Music can make or break a trip. The right travel tunes will energize and inspire you, setting the perfect mood for adventure on the open road or high in the skies.
Here are our top 50 all-time road trip and travel songs guaranteed to be the soundtrack for unforgettable journeys near and far.
This travel playlist is made possible by the adventurous team at Volario. We love to travel.
#1 Travel Song – Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver
With its sweeping choruses about “almost heaven” in West Virginia, John Denver’s iconic folk song evokes feelings of longing for home and connection to special places. The acoustic guitar pairs perfectly with lyrics reminiscing about “older times there,” making it a nostalgic road trip classic. This song was inspired by driving through the rural landscapes of West Virginia, Denver’s home state, and the songwriting process exemplifies how travel can spark creativity. With its warm, inviting lyrics and melody, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” will make any driver feel right at home on the open road.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vrEljMfXYo
#2 Drive by Incubus
Incubus’ mellow rock song celebrates the thrill of spontaneous road trips with no destination in sight. Lyrics like “Whatever tomorrow brings, I’ll be there” capture the free spirit of driving off into the horizon for adventure and discovery. Its laidback vibe is ideal for cruising down the highway. The steady drumbeat mimics the pace of the pavement passing beneath the car, while lyrical references to finding inner peace on the open road make this track the perfect companion for a contemplative desert drive.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgT9zGkiLig
#3 Going Mobile by The Who
With its references to “trucking on through the night” and escaping city life, this Who classic encapsulates the appeal of RVing and van life. Its energetic rock melodies will keep you energized no matter how many miles you log. The counterculture spirit of the song’s lyrics taps into the freedom of living a mobile lifestyle, while the catchy chorus is easy to sing along to on any long haul. Though written in 1971, “Going Mobile” still rings true in the age of #vanlife and modern nomads.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5niDfvANik
#4 Road Trippin’ by Red Hot Chili Peppers
This mellow, psychedelic rock track by the Red Hot Chili Peppers is the perfect accompaniment for driving through the desert. With lyrics musing about beautiful skies and the open road, it captures the essence of what road trip daydreams are made of. The soft vocals paired with the melodic guitar make for a soothing yet energetic soundtrack to life on the move.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11GYvfYjyV0
#5 Truckin’ by Grateful Dead
A classic rock anthem celebrating life on the road, Truckin’ by the Grateful Dead will get your wheels spinning and give you the momentum to log as many miles as possible. Upbeat piano and guitar mimic the steady rhythm of driving, while the lyrics paint a vivid picture of roaming with no particular place to go. This 1970 hit makes any road trip feel like a carefree adventure.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pafY6sZt0FE
#6 I’ve Been Everywhere by Johnny Cash
With its rapid-fire lyrics listing cities all across North America, this country music gem will make you want to hit the road and check your own travel map. Johnny Cash’s distinctive voice gives this song an infectious energy, while the lyrics inspire dreams of an epic cross-country road trip. Pair it with driving through sprawling rural landscapes.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov4epAJRPMw
#7 Drive My Car by The Beatles
Leave it to The Beatles to capture the pure joy and freedom of driving with this upbeat, infectious rock song. The playful lyrics and catchy melody will have you singing along as you cruise down the highway with the windows down. Paul McCartney’s lively bass line mimics the foot tapping accelerator while the lyrics parallel driving with journeying through life.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3NxaUHonJ8
#8 Ramblin’ Man by The Allman Brothers
With its southern rock rhythms and lyrics celebrating being born a “ramblin’ man,” this Allman Brothers hit encapsulates the restless spirit of road warriors. The infectious guitar solos and bluesy vocals will keep you cruising for miles down two-lane highways in search of new destinations and adventure. It’s the perfect pumping soundtrack for chasing freedom on the road.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–Xqh3zJD3o
#9 Leaving on a Jet Plane by Peter, Paul and Mary
With its gentle acoustic guitar and lyrics about having to board a flight already, this folk classic by Peter, Paul and Mary evokes the bittersweet emotions that come with saying goodbye and is one of the most played travel songs of all time. Its melancholy yet comforting melody makes it the perfect soundtrack for staring out plane windows and contemplating life’s journeys.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4hsC0nRvZM
#10 Highway to Hell by AC/DC
Turn up this hard rock anthem by AC/DC to get your pulse racing from wheels up to touchdown. The explosive guitar riffs and high energy vocals are the ideal airport playlist addition to set the mood for adventure before takeoff. With its lyrics alluding to breaking loose, this highway in the skies will take you somewhere thrilling.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l482T0yNkeo
#11 Life Is A Highway by Tom Cochrane
With lyrics celebrating life as a speeding highway, Tom Cochrane’s early 90s road trip rock anthem will get your wheels spinning. Its feel-good chorus and mixture of piano and guitar make for an infectious soundtrack to synchronize with the stripes on the road. For driving with the windows down and volume up, this song is a go-to.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3sMjm9Eloo
#12 Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
A driving playlist staple, Journey’s 1981 arena rock anthem is the perfect companion for long stretches of road. Its crescendoing melody mimics the momentum of travel, while lyrics about persisting through troubled times strike an uplifting chord. The familiar piano intro will kickstart dreams of seeking fortune and adventure outside suburbia. Is there a better 80s travel song for the rock genre?
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k8craCGpgs
#13 Born to Be Wild by Steppenwolf
With its pulsing guitar riffs and “heavy metal thunder” lyrics, this 1968 rock classic encapsulates the thrilling call of the open road. The hard edge guitar paired with lyrics about escaping to the wilderness creates an energetic ode to freedom and adventure. Crank it up for an adrenaline rush behind the wheel.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egMWlD3fLJ8
#14 Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
With its driving melody and lyrics celebrating escaping suburban life, Bruce Springsteen’s 1975 rock anthem is the perfect pump-up soundtrack for open highway. The energetic drums and guitar solo capture the adrenaline rush of running to something new and never looking back. It’s the ideal road trip song for feeling young and free on the move.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3t9SfrfDZM
#15 Homeward Bound by Simon & Garfunkel
Simon & Garfunkel’s mellow 1965 folk tune is filled with longing and revelation after time spent far from home. The gentle guitar and poetic lyrics like “I wish I was homeward bound” evoke sentimental feelings about returning to familiar comforts. Its melancholy yet soothing melody makes it the perfect flying home soundtrack. One of the most relaxing travel songs for those long and bumpy flights.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z9wd9bS1FM
#16 Take It Easy by Eagles
With its laidback vibe and lyrics about taking life slow, this Eagles’ 1972 classic encapsulates the carefree spirit of California road trips. Easy acoustic guitar combined with Glenn Frey’s mellow vocals make for a sunshine-soaked soundtrack perfect for cruising the Pacific Coast Highway.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0ylSUsel3w
#17 Walkin’ After Midnight by Patsy Cline
Patsy Cline’s haunting 1957 country ballad taps into late night driving emotions, with lyrics about walking solo with the moon. Her smooth, lush vocals paired with steady percussion will keep you company cruising the loneliest highways long after dark.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsRNCvHXHHU
#18 Wherever I May Roam by Metallica
Metallica’s heavy metal 1992 ode to wandering will fuel your inner outlier soul. This travel song evokes thundering drums and imagery of journeying across lands. “Wherever I may roam” capture the essence of footloose, uninhibited exploration by land, sea or air.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMqNFAU0tOw
#19 – 500 Miles by The Hooters
The Hooters’ upbeat, optimistic folk rock tune is about cherishing time spent traveling with loved ones. The twangy guitar and lyrics celebrating “500 miles” logged epitomize the shared joy and bonding that comes from road tripping together. It’s a feel-good classic for singing along with companions.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tC67RQiJwzY
#20 Blue Highways by William Least Heat-Moon
In this atmospheric folk melody by William Least Heat-Moon, acoustic guitar blends seamlessly with natural sounds of frogs croaking and birds calling. Lyrics like “Can’t you feel it growing, everything so alive” capture the magic of exploring off-the-beaten path places. It’s the perfect tune for getting lost on backroads.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wh3t49NsWBA
#21 California Dreamin’ by The Mamas & The Papas
As an ode to the Golden State’s sunny skies and laidback vibes, this 1960s hit by The Mamas & The Papas encapsulates the feeling of California dreamin’ from afar. Its folky harmonies and imagery of warm weather will transport you to the ultimate west coast road trip.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhZULM69DIw
#22 Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie by Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Red Hot Chili Peppers deliver good times vibes with this funk rock song celebrating a free spirited, fun loving character. With its super energetic rhythm and lyrics about enjoying the ride, it’s the perfect get-psyched song for the start of any adventure.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtBbinpK5XI
#23 Keep On Truckin’ – Hot Tuna
Hot Tuna’s foot-stomping, fast-picked 1973 folk rock tune will keep you truckin’ down the highway. Songs celebrating the truck driver lifestyle pair perfectly with long hauls and road warrior mentality. The lively guitar and harmonica capture the restless motion of life on the move.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzbaHIel47M
#24 Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight – The Oak Ridge Boys
This melancholy country song tells the story of a heartbroken man fleeing his Louisiana home in search of mending. The Oak Ridge Boys’ soaring harmonies give it an emotional weight that taps into complex feelings about leaving behind the familiar.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yHvwtqbGIU
#25 Window Seat – Erykah Badu
In this smooth R&B tune, Erykah Badu daydreams about destination-less travel while longing to get away. Her soulful voice paired with mellow beats is the perfect soundtrack for staring out airplane windows and contemplating life’s journey.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRXaXE1nQ8Q
#26 Cruise – Florida Georgia Line
Florida Georgia Line’s 2012 country pop anthem turned a small town summer love song into a cross-genre hit. Lyrics about cruising down backroads with that special someone pair perfectly with windows-down drives into the sunset.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PvebsWcpto
#27 Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes – George Jones
Country legend George Jones asks who will become the next generation of legends across Nashville, Detroit and Motown. The piano and Jones’ iconic voice give it an earnest, nostalgic tone perfect for contemplating the passage of eras.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1HeYNcWMwo
#28 California Stars – Billy Bragg & Wilco
Take an epic musical journey with Wilco’s “California Stars” from their 1998 album Mermaid Avenue. This folksy foot-tapper sets Woody Guthrie’s timeless lyrics about the Golden State’s beauty to upbeat strumming and heavenly harmonies. Whimsical verses about orchards, canyons, and constellations evoke California’s scenic glories and starry nights in vivid detail. The official video features scenic tour visuals worthy of this ode’s lyrics, from rippling redwoods and sun-drenched valleys to surfer-dotted shores. Cue it up on your next Pacific Highway One road trip or as the soundtrack to West Coast wanderlust dreams.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxzMbAMO73k
#29 Paradise City by Guns N’ Roses
With its hard rock guitar riffs and axel Rose’s powerful vocals, this 1980s metal anthem is perfect for rolling down the highway at full speed chasing dreams. Lyrics about the “grass being green” and girls being pretty capture the hope for a bright future paradise ahead. Crank up this adrenaline-pumping song when you need motivation.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rbm6GXllBiw
#30 On The Road Again by Willie Nelson
Country legend Willie Nelson captures the appeal of life on the road in this relaxed 1980 hit. His smooth voice and steady rhythm guitar pair perfectly with images of can’t-wait-to-get-moving-again wanderlust. Upbeat yet mellow, it’s the quintessential soundtrack for anticipating the next journey around the bend.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBN86y30Ufc
#31 Drive All Night by Bruce Springsteen
In this epic rock ballad, Bruce Springsteen sings about persevering through the night for love. The full band sound turns this into an energizing late-night driving companion. For staying alert on long empty roads, this dramatic, heartfelt Springsteen song really hits the spot.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3eu1gW-bQ8
#32 Take The Long Way Home by Supertramp
With lyrics about avoiding the typical interstate route, Supertramp’s 1970s hit captures the appeal of meandering backroad drives. The mix of piano and guitars gives it a steady, uplifting rhythm perfect for prolonged scenic detours. It’s the ideal off-the-beaten-path road trip soundtrack.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVmVxvmAMBA
#33 Runnin’ Down a Dream by Tom Petty
The urgent guitar opening of this Tom Petty classic kicks off an adrenaline-filled rock ode to chasing ambitions without abandon. Anthemic melodies capture the momentum of running towards destiny before time runs out. Crank it up and “let the music take you there.”
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1D3a5eDJIs
#34 Breakfast in America by Supertramp
This upbeat folk rock tune celebrates the optimism and prosperity of post-war America with tongue-in-cheek lyrics about dining on “bubble gum and ice cream.” The mix of piano, guitars and horns has an infectious energy perfect for cruising down sunny main streets.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzaW0E7uRwc
#35 Highwayman by The Highwaymen
Country supergroup The Highwaymen sing an epic tale of reincarnation through four different lives working on the open road and untamed frontier. Their stellar vocals blend seamlessly to give the song an old soul, making it the ideal soundtrack for traversing the vast beauty of the American landscape.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFkcAH-m9E0
#36 America by Simon & Garfunkel
Simon & Garfunkel pay homage to journeying across the country via Greyhound bus in this beloved folk song with colorful lyrics about the country’s natural splendor. The gentle harmonies and acoustic melody capture the writers’ optimism and youth.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo2ZsAOlvEM
#37 Should’ve Been a Cowboy by Toby Keith
Toby Keith laments everyday struggles in this 1990s country song, believing life would be simpler living as a cowboy riding the range out west. The driving percussion and Keith’s signature vocals make it an energetic ode to escaping into wide open spaces.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldQrapQ4d0Y
#38 Map of the World – Telepopmusik
This mellow, jazzy electronic tune has a global feel with French vocals over relaxing trip-hop beats. It’s the perfect soundtrack for staring out plane windows and contemplating how we’re all connected citizens of the world. The atmospheric vibe matches high-flying perspective.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRzsEO6UWr0
#39 Truckin’ – Dead & Company
In this live version, Dead & Company revisit the Grateful Dead’s classic ode to life on the road with an extended 17-minute jam. Twangy blues guitars capture the restless motion of westward wanderin’ trucking culture. It’s a road warrior’s delight.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6G53BPX6Ow
#40 Take the A Train – Duke Ellington
Jazz standard “Take the A Train” musically mimics the rhythmic clatter of a subway ride uptown to Harlem in NYC. Uptempo swing horns transport listeners to the bustling sounds of the big city. Pair it with any transit-centric travel for big metro energy.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRGFqSkNjHk
#41 Against the Wind by Bob Seger
In this roots rock classic, Bob Seger soulfully sings about persisting through life’s challenges. The melancholy tone captures complicated feelings about moving forward. With imagery of standing against the wind, it’s perfect for introspective drives into the unknown.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm4wtvr1tEw
#42 Time to Move On by Tom Petty
Tom Petty celebrates leaving small town life behind in this upbeat rock tune with a driving beat. Energetic guitars and Petty’s signature vocals capture the triumphant excitement of moving on to bigger dreams and freedom. It’ll get your wheels spinning faster down the highway.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT96v3-4I9Q
#43 Free Fallin’ by Tom Petty
Tom Petty paints a poetic picture of a restless romantic living life without strings attached in this beloved 1989 hit. The steady, driving rhythm and Petty’s clipped vocals capture the essence of an endless summer road trip with the highway to freedom stretched out ahead.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lWJXDG2i0A
#44 Fly Away by Lenny Kravitz
In this mellow rock song with psychedelic grooves, Lenny Kravitz sings sweetly about escaping with a loved one and flying away together. The laidback vibe captures the carefree bliss of road trips with that special someone. Kravitz’s smooth vocals paired with the steady drum beats and mellow guitar create a soothing sonic landscape perfect for cruising into the sunset, feeling completely content and at peace.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t-iFr9q1I8
#45 Southbound by Allman Brothers Band
With improvisational guitar jams and lyrics about heading south, this 1976 blues rock song by the Allman Brothers Band turns any drive into an epic adventure. The uptempo, foot-tapping rhythm mimics the excitement of the open road ahead. Duane Allman’s legendary guitar work shines in this tune.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j02m-EK-vI
#46 Naive Melody (This Must Be The Place) by Talking Heads
This art pop song features David Byrne’s signature eccentric vocals over gorgeous melodies singing quirkily about finding the perfect place to call home. The atmospheric vibe evokes the comforting feeling of returning home after travels to unfamiliar lands.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HldHtBxNK6k
#47 Kokomo by The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys bring laidback tropical vibes with this 1960s surf pop ode to a fictional island getaway named Kokomo. Upbeat steel drums will transport you to white sand beaches and blue seas. It captures fantasies of island escapes we all long for.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNZVzIfJlY4
#48 I’ve Been Everywhere by Johnny Cash
With its rapid-fire lyrics listing cities all across North America, this country music gem will make you want to hit the road and check your own travel map. Johnny Cash’s distinctive voice gives this song an infectious energy, while the lyrics inspire dreams of an epic cross-country road trip. Pair it with driving through sprawling rural landscapes.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov4epAJRPMw
#49 Let’s Go Crazy by Prince
The opening rock guitar riff to this 1984 Purple Rain single launches into a funky ode to reckless abandon on the dance floor by Prince. Anthemic energy paired with lyrics to “give in to the call of the wild” make it the perfect pump-up soundtrack before embarking on any big adventure.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXJhDltzYVQ
#50 Open Road Song by Eve6
Energetic power pop guitars kick off this ode to leaving worries behind and reveling in the freedom of the wide open road ahead. Eve6’s driving rock rhythms capture the carefree spirit of road trips with no particular destination in sight. An upbeat, youthful celebration of exploration.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgrj_IXuEGY
The top 50 travel songs of all time – the complete list
1. Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver
2. Drive – Incubus
3. Going Mobile – The Who
4. Road Trippin’ – Red Hot Chili Peppers
5. Truckin’ – Grateful Dead
6. I’ve Been Everywhere – Johnny Cash
7. Drive My Car – The Beatles
8. Ramblin’ Man – The Allman Brothers
9. Leaving on a Jet Plane – Peter, Paul and Mary
10. Highway to Hell – AC/DC
11. Life Is A Highway – Tom Cochrane
12. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
13. Born to Be Wild – Steppenwolf
14. Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen
15. Homeward Bound – Simon & Garfunkel
16. Take It Easy – Eagles
17. Walkin’ After Midnight – Patsy Cline
18. Wherever I May Roam – Metallica
19. 500 Miles – The Hooters
20. Blue Highways – William Least Heat-Moon
21. California Dreamin’ – The Mamas & The Papas
22. Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie – Red Hot Chili Peppers
23. Keep On Truckin’ – Hot Tuna
24. Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight – The Oak Ridge Boys
25. Window Seat – Erykah Badu
26. Cruise – Florida Georgia Line
27. Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes – George Jones
28. Road Trippin’ – Gwen Stefani
29. Paradise City – Guns N’ Roses
30. On The Road Again – Willie Nelson
31. Drive All Night – Bruce Springsteen
32. Take The Long Way Home – Supertramp
33. Runnin’ Down a Dream – Tom Petty
34. Breakfast in America – Supertramp
35. Highwayman – The Highwaymen
36. America – Simon & Garfunkel
37. Should’ve Been a Cowboy – Toby Keith
38. Map of the World – Telepopmusik
39. Truckin’ – Dead & Company
40. Take the A Train – Duke Ellington
41. Against the Wind – Bob Seger
42. Time to Move On – Tom Petty
43. Free Fallin’ – Tom Petty
44. Fly Away – Lenny Kravitz
45. Southbound – Allman Brothers Band
46. Naive Melody (This Must Be The Place) – Talking Heads
47. Kokomo – The Beach Boys
48. I’ve Been Everywhere – Johnny Cash
49. Let’s Go Crazy – Prince
50. Open Road Song – Eve6
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