Looking for the perfect road trip playlist? This report has analysed hundreds of playlists on Spotify to reveal the ultimate road trip tracks worldwide.
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The world’s most popular road trip songs
After analysing 999 of Spotify’s top road trip playlists from around the world, the study found the following 27 tracks are featured the most. They include some of the biggest artists of all time, such as Fleetwood Mac, through to modern-day hits from artists such as Harry Styles.
The most popular road trip song around the world is Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd, appearing on 121 of the playlists analysed. Released in 1974, this track was Lynyrd Skynyrd’s highest-charting single (reaching 8th position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1974).
Despite being one of the most recognised tracks out there, Sweet Home Alabama never reached number 1 in the charts. Out of the 15 countries analysed, Sweet Home Alabama featured on 8 of the top 10 tracklists, proving the song is a hit with drivers worldwide.
Popular prom and wedding song, Mr Brightside by The Killers comes in second featuring in 114 playlists. Mr Brightside was one of the first full songs The Killers ever wrote. Initially released in 2003, it became most popular when re-released in 2004, peaking at number 10 in both the US and the UK.
The only other song appearing in over 100 global road trip playlists is Riptide by Vance Joy, which comes in third place. This coming-of-age love story was released in 2013 and peaked at number 10 in the UK. In 2015 it was the second longest charting single on the US Billboard Hot 100, appearing for 43 weeks.
| Rank | Track | Artist | Playlists |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Sweet Home Alabama
|
Lynyrd Skynyrd
|
121
|
|
2
|
Mr Brightside
|
The Killers
|
114
|
|
3
|
Riptide
|
Vance Joy
|
112
|
|
4
|
Don't Stop Believin'
|
Journey
|
88
|
|
5
|
Africa
|
TOTO
|
83
|
|
6
|
Life is a Highway
|
Rascal Flatts
|
78
|
|
7
|
Pumped Up Kicks
|
Foster The People
|
73
|
|
8
|
Hotel California - 2013 Remaster
|
Eagles
|
72
|
|
9
|
Little Talks
|
Of Monsters and Men
|
71
|
|
10
|
Hey, Soul Sister
|
Train
|
70
|
|
10
|
Shotgun
|
George Ezra
|
70
|
|
12
|
Dreams - 2004 Remaster
|
Fleetwood Mac
|
68
|
|
13
|
Shut Up and Dance
|
Walk The Moon
|
67
|
|
13
|
Classic
|
MKTO
|
67
|
|
15
|
Dancing in the Moonlight
|
Toploader
|
66
|
|
16
|
I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
|
The Proclaimers
|
65
|
|
16
|
Stacy's Mom
|
Fountains Of Wayne
|
65
|
|
16
|
All Star
|
Smash Mouth
|
65
|
|
19
|
As It Was
|
Harry Styles
|
60
|
|
19
|
Party in the U.S.A.
|
Miley Cyrus
|
60
|
|
21
|
Sweet Caroline
|
Neil Diamond
|
58
|
|
21
|
High Hopes
|
Panic! At The Disco
|
58
|
|
23
|
American Pie
|
Don McLean
|
56
|
|
24
|
Watermelon Sugar
|
Harry Styles
|
54
|
|
24
|
Don't Stop Me Now - Remastered 2011
|
Queen
|
54
|
|
24
|
Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster
|
Fleetwood Mac
|
54
|
|
24
|
Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)
|
Kate Bush
|
54
|
The most popular songs for road trips in the UK
The most popular road trip song in the UK is I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) by Scottish duo the Proclaimers, appearing in 13 playlists. Fittingly, it was written by Craig Reid while preparing himself for a road trip to Aberdeen for a football match.
This is followed by 2 songs that appeared on 12 playlists each: London Calling and Everybody Wants to Rule the World.
| Rank | Track | Artist | No. Playlists |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
|
The Proclaimers
|
13
|
|
2
|
London Calling - Remastered
|
The Clash
|
12
|
|
2
|
Everybody Wants to Rule the World
|
Tears For Fears
|
12
|
|
4
|
Life is a Highway
|
Tom Cochrane
|
11
|
|
4
|
Friday I'm in Love
|
The Cure
|
11
|
|
4
|
Don't Stop Me Now - Remastered 2011
|
Queen
|
11
|
|
7
|
Africa
|
TOTO
|
10
|
|
7
|
There She Goes
|
The La's
|
10
|
|
7
|
Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster
|
Fleetwood Mac
|
10
|
|
7
|
The Chain - 2004 Remaster
|
Fleetwood Mac
|
10
|
|
7
|
Song 2 - 2012 Remaster
|
Blur
|
10
|
|
7
|
I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor
|
Arctic Monkeys
|
10
|
The most popular songs for road trips in Wales
In Wales, the data reveals that the top 3 tracks are Mr Brightside, Sweet Home Alabama and Riptide. Unlike the world’s most popular road trip songs, The Killers top the list in Wales, followed by Lynyrd Skynyrd in second.
| Rank | Track | Artist | No. Playlists |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Mr Brightside
|
The Killers
|
25
|
|
2
|
Sweet Home Alabama
|
Lynyrd Skynyrd
|
19
|
|
3
|
Riptide
|
Vance Joy
|
18
|
|
3
|
As It Was
|
Harry Styles
|
18
|
|
5
|
Sweet Caroline
|
Neil Diamond
|
17
|
|
6
|
Don't Stop Believin'
|
Journey
|
16
|
|
7
|
Life is a Highway
|
Rascal Flatts
|
15
|
|
7
|
I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
|
The Proclaimers
|
15
|
|
9
|
Livin' on a Prayer
|
Bon Jovi
|
14
|
|
9
|
Dreams - 2004 Remaster
|
Fleetwood Mac
|
14
|
The most popular songs for road trips in Scotland
It may not come as a surprise, but Scottish duo The Proclaimers reached the top spot for Scotland's most popular road trip song with their hit I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles). Data shows that 139 Scottish road trip playlists feature this track.
In second place is Mr Brightside by The Killers, featuring on 60 playlists. This is followed by Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster by Fleetwood Mac, appearing on 39 playlists.
| Rank | Track | Artist | No. Playlists |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
|
The Proclaimers
|
139
|
|
2
|
Mr Brightside
|
The Killers
|
60
|
|
3
|
Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster
|
Fleetwood Mac
|
39
|
|
4
|
Sweet Home Alabama
|
Lynyrd Skynyrd
|
33
|
|
4
|
I'm on My Way
|
The Proclaimers
|
33
|
|
4
|
As It Was
|
Harry Styles
|
33
|
|
7
|
Shotgun
|
George Ezra
|
32
|
|
8
|
Don't Stop Believin'
|
Journey
|
30
|
|
8
|
Riptide
|
Vance Joy
|
30
|
|
8
|
Dreams - 2004 Remaster
|
Fleetwood Mac
|
30
|
The most popular songs for road trips in Ireland
Ireland’s harbour city of Galway is a namesake for Ireland's most popular road trip track.
Galway Girl by Ed Sheeran appears in 42 different Irish road trip playlists, with the song being heavily influenced by traditional Irish music.
The songs in second and third don’t have any clear links to the Emerald Isle, with Riptide by Vance Joy in 23 playlists and Sweet Home Alabama in 22.
| Rank | Track | Artist | No. Playlists |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Galway Girl
|
Ed Sheeran
|
42
|
|
2
|
Riptide
|
Vance Joy
|
23
|
|
3
|
Sweet Home Alabama
|
Lynyrd Skynyrd
|
22
|
|
4
|
N17
|
The Saw Doctors
|
20
|
|
5
|
Brown Eyed Girl
|
Van Morrison
|
19
|
|
5
|
The Boys Are Back in Town
|
Thin Lizzy
|
19
|
|
7
|
Don't Stop Believin'
|
Journey
|
18
|
|
7
|
Linger
|
The Cranberries
|
18
|
|
7
|
Dirty Old Town
|
The Pogues
|
18
|
|
10
|
Whiskey in the Jar
|
The Dubliners
|
17
|
The most popular songs for road trips in the USA
The United States sees the largest search volume for road trips on Google and also the biggest number of USA related road trip playlists. In total, there are 1,481 of these playlists on Spotify.
The top tracks feature classic American hits from the likes of the Eagles, Bruce Springsteen, and John Denver. Sweet Home Alabama ranks as the USA’s favourite road trip track, with Hotel California - 2013 Remaster and American Pie filling the second and third place spots respectively.
| Rank | Track | Artist | No. Playlists |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Sweet Home Alabama
|
Lynyrd Skynyrd
|
489
|
|
2
|
Hotel California - 2013 Remaster
|
Eagles
|
352
|
|
3
|
American Pie
|
Don McLean
|
296
|
|
4
|
Born in the U.S.A.
|
Bruce Springsteen
|
276
|
|
5
|
Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster
|
Eagles
|
227
|
|
6
|
Life is a Highway
|
Rascal Flatts
|
187
|
|
6
|
Don't Stop Believin'
|
Journey
|
182
|
|
8
|
Californication
|
Red Hot Chili Peppers
|
170
|
|
9
|
Take Me Home, Country Roads
|
John Denver
|
168
|
|
10
|
Born to Be Wild
|
Steppenwolf
|
159
|
The most popular songs for road trips in Italy
Italy’s favourite road trip tracks are Dreams - 2004 Remaster by Fleetwood Mac and As It Was by Harry Styles, both featuring on 26 playlists. Harry Styles has 2 songs in Italy’s top 10, showing how popular he is in the country. Classics from the Beatles and Fleetwood Mac also feature in the top 10 most popular songs.
L'Italiano by Toto Cutugno features in 25 of Italy’s top road trip playlists, ranking as the third favourite track. Released in 1983 L'Italiano was Toto Cutugno's biggest international success. The track hit number 1 in Italy, France, Portugal, and Switzerland.
| Rank | Track | Artist | No. Playlists |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Dreams - 2004 Remaster
|
Fleetwood Mac
|
26
|
|
1
|
As It Was
|
Harry Styles
|
26
|
|
3
|
L'Italiano
|
Toto Cutugno
|
25
|
|
4
|
Hotel California - 2013 Remaster
|
Eagles
|
18
|
|
4
|
Felicità
|
Al Bano And Romina Power
|
18
|
|
6
|
Here Comes the Sun - Remastered 2009
|
The Beatles
|
17
|
|
7
|
Africa
|
TOTO
|
16
|
|
7
|
Mystery of Love
|
Sufjan Stevens
|
16
|
|
9
|
Late Night Talking
|
Harry Styles
|
15
|
|
9
|
Love in Portofino
|
Dalida
|
15
|
The most popular songs for road trips in Canada
Canada sticks to some of the most famous road trip songs, heavily influenced by American classics. Sweet Home Alabama ranks first, with Life is a Highway and Free Fallin’ following in second and third place respectively.
| Rank | Track | Artist | No. Playlists |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Sweet Home Alabama
|
Lynyrd Skynyrd
|
40
|
|
2
|
Life is a Highway
|
Tom Cochrane
|
38
|
|
3
|
Free Fallin'
|
Tom Petty
|
31
|
|
4
|
Mr Brightside
|
The Killers
|
27
|
|
5
|
I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
|
The Proclaimers
|
27
|
|
6
|
Hotel California - 2013 Remaster
|
Eagles
|
25
|
|
7
|
American Pie
|
Don McLean
|
25
|
|
8
|
Life is a Highway
|
Rascal Flatts
|
25
|
|
9
|
Summer of '69
|
Bryan Adams
|
25
|
|
10
|
Don't Stop Believin'
|
Journey
|
24
|
The most popular songs for road trips in Australia
An Aussie ‘80s classic unsurprisingly hits the number 1 spot for Australia. Down Under by the rock band Men at Work was a worldwide phenomenon for years after its release in 1980. Down Under is followed by American classics American Pie and Sweet Home Alabama.
| Rank | Track | Artist | No. Playlists |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Down Under
|
Men at Work
|
35
|
|
2
|
American Pie
|
Don McLean
|
28
|
|
3
|
Sweet Home Alabama
|
Lynyrd Skynyrd
|
27
|
|
3
|
You Shook Me All Night Long
|
AC/DC
|
27
|
|
5
|
Highway to Hell
|
AC/DC
|
24
|
|
5
|
The Horses
|
Daryl Braithwaite
|
24
|
|
5
|
Riptide
|
Vance Joy
|
24
|
|
8
|
How to Fly
|
Sticky Fingers
|
23
|
|
9
|
Africa
|
TOTO
|
21
|
|
10
|
Hotel California - 2013 Remaster
|
Eagles
|
20
|
The most popular songs for road trips in Spain
Latin tracks prove to be very popular in the top 10 road trip songs in Spain. Artists such as Juanes, with his track La Camisa Negra in first place, are joined by artists such as Shakira and Marc Anthony. Anthony’s Vivir Mi Vida comes in second place, followed by Caraluna by Bacilos.
| Rank | Track | Artist | No. Playlists |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
La Camisa Negra
|
Juanes
|
18
|
|
2
|
Vivir Mi Vida
|
Marc Anthony
|
17
|
|
3
|
Caraluna
|
Bacilos
|
14
|
|
4
|
Don't Stop Believin'
|
Journey
|
12
|
|
4
|
Hips Don't Lie (feat. Wyclef Jean)
|
Shakira
|
12
|
|
4
|
Pepas
|
Farruko
|
12
|
|
4
|
Oye Mi Amor
|
Maná
|
12
|
|
4
|
Colgando en Tus Manos (con Marta Sánchez)
|
Carlos Baute
|
12
|
|
9
|
Africa
|
TOTO
|
11
|
|
9
|
Mientes
|
Camila
|
11
|
The most popular songs for road trips in New Zealand
The list for New Zealand is largely made up of local artists, with Auckland’s Dave Dobbyn taking the top spot.
His song Slice of Heaven appears in 17 different playlists. While it's not as well known outside Australasia, it’s considered one of New Zealand’s most popular songs after appearing in tourism ads in the 80s and 90s.
Two more songs by Kiwi artists are in joint second: Bliss by Th’ Dudes and April Sun in Cuba by Dragon.
| Rank | Track | Artist | No. Playlists |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Slice of Heaven
|
Dave Dobbyn
|
17
|
|
2
|
Bliss
|
Th' Dudes
|
16
|
|
2
|
April Sun in Cuba
|
Dragon
|
16
|
|
4
|
Always on My Mind
|
Tiki Taane
|
13
|
|
4
|
Weather with You
|
Crowded House
|
13
|
|
4
|
Why Does Love Do This to Me
|
The Exponents
|
13
|
|
7
|
In the Air
|
L.A.B.
|
12
|
|
7
|
Gutter Black
|
Hello Sailor
|
12
|
|
9
|
Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster
|
Fleetwood Mac
|
11
|
|
9
|
Misty Frequencies
|
Ché-Fu
|
11
|
|
9
|
Sitting Inside My Head
|
Supergroove
|
11
|
The most popular songs for road trips in France
France enjoys some classic road trip songs that are popular across the world. France’s top track is Mr Brightside by The Killers, which features on 38 French road trip playlists. Harry Styles’ As It Was ranks second with Elton John’s global hit Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time) taking third spot.
| Rank | Track | Artist | No. Playlists |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Mr Brightside
|
The Killers
|
38
|
|
2
|
As It Was
|
Harry Styles
|
35
|
|
3
|
Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)
|
Elton John
|
33
|
|
4
|
Don't Stop Believin'
|
Journey
|
31
|
|
5
|
Shotgun
|
George Ezra
|
30
|
|
6
|
Sweet Home Alabama
|
Lynyrd Skynyrd
|
29
|
|
6
|
Africa
|
TOTO
|
29
|
|
8
|
Watermelon Sugar
|
Harry Styles
|
27
|
|
8
|
Here Comes the Sun - Remastered 2009
|
The Beatles
|
27
|
|
10
|
Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)
|
Kate Bush
|
25
|
The most popular songs for road trips in Portugal
Portugal’s road trip playlists favour some old school American rock tracks. American Pie, Sweet Home Alabama, and Dreams - 2004 Remaster make up the top 3 most featured road trip tracks in Portugal.
| Rank | Track | Artist | No. Playlists |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
American Pie
|
Don McLean
|
13
|
|
2
|
Sweet Home Alabama
|
Lynyrd Skynyrd
|
12
|
|
3
|
Dreams - 2004 Remaster
|
Fleetwood Mac
|
11
|
|
3
|
Beggin'
|
Måneskin
|
11
|
|
5
|
Hotel California - 2013 Remaster
|
Eagles
|
9
|
|
5
|
Don't Stop Me Now - Remastered 2011
|
Queen
|
9
|
|
7
|
Riptide
|
Vance Joy
|
8
|
|
7
|
good 4 u
|
Olivia Rodrigo
|
8
|
|
7
|
Escape (The Pina Colada Song)
|
Rupert Holmes
|
8
|
|
10
|
Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)
|
Kate Bush
|
7
|
|
10
|
Cold Heart - PNAU Remix
|
Elton John
|
7
|
|
10
|
Californication
|
Red Hot Chili Peppers
|
7
|
|
10
|
Mrs. Robinson - From "The Graduate" Soundtrack
|
Simon & Garfunkel
|
7
|
|
10
|
Mr Brightside
|
The Killers
|
7
|
|
10
|
Do I Wanna Know?
|
Arctic Monkeys
|
7
|
|
10
|
Do You No Wrong - Single Version
|
Richie Campbell
|
7
|
The most popular songs for road trips in India
India’s favourite road trip track is Dil Dhadakne Do by Joi Barua, in a list dominated by Indian artists.
Notably, many of these songs appear in the soundtracks of Bollywood films, including each of the top 3.
Dil Dhadakne Do appeared in the film of the same name, while Masakali was in Delhi-6 and Ik Junoon was written for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.
| Rank | Track | Artist | No. Playlists |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Dil Dhadakne Do
|
Joi Barua
|
26
|
|
2
|
Masakali
|
Mohit Chauhan
|
20
|
|
3
|
Ik Junoon (Paint It Red)
|
Vishal Dadlani
|
18
|
|
3
|
Kabhi Kabhi Aditi
|
Rashid Ali
|
18
|
|
3
|
Kal Ho Naa Ho
|
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
|
18
|
|
6
|
Dil Chahta Hai
|
Shankar Mahadevan
|
17
|
|
6
|
Naina Da Kya Kasoor
|
Amit Trivedi
|
17
|
|
6
|
Senorita
|
Farhan Akhtar
|
17
|
|
6
|
Chand Sifarish
|
Jatin-Lalit
|
17
|
|
10
|
Buddhu Sa Mann
|
Amaal Mallik
|
16
|
|
10
|
Ilahi
|
Pritam
|
16
|
|
10
|
Tere Bina
|
A.R. Rahman
|
16
|
|
10
|
Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai
|
Roop Kumar Rathod
|
16
|
The most popular songs for road trips in Germany
Top tracks in Germany road trip playlists are feel-good rock and pop tracks. Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts is top, featuring on 16 playlists. Blinding Lights from The Weekend and Journey’s Don't Stop Believin' come in joint second, both featuring on 12 playlists.
I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVE and Beggin’ by Måneskin occupy 2 spots in Germany’s top 10 tracks. Måneskin formed in Rome in 2016 and went on to win the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021 for Italy with their track Zitti e buoni.
| Rank | Track | Artist | No. Playlists |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Life is a Highway
|
Rascal Flatts
|
16
|
|
2
|
Blinding Lights
|
The Weeknd
|
12
|
|
2
|
Don't Stop Believin'
|
Journey
|
12
|
|
4
|
I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVE
|
Måneskin
|
10
|
|
4
|
Beggin'
|
Måneskin
|
10
|
|
4
|
Green Green Grass
|
George Ezra
|
10
|
|
7
|
Shivers
|
Ed Sheeran
|
8
|
|
7
|
One Kiss (with Dua Lipa)
|
Calvin Harris
|
8
|
|
7
|
Wake Me Up
|
Avicii
|
8
|
|
7
|
On Top of the World
|
Imagine Dragons
|
8
|
|
7
|
Bam Bam (feat. Ed Sheeran)
|
Camila Cabello
|
8
|
The most popular songs for road trips in South Africa
Africa by Toto is the most common track in South African road trip playlists. Since its release in 1980, Africa by Toto has been certified 8 times platinum. Tracks SETE (feat. Young Stunna & Blxckie) by K.O and Nomakanjani by Brenda Fassie follow in second and third place. South Africa’s top 10 tracks are less rock-heavy when compared with other countries, featuring modern rap and pop tracks.
| Rank | Track | Artist | No. Playlists |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Africa
|
TOTO
|
15
|
|
2
|
SETE (feat. Young Stunna & Blxckie)
|
K.O
|
12
|
|
3
|
Nomakanjani
|
Brenda Fassie
|
11
|
|
4
|
You're the One
|
Elaine
|
10
|
|
4
|
Banyana
|
DJ Maphorisa
|
10
|
|
6
|
Ngud' (feat. Cassper Nyovest)
|
Kwesta
|
9
|
|
6
|
Drive - Radio Edit
|
Black Coffee
|
9
|
|
6
|
Another Universe
|
Arno Carstens
|
9
|
|
9
|
Driven to Drink
|
Shotgun Tori
|
8
|
|
9
|
In My Feelings
|
Drake
|
8
|
|
9
|
Youngblood
|
5 Seconds of Summer
|
8
|
|
9
|
Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes
|
Paul Simon
|
8
|
|
9
|
Risky
|
Elaine
|
8
|
|
9
|
Sponono
|
Kabza De Small
|
8
|
|
9
|
Silver Foyer
|
Sold Ash
|
8
|
|
9
|
Jack
|
Nasty C
|
8
|
|
9
|
Give Me Something (feat. Rowlene)
|
Sha Sha
|
8
|
|
9
|
3 in the Morning
|
Prince Kaybee
|
8
|
|
9
|
Eazy
|
Nasty C
|
8
|
Louise Thomas, car insurance expert at Confused.com, comments:
"Ever since the invention of the car radio, music and driving have been inextricably linked, and today creating the ultimate playlist is a huge part of the road trip experience. Similarly, having your own playlist ready for a long drive means you won’t get distracted whilst driving, keeping you safer on the road.
"A road trip is recognised as one of the most popular bucket list experiences. However, those who don't own a car or want to share the driving might be put off by the insurance details. If you’re thinking of borrowing or hiring a car for your road trip there is no need to worry as temporary car insurance is there for these situations! With the right insurance, you will be protected if anything were to happen whilst on the road, enabling you to have a worry-free trip!"
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