Highways Built For Speed
Speed limits differ widely around the world, shaped by each region’s terrain, culture, and road infrastructure. But some places push the limits literally by offering some of the highest legal speeds on the planet. Buckle up as we take you on a journey through the 20 fastest roads on Earth.
1. Autobahn, Germany: No General Speed Limit
Germany’s Autobahn is famous for long stretches without a mandated speed limit. While advisory speeds suggest 81 mph, many drivers cruise way faster. Enforcement focuses on safety, not speed. Depending on traffic and weather, one section between Frankfurt and Hannover allows for safe speeds above 124 mph.
2. Texas State Highway 130, USA: 85 mph
The highest speed limit in the United States belongs to SH 130 between Austin and Seguin. Designed as a toll road, it was engineered for high-speed travel and avoids dense urban congestion. Since the 2012 speed limit increase, the road has drawn attention for striking a balance between speed and safety.
3. Sheikh Khalifa Highway, UAE: 99 mph
The Sheikh Khalifa Highway has a posted speed limit of 87 mph on sections like the E11. Its wide, modern infrastructure supports high-speed travel with minimal curves and limited access points. Strict enforcement includes speed cameras that allow a 12 mph grace limit.
4. Stuart Highway, Australia: 81 mph
Stretching across the vast Australian Outback from Darwin to Port Augusta, the Stuart Highway has a speed limit of 81 mph. Interestingly, certain sections were once completely unrestricted—no speed limit at all—until regulations were reinstated in 2016.
5. National Highway 160, India: 75 mph
India’s fastest highway sections are on expressways like the Samruddhi Mahamarg (part of NH 160), where speed limits hit 75 mph. It has been open in phases since 2022 and connects major urban centers like Nagpur and Mumbai. High-tech toll systems and controlled access points enhance safety while supporting this limit.
6. Al Majd Road, Qatar: 75 mph
Qatar’s Al Majd Road, formerly known as the Orbital Highway, has a posted speed limit of 75 mph—the general speed limit in Qatar. It is designed as a high-speed corridor encircling Doha and features wide lanes for high-volume and fast-paced travel.
rinesh @ Mapillary.com on Wikimedia
7. Astana–Shchuchinsk Highway, Kazakhstan: 68 mph
This toll highway is one of Central Asia’s fastest roads, with a legal speed limit of 68 mph. It was constructed with international assistance and modern engineering standards and is part of the larger "Western Europe–Western China" corridor.
Astana. Capital of Kazakhstan is a Super Modern City by CoolVision
8. A1 Motorway, Italy: 81 mph
Italy’s A1, the Autostrada del Sole, allows 81 mph on many segments and could increase to 93 mph where conditions permit. However, these higher limits apply only where safety infrastructure, like third lanes, is in place.
9. National Route 9 (Acceso Norte), Argentina: 75 mph
Argentina’s National Route 9, particularly the Acceso Norte segment, supports a top legal speed of 75 mph. With modern paving and long straights, the road offers a smooth driving experience that rivals European motorways.
10. Expressway 1, Israel: 62 mph
Connecting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, parts of Expressway 1 carry Israel’s highest legal speed of 62 mph. The highway includes extensive tunnel sections built to manage high-speed flow through mountainous terrain. Speed enforcement combines ground patrols and automated systems.
11. A2 Motorway, Switzerland: 120 km/h (75 mph)
Switzerland’s A2 motorway holds the national speed limit of 75 mph and is known for its strict traffic enforcement. It cuts through the Alps via the impressive 17-kilometer Gotthard Road Tunnel. Speed limits here can change, thanks to variable message signs that respond to traffic and weather conditions.
12. A10 Motorway, Austria: 81 mph
Austria’s motorways, like the A10 running through the Tauern region, allow 81 mph under normal conditions. However, some segments drop to about 68 mph temporarily due to environmental regulations or air quality concerns. Speed is regulated using gantry signs and real-time monitoring.
13. E4 Motorway, Sweden: 75 mph
While Sweden typically enforces conservative speed limits, certain stretches of the E4 motorway now permit speeds of up to 75 mph. The areas include long, straight rural sections with low traffic volumes and advanced road designs.
Adrian R. Johansson on Wikimedia
14. A8 Motorway, France: 81 mph
France’s autoroutes, including the A8 linking Aix-en-Provence and the Italian border, typically permit 81 mph. In wet weather, this drops to about 68 mph automatically. The A8’s scenic but challenging topography includes sharp curves and elevation changes, requiring alertness.
Driving in France. 🇫🇷 Autoroute A8 La Provençale from Nice to Cannes. 4K by A&M Wandering around
15. A6 Motorway, Slovenia: 81 mph
This road, part of the Pan-European Corridor V, maintains a standard speed limit of 130 km/h on most sections. The route benefits from relatively low congestion and modern service areas, making it one of Europe’s faster travel corridors.
16. Motorway 1, Czech Republic: 81 mph
Motorway 1, known as D1, permits a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph). This limit is standard across the Czech motorway network, though construction zones often lower it. Notably, recent upgrades support higher average speeds during peak travel periods.
17. A1 Motorway, Croatia: 81 mph
Croatia’s A1 motorway permits up to 81 mph on most sections. The safety infrastructure is strong, with tunnels like Sveti Rok and Mala Kapela spanning several kilometers. The highway plays a key role during the tourist season, with added patrols to manage increased traffic.
18. AP-7, Spain: 75 mph
Spain’s Autopistas, like the AP-7 along the Mediterranean coast, post 75 mph. These toll roads often feature lower congestion and smoother surfaces than national highway limits. Advanced monitoring systems, especially near urban centers like Valencia, help enforce consistent speed regulation.
19. A4 Autostrada, Poland: 87 mph
Another standout in Poland is the A4 Autostrada, which features 87 mph speed limits on several upgraded sections. Recent renovations added wider shoulders and improved pavement. These enhancements help position Poland among the European countries with the fastest legal speed limits.
20. Beijing–Tianjin Expressway, China: 75 mph
China's extensive expressway system includes the Beijing–Tianjin Expressway, where legal speed limits can reach 75 mph. This route connects two major metropolitan areas with a multi-lane, controlled-access design tailored for sustained high-speed travel.
