The Ultimate Road Trip Playlist: 55 Best Songs for the Open Road

Written By Jennifer Curnutt

There’s nothing quite like a good road trip – windows down, hair blowing in the breeze, the warmth of the sun on your face. As the miles roll by, all your cares and worries are left behind as the open road transports you to a different state of mind. As the scenery passes you by, life slows, and the journey becomes as important as your destination.

Looking for more ways to stay entertained on long drives? Check out my list of the best road trip games to play in the car.

Table of Contents

The Best Road Trip Songs for Your Playlist

The right song list can turn an ordinary drive into memories you’ll talk about and cherish for years. From timeless classics to modern sing-along hits, these songs belong on any road trip soundtrack.

Classic Road Trip Songs

These songs have been road-trip staples for decades - the tried and true people love. Everyone knows the words to these classics making them fun to sing along to.

  • “Take Me Home, Country Roads” - John Denver

  • “On the Road Again” – Willie Nelson

  • “Life Is a Highway” – Tom Cochrane

  • “Take It Easy” – Eagles

  • “Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd

  • “Born to Run” – Bruce Springsteen

  • “Hotel California” – Eagles

  • “Two Tickets to Paradise” – Eddie Money

  • “Carefree Highway” – Gordon Lightfoot

  • “Running on Empty” – Jackson Browne

  • “Highwayman” – The Highway Men (Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings & Kris Kristofferson

  • “Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey

  • “Me and Bobby McGee” - Janis Joplin

  • “Wagon Wheel” - Old Crow Medicine Show

  • “Heart of Gold” - Neil Young

  • “A Horse With No Name” – America

  • “Teach Your Children” – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Feel Good Songs for the Open Road

Sometimes you just want music that matches the joy of being on the road. These songs are perfect for sunny drives and scenic routes.

  • “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” - Otis Redding

  • “Send Me On My Way” – Rusted Root

  • “Shut Up and Dance” – Walk the Moon

  • “Mr. Blue Sky” – Electric Light Orchestra

  • “Good Life” – OneRepublic

  • “Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina & The Waves

High Energy Driving Songs

Long stretches of highway call for music that keeps the energy up. These tracks can help keep the driver alert and everyone energized during long trips.

  • “Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars

  • “Can’t Stop the Feeling” – Justin Timberlake

  • “Blinding Lights” – The Weekend

  • “Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift

  • “Feel It Still” – Portugal. The Man

  • “Levitating” – Dua Lipa

  • “Ring of Fire” - Johnny Cash

  • “Eye of the Tiger” - Survivor

Chill Songs for Late Night Drives

Late-night road trips call for something a little more relaxed. These songs are great for quiet stretches of highway after dark.

  • “I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues” – Elton John

  • “Wonderful Tonight” – Eric Clapton

  • “Waiting for a Girl Like You” – Foreigner

  • “Wichita Lineman” – John Denver

  • “Hey Jude” - Paul McCartney

  • “Fast Car” – Tracy Chapman

  • “Fire and Rain” - James Taylor

  • “Drive” – Incubus

  • “Into the Mystic” - Van Morrison

  • “Someone Like You” – Adele

  • “Even the Nights Are Better” – Air Supply

  • “I Write the Songs” – Barry Manilow

  • “Slow Hand” – Conway Twitty

  • “Riders on the Storm” – The Doors

  • “One of These Nights” – Eagles

  • “Dancing in the Moonlight” – King Harvest

Honorable Mentions

Here are a few more “bonus” songs that deserve a spot on everyone’s road trip playlist:

  • “Go Your Own Way” – Fleetwood Mac

  • “American Girl” – Tom Petty

  • “Cat’s in the Cradle” - Harry Chapin

  • “Pink Houses” – John Cougar Mellencamp 

  • “Everybody’s Talkin” – Harry Nilsson and George Tipton (remastered)

  • “Melissa” – The Allman Brothers Band

  • “Mystify” – INXS

  • “Country Road” – James Taylor

Free Printable Road Trip Playlist

Planning a road trip soon? Save this playlist so you’ll have the perfect soundtrack ready before you hit the road. You can easily add these songs to your favorite music app or keep the list handy for your next adventure.

DOWNLOAD SONG LIST

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Creating a Playlist

What is considered the best song for a road trip?

Many people consider “Life Is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane one of the best road trip songs of all time thanks to its upbeat tempo and driving theme. Another popular go to is Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again.”

How many songs should be on a road trip playlist?

A good road trip playlist should have at least 4–6 hours of music to cover long stretches of road without any repeats (unless you repeat a great song on purpose). For longer trips, consider creating a playlist with about 60–100 songs.

What kind of music is best for longer drives?

Music that keeps the driver alert and energized works best for long drives. Think of including upbeat pop, classic rock, country, and feel-good hits that have steady, lively rhythms to help prevent fatigue.

Should a road trip playlist include different genres?

Yes. Even if you typically do not listen to a wide range of genres, mixing up rock, pop, country, and throwback hits keeps the playlist interesting and ensures everyone in the car hears something they like. It can also help you avoid listener fatigue on long drives when even your go-tos and favorites can get a little old after a while.

What makes a great road trip playlist?

A great road trip playlist includes a mix of high-energy songs, sing-along classics, nostalgic favorites, and a few relaxing tracks for scenic or late night driving. The trick is to match the music to the mood of the trip and to make sure everyone in the car has at least one genre or a few songs they like.

More Road Trip Articles & Guides

Jennifer Curnutt
Next

HOW TO MASTER WINTER CAMPING