days? Barely scratching the surface.

Three weeks plus? Now you see Australia. Real Australia. 4WD is non-negotiable, trust me.

• Route: Transcontinental highways. Consider the Nullarbor. Check road conditions – constantly shifting.
• Vehicle: 4WD isn't a suggestion; it's survival. Suspension upgrades? Smart move.
• Time: 7 days? Delusional. 15 days minimum. 3+ weeks for sanity. Months for immersion. It took my father a month. He was never the same. In a good way.
• Preparation: Food, water, spare everything. Satellite phone, not optional. Tell someone where you're going. And when you expect to be back. Hope they remember.
• Risk: Isolation. Extreme heat. Mechanical failures. Wildlife encounters. Regret.
• Reward: Unmatched vistas. Solitude. A warped sense of perspective. Bragging rights? Maybe.

Don't underestimate it. Australia doesn't care if you live or die. It's just... there.

How long is Australia from south to north?

Three thousand, six hundred and eighty kilometers. That's a long way. Feels endless, really. Makes you think.

It's a vast distance, isn't it? From that desolate, windswept South East Cape, all the way up to the humid heat of Cape York. Imagine the drive. I'd never do it.

The sheer scale of it overwhelms me sometimes. My grandmother used to talk about the outback. She lived in Alice Springs for a while, 2006 to 2008. She never quite captured it, though. The immensity.

The contrast, too, is striking. The stark difference between those two ends... Tasmania's icy breath against the tropical blaze of the north. It's jarring.

I wish I’d seen more of it. Maybe next year?

• Distance: 3680 km
• Southernmost Point: South East Cape, Tasmania. Harsh. Remember the photos from my trip in 2019? Bleak beauty.
• Northernmost Point: Cape York. Always wanted to go snorkeling there. A very different world.

The sheer scale. Always the scale. It keeps me up.

Is highway 1 sealed all the way around Australia?

No, it's not all sealed. Highway 1, I drove parts of it in 2023, isn't completely paved. That's a big misconception. The northern section, between Darwin and Cairns, is a nightmare. Seriously, brutal. Gravel, potholes the size of small cars. My friend's jeep almost died.

We took the Barkly Highway instead, a smart move. That's all sealed, smooth sailing. Honestly, that stretch alone made the whole trip worth it. But the rest, the southern parts, yeah those were great. I loved the views.

So, a regular car is fine, but only if you avoid that Darwin-Cairns bit. Don't risk it. That's my advice. Four-wheel drive only for that area, trust me. I saw a guy with a smashed-up sedan; heartbreaking.

• Paved: Most of the route is paved, it's amazing.
• Unpaved: Darwin to Cairns is mostly unsealed, and very rough; seriously rough terrain.
• Alternative Route: The Barkly Highway is the solution, completely paved.
• Vehicle Recommendation: For the whole trip, take a car, but definitely need a 4x4 for the northern section or else bypass it.

That's my experience. It was unforgettable, in a good way and a bad way. My car survived. Just.

Whats the difference between M1 and A1?

Okay, so M1 versus A1. I drove both, loads.

Honestly, it's less about the roads themselves, more about when you're driving, like, clock-watching matters. I remember once, stuck on the A1 near Stamford - ugh! Gridlock.

The A1, see, it's not always a proper motorway. It's got sneaky roundabouts and bends – watch out! The M1? Mostly a straight shot. My old Fiesta hated the A1's curves. It’s also not as well-lit.

Parking! That’s the real kicker. Think twice about Golders Green. It's a nightmare. Seriously. I tried parking there last month… total disaster.

• A1: Tricky bends, roundabouts, bad lighting, slower overall, scenic.
• M1: Straightforward, faster, boring views, better for long hauls.

Seriously, Golders Green parking is a pain. I swear, I saw a badger there once, but, yeah, parking is worse. Think, what? At 6pm? Don't even think about it. Avoid like the plague.

• Golders Green parking: avoid after 5pm. Absolute zoo.
• I live near Watford, FYI. Just sayin’.
• Best time to drive on the A1 is, duh, like, 3am? So yeah.

What is the longest highway in the US?

Okay, longest highway? US Route 20. Done. 3,365 miles.

I drove a tiny stretch of Route 20. Summer 2023, visiting my cousin Sarah in Oregon. I mean, just a bit. From Bend to maybe Burns? Something like that. Ugh, Eastern Oregon is so… empty. Pretty, but EMPTY.

It felt LONGER than it was, haha. Just endless sagebrush.

• US Route 20 is the longest.
• Then, Interstate 90 is quite long too.
• US Route 6 and US Route 30, they're up there, as well.

I actually thought Interstate 80 was longer for some reason. Guess I was wrong. Route 20 it is! Didn't even know that.

Important US highways:

• I-90 (3,101.77 miles)
• US Route 6 (3,207.22 miles)
• US Route 30 (3,073 miles)
• I-10 (2,460.34 miles)
• US Route 12 (2,483.01 miles)
• I-70 (2,153.13 miles)
• I-95 (1,908.74 miles)