50 Road Trip Songs – Hit the Road with the Ultimate Playlist

Can you imagine a long drive without music? Listening to music has been scientifically proven to relieve stress and improve mood. Believe it or not, the music tempo can even improve the driving performances. The songs you choose to play can break all barriers, even the language one, strengthening the bond between you and the other passengers you’re sharing the vehicle with. These are just a few reasons why having the perfect list of road trip songs is a must!

When choosing songs, remember that they will also appeal to your friends and bring in a diversity of genres and energies. Music will surely make you more eager to explore your next destination, boosting everybody’s energy. So, to spice up your next trip, I have prepared a list of 50 road trip songs I can’t wait to share!

We created more articles dedicated to travel music. Listen to 29 songs about traveling and adventure and 31 best travel songs we play over and over.

Without any further ado, let’s dive into your car trip playlist:

1. Sugar – Maroon 5

I will start the list with a catchy beat of one of the most popular songs of 2014 that is still gladly heard. See the details below and make sure to add this one to your hefty list of road trip songs.

• Song: Sugar
• Artist: Maroon 5
• Release Year: 2014
• Genre: Pop, Funk
• Best For: Energizing the atmosphere, sing-alongs
• Vibe: Upbeat, feel-good
• Best for these destinations: Paris, Barcelona, Rome

2. On Top of the World – Imagine Dragons

Rock the road with one of the best road trip songs you’ll ever find! This song is unavoidable when conquering a mountain or heading towards a hilly panorama.

• Song: On Top of the World
• Artist: Imagine Dragons
• Release Year: 2012
• Genre: Indie pop, Rock
• Best For: Celebrating achievements, road tripping
• Vibe: Uplifting, anthemic
• Best for these destinations: Amsterdam, Prague, Athens

3. Sorry – Justin Bieber

The younger generations definitely adore Justin Bieber. Even if you’re travelling with your family, this song is a must-have. Enjoy!

• Song: Sorry
• Artist: Justin Bieber
• Release Year: 2015
• Genre: Pop, R&B
• Best For: Apologizing vibes, solo dance parties
• Vibe: Catchy, danceable
• Best for these destinations: London, Berlin, Madrid

4. Price Tag – Jessie J, B.o.B

Is there a better occasion for adding this one to your car trip playlist than carefree driving through landscapes? See the details below:

• Song: Price Tag
• Artist: Jessie J, B.o.B
• Release Year: 2011
• Genre: Pop, R&B
• Best For: Carefree moments, driving through landscapes
• Vibe: Lighthearted, empowering
• Best for these destinations: Copenhagen, Vienna, Dublin

5. Mr. Brightside – The Killers

This evergreen is simply made for travel. Conquer some of the European metropolises at night with Indie rock sounds that will long play as background music in your mind.

• Song: Mr. Brightside
• Artist: The Killers
• Release Year: 2003
• Genre: Indie rock
• Best For: Nostalgic sing-alongs, late-night drives
• Vibe: Energetic, anthemic
• Best for these destinations: Berlin, Prague, Barcelona

6. Pompeii – Bastille

Add some alternative flair to your playlist with a song that’s everybody’s favourite at some point:

• Song: Pompeii
• Artist: Bastille
• Release Year: 2013
• Genre: Indie pop, Alternative
• Best For: Contemplative drives, exploring historic sites
• Vibe: Epic, atmospheric
• Best for these destinations: Rome, Athens, Santorini

7. Cake By The Ocean – DNCE

Looking for a tune that will instantly bring some beachy vibes? Here’s what I’d suggest you play:

• Song: Cake by the Ocean
• Artist: DNCE
• Release Year: 2015
• Genre: Pop, Funk
• Best For: Beach vibes, carefree cruising
• Vibe: Energetic, fun
• Best for these destinations: Ibiza, Barcelona, Mykonos

8. Bang Bang – Jessie J

And now, let me introduce you to my favourite road travel song for a solo trip:

• Song: Bang Bang
• Artist: Jessie J
• Release Year: 2014
• Genre: Pop, R&B
• Best For Pumping up the energy, singing along with friends
• Vibe: High-energy, empowering
• Best for these destinations: Paris, London, Berlin

9. Despacito Remix – Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, Justin Bieber

There’s no better way to get into the Spanish vibe than with a song we all know by heart:

• Song: Despacito Remix
• Artist: Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, Justin Bieber
• Release Year: 2017
• Genre: Latin pop, Reggaeton
• Best For: Tropical vibes, summer road trips
• Vibe: Sensual, rhythmic
• Best for these destinations: Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon

10. Blurred Lines – Robin Thicke, T.I., Pharrell Williams

Want to get ready for the night out and step into the role of a seducer in a new city? This is one of the road trip songs that will surely work for you:

• Song: Blurred Lines
• Artist: Robin Thicke, T.I., Pharrell Williams
• Release Year: 2013
• Genre: R&B, Funk
• Best For: Groovy drives, socialising with fellow travellers
• Vibe: Smooth, catchy
• Best for these destinations: Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam

11. I Took a Pill in Ibiza – Mike Posner, Seeb

Looking for a theme song that will set the scene for the destination you’re heading towards? Here’s one if you’re driving to Ibiza. Announce your arrival with an Instagram story playing this song in the background:

• Song: I Took a Pill in Ibiza
• Artist: Mike Posner, Seeb
• Release Year: 2015
• Genre: EDM, Pop
• Best For: Chill vibes, reflecting on life
• Vibe: Mellow, introspective
• Best for these destinations: Ibiza, Mykonos, Santorini

12. September Song – JP Cooper

Take the romantic energy of your fall trip to the next level with this catchy tune!

• Song: September Song
• Artist: JP Cooper
• Release Year: 2016
• Genre: Indie pop, Soul
• Best For: Romantic road trips, evening drives
• Vibe: Melodic, heartfelt
• Best for these destinations: Paris, Vienna, Prague

13. Counting Stars – OneRepublic

You have arrived in one of the European capitals, and the sky is full of stars. Don’t miss to press play:

• Song: Counting Stars
• Artist: OneRepublic
• Release Year: 2013
• Genre: Pop rock, Alternative
• Best For: Inspirational journeys, singing along
• Vibe: Upbeat, anthemic
• Best for these destinations: Berlin, Amsterdam, Barcelona

14. There’s Nothing Holding Me Back – Shawn Mendes

Did you end up going on a spontaneous trip? This is one of the ideal road trip songs to fit the mood:

• Song: There’s Nothing Holding Me Back
• Artist: Shawn Mendes
• Release Year: 2017
• Genre: Pop, Rock
• Best For: High-energy drives, spontaneous adventures
• Vibe: Energetic, carefree
• Best for these destinations: London, Berlin, Paris

15. Love Yourself – Justin Bieber

Your solo trip playlist might as well include the following:

• Song: Love Yourself
• Artist: Justin Bieber
• Release Year: 2015
• Genre: Pop, R&B
• Best For: Reflective moments, solo drives
• Vibe: Acoustic, introspective
• Best for these destinations: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Prague

16. Royals – Lorde

You set off for a destination you’ve wanted to visit for a long time. Heat up the situation with:

• Song: Royals
• Artist: Lorde
• Release Year: 2013
• Genre: Pop, Indie pop
• Best For: Empowering drives, embracing individuality
• Vibe: Minimalistic, bold
• Best for these destinations: London, Copenhagen, Berlin

17. Secrets – OneRepublic

You decided to escape from the monotonous everyday life. Turn on the engine and play this song at full blast:

• Song: Secrets
• Artist: OneRepublic
• Release Year: 2009
• Genre: Pop rock, Alternative
• Best For: Night drives, cityscapes
• Vibe: Atmospheric, contemplative
• Best for these destinations: Amsterdam, Paris, Prague

18. All I Wanna Do – Sheryl Crow

Drive along the Italian Coast and enjoy your choice of best road trip songs with:

• Song: All I Wanna Do
• Artist: Sheryl Crow
• Release Year: 1994
• Genre: Rock, Pop
• Best For: Carefree road trips, beach destinations
• Vibe: Laid-back, sunny
• Best for these destinations: Barcelona, Amalfi Coast

19. Free Fallin’ – Tom Petty

You return to a place where you have many fond memories. Bring back the nostalgic notes with:

• Song: Free Fallin’
• Artist: Tom Petty
• Release Year: 1989
• Genre: Rock
• Best For: Classic road trips, Americana vibes
• Vibe: Nostalgic, timeless
• Best for these destinations: Route E-95, Belgrade, Budapest

20. No Rain – Blind Melon

And now it’s time for a little alternative vibe:

• No Rain
• Artist: Blind Melon
• Release Year: 1992
• Genre: Alternative rock
• Best For: Grunge-era nostalgia, scenic drives
• Vibe: Whimsical, carefree
• Best for these destinations: Iceland, Scotland

21. Mr. Jones – Counting Crows

Traveling with your parents? Take them back straight to their youth years by playing the following beats:

• Song: Mr. Jones
• Artist: Counting Crows
• Release Year: 1993
• Genre: Alternative rock
• Best For: 90s nostalgia, singing along with friends
• Vibe: Upbeat, carefree
• Best for these destinations: Barcelona, Paris, Berlin

22. You Get What You Give – New Radicals

Your company is made up of nightlife seekers, and you are looking for a suitable song to mark your trip. Let your car trip playlist set up the mood for an epic experience with:

• Song: You Get What You Give
• Artist: New Radicals
• Release Year: 1998
• Genre: Alternative rock, Pop rock
• Best For: Feel-good road trips, embracing optimism
• Vibe: Uplifting, anthemic
• Best for these destinations: New England, Iceland

23. It’s Time – Imagine Dragons

“It’s time” to explore new horizons and discover new cultures.

• Song: It’s Time
• Artist: Imagine Dragons
• Release Year: 2012
• Genre: Indie pop, Rock
• Best For: Motivational drives, exploring new horizons
• Vibe: Energetic, empowering
• Best for these destinations: Scottish Highlands, Iceland

24. Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen

Are you missing another catchy song that will appeal to all generations? Whether you’re driving towards the mountain, to the beach, or to the centre of the metropolis, you can’t go wrong with this one:

• Song: Call Me Maybe
• Artist: Carly Rae Jepsen
• Release Year: 2011
• Genre: Pop
• Best For: Lighthearted road trips, catchy tunes
• Vibe: Fun, infectious
• Best for these destinations: Amsterdam, Prague

25. Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5, Christina Aguilera

Make your summer memorable by smartly choosing road travel songs with a fast summer rhythm. Dance to the tune, show your skills, and don’t forget to sing along this timeless song:

• Song: Moves Like Jagger
• Artist: Maroon 5, Christina Aguilera
• Release Year: 2011
• Genre: Pop rock, Dance-pop
• Best For: Dance parties in the car, high-energy journeys
• Vibe: Funky, energetic
• Best for these destinations: Маllorca, Malta, Tenerife

26. Safe and Sound – Capital Cities

You’ve put an end to difficult circumstances in life, and now it’s time to live free and travel! Turn up the volume when this one starts playing:

• Song: Safe and Sound
• Artist: Capital Cities
• Release Year: 2011
• Genre: Indie pop, Synth-pop
• Best For: Night drives, cityscape views
• Vibe: Electro-pop, atmospheric
• Best for these destinations: Berlin, Bratislava

27. Everybody Talks – Neon Trees

Feel the new wave through the sounds of “Everybody Talks” and get inspired to explore your new European destination.

• Song: Everybody Talks
• Artist: Neon Trees
• Release Year: 2011
• Genre: Indie pop, New Wave
• Best For: Energetic drives, sing-along sessions
• Vibe: Upbeat, catchy
• Best for these destinations: Berlin, Budapest, Zagreb

28. Geronimo – Sheppard

Experience a little throwback by including the ‘Geronimo’ songs in between the rest of the timeless tunes on your car trip playlist:

• Song: Geronimo
• Artist: Sheppard
• Release Year: 2014
• Genre: Indie pop, Pop rock
• Best For: Adventurous road trips, spontaneous detours
• Vibe: Anthemic, uplifting
• Best for these destinations: London, Rome, Barcelona

29. I’m Like a Bird – Nelly Furtado

Did you rent a cabriolet? If you’ve always imagined standing while your friend was driving on a highway, make sure to include “I am like a bird” on your playlist. Make your dream come true and download this song to your road trip songs collection.

• Song: I’m Like a Bird
• Artist: Nelly Furtado
• Release Year: 2000
• Genre: Pop, Folk
• Best For: Easygoing drives, contemplative moods
• Vibe: Light, soulful
• Best for these destinations: Portugal, Seville

30. Soak Up the Sun – Sheryl Crow

Been waiting all year to wake up to the music of the sea waves in Greece or the French Riviera? The only thing you’re missing to complete the whole atmosphere is this song:

• Song: Soak Up the Sun
• Artist: Sheryl Crow
• Release Year: 2002
• Genre: Rock, Pop
• Best For: Sunny days, coastal drives
• Vibe: Carefree, summery
• Best for these destinations:, Greece, Nice

31. Thunder – Imagine Dragons

You need something to lift you up and celebrate the unforgettable journey ahead? Not only will it get you in the mood and hype, it will make you play it every time on repeat:

• Song: Thunder
• Artist: Imagine Dragons
• Release Year: 2017
• Genre: Pop rock, Electro-pop
• Best For: Energizing drives, empowering moments
• Vibe: Dynamic, anthemic
• Best for these destinations: London, Munich, Bern

32. Poker Face – Lady Gaga

The legendary Lady Gaga was making a splash a few years ago. Have you attended any of her concerts during the European tour? Even if you haven’t, this song alone will make you feel like you’re there in the moment:

• Song: Poker Face
• Artist: Lady Gaga
• Release Year: 2008
• Genre: Dance-pop, Electropop
• Best For: Dance parties in the car, upbeat journeys
• Vibe: Catchy, energetic
• Best for these destinations: Sofia, Berlin

33. Sucker – Jonas Brothers

Are you planning a honeymoon with your partner? As a surprise, prepare an unusual road trip songs playlist and put a more cheerful song. This should be one of your choices:

• Song: Sucker
• Artist: Jonas Brothers
• Release Year: 2019
• Genre: Pop rock, Funk pop
• Best For: Fun road trips, sing-along sessions
• Vibe: Playful, lively
• Best for these destinations: London

34. Just Dance – Lady Gaga

Have you chosen a destination where the party and dancing never stops? Whether partying on the beach or in a nightclub, I’m sure you won’t be able to get this song out of your head. So, why not put it on our car trip playlist?

• Song: Just Dance
• Artist: Lady Gaga
• Release Year: 2008
• Genre: Dance-pop, Synth-pop
• Best For: Night drives, club-like atmosphere
• Vibe: Infectious, carefree
• Best for these destinations: Ibiza, Berlin

35. Burn – Ellie Goulding

Is your next destination one of the many glittering capitals? Even if you’re not a music professional, you certainly know how to recognize a quality song performed by the talented vocal of Ellie Goulding!

• Song: Burn
• Artist: Ellie Goulding
• Release Year: 2013
• Genre: Synth-pop, Electropop
• Best For: Nighttime drives, contemplative moments
• Vibe: Ethereal, emotional
• Best for these destinations: Iceland, London, Oslo

36. All Star – Smash Mouth

Find out which cities have the most beautiful starry skies and head right there with this song blaring in the car :

• Song: All Star
• Artist: Smash Mouth
• Release Year: 1999
• Genre: Alternative rock, Pop rock
• Best For: Nostalgic road trips, sing-along classics
• Vibe: Upbeat, carefree
• Best for these destinations: Paris, Lisbon

37. Zombie – The Cranberries

Get out of your comfort zone and add this slightly alternative yet commercial sound from the nineties of the last century to your road trip songs playlist.

• Song: Zombie
• Artist: The Cranberries
• Release Year: 1994
• Genre: Alternative rock
• Best For: 90s alternative vibes, introspective journeys
• Vibe: Haunting, powerful
• Best for these destinations: Ireland, Scotland

38. What I Am – Edie Brickell & New Bohemians

Discover your adventurous spirit and explore new places. And if you are looking for a suitable song for such a themed trip, I have prepared another one for you:

• Song: What I Am
• Artist: Edie Brickell & New Bohemians
• Release Year: 1988
• Genre: Alternative rock, Folk rock
• Best For: Easygoing drives, reflective moments
• Vibe: Mellow, introspective
• Best for these destinations: Prague, Frankfurt, Milan

39. Lovefool – The Cardigans

Another romantic song that is ideal for your honeymoon or pre-wedding trip. Announce the proposal or simply express your love. Press play to:

• Song: Lovefool
• Artist: The Cardigans
• Release Year: 1996
• Genre: Pop rock, Indie pop
• Best For Laid-back road trips, romantic vibes
• Vibe: Dreamy, nostalgic
• Best for these destinations: Paris, Prague, Venice

40. Ho Hey – The Lumineers

Another romantic song that tells your new love story. Put it on a playlist to mark your first romantic trip together.

• Song: Ho Hey
• Artist: The Lumineers
• Release Year: 2012
• Genre: Indie folk, Americana
• Best For: Folk-inspired journeys, acoustic vibes
• Vibe: Upbeat, heartfelt
• Best for these destinations: New England

41. Happier – Marshmello, Bastille

You’re finally getting home and feeling how the nostalgia hits? While heading to your hometown, play this song and awaken your positive emotions.

• Song: Happier
• Artist: Marshmello, Bastille
• Release Year: 2018
• Genre: Pop, EDM
• Best For: Reflective drives, emotional moments
• Vibe: Bittersweet, uplifting
• Best for these destinations: Iceland, Scottish Highlands, Santorini

42. I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas

Listening to this song sounds like it will be a good night and a good trip. Warm up the atmosphere, get moving and let this song highlight your trip.

• Song: I Gotta Feeling
• Artist: Black Eyed Peas
• Release Year: 2009
• Genre: Dance-pop, Electropop
• Best For: Celebration drives, party atmosphere
• Vibe: Energetic, festive
• Best for these destinations: Budapest, Greece, Istanbul

43. This Girl – Kungs, Cookin’ on 3 Burners

,, Morning rains from the sky above
But keep the change ’cause I’ve got enough.”

There are no better verses to describe another day of your after-break-up realising trip. Make a selection of road travel songs that will make you dance and еnjoy, and include this song:

• Song: This Girl
• Artist: Kungs, Cookin’ on 3 Burners
• Release Year: 2016
• Genre: Tropical house, Funk
• Best For: Tropical road trips, beach vibes
• Vibe: Groovy, summery
• Best for these destinations: Ibiza, Mallorca, Malta

44. No Freedom – Dido

Celebrate freedom and love on your next road trip and choose this song:

• Song: No Freedom
• Artist: Dido
• Release Year: 2013
• Genre: Pop, Folk
• Best For: Contemplative drives, soulful moments
• Vibe: Reflective, melodic
• Best for these destinations: English Countryside, Scottish Highlands, Paris

45. Sky – Sonique

“Follow me to a place where we can be absolutely free”.

Free yourself and let yourself go on the adventure that awaits you. Play and sing like nobody’s watching by including this road travel song on your list:

• Song: Sky
• Artist: Sonique
• Release Year: 1998
• Genre: Trance, Dance-pop
• Best For: Nighttime drives, high-energy moments
• Vibe: Uplifting, euphoric
• Best for these destinations: Ibiza, Portofino

46. Me and My Broken Heart – Rixton

If you need “a little love in my life, a little love in the dark, and a little loving tonight”, get ready for a new adventure. Pack your suitcase, get in the car and play this song:

• Song: Me and My Broken Heart
• Artist: Rixton
• Release Year: 2014
• Genre: Pop rock, R&B
• Best For: Heartfelt drives, emotional expression
• Vibe: Catchy, emotional
• Best for these destinations: London, Ljubljana

47. Breathe – Jax Jones

Ride with this spectacular song, and watch the video to get inspiration for which places to visit.

• Song: Breathe
• Artist: Jax Jones
• Release Year: 2018
• Genre: Dance-pop, House
• Best For: Energetic drives, danceable beats
• Vibe: Upbeat, lively
• Best for these destinations: Ibiza, Budva

48. Jericho – Iniko

As we’re slowly coming to the end of this list, I mustn’t forget to add one of the catchiest songs I’ve ever heard:

• Song: Jericho
• Artist: Iniko
• Release Year: 2019
• Genre: Pop, Indie pop
• Best For: Indie-inspired road trips, carefree vibes
• Vibe: Upbeat, whimsical
• Best for these destinations: New England

49. Free – Sagi Rei

Imagine an ideal sunny day at the beach. Waves, sun, good company.. The only thing missing is a good song that will mark this trip. Listen to this one and connect with it instantly.

• Song: Free
• Artist: Sagi Rei
• Release Year: 2007
• Genre: Pop, Jazz
• Best For: Smooth drives, relaxing atmosphere
• Vibe: Chill, jazzy
• Best for these destinations: Italian Riviera, French Riviera, Dubrovnik

50. Morning Bell – Radiohead

Release yourself with the sounds of the early 2000s. The last suggestion for road trip songs for you is:

• Song: Morning Bell
• Artist: Radiohead
• Release Year: 2000
• Genre: Alternative rock, Experimental
• Best For: Atmospheric drives, contemplative journeys
• Vibe: Haunting, atmospheric
• Best for these destinations: Iceland, Scottish Highlands

More songs

I also summed up my 29 favorite songs about traveling. Find 17 BEST backpacker songs here.

And why not check out these good reads, too?

• Funny Quotes for Instagram Bio
• 119 Cool Quotes for WhatsApp
• Best Adventure Quotes of all time

How to download travel music?

There are awesome songs for travel videos.

Please be aware that you cannot use any music for your own videos. You have the own the license.

Either way. There is a website we hear that is perfect to download music and videos from YouTube. The website is www.filsh.net.

Just visit the website, include the link of the video and add your settings. It is as simple as that.

Sum it up: time to Travel

Your road trip isn’t just a simple driving experience; it’s a symphony of emotions, landscapes and shared moments. A carefully assembled car trip playlist will serve as a soundtrack for your adventure and create memorable moments. Feel free to share these road trip songs with your friends and prepare for an exciting drive!

Also, don’t forget to open your mind and add some songs you like, too! Create your own playlist and add your personal stamp with a unique tune of yours. Share it with others, and contact me for any advice. This article may inspire you for your next trip. For more inspiration, read my other blogs.

And if you’re looking for more, you can find amazing travel quotes with these articles below.

• 603 best travel quotes
• funny travel quotes
• 23 travel quotes for friends
• 499 best Instagram captions you can copy and paste

If you know more songs, please leave us a comment. We are always keen to add more songs to our own list.

Therefore, please LEAVE me a comment below.