20 Songs That Should Be On Your Road Trip Playlist
Long roads and the right playlist will make a boring 6-hour trip to your hometown a hoot. Doesn’t matter if you’ve got company. Are you planning a trip through desert highways or winding mountain roads? These 20 songs will bring the energy and adventure every road trip demands.
“Born To Run”
Thunderous drums and Bruce Springsteen’s urgent vocals capture the rush of hitting the road. Released in 1975, this song celebrates breaking free and chasing dreams. Rolling Stone ranked it #21 on its Greatest Songs of All Time—a road trip without it feels incomplete.
“Life Is A Highway”
This song is a must-have for any long-haul playlist. Tom Cochrane’s 1991 original brought the message, but Rascal Flatts’ 2006 cover made it a road trip essential. This track symbolizes motion, excitement, and the unpredictability of every mile ahead. It was also featured in “Cars” (2006).
“Damage Gets Done”
A road trip is all about freedom and the thrill of the unknown. And “Damage Gets Done” by Hozier ft. Brandi Carlile captures that youthful recklessness perfectly. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to keep driving just a little farther.
“Blinding Lights”
Synth-heavy and effortlessly cool, The Weeknd’s 2020 chart-topper feels like a nighttime highway escape from an 80s movie. Inspired by new-wave legends like Depeche Mode, this song sets the perfect mood for neon-lit streets and endless city skylines.
“Take It Easy”
Few songs better capture the laid-back joy of the open road than The Eagles’ 1972 classic. Initially written by Jackson Browne, its breezy melody and relatable lyrics make it ideal for those sun-soaked stretches where time slows and the world feels endless.
“Levitating”
Dua Lipa’s 2020 hit, infused with disco-funk grooves, is impossible to resist. Whether gliding along a coastal highway or weaving through city lights, this song lifts the mood instantly. Rolling Stone called it one of the best pop tracks of the decade—for good reason.
“Highway To Hell”
AC/DC’s rock anthem needs no introduction. Power chords and raw vocals make it one of the most iconic road trip songs ever recorded. Be it rolling through Route 66 or endless desert highways, this 1979 track guarantees an adrenaline rush with every chorus.
“Watermelon Sugar”
Harry Styles’ 2019 hit delivers sun-soaked energy with every note. Inspired by 70s funk and classic rock, the song’s vibrant beat and nostalgic feel make it perfect for convertible rides and golden sunsets. Play it once, and it stays in your head for miles.
“Can’t Stop”
Red Hot Chili Peppers’ 2002 track doesn’t slow down. Built on a frenzied bassline and rapid-fire lyrics, “Can’t Stop” keeps the energy high for those stretches where the speedometer climbs. Its title says it all—this 2002 song refuses to let the road trip lose momentum.
“American Teen”
Every road trip needs a song that celebrates the freedom of being young and restless, and Khalid’s 2017 hit embodies the carefree excitement of road trips with friends. Its smooth beats and road-ready lyrics make it perfect for summer adventures.
“I Want It That Way”
The Backstreet Boys’ smash hit is a road trip karaoke anthem, for good reason. Billboard named it one of the greatest pop songs ever. Whether you admit it or not, everyone sings along when this 1999 song plays. “Brooklyn 99” fans will know this one (more or less).
“Go Your Own Way”
“You can go your own way!” Few lyrics capture the thrill of independence like this Fleetwood Mac classic. Driven by raw emotion and relentless guitar riffs, the 1997 song is all about rebellion and the open road. Can you believe it was initially a breakup anthem?
“Rolling In The Deep”
Adele’s 2010 powerhouse hit fills any space with energy. The soaring vocal and raw emotion turn even a solo drive into an unforgettable experience. Sometimes, a road trip needs a song that makes you sing like no one’s watching, and this might be the perfect one.
“Fast Car”
In 1988, Tracy Chapman released this folk-rock masterpiece, which tells a story of dreams and lengthy drives into the unknown. Simple yet powerful, it’s a song about highways that stretch on forever, headlights cutting through the darkness and quiet moments behind the wheel.
“Heat Waves”
Can’t forget this COVID-19 hit. “Road shimmering, heat waves drifting through the rearview…” Glass Animals’ 2020 hit brings hazy, late-night energy, perfect for drives through empty city streets. Its hypnotic beat and dreamy vocals create the ultimate after-dark cruising soundtrack.
“Old Town Road”
Lil Nas X’s viral hit broke records, becoming the longest-running #1 song in Billboard history. Mixing hip-hop with country, it’s a fun, playful addition that keeps any road trip enjoyable. If the drive needs a lighthearted energy boost, this 2019 track delivers.
“We Found Love”
Rihanna and Calvin Harris’ 2011 dance hit brings the rush of the open road to life. Blasting through speakers at full volume, this 2011 song is perfect for those moments when the trip feels limitless, and the road ahead holds nothing but possibilities.
“Bad Habits”
Nothing fits better than this synth-driven anthem for late-night city lights and neon reflections. Ed Sheeran’s 2021 hit creates an edgy driving experience by blending 80s dance-pop energy with a hypnotic beat. It’s the kind of song that makes long stretches of road feel like a music video.
“Bohemian”
This 1975 song unites every passenger in a shared moment of epic fun. It is the ultimate road trip singalong, made legendary in Wayne’s World as the best in-car karaoke moment ever. You could scream through the opera section or headbang to Brian May’s guitar solo.
“Shut Up And Drive”
Fast-paced and packed with attitude, Rihanna’s 2007 hit turns the highway into a high-energy thrill ride. Inspired by 80s rock riffs, this song blends pop and rock, making it an anthem for adventure-seekers. Crank up the volume and let the rhythm take control.
