Fly & Drive: 5 Epic Road Trips Starting Directly from Global Airports
For many adventure travelers, the journey begins the moment they clear customs. Instead of taking a taxi to a city hotel, picking up a rental vehicle at the airport allows for immediate access to some of the world's most iconic driving routes. From the coastal passes of Australia to the high-altitude tracks of California, here are five road trips you can start directly from major international hubs.
| Airport Road Trips: Logistics & Duration | |
|---|---|
| Sydney (SYD) | Grand Pacific Drive to Kiama (124 miles) |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | Sierra Nevada Pass to Yosemite (280 miles) |
| Tokyo (NRT) | Highway 408 to the Nikko Mountains (87 miles) |
| Paris (CDG) | Champagne Ridge Route to Épernay (189 miles) |
1. Sydney (SYD): The Grand Pacific Drive
Landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport puts you at the gateway of the South Coast. Bypassing the city center, you can head south toward Kiama via the Grand Pacific Drive. This route features the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, a technical marvel that juts out over the ocean. The drive continues through Seven Mile Beach National Park, offering a mix of coastal winding roads and stunning granite rock outcrops.
2. Los Angeles (LAX): The Sierra Nevada Ascent
From Los Angeles International, you can trade the urban gridlock for the alpine majesty of Yosemite National Park. While there is a direct highway route, seasoned drivers prefer the longer, more scenic climb through the Sierra Nevada foothills. This trip involves significant elevation changes and requires a vehicle capable of handling mountain grades, especially if you plan to cross the high passes into the park's interior.
3. Tokyo (NRT): The Nikko Mountain Passes
Narita International Airport is the starting point for a journey into Japan’s technical mountain roads. Following Highway 408 toward Tsukuba and then heading into the Nikko region, drivers encounter the legendary Irohazaka Winding Road. With dozens of hairpin turns, this area is a masterclass in mountain road engineering and offers a total escape from the neon-lit stress of Tokyo.
4. Paris (CDG): The Champagne Ridge Routes
Departing from Charles de Gaulle, you can head east toward Reims and the rolling hills of the Champagne region. Beyond the famous vineyards, the secondary roads leading toward Épernay follow ridgelines used during historical campaigns, offering technical driving through dense forests and limestone valleys. It is a route that combines 13th-century history with the precision of French rural road design.
5. London (LHR): The Cotswolds and Stonehenge Circuit
Leaving Heathrow, you can immediately dive into the history of the United Kingdom. Heading west toward Windsor and Winchester, the roads transition from modern motorways to ancient, narrow lanes. The route toward Stonehenge and eventually Chipping Campden involves navigating narrow stone-walled passages and rural tracks that require constant focus and low-speed technical maneuvering.
Final Thoughts for Airport Renters
Starting a road trip directly from the airport saves time but requires preparation. Ensure your rental agreement covers long-distance travel and that you are familiar with local mountain driving regulations. Whether you're climbing the Sierra Nevada or navigating Japanese hairpins, the adventure starts the moment you leave the terminal.