Best Cross-Country Motorcycle Routes in the USA - Your Next Trip
Mar 2, 2026
Tags:travelroutesA long-distance ride across the U.S. is something a lot of riders think about, but not everyone gets the chance to plan it. Below, we've pulled together some of the top cross-country motorcycle routes that stand out for their scenery, landmarks, and overall rideability.
Coast-to-Coast: New York to San Francisco
Historic Lincoln Highway / I-80 corridorThis classic coast-to-coast motorcycle route takes you from downtown Manhattan to the edge of the Pacific in San Francisco, following I-80 for nearly 3,000 miles. It follows the path of the historic Lincoln Highway. Riders pass through major cities like Cleveland, Chicago, Des Moines, Salt Lake City, and Reno, with plenty of smaller towns in between. The route offers long highway stretches, changing terrain, and a clear path that's easy to follow from start to finish.
Key Stops
- Cleveland, OH
- Chicago, IL
- Des Moines, IA
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Reno, NV
- San Francisco, CA
Plan for late spring through early fall to avoid harsh weather, especially in the Midwest and mountain areas.
Route 66: Chicago to Santa Monica
The Mother RoadRiding Route 66 is less about getting across the country fast and more about enjoying the stretch of road that helped define American travel. Starting in Chicago and ending at the Santa Monica Pier, this ride takes you through places that still hold onto the look and feel of mid-20th century road trips. You'll pass by old neon signs, classic diners, and attractions like the Gemini Giant in Illinois, the Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma, and the Wigwam Motel in Arizona.
Key Stops
- Gemini Giant, Wilmington, IL
- St. Louis, MO (Gateway Arch)
- Blue Whale of Catoosa, OK
- Tulsa, OK
- Albuquerque, NM
- Wigwam Motel, Holbrook, AZ
Avoid the heat in the Southwest by riding early fall or late spring. The slower pace and small-town stops are what make this route special.
Southern Tier: San Diego to St. Augustine
Sun Belt / I-10 corridorThe Southern Tier follows I-10 across the Sun Belt, connecting the Pacific and Atlantic with a route that stays warm year-round. It starts in San Diego and ends in the historic streets of St. Augustine, Florida. Stops like Tombstone, AZ, the Hill Country in Texas, and the French Quarter in New Orleans give this route a mix of Old West, Gulf Coast, and Deep South culture.
Key Stops
- Tombstone, AZ
- Texas Hill Country
- French Quarter, New Orleans, LA
- Gulf Coast beaches
- St. Augustine, FL (historic district)
A solid coast-to-coast ride for anyone looking to cover ground without worrying about mountain passes or colder elevations.
Great River Road: Minnesota to Louisiana
Following the Mississippi, north to southThis route follows the path of the Mississippi River from its headwaters in Itasca State Park, Minnesota, all the way down to the Gulf. It's one of the few long-distance rides that gives you a true north-to-south experience, running through river towns, farmland, and historic cities. If you want to extend the ride, you can keep going past New Orleans and continue through Florida, ending in the Keys.
Key Stops
- Itasca State Park, MN (Mississippi headwaters)
- Dubuque, IA
- St. Louis, MO
- Memphis, TN
- New Orleans, LA
- Optional: Florida Keys via US-1
Pacific Coast Highway: Washington to Southern California
Highway 101 + Highway 1Riders often start this trip in Olympic National Park and follow Highway 101 through Washington and Oregon before picking up Highway 1 in California. The terrain changes gradually, with stretches of forest, rocky cliffs, and wide beach views the farther south you go. The pace is usually slower, with more time spent stopping in towns, pulling over for views, or riding short distances between overnight stays.
Key Stops
- Astoria, OR
- Crescent City & the Redwoods, CA
- Monterey, CA
- San Luis Obispo, CA
- San Diego, CA
Weather is clearest late summer through early fall, especially in the northern states. This is a route riders come back to because it feels different every time.
Want to Explore a Region Before Committing to the Full Trip?
Riders Share offers guided motorcycle tours across the country, led by locals who know the routes, the timing, and the stops that make each region worth riding. A guided tour is a great way to build confidence and see what a region has to offer before planning the longer haul.
View Tours & ExperiencesThe Great Northern Route (US-2): Seattle to Bar Harbor, Maine
America's northern border roadStarting in Seattle and ending in Bar Harbor, this is one of the longest cross-country rides you can take without following the usual southern or central highways. It runs along US-2 and brings you through Glacier National Park, past quiet stretches of the Great Plains, and into towns across Michigan's Upper Peninsula. There's less traffic than you'll find on other long-distance routes, which is one of the reasons riders like it.
Key Stops
- Glacier National Park, MT
- Great Plains stretches
- Michigan's Upper Peninsula
- Northern New England
- Bar Harbor & Acadia NP, ME
Some parts of this route are known for early snow and colder temperatures, even in the shoulder months. Plan between late spring and early fall.
The TransAmerica Trail: North Carolina to Oregon
Adventure / dual sport / off-roadCape Hatteras marks the starting point for a ride that adventure riders know well. The TransAmerica Trail is built for dual sport and ADV bikes, following unpaved roads, gravel sections, and backwoods routes all the way to Port Orford on the Oregon coast. Services are few in certain areas, so planning fuel stops and lodging ahead of time is part of the process. It's not a good fit for street bikes.
Key Stops
- Appalachian foothills, NC/TN
- The Ozarks, AR/MO
- Colorado Rockies
- Open stretches of Utah and Idaho
- Oregon coast
This route requires a dual sport or ADV bike. Plan fuel stops carefully as services are scarce in some sections. Summer is the window for dry trail and open mountain passes.
Border-to-Border: Mexico to Canada via US-191
Nogales, AZ to Sweetgrass, MTUS-191 runs north from Nogales, Arizona to Sweetgrass, Montana and follows a line that's not as popular as east-to-west routes, but just as rewarding. The road takes you through Tucson and into eastern Utah, where towns like Moab and Monticello offer access to Arches and Canyonlands. From there, it keeps climbing into the mountains of western Wyoming and up through Montana ranchland before ending at the Canadian border. National forests, two-lane stretches with wide views, and long gaps between towns are all part of the experience.
Key Stops
- Tucson, AZ
- Moab & Monticello, UT (Arches/Canyonlands access)
- Western Wyoming mountains
- Montana national forests and ranchland
- Sweetgrass, MT (Canadian border)
Services get sparse in the northern half, and weather can shift fast at higher elevations. Aim for late June through September to avoid early snow and make the most of the mountain passes.
Blue Ridge Parkway to Natchez Trace Parkway
Two iconic scenic byways, linkedLinking two of the most well-known scenic byways in the country, this route starts in Waynesboro, Virginia and finishes in Natchez, Mississippi. It's a smooth, beginner-friendly ride with low traffic, steady curves, and well-maintained roads the whole way through. The Blue Ridge section runs through the Appalachian Mountains, with quiet pull-offs, wooded views, and small towns like Asheville and Boone nearby. Once you connect to the Natchez Trace, the scenery shifts to open stretches, farmland, and wooded corridors. No commercial traffic is allowed on either parkway.
Key Stops
- Appalachian Mountain views & pull-offs
- Asheville & Boone, NC (nearby)
- Great Smoky Mountains connection
- Natchez Trace wooded corridors
- Natchez, MS (historic district)
Ideal for riders who want to take their time, enjoy the road, and not worry about heavy traffic or rough pavement. No commercial vehicles on either parkway.
Motorcycle Road Trip FAQ
The best motorcycle for a road trip is usually a touring motorcycle, since it's built for comfort, storage, and long hours on the road. Bikes like the Honda Gold Wing or BMW R 1250 RT come with features like large saddlebags, adjustable windshields, and a more relaxed riding position. That said, cruisers and adventure bikes can also be great options, depending on your route and how much gear you're bringing.
Most riders can comfortably cover around 250 to 350 miles in a day, depending on the route, weather, and how often they stop. Some experienced riders push past 500 miles, but that usually means fewer breaks and a more physically demanding ride. Most well-maintained motorcycles can easily handle 500 miles or more in a single day, so it really comes down to the rider.
No, you don't need a special license to ride cross-country, but you do need a valid motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license. As long as your license is current and legal in your home state, it's valid across the country. Just make sure to follow each state's motorcycle laws, especially when it comes to things like helmet use or lane splitting.
Some of the cheapest states to ride through or stay in are places like Arkansas, Mississippi, and Missouri, where gas prices, food, and lodging tend to be lower than average. States across the Midwest and parts of the South are generally more affordable, especially if you're staying in smaller towns instead of big cities.
It really depends on your riding style and what you want out of the trip. Riding solo gives you more freedom to set your own pace and route, while riding with a group can make the experience more social and help with things like navigation or roadside issues. If you're looking to get into group riding, especially for a long motorcycle trip, check out our guide.
The best way to handle bad weather is to check forecasts often and be prepared to adjust your route or stop early if needed. Pack quality rain gear, make sure your tires are in good shape, and slow down when roads get slick.
For a motorcycle tour, pack the essentials: weather-appropriate riding gear, a tool kit, phone charger, water, snacks, and a few changes of clothes. If you're going long distance, things like a first-aid kit, tire repair tools, and extra layers can also come in handy. For a more detailed list, check out our full guide on how to pack for a motorcycle trip.
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