20 Worst US Road Trip Routes

If you’re reading this mid-road trip, it’s already too late.

Some roads are legendary.

These roads are… notorious.

Sure, they might take you somewhere, but they’ll test your patience getting there.

Think heatwaves, highway hypnosis, and cities that seem 300 miles further than the sign says.

We made this list so you don’t have to learn the hard way.

Because nothing says “adventure” like sitting in traffic outside of Philly, wondering what went wrong.

1. I-70, Kansas

I 70 Kansas
Source: blingblingwindows

This stretch of road goes through the middle of Kansas.

Many drivers say it is the most boring drive in the US.

There is not much to see, and most towns are far from the road.

Here’s why this route lands on the list: it is one of the most uneventful and plain road trip routes in the country.

2. Texas Panhandle

Texas Panhandle

This region is very dry and flat.

It can get extremely hot in the summer.

Many drivers say it feels like driving through a desert with no end in sight.

Here’s why this route lands on the list: the scenery is repetitive, the weather harsh, and there is little to break up the drive.

3. I-90, Illinois to Indiana

I 90 Illinois to Indiana
Source: adammvictordev

This highway goes from Chicago into Indiana.

It has one of the highest numbers of complaints from drivers.

Many say traffic is bad, and the scenery is dull.

Here’s why this route lands on the list: constant congestion and a lack of scenic views make it frustrating for travelers.

4. Route 66

Route 66

This road is famous, but many think it is overrated.

Some parts are rundown, and there is not much left to see.

Travelers say it does not live up to the hype.

Here’s why this route lands on the list: despite its fame, much of the charm has faded, making the trip feel underwhelming.

5. I-66, Virginia

I 66 Virginia
Source: wosongdj

This highway runs through Northern Virginia.

It has a high number of traffic-related deaths.

The road is crowded, and accidents are common.

Here’s why this route lands on the list: it’s one of the deadliest roads in the US due to high traffic and crash rates.

6. US 17, Florida to Virginia

US 17 Florida to Virginia
Source: us17coastalhighway

This highway goes up the Southeast coast.

It has a lot of crashes, many caused by drunk driving.

There is also a lot of congestion and poor driving behavior.

Here’s why this route lands on the list: it has an alarming number of fatalities and safety concerns along its stretch.

7. I-20, Texas to South Carolina

I 20 Texas to South Carolina
Source: grumpy.photo

This road goes through several southern states.

It has many deadly crashes, especially near Dallas.

Accidents often involve pedestrians and overturned trucks.

Here’s why this route lands on the list: it is one of the riskiest southern interstates for both drivers and pedestrians.

8. I-10, California to Florida

I 10 California to Florida

This is one of the longest highways in the country.

Cities like Houston and El Paso have many deadly accidents.

Long drives and heavy traffic make it risky.

Here’s why this route lands on the list: it has a high death toll and long, exhausting stretches with dangerous city traffic.

9. I-85, Alabama to Virginia

I 85 Alabama to Virginia
Source: xhxmxx

This road gets a lot of commuter and truck traffic.

Parts of it are dark and unsafe at night.

Charlotte is the deadliest spot on this route.

Here’s why this route lands on the list: poor lighting, heavy traffic, and a high crash rate make it a top concern.

10. I-30, Texas to Arkansas

I 30 Texas to Arkansas

This route runs from the Dallas area to Arkansas.

It sees many accidents, especially in Dallas.

Drivers deal with congestion and poor road conditions.

Here’s why this route lands on the list: Dallas traffic and high accident numbers make this a stressful drive.

11. I-12, Louisiana

I 12 Louisiana
Source: jcodella3

This road runs between Baton Rouge and Slidell.

It’s narrow, crowded, and often jammed during peak hours.

Many locals say it’s a stressful and dangerous drive.

Here’s why this route lands on the list: narrow lanes and heavy commuter traffic make this stretch risky and frustrating.

12. US 92, Florida

US 92 Florida
Source: wikimedia.org

This highway cuts across Central Florida.

It goes through areas like Tampa, where traffic is dense and accidents are frequent.

The road is busy and has a high number of fatal crashes.

Here’s why this route lands on the list: it’s one of Florida’s deadliest highways with major accident clusters in urban zones.

13. I-45, Texas

I 45

This route links Galveston to Dallas.

Houston, in particular, sees a lot of crashes and congestion.

It has one of the highest death rates per mile in the country.

Here’s why this route lands on the list: it’s extremely dangerous, especially around Houston, with high crash and fatality rates.

14. I-4, Florida

I 4 Florida

This interstate connects Tampa and Daytona Beach.

It’s packed with cars, construction zones, and frequent crashes.

It has the highest death rate per mile in the country.

Here’s why this route lands on the list: it tops national lists as the deadliest highway in the US.

15. I-70 between Kansas City and Denver

I 70 between Kansas City and Denver
Source: tru_ink_

This is a long, flat stretch of highway.

There is little to see and few places to stop.

Many travelers call it one of the dullest drives in America.

Here’s why this route lands on the list: it’s a long, boring stretch with few breaks in scenery or services.

16. North Florida to Southern Utah

North Florida to Southern Utah
Source: gerarchive.net

This route spans swamps, city traffic, and deserts.

It’s a mix of sticky humidity and dry, endless roads.

Drivers say it’s long, hot, and visually dull.

Here’s why this route lands on the list: it combines extreme climates with mind-numbing landscapes for a rough ride.

17. I-40 between Little Rock and Memphis

I 40 between Little Rock and Memphis
Source: jessica_rdgz_78

This road is full of big trucks and traffic jams.

There are lane reductions and ongoing road work.

It’s a common source of complaints among long-haul drivers.

Here’s why this route lands on the list: frequent slowdowns and heavy truck traffic make it a dreaded drive.

18. I-80 through Nebraska

I 80 through Nebraska

This interstate cuts across the middle of Nebraska.

It’s flat, straight, and offers little in the way of views.

Travelers often describe it as a snooze-fest.

Here’s why this route lands on the list: endless farmland and flat horizons turn this drive into a test of patience.

19. I-95 through Philadelphia

I 95 through Philadelphia

This section of I-95 is known for being rough.

Traffic is constant, and construction is common.

Drivers complain about confusing exits and tight turns.

Here’s why this route lands on the list: congestion and chaotic road design make this a stressful stretch to navigate.

20. I-10 from El Paso to Los Angeles

I 10 from El Paso to Los Angeles

This part of I-10 is long and often unpleasant.

The stretch from Tucson to LA is especially tiring and uninspiring.

Many say the road feels never-ending.

Here’s why this route lands on the list: it’s a draining, desert-heavy drive that feels more like survival than sightseeing.

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