The 25 greatest driving songs ever for the perfect road trip playlist

1 April 2020, 16:07 | Updated: 1 April 2020, 16:12

There's nothing quite like a long road trip with your perfect music blaring through the speakers while you sing at the top of your voice (being in tune is an optional bonus).

In case you're looking for the ideal songs for a road trip playlist, we've put together some classic songs we reckon are perfect for such an occasion.

1. Don Henley - 'Boys of Summer'

   

   Don Henley - The Boys Of Summer (1984) HD

   Whether it's summer or not, this song will always make you feel sunny and slick.

2. Bryan Adams - 'Run To You'

   

   Bryan Adams - Run To You (Official Music Video)

   OK, the lyrics might be about Bryan being naughty with another woman, but the whole vibe of the song shouts 'let's drive!'.

3. Fleetwood Mac - 'Go Your Own Way'

   

   Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way (Official Music Video)

   The ultimate 'we've just broken up, but that's just the beginning of a new chapter' song.

4. Eagles - 'Take It Easy'

   

   Take It Easy (2013 Remaster)

   The Eagles always have a road trip mood about their music, but this one is all about feeling laid back and fancy free.

5. Whitesnake - 'Here I Go Again'

   

   Whitesnake - Here I Go Again '87 (Official Music Video)

   You might be going down the only road you've ever known, but you'll do it while rocking out.

6. Toto - 'Africa'

   

   Toto - Africa (Official Music Video)

   Read more: The Story... 'Africa'

   It will be physically impossible to not scream the chorus as loud as you can. Congratulations if you manage the harmonies.

7. Lynyrd Skynyrd - 'Sweet Home Alabama'

   

   Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama

   This song will make you feel like you're from America's South while you tap along on the steering wheel.

8. Boston - 'More than a Feeling'

   

   Boston - More Than a Feeling

   A song that seems to present nothing but optimistic feelings about life and beyond, complete with the highest vocal you'll ever hear in a rock song.

9. Yes - 'Owner of a Lonely Heart'

   

   YES - Owner of a Lonely Heart (Official Music Video)

   Moody, but perfect for the road. A real wheel-tapper.

10. Fleetwood Mac - 'The Chain'

    

    Fleetwood Mac - The Chain (Official Music Video)

    Even if this wasn't the Formula One theme tune for years, this would still be the ultimate driving song.

11. Roy Orbison - 'I Drove All Night'

    

    Roy Orbison - I Drove All Night (Official Video)

    The clue is in the title.

12. Rod Stewart - 'Young Turks'

    

    Rod Stewart - Young Turks (Official Video)

    "Young hearts, be free tonight". Absolutely, Rod!

13. The Doobie Brothers - 'Long Train Runnin''

    

    Long Train Runnin'

    We almost went for 'What a Fool Believes', but this summery track by the Doobies just about clinches a spot on the road trip list.

14. Van Halen - 'Jump'

    

    Van Halen - Jump (Official Music Video)

    "I get up, and nothin' gets me down..." Nothing but positive vibes, here.

15. America - 'Ventura Highway'

    

    Ventura Highway

    The ideal song to be driving with the roof down on a summer's day without a care in the world.

16. Golden Earring - 'Radar Love'

    

    Radar Love

    We're pretty sure the term 'driving song' was invented after this song was released.

17. Steppenwolf - 'Born to be Wild'

    

    Steppenwolf - Born To Be Wild (Easy Rider) (1969)

    Normally associated with motorbikes rather than cars, but it's all the same ballpark, right?

18. Prince - 'Little Red Corvette'

    

    Prince - Little Red Corvette (Official Music Video)

    A classic Prince driving anthem, and it's just a bonus that there's a car make in the title.

19. Bruce Springsteen - 'Born to Run'

    

    Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run (Official Music Video)

    Or drive, even. A freedom anthem perfect for the road.

20. The Proclaimers - 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)'

    

    HIMYM - 500 Miles

    Just don't have this as the only song in your tape deck (see above!).

21. Kenny Loggins - 'Danger Zone'

    

    Kenny Loggins - Danger Zone (Video)

    The song to make you feel like you're peak Tom Cruise in Top Gun on the way to a top secret mission.

22. ELO - 'Mr Blue Sky'

    

    Electric Light Orchestra - Mr. Blue Sky (Official Video)

    Read more: The Story of... 'Mr Blue Sky'

    You won't fail to have a massive grin on your face as you head on down the highway to this pop/rock/opera anthem.

23. Christopher Cross - 'Ride Like the Wind'

    

    Christopher Cross - Ride Like The Wind

    Yacht rock at its absolute best.

24. Willie Nelson - 'On the Road Again'

    

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again (Official Audio)

    If there's anyone who sums up 'life on the ol' dusty trail', it's Willie.

25. Bruce Hornsby - 'The Way It Is'

    

    The Way It Is

    The piano riff alone just makes us want to be out in our car as the sun sets for hours on end.