Top 10 Songs to Crank Up on Your Next Road Trip

There’s nothing quite like a good old fashioned road trip! The feeling of hitting the open road—windows down, V8 (or turbocharged six) rumbling, and a killer playlist keeping time with the white lines flying by. Whether you’re rolling in a classic muscle car, a lifted diesel, or a project truck you just wrenched on all weekend, music is the secret sauce that turns a drive into an experience.

Here are 10 road trip songs that every gearhead should have queued up when it’s time to cruise.

1. “Radar Love” – Golden Earring

This one’s practically made for the highway. With lyrics about hearing a lover’s voice over the radio and a beat that mimics the rhythm of tires on asphalt, it’s a classic for a reason. Pure ’70s driving magic.

2. “Life is a Highway” – Tom Cochrane (or the Rascal Flatts cover)

A no-brainer. This track captures the spirit of freedom and adventure—perfect for when you’re chasing sunsets or heading to a truck meet a few states over.

3. “Fuel” – Metallica

Let’s be honest, sometimes the best drives are the loud ones. “Give me fuel, give me fire, give me that which I desire!” This is the kind of energy that makes your right foot a little heavier. Just try not to get pulled over.

4. “Midnight Rider” – The Allman Brothers Band

If you’re cruising down a two-lane backroad as the sun sets behind you, this southern rock gem sets the perfect mood. It’s gritty, soulful, and built for a long haul.

5. “Kickstart My Heart” – Mötley Crüe

Big hair, big riffs, big horsepower vibes. This one’s for when you’re merging onto the highway and your engine roars to life like a drag car hitting the tree. Bonus points if your ride actually has a blower.

6. “Go Your Own Way” – Fleetwood Mac

A bit of a curveball, but hear us out. This song is all about taking your own path—which fits any true road warrior. Whether you’re solo or with the crew, it’s a solid cruising track with serious classic rock cred.

7. “Running Down a Dream” – Tom Petty

Petty just gets the American road trip. This one’s got a driving beat, tight guitar work, and lyrics that’ll have you chasing the horizon. It belongs on every open-road playlist.

8. “Slow Ride” – Foghat

Contrary to the name, this one’s a great jam whether you’re hauling tail or taking it easy. The groove is laid-back, but it’s got enough punch to keep your head nodding and your steering wheel hand-drumming.

9. “Born to Be Wild” – Steppenwolf

You knew this was gonna be on the list. It’s the ultimate open-throttle anthem. Bikes, hot rods, muscle cars—it doesn’t matter what you’re driving. This track is a rite of passage for any motorhead.

10. “Highway to Hell” – AC/DC

Angus Young’s iconic riff and Bon Scott’s raspy vocals make this a must. It’s loud, rebellious, and somehow sounds better when your exhaust is echoing through a canyon or under an overpass.

Honorable Mentions:

If you’ve got space left in the queue, throw in “Free Bird” (for the epic solo), “Take It Easy” by the Eagles, and “Truckin’” by the Grateful Dead. They’re all worth the listen and make long hauls feel a little shorter.

At the end of the day, the perfect driving playlist is as personal as your build. Some folks go full rock ‘n’ roll, while others throw in a little outlaw country or even synthwave for those night drives. Whatever your style, these songs are sure to keep your spirits high and your wheels turning.

So fire up the engine, roll the windows down, and let the music do what it does best—turn the road into your own personal stage.