The Epic Road Trip Playlist

By Kimberly Graf. Published on April 4, 2018

There are some songs that just fit with long car trips. A fast-paced melody with soulful lyrics that you know by heart? Sounds like the perfect companion on a road trip. So roll down your window, put your feet on the dashboard and sing along with some of the greatest road trip songs ever recorded. Our Epic Road Trip Playlist will have you rocking out while you chase the horizon!

On the Road Again – Willie Nelson: This is the essential get-out-of-town song by the traveler himself. It’s a country ballad, but it seamlessly combines a simple guitar riff with the urge to wander. Start here to really get you in the road tripping mood.

I've Been Everywhere – Johnny Cash: Some have called this the best geography lesson ever recorded. We tend to agree. Throw this song on and see if you can say all the locations in the right order. It’s especially customary to scream the names of the places you’ve been louder than the rest of the song. Trust us, it’s a thing.

The Rolling Stones – Route 66 (1964)

Route 66 – the Rolling Stones: This iconic song gives you all the pertinent details about historic Route 66, which is now Interstate 40. You can bop all the way from Chicago to L.A. with this song, in memory of the Mother Road.

Take It Easy – the Eagles: Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy, says this wise song. This road-weary song will wear away the miles nicely as it reminds you that you don’t have to get anywhere fast. Points for blasting this song in Winslow, Arizona.

Keep the Car Running – Arcade Fire: This is a lesser-known song, but it still screams road trip. It’s got a melodic beat that you can’t help tapping your foot to. After a few lines you'll find yourself humming and singing along.

Carry on Wayward Son – Kansas: This notorious power ballad will have you singing along with each and every verse. This has become a popular song again in the last ten years, but it’s always been one of the quintessential road trip songs.

Blue tap, epic road trip playlist

Burnin' For You – Blue Oyster Cult: Burn out the day and the night with this iconic BOC ditty. You will never want to leave your home on the highway with this upbeat traveling song.

Peace of Mind – Boston: Tired of people living in competition? Get some peace of mind while rocking out to this popular Boston song. The melody in this song somehow brings to mind an endless two-lane highway with no traffic and the wind in your hair.

Wheel in the Sky – Journey: This was a hard choice. Wheel in the Sky only won over Don’t Stop Believin’ because the lyrics are actually about traveling. Either will do. Or both! But if you love the feeling of not knowing where you’ll be tomorrow, this ballad is perfect for you.

I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers: Either you love this song or you hate it. There is no in between. Either way, you probably know it and will sing along no matter how you feel about it. It’s just that catchy. Just be thankful you’re in a car and not walking 500 miles!

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Africa – Toto: Is this the best song ever recorded? That’s a matter of opinion, but we are leaning towards 'yes'. It's catchy. It'll pop into your head randomly while you're in the shower or walking through the store. No road trip playlist would be complete without it. Hurry boy, it’s waiting there for you.

Here I Go Again – Whitesnake: Were you born to walk alone? This song has so many layers of catchy tunes with heartfelt lyrics about being a gypsy. We love it!

Back in Black – AC/DC: I hope that no one is overly surprised to see this on the list. It is probably the heaviest, craziest headbanging song on this list. Perfect for blasting the bass and rolling the windows down.

Californication – Red Hot Chili Peppers: A slower song, but still incredibly catchy. The Red Hot Chili Peppers have been a road trip favorite for a while, but this song is one of the best songs to drive into a sunset to. Just trust us.

female musician on long road

Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns n’ Roses: The vocals on this song are insane. You and your friends will wail and scream and strain your chords to try and keep up with Guns n’ Roses, and that’s amazing.

Hotel California – The Eagles: Handy tip: be cautious about where you stop for the night. This song is so incredibly popular and everyone seems to know it. It’s perfect for road tripping with friends. Just be careful about stopping on a dark desert highway.

Little Red Corvette – Prince: We’re warning you now, this song is going to get stuck in your head. And it’s never going to leave. But honestly, we don’t mind all that much. Rock out to this ballad on the road, especially on a Saturday night.

Redemption Song – Bob Marley: This song is so good it’s heart-wrenching. It’s a slower cooldown ballad that’ll have you thinking and singing along. It’s extremely emotional. We love to listen to it right after the sun goes down, while the sky is still light. It’s the perfect atmosphere for the most impact.

Road trip avec Bob Marley

Life is a Highway – Tom Cochrane: You had to know this one was coming. The entire song is about highways, so there’s no better place for it than a road song playlist. More importantly, it’s easy to sing along to.

Fast Car – Tracy Chapman: Another slow, emotional song that’s perfect for long trips. It’s catchy, and you can feel the emotions running through the song. And the chorus is about driving, so there’s that.

Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen: The ultimate, most incredible song for you and a car full of friends or family. They should all be singing along with you. It’s mandatory.

Road trips are made all that more epic with music. Get your playlist all loaded up and hit the road for some amazing memories!

Comments

Johny on 5/2/2018, said:

Great list, thanks!! May I add that some Aerosmith greatest hits!

Veronica pickett on 5/16/2018, said:

Send me more songs, please!

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Illegal string.

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