The World's Fastest Roads
Speed freaks and velocity-raptors of the globe, welcome to the world’s fastest roads.
Germany - no limits
Germany’s autobahns are the only highways on the planet with no speed limit. At least in places. The reality is that much of the network does have limits, especially around intersections. Often only two-lanes wide, with plenty of fast-moving traffic - and massive speed differentials between lumbering juggernauts and everyone else – autobahn bashing isn’t exactly a stress-free experience. The longest single stretch without restrictions is a 150-km (93-mile) section between Berlin and Hamburg. If you’re brave enough that would take less than 30 minutes at 200mph.
ISLE OF MAN no limits
Since the government introduced a 70mph limit on dual carriageways (and the newfangled motorways) in 1965 the fastest roads in the British Isles have been on the Isle of Man, where there is no speed limit outside built-up areas. Don’t head there expecting an autobahn-equivalent though, the roads on the island are single-carriageway or narrower and seldom straight. Celebrated during the annual TT Races the Manx roads are extremely dangerous at speed as countless riders have found to their cost. The fastest point on the island is the end of the Sulby straight, which is just under a mile in length. In 2006 Bruce Anstey somehow clocked 206mph on his Suzuki. Rather him than us.
United Arab Emirates - 99mph
Given the amount of oil produced in the Middle East it’s no surprise that they don’t mind burning it a high rate on the highways. Abu Dhabi has the fastest roads in the region with the E11 between Abu Dhabi city and the border with Saudi Arabia, and the E22 Abu Dhabi to Al Ain highway both having limits of 160km/h or 99mph. The highways cut arrow straight through the desert, but the UAE does have plenty of amazing twisty roads to explore as well. Click here to discover more.
Bulgaria – 87mph
Outside of unrestricted Germany, Bulgaria boasts Europe’s most generous speed limits. On the A1 Trakia highway drivers can travel the 238 miles from the capital Sofia to the coast in just three and a half hours thanks to a speed limit of 140km/h or 87mph. The road was only completed in 2013 so is in top notch condition and makes high-speed cruising a breeze.
USA - 85mph
For a brief period between 1995 and 1999 there was no daytime limit in Montana, but that freedom to speed was removed. Today the fastest road in the USA is Texas Highway 130 between Austin and San Antonio where the posted limit is 85mph. It just happens to also lead to the Circuit of the Americas Grand Prix circuit should you feel the need for even more speed.
Australia - 81mph
There was a time when drivers in the vast emptiness of Australia’s Northern Territory could drive as fast as they dared, with no speed limit at all. It was not without risk, mind. Huge road trains, and wandering wildlife from kangaroos to camels were just some of the dangers. In 2016 the local government introduced a 130km/h (81 mph) limit on the Territory’s four highways, although there is still plenty of debate today as to whether the change made any impact on road safety. As for the rest of Australia most highways are restricted to 110km/h (68mph) or even lower.
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