10 Best Bicycle Touring Routes in the World
Two-wheeled freedom across the globe: from Patagonian glaciers and 4,600-meter Asian passes to suspended bridges across the sea.
The bicycle is the most intimate, visceral vehicle ever invented to experience the true geography of our planet. When I set out in 2009 to cycle 16,000 km across South America over 365 days in solo autonomy — an expedition chronicled in my book Trilhando Sonhos / Long Ride South —, I discovered that traveling at the speed of a crankset offers a rare privilege: to feel the Earth in its true dimensions, absorbing every climb in your lungs, every cultural shift, and the unforgettable generosity of people along the way.
Across every continent, there are roads that have transcended mere transport to become celebrated rites of passage in global cycle touring. These epic paths traverse high-altitude deserts in the Himalayas and the Pamir, challenge the howling Patagonian winds, trace historic riverways through Central Europe, or leap across ocean islands on marvels of modern bridge engineering.
Below, I share an in-depth guide to the 10 best bicycle touring routes in the world, providing verified distances, elevation gains, surface descriptions, altimetry profiles, and schematic route maps.
Author's Note: This selection reflects my personal perspective as a long-distance bicycle traveler. Our planet possesses monumental scale and endless wonderful paths — there are naturally many other breathtaking routes across the continents that I still dream of exploring. If you are also looking for Brazilian itineraries, be sure to read our complete guide to the 5 Best Bicycle Touring Circuits in Brazil.
“A bicycle breaks monumental distances down into small daily victories. When you cross an international frontier or conquer an alpine pass under your own power, you haven't just traveled: you have been transformed by the journey.” — Thiago Fantinatti, author of Trilhando Sonhos / Long Ride South
| Route / Circuit | Origin | Distance | Elevation | Duration | Physical Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Carretera Austral: Route 7 (Chilean Patagonia) | Puerto Montt | ~1,240 km (~770 mi) | +13,500 m (+44,300 ft) | 20 to 30 days | Difficult |
| 2. EuroVelo 6: Danube Cycle Path (Central Europe) | Passau (Germany) | ~4,450 km total (~320 km classic Passau–Vienna stretch) | +400 m (gentle downhill gradient) | 5 to 8 days (classic stretch) | 4 to 6 weeks (full river) | Easy / Accessible for All Ages |
| 3. Great Divide Mountain Bike Route - GDMBR (North America) | Banff, Alberta (Canada) | 4,330 km (2,690 mi) | +45,000 m (+147,600 ft) | 35 to 55 days | Extreme |
| 4. Camino de Santiago: Camino Francés (France & Spain) | Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (France) | ~790 km (~490 mi) | +11,500 m (+37,700 ft) | 10 to 16 days | Moderate to Difficult |
| 5. Pamir Highway: M41 (Tajikistan & Kyrgyzstan) | Dushanbe (Tajikistan) | ~1,250 km (~775 mi) | +16,000 m (+52,500 ft) | 18 to 28 days | Extreme |
| 6. Shimanami Kaido: Seto Inland Sea (Japan) | Onomichi (Honshu) | ~70 km (~43 mi) | ~+800 m (gentle helical bridge approaches) | 1 to 2 days | Easy |
| 7. Munda Biddi Trail: Western Australia | Mundaring (Perth) | 1,060 km (660 mi) | +12,500 m (+41,000 ft) | 18 to 25 days | Difficult |
| 8. Ruta 40: Patagonian Steppe (Argentina) | Bariloche | ~1,400 km classic southern corridor (~870 mi) | +9,500 m (amplified by fierce crosswinds) | 20 to 30 days | Difficult to Extreme |
| 9. Trans Dinarica Cycle Route (Western Balkans) | Soča Valley (Slovenia) through Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro | ~5,000 km network (~1,200 km classic primary route) | +18,000 m (+59,000 ft) | 18 to 30 days (primary corridor) | Moderate to Difficult |
| 10. Otago Central Rail Trail (New Zealand) | Clyde | 152 km (94 mi) | +950 m (+3,100 ft) — Maximum 2% gradient | 3 to 5 days | Easy |
1. Carretera Austral: Route 7 (Chilean Patagonia)
The Carretera Austral (Route 7) is revered worldwide as one of the most scenic, wild, and challenging bicycle touring expeditions on Earth. Slicing through Chilean Patagonia across 1,240 km from the port city of Puerto Montt to the remote frontier hamlet of Villa O'Higgins, the route winds through a rugged geography of temperate rainforests, turquoise glacier-fed rivers, towering fjords, and millennium-old glaciers.
Constructed starting in the late 1970s to connect historically isolated outposts to mainland Chile, the road has preserved its raw, adventurous spirit. Riding it end-to-end requires combining days of gravel grinding with at least three ocean ferry crossings (between La Arena and Puelche, Hornopirén and Caleta Gonzalo, and Puerto Yungay to Río Bravo).
Key Highlights along the Way:
- Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park: One of the world's most magnificent private conservation sanctuaries, featuring pristine trails among ancient alerce trees and exemplary campgrounds.
- Queulat Hanging Glacier (Ventisquero Colgante): A colossal suspended glacier plunging roaring waterfalls into an emerald glacial lagoon, preceded by the switchback climb of the Cuesta Queulat.
- Marble Caves (Capillas de Mármol): Intricate calcium carbonate cavern formations sculpted by the glacial waters of Lake General Carrera over millennia.
- Confluence of the Baker and Neff Rivers: The dramatic meeting of two roaring Patagonian giants of contrasting turquoise and milky waters.
Challenges & Practical Tips: Patagonian weather is notoriously unpredictable, with torrential downpours and cold fronts even during the austral summer (November to March). Fully waterproof panniers, tires at least 2.0" to 2.4" wide, and patience with ferry timetables are essential for a successful journey.
2. EuroVelo 6: Danube Cycle Path (Central Europe)
The Danube Cycle Path (Donauradweg), forming the crown jewel of the trans-European EuroVelo 6 artery connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea, is the gold standard of European cycle touring. Flanking Europe's second-longest river, the classic 320 km segment between the three-river city of Passau in Germany and the imperial capital of Vienna in Austria offers the ultimate blend of flat paved paths, storybook villages, vineyards, and medieval fortresses.
Because the trail follows the downstream course of the river, cyclists enjoy a nearly continuous gentle descent with negligible elevation gain. It is the premier route for beginners, families, and cycle travelers seeking cultural richness without extreme physical hardship.
Key Highlights along the Way:
- Schlögener Schlinge: A dramatic 180-degree natural loop where the Danube cuts through deep granite hills in Upper Austria.
- Wachau Cultural Landscape: A UNESCO World Heritage corridor of terraced hillside vineyards, apricot orchards, and ruins like Dürnstein Castle.
- Stift Melk (Melk Abbey): A magnificent baroque abbey perched atop a rock bluff overlooking the river.
- Passau & Vienna: Starting at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, and finishing amidst the grand palaces and coffeehouse culture of Vienna.
Challenges & Practical Tips: Extremely popular during peak summer months (July–August), so book guesthouses (Gasthöfe) in advance or visit during shoulder seasons (May–June or September–October) for cooler weather and fewer crowds.
3. Great Divide Mountain Bike Route - GDMBR (North America)
The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) is the undisputed pinnacle of off-road bikepacking on the planet. Tracing the Continental Divide of North America along the spine of the Rocky Mountains, the route spans over 4,300 km from the glacier-fed lakes of Banff in Canada across five US states (Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico) down to the Mexican border at Antelope Wells.
Conceived and mapped by the Adventure Cycling Association in the late 1990s, the GDMBR takes riders into the heart of remote wilderness. Cyclists traverse alpine passes above treeline, silent national forests, sagebrush-covered plains, and desolate desert basins.
Key Highlights along the Way:
- Canadian Rockies: Glacial lakes and towering limestone peaks around Banff and the Flathead River valley.
- High Passes of Colorado: Climbing over Indiana Pass at 11,910 ft (3,630 m), the highest point of the route, with breath-stealing views.
- Great Divide Basin in Wyoming: An endorheic basin of total solitude, wild mustangs, and 200 km without resupply services.
- Wildlife: Encounters with elk, moose, bald eagles, and the ever-present presence of grizzly bears in the north.
Challenges & Practical Tips: Requires bear spray, strict food hanging/storage protocols, high-clearance tubeless mountain bike tires (2.2" to 2.4"), water filtration, and navigation gear. The riding season is brief (mid-June to September) due to lingering mountain snowpacks.
4. Camino de Santiago: Camino Francés (France & Spain)
The Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James) is one of humanity's oldest pilgrimage trails, with over a thousand years of continuous pedestrian and equestrian history. For cyclists (bicigrinos), the Camino Francés is a transformative rite of passage, journeying across the Pyrenees, the vineyards of La Rioja, the wide plains of the Meseta, and the emerald mountains of Galicia before arriving at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Riding the Camino means immersing oneself in living cultural history, sleeping in centuries-old pilgrim hostels (albergues), and sharing wine and stories with travelers from every corner of the earth.
Key Highlights along the Way:
- Pyrenean Crossing: The demanding opening climb from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to the Ibañeta Pass and Roncesvalles monastery.
- Cruz de Ferro: Standing at 1,505 m in the Montes de León, where pilgrims deposit a stone brought from home as a symbol of released burdens.
- O Cebreiro: A picturesque Celtic mountain hamlet of thatched stone dwellings (pallozas) marking the threshold of Galicia.
- Praza do Obradoiro: The euphoric arrival in front of the Romanesque and Baroque façade of Santiago Cathedral to receive the Compostela.
Challenges & Practical Tips: To earn the official Compostela certificate, cyclists must complete at least 200 km and stamp their Credencial del Peregrino twice daily. A gravel or front-suspension mountain bike is recommended to handle rocky descents safely, while respectful trail etiquette towards walkers is mandatory.
5. Pamir Highway: M41 (Tajikistan & Kyrgyzstan)
Winding through the mystical Pamir Mountains in Central Asia, the Pamir Highway (M41) is the second-highest international road in the world. Cyclists pedal along the edge of towering 7,000-meter peaks, trace the turbulent Panj River forming the border with Afghanistan, and cross desolate high-altitude plateaus where yaks graze under crystalline night skies.
Known locally as the Bam-i-Dunya ("Roof of the World"), this former Soviet military artery is a high-altitude expedition of extraordinary spiritual and physical scale.
Key Highlights along the Way:
- The Panj River Gorge: Cycling hundreds of kilometers with the rugged, roadless mud-brick villages of Afghan Badakhshan just across the rushing water.
- Ak-Baital Pass: The towering summit of the highway at 4,655 meters (15,272 feet), where thin air tests every pedal stroke.
- Lake Karakul: A brilliant turquoise saline lake sitting inside an ancient meteorite impact crater at 3,900 m elevation.
- Pamiri Hospitality: Staying in traditional heated homestays, drinking bowls of hot chai, and eating flatbread (non) with local families.
Challenges & Practical Tips: Severe risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS); gradual acclimatization is non-negotiable. Freezing temperatures, violent winds, poor sanitation, and long stretches between resupply points demand self-sufficiency and a robust, low-maintenance touring bicycle.
6. Shimanami Kaido: Seto Inland Sea (Japan)
The Shimanami Kaido (Nishiseto Expressway) is widely considered the world's most sophisticated and enjoyable coastal cycle path. Spanning the tranquil waters of the Seto Inland Sea between Japan's main island of Honshu and Shikoku, this route links six picturesque islands through an extraordinary series of massive suspension, cable-stayed, and arch bridges equipped with dedicated, segregated cycling ramps.
Navigating the route is virtually effortless thanks to the blue navigation line painted directly onto the road surface. Cyclists pedal past citrus orchards, historic pirate fortresses, and serene seaside shrines.
Key Highlights along the Way:
- Dedicated Bridge Ramps: Gentle 3% helical loops engineered specifically to allow loaded bicycles to ascend gracefully to suspension bridge deck levels.
- Tatara Bridge & Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge: The latter stretches over 4 km across ocean whirlpools, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas of sea and islands.
- Oyamazumi Shrine on Omishima: An ancient Shinto sanctuary holding one of the world's largest collections of samurai armor and katana swords.
- Cycle Oasis Network: Clean rest stops across all six islands providing free bike pumps, water, and famous local citrus ice creams.
Challenges & Practical Tips: Highly accessible for all fitness levels. Luggage forward delivery services (Takkyubin) and numerous bike rental depots allow seamless point-to-point tours with road bikes, e-bikes, or hybrids.
7. Munda Biddi Trail: Western Australia
In the Noongar Aboriginal language, Munda Biddi translates to "path through the forest" — and no name could be more fitting. Stretching over 1,000 km across the southwest corner of Western Australia, it stands as the longest continuous purpose-built off-road cycling trail in the world, weaving through ancient eucalypt woodlands, coastal heathlands, and dramatic granite hills.
The trail features an exceptional network of purpose-built open-sided timber huts (campsites) spaced every 30 to 45 km, each equipped with rainwater tanks, composting toilets, and bike repair stands.
Key Highlights along the Way:
- Ancient Karri and Jarrah Forests: Pedaling beneath some of the tallest flowering hardwood trees on Earth, rising up to 90 meters high.
- Valley of the Giants: Coastal eucalyptus forests near Walpole where the canopy meets wild southern ocean breezes.
- Pea Gravel: Western Australia's signature rounded red laterite pebbles, demanding smooth steering and attentive tire pressure.
- Unique Wildlife: Frequent trailside sightings of grey kangaroos, emus, black cockatoos, and bandicoots.
Challenges & Practical Tips: Extreme summer heat and bushfire risks make autumn (March–May) and spring (September–November) the prime windows. Wide tires (2.2" minimum) run at lower pressures are essential for navigating pea gravel and sandy sections.
8. Ruta 40: Patagonian Steppe (Argentina)
Argentina's legendary Ruta Nacional 40 is the South American equivalent of Route 66, spanning over 5,000 km along the entire length of the country. But it is the southern Patagonian section — cutting through the wind-scoured, golden steppes between the mountain towns of Bariloche and the glacier gateway of El Calafate — that forms one of bicycle touring's most revered endurance tests.
Here, the primary obstacle is not steep gradient, but the howling, unyielding westerly wind sweeping off the South Patagonian Icefield. With estancias separated by dozens of leagues of silence, cycle travelers face the purest solitude.
Key Highlights along the Way:
- Infinite Steppe: Endless golden vistas where herds of guanacos, Darwin's rheas (choiques), and soaring Andean condors rule the landscape.
- Mount Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre: The iconic detour to El Chaltén, offering awe-inspiring views of granite spires piercing the sky.
- Glaciar Perito Moreno: Arriving in El Calafate to witness one of Earth's few advancing glaciers thunderously calving into Lago Argentino.
- Estancia Hospitality: Welcoming shelters at remote roadhouses and highway maintenance camps (vialidades).
Challenges & Practical Tips: Strong headwinds and crosswinds can reduce cycling speeds to under 8 km/h and blow riders off the road. Carrying 3 to 4 days of food, high-capacity water bladders, and windproof shelter with sturdy ground stakes is mandatory.
9. Trans Dinarica Cycle Route (Western Balkans)
Officially inaugurated in 2024 and hailed by international adventure press as the premier new long-distance cycling route in Europe, the Trans Dinarica Cycle Route connects all eight countries of the Western Balkans. Spanning the dramatic Dinaric Alps, the route combines pristine limestone canyons, glacial lakes, UNESCO Ottoman bridges, and warm Mediterranean cultures.
Developed with a focus on sustainable rural tourism, the route connects protected national parks with remote mountain villages where traditional farming and hospitality thrive.
Key Highlights along the Way:
- Emerald Waters of Soča & Tara: Pedaling along Slovenia's turquoise river and looking down into Montenegro's 1,300-meter-deep Tara River Canyon.
- Plitvice Lakes & Durmitor: Traversing world-famous terraced waterfalls and Montenegro's high alpine plateaus.
- Sarajevo & Mostar: Crossing the historic Ottoman Old Bridge of Mostar and experiencing the cultural mosaic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Lake Shkodër & Albanian Alps: Spectacular descents into the ancient wetlands and jagged peaks of northern Albania.
Challenges & Practical Tips: Substantial cumulative climbing and varied surfaces reward gravel bikes or light touring mountain bikes. The best riding season is from May to October, avoiding high summer heat in inland valleys.
10. Otago Central Rail Trail (New Zealand)
New Zealand's original and most famous Great Ride, the Otago Central Rail Trail repurposes a historic 19th-century gold rush railway line through the heart of the South Island. Carving through sun-drenched tussock-clad hills, rocky river gorges, and historic stone settlements, the trail is 100% traffic-free and maintained to immaculate standards.
Because trains required very gradual slopes, the entire trail maintains an easy gradient never exceeding 2%, making it universally enjoyable for riders of every age and experience level.
Key Highlights along the Way:
- Historic Rail Tunnels: Cycling through curved, hand-carved stone tunnels like the Poolburn Gorge tunnels (lit with your bike headlight).
- Wooden & Steel Viaducts: Soaring 100-meter trestle viaducts spanning dramatic schist canyons.
- Central Otago Gold Towns: Restored stone railway stations and pub taverns in towns like Clyde, Omakau, and Ophir.
- Taieri Gorge Railway Link: The classic option to conclude the ride in Middlemarch and board the vintage train through scenic gorges directly into Dunedin.
Challenges & Practical Tips: Fully supported with luggage transport services, bike rentals, and charming bed & breakfasts along the trail. Central Otago experiences semi-arid continental weather: hot summer days and crisp autumn mornings with spectacular golden foliage.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Global Cycle Touring
What is the easiest international bicycle touring route for beginners?
The Danube Cycle Path (Passau to Vienna on EuroVelo 6), the Shimanami Kaido in Japan, and the Otago Central Rail Trail in New Zealand are the most friendly and accessible in the world. They feature dedicated traffic-free paths, gentle downhill or flat terrain, and outstanding roadside support with rental depots and bike-friendly lodges.
How do I pack and fly with a bicycle on an international flight?
The most reliable and cost-effective method is packing the bike into a standard cardboard bike box from your local bicycle shop. Remove the pedals, detach the front wheel and handlebars, deflate tires slightly, and protect the rear derailleur and frame with pipe insulation foam and bubble wrap. Most major international airlines accept bike boxes up to 23 kg (50 lbs) as standard checked baggage.
What bicycle is best suited for long-distance global expeditions?
For mixed-surface and rugged routes like the Carretera Austral, Great Divide, or Pamir Highway, a rigid steel touring bike or a 29er hardtail mountain bike with 2.0 to 2.4 inch tubeless tires, mechanical disc brakes, and universal bolt mounts is ideal. For paved European paths like EuroVelo, a lightweight gravel bike or classic touring bike with 35-42mm puncture-resistant tires is perfect.
Do I need a tent and full camping gear, or can I sleep in guesthouses?
It depends entirely on the route. On civilized paths like the Danube Cycle Path, Camino de Santiago, Otago Rail Trail, and Shimanami Kaido, you can comfortably sleep in guesthouses, pilgrim hostels, and ryokans every night without carrying camping gear. In contrast, remote expeditions like the Great Divide, Carretera Austral, Ruta 40, and Pamir Highway require a lightweight 3-4 season tent, warm sleeping bag, and cooking stove.
What daily budget is required for international bicycle touring?
Budgets vary by country and travel style: wild camping and self-cooking in Patagonia, Central Asia, or the Balkans typically runs $15 to $30 USD per day. In Europe, Japan, and New Zealand, combining budget hostels/camping with local groceries averages $45 to $80 USD per day, while private guesthouses and restaurants run $90 to $150 USD per day.
