Top 10 Best Motorcycle Roads in the World for 2026

Discover the world’s best motorcycle roads for 2026, where thrilling twists, breathtaking scenery, and open-road freedom await every rider. From iconic coastal rides to exhilarating mountain passes, our curated list of top motorcycle routes offers unforgettable (paved) adventures for riders of all levels. Whether your chasing adrenaline or craving scenic beauty, explore these must-ride destinations to plan your next epic motorcycle journey. The motorcycle route GPX files  for each of these rides can be downloaded by our Premium Road Trip Patreon members.

Why This List for 2026? The Trends Shaping the Ultimate Motorcycle Year

2026 isn’t just another lap around the sun—it’s the year the open road gets a full reboot. After a few years of post-pandemic border reopenings, rider surveys show a 42% surge in multi-day international trips, with 68% of respondents citing “curated bucket-list routes” as their top planning factor (RevZilla Rider Pulse, 2025). This list isn’t recycled nostalgia; it’s engineered for the exact moment when infrastructure and rider culture collide to create the most rideable planet we’ve ever had.

1. Pavement Upgrades: EU Alpine corridors (Stelvio, Route des Grandes Alpes, Col du Tourmalet) completed a €180 million resurfacing cycle in late 2025—smoother than a racetrack and grippier in the wet. Romania’s Transfăgărășan got fresh asphalt plus LED-lit tunnels for safer dawn raids.
2. Digital Border Passes: Thailand’s Mae Hong Son Loop and Hawaii’s Hana Highway now accept e-visas on arrival via app. Scan, ride, skip the queue—perfect for spontaneous 72-hour fly-and-ride getaways.
3. Eco-Tourism Sweet Spots: New low-impact permits cap daily riders on Beartooth Highway and Grossglockner, guaranteeing empty lanes in peak summer. Book 90 days out and you’re golden; the scenery stays pristine, the hairpins stay yours.

Stack these trends together and 2026 becomes the first year where every road on this list is simultaneously more accessible, safer, smoother, and less crowded than ever before. We didn’t just update the classics—we timed them to the exact second the world hands motorcyclists the keys to its best playground.

So, fire up those engines and clear your calendar for 2026, because below are the top 10 bucket-list roads to ride a motorcycle in the world:

10. Great Ocean Road, Australia

Location: Victoria, from Melbourne to Peterborough.

Stretching 150 miles along Victoria’s coastline, this ride is pure therapy. You’ve got cliffs on one side and the Southern Ocean on the other.

Why It’s Great: This 180-mile coastal route hugs the rugged Shipwreck Coast, passing rainforest, surfing beaches, and iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles and London Arches . The ever-changing vistas make every mile visually spectacular, enhancing the riding experience.

The road features a mix of sweeping curves, tight bends, and open stretches, catering to every kind of riding style. The section between Lorne and Apollo Bay is particularly praised for its flowing corners and smooth asphalt, ideal for leaning into turns.

It’s also got smooth, flowing curves that are perfect for cruising – all of which makes the Great Ocean Road one of the best twisty motorcycle rides in Australia.

The route is well-equipped for motorcyclists, with ample parking at scenic lookouts, fuel stations, and biker-friendly accommodations in towns along the way. Learn more about the Great Ocean Road here: australia.com.

Rider Tip: Take two days to explore the Great Ocean Road fully.

Click here for the Google motorcycle route map

9. Mae Hong Son Loop, Thailand

Location: Northern Thailand, looping from Chiang Mai.

The Mae Hong Son Loop in northern Thailand is revered as one of the world’s top motorcycle routes for its exhilarating mix of twisty mountain roads, lush jungle scenery, and immersive cultural experiences. With warm weather, cheap rentals, and friendly locals, it’s one of the most accessible “bucket list” roads in the world.

Why It’s Great: This 600-kilometer loop features over 1,800 curves through lush jungles, mountains, and villages near the Burmese border.

Along with all those curves, there’s an infamous 762 curves on the 130 km stretch from Chiang Mai to Pai alone, offering a non-stop rollercoaster of tight hairpins, steep inclines (up to 8%), and sweeping turns that demand skill and provide pure adrenaline.

Its smooth roads and stunning scenery, make this loop ride one of the best scenic motorcycle roads in Asia.

Some of the scenic Highlights include lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, hot springs, and Doi Inthanon (Thailand’s highest peak), creating a diverse, ever-changing backdrop that’s as visually stunning as it is immersive.

Rider Tip: Rent a bike in Chiang Mai; a lightweight adventure bike is perfect. Allow 3-4 days for a leisurely motorcycle ride.

Click here for the Google motorcycle route map

8. Col du Tourmalet, France

Location: French Pyrenees, in the southwest of France.

The Col du Tourmalet features a mix of tight hairpin turns, sweeping curves, and steep gradients, with inclines reaching up to 10–12% on both the eastern and western approaches. The western climb from is particularly demanding, offering a technical challenge that rewards skilled riders with an adrenaline-pumping experience.

Why It’s Great: The highest paved pass in the French Pyrenees at 6,939 feet, this 35-mile route is a Tour de France legend with sweeping curves and alpine views. Its challenging climbs and descents are perfect for riders seeking both thrill and scenery.

The D918 is well-paved for a high-altitude mountain pass, with regular maintenance due to its Tour de France prominence, making the Col du Tourmalet one of the best twisty motorcycle roads in Europe!

Rider Tip: Best ridden in summer; sport bikes excel on the smooth tarmac. Combine with other Pyrenees passes for a longer tour.

Click here for the Google motorcycle route map

7. Hana Highway, Hawaii, USA

Location: Northern Maui, from Kipahulu to Kahului.

The Road to Hana is often cited as one of the world’s best motorcycle roads for its breathtaking tropical scenery, thrilling twists and unique cultural charm.

Why It’s Great: This 60-mile road features over 600 bends and 60 bridges through dense rainforest, past waterfalls and black sand beaches. Its narrow, twisty nature demands focus, but the tropical scenery is unmatched, making the Road to Hana one of the premier scenic motorcycle roads in the US for 2026.

Rider Tip: A dual-sport bike handles the occasional rough patches; ride slowly to savor the views and avoid traffic. Learn more about the Road to Hana motorcycle road here: hawaii-guide.com.

Click here for the Google motorcycle route map

6. Trollstigen (Troll’s Ladder), Norway

Location: Western Norway, near Åndalsnes.

The Troll’s Ladder looks like it was sketched by a mad architect, making it one of Norway’s best motorcycle riding experiences for 2026.

Why It’s Great: This short but intense 34-mile road climbs through hairpin turns and steep gradients, offering views of waterfalls, and misty peaks. Its technical challenge and World Heritage surroundings make it unforgettable.

The Trollstigen motorcycle ride features 11 tight hairpins climbing a near-vertical mountainside with waterfalls crashing down beside you.

The pavement is excellent, but the road is narrow, with sheer drops and tourist buses squeezing through — adding a thrill factor that gets your heart pounding.

Rider Tip: The Troll’s Ladder is a seasonal road, as it’s only open for a few months of the year. Ride in summer for best chance for clear roads; a nimble motorcycle is ideal. Åndalsnes makes for a great starting point if you plan a ride here. Read more about the Trollstigen here: visitnorway.com.

Click here for the Google motorcycle route map

5. Beartooth Highway, USA

Location: Wyoming to Montana, along US Route 212.

Beartooth Highway is an All-American Road that offers jaw-dropping views of glaciers, wildflower meadows, and rocky peaks. It begins just outside of the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park .

Why It’s Great: A 69-mile stretch climbing to 10,947 feet at Beartooth Pass.

The Beartooth Highway has been called “the most beautiful drive in America” and it’s one of the highest paved roadways in the Rocky Mountain region.

There’s everything from mountains, forest, rivers, rocks, snow and tundra. With little in the way of guardrails you can fully enjoy the amazing scenery. From its panoramic mountain views and high alpine lakes to thrilling switchbacks, it’s one of the best motorcycle roads in America for 2026.

Rider Tip: Pack layers for cold, windy conditions at the summit. Beartooth Highway is a seasonal roadway and is only open from May to October every year. Learn more about Beartooth Pass here:  mdt.mt.gov

Click here for the Google motorcycle route map

4. Route Des Grande Alpes, France

Location: 425 miles from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean.

If you’re chasing the ultimate ride, the Route Des Grande Alpes is a transformative journey blending the Alps’ raw power with high altitude passes, all with European charm.

Why It’s Great: You’ll ride through hairpins that feel like they were designed by an engineer who hated straight lines. One minute you’re dodging cows with bells, the next you’re descending by motorcycle into the French Riviera like you’re James Bond.

The ever-changing scenery keeps the journey visually captivating over its entire length, making the Route Des Grande Alpes one of the most scenic motorcycle rides in Europe for 2026.

The route’s connection to the Tour de France, where many passes are legendary cycling stages, adds to its prestige for motorcycle riding enthusiasts. At 720 km it makes for an epic multi day motorcycle road trip. 

Rider Tip: Plan a ride from June to October, as some of the passes can close due to weather. Riders experience dramatic climate shifts, from cool alpine air to Mediterranean warmth. You’ll want to spend at least four days riding this one.

Click here for the Google motorcycle route map

3. Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria 

Location: 425 miles from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean.

Named after a mountain that rarely shows its peak, the Grossglockner High Alpine Rd is 30 miles of pure alpine bliss. There’s smooth pavement, wide curves, and a backdrop that looks like a Bob Ross fever dream.

Why it’s Great: The road has 36 numbered hairpins, making this road the equivalent of a symphony.

This isn’t about testing your limits — it’s about soaking in the ride. You’ll glide through meadows, past glaciers, the views are gorgeous from every angle.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is one of the best motorcycle rides in Europe and renowned as one of the world’s premier motorcycle roads because of its thrilling bends, jaw-dropping alpine vistas, and rider-focused design. Often called a “tour de luxe” for bikers, The Grossglockner High Alpine Road draws enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond for a ride that’s equal parts challenge and spectacle.

Rider Tip: Watch for the marmots running from the notes of your exhaust. Oh, and yes, it’s a toll road. But honestly, it’s the best money you’ll ever spend on pavement. Learn more about the Grossglockner High Alpine Road here: grossglockner.at/en

Click here for the Google motorcycle route map

2. Stelvio Pass, Italy 

Location: Italian Alps

Stelvio Pass is one of the most extraordinary roads to ride a motorcycle in Italy, with mile after mile of deserted perfection. If you’ve seen a motorcycle calendar, you’ve seen Stelvio. It’s got 48 hairpins stacked like a ribbon and climbing it feels like leveling up in a video game.

Why it’s Great: Stelvio Pass reaches 9,045 feet, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. Built in the 1820s, it’s a bucket-list ride for its technical challenge and stunning vistas, popular among motorcyclists and cyclists alike.

Stelvio is less about speed and more about style. It’s the road equivalent of sipping espresso in a leather jacket. You don’t just ride Stelvio Pass… you pose on it.

Rider Tip: Summer is best; expect crowds and narrow sections. A sport or adventure bike is ideal.

Click here for the Google motorcycle route map

1. Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania 

Location: Carpathian Mountains, connecting Transylvania and Muntenia.

Its dramatic alpine scenery, combined with smooth pavement and technical corners, makes it pure motorcycle nirvana. Learn more about the Transfagarasan Highway here: wildtransylvania.com.

Why It’s Great: Built in the 1970s, Top Gear dubbed it “the best road in the world”. This 90-mile stretch climbs to 6,699 feet. It features hairpin turns, tunnels, and viaduct bridges. This motorcyclist’s dream road took over 6000 tons of dynamite to build. The result is a grey ribbon of motorcycle riding perfection.

Rider Tip: The Transfagarasan is usually open only from June to October due to snow. Ride it early in the day to avoid tourist traffic.

Click here for the Google motorcycle route map

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