15 Scenic Bus Rides Around The World That Redefine The Road Trip

Some bus rides are more than transportation—they’re an adventure in themselves. These journeys traverse breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and remote wilderness, offering unforgettable experiences from the road. If you crave the open highway and hours of changing scenery, here are 15 destinations that promise rides as exciting as the places they reach.

India’s Manali To Leh Highway

Adventure seekers flock to the Manali-Leh route, one of the world’s highest and most rugged bus journeys. The 266-mile trip takes about 18–20 hours and passes through hairpin turns, stark deserts, and towering Himalayan passes. Buses typically cross Rohtang La and Tanglang La, both over 13,000 feet above sea level.

Canada’s Vancouver To Calgary

This route combines the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies with expansive forest views. Spanning about 600 miles, the bus ride takes around 13 hours and includes glimpses of Banff and Jasper National Parks. With services from companies like Rider Express, travelers might even spot elk, mountain goats, and other wildlife along the way.

New Zealand’s Queenstown To Christchurch

Winding 300 miles through the Southern Alps, this 8–9 hour ride is one of New Zealand’s most scenic. InterCity buses traverse dramatic mountain passes, glacier-fed lakes, and fertile farmlands. A popular stop is Lake Tekapo, famous for its turquoise waters and stargazing opportunities. Clear days reveal uninterrupted views of Mount Cook, the country’s highest peak.

Kenya’s Nairobi To Mombasa

This 300-mile ride traverses savannahs and rolling hills when heading from the capital to the coast. Buses like Dreamline and Modern Coast offer luxury coaches equipped with Wi-Fi and reclining seats. The trip typically lasts about 8–10 hours, and giraffes and zebras may be sighted near Tsavo National Park.

Vietnam’s Hanoi To Da Nang

This bus ride, which travels 480 miles along Vietnam’s coast, typically lasts 14–16 hours. Sleeper buses with bunk-style beds make the journey comfortable, especially on overnight trips. This route passes lush rice paddies, dramatic limestone karsts, and historic battlefields from the Vietnam War era. The Hai Van Pass near Da Nang features jaw-dropping scenery.

Iran’s Tehran To Shiraz

Crossing 527.7 miles of mountains and deserts, this almost 10-hour ride reveals Iran’s rich geography and cultural heartlands. VIP buses from companies like SeiroSafar feature wide seats and personal entertainment systems. Along the way, travelers glimpse historic cities like Isfahan and wide expanses of pistachio farms. Shiraz, the city of poets and gardens, awaits at the end.

Mongolia’s Ulaanbaatar To Khovd

For those craving extreme remoteness, the 968-mile trek across Mongolia’s steppe doesn’t disappoint. Riders cross the Altai Mountains and vast desert expanses, glimpsing nomadic camps and wild herds along the way. The journey takes 30–36 hours by bus, often over rough, unpaved roads with minimal stops. Local operators use rugged coaches built for endurance, not luxury.

Australia’s Adelaide To Alice Springs

Travelers craving a true outback experience love the journey across central Australia. En route, they experience the vast, rugged beauty of central Australia’s heartland. This route covers about 825 miles and usually takes about 20 hours, slicing through red deserts and salt lakes. Greyhound Australia operates coaches with panoramic windows and air-conditioning.

Norway’s Bergen To Trondheim

NOR-WAY Bussekspress operates comfortable coaches along this route, with large windows for panoramic views. Winding through forests and mountain passes, this 450-mile bus journey offers some of Scandinavia’s most dramatic scenery. The trip includes ferry crossings and stops in charming villages. A highlight is crossing the Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord.

Chile’s Santiago To Puerto Montt

This over 650-mile journey reveals the diverse landscapes of Chile in a stunning 12–14 hours. Passengers travel past fertile vineyards, snowy Andean peaks, shimmering lakes, and dense forests. Along the way, charming rural towns and distant volcanoes dot the horizon, making it a ride filled with breathtaking contrasts from start to finish.

United States’ San Francisco To Seattle

Covering approximately 810 miles, this ride up the Pacific Coast offers stunning ocean views and dense forests. Operated by Greyhound and FlixBus, it typically takes about 20–22 hours, depending on stops. Travelers often pass landmarks like Redwood National Park and Puget Sound. Overnight buses allow tourists to save on accommodations while covering the distance.

Turkey’s Istanbul To Cappadocia

The roughly 450-mile journey from Istanbul to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia takes about 11–12 hours. Buses operated by various companies are known for offering in-ride snacks and seat-back entertainment. You’ll pass through Anatolian plains and bustling provincial towns before arriving at Cappadocia’s famous rock formations and underground cities.

South Africa’s Johannesburg To Cape Town

Covering over 870 miles, this iconic route reveals South Africa’s diverse backdrops, from sun-drenched savannahs to rugged coastlines. Bus rides typically take 18 to 20 hours, with several companies offering a range of comfort levels. Along the way, travelers are treated to striking views of the Great Karoo desert and the dramatic Cape Fold mountains.

Peru’s Lima To Cusco

This legendary ride through the Andes stretches over 680 miles and takes around 22 hours. Passengers witness dramatic altitude changes, lush valleys, and isolated mountain villages. Companies like Cruz del Sur and Oltursa offer luxury buses with fully reclining seats and onboard meals. The route ascends from sea level to over 11,000 feet in Cusco.

Argentina’s Patagonia

Stretching across endless plains, Patagonia offers bus routes like the 24-hour ride between Bariloche and El Chalten. The trip covers roughly 870 miles through pristine wilderness. Expect jaw-dropping views of snowcapped Andes peaks and shimmering lakes along the way. Major companies like Taqsa and Marga operate comfortable long-distance coaches with sleeper seats.