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Streets are more than just lines on a map. All over the world, they are the veins of cities, the routes that connect cultures, and the pathways that hold stories of millions of people as they go about their daily business. Some streets, however, go beyond their ordinary purpose, stretching and cutting through entire regions. The longest streets in the world truly span vast distances, where a single road can take you from the heart of a bustling metropolis to the quiet reaches of the countryside.
Curious? Click through this gallery to embark on a virtual road trip down the planet’s longest streets.
Moscow Avenue is one of the main thoroughfares in Saint Petersburg, Russia, stretching over 6 miles (10 km) from the city center to the southern outskirts. Established in the 18th century, it was originally the road to Moscow, hence its name.
Moscow Avenue is known for its grand Stalinist architecture, especially in areas like Moskovskaya Square, which showcases monumental Soviet-era buildings like the House of Soviets and Victory Park.
Also located in Saint Petersburg is Sofiyskaya Street, which stretches for about 11 miles (18 km). It was named after the nearby village of Sofiyskaya Sloboda, which once existed in the area. The street plays a significant role in connecting the city's industrial zones with residential districts.
Along Sofiyskaya Street, you'll find a mix of Soviet-era apartment buildings, industrial facilities, and commercial centers. It is a vital part of the city’s infrastructure, and provides access to major highways like the Moscow and Kolpino highways.
Avenida de los Insurgentes stretches over 17.9 miles (28.8 km) through Mexico City. The avenue was named after the insurgents of the Mexican War of Independence (1810–1821), and is one of the most important major routes in the city.
The avenue notably runs from the north of the city to the southern area at El Caminero, crossing diverse neighborhoods and offering a mix of commercial, residential, and cultural landmarks in the bustling metropolis.
Mulholland Drive is one of the most famous scenic roads in Los Angeles, known for its winding route through the Santa Monica Mountains and the Hollywood Hills. The road is about 21 miles (34 km) in length, and offers breathtaking views of the city and the Hollywood Sign.
The road was named after engineer William Mulholland, and is iconic for its role in popular culture, having been featured in numerous films such as David Lynch’s 2001 movie ‘Mulholland Drive.’
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Rivadavia Avenue spans approximately 23 miles (37 km) from downtown to the western outskirts of the city. The street was named after Argentina's first president, Bernardino Rivadavia, and it is a key arterial road in the city.
Along the avenue’s length, you’ll find significant landmarks such as Plaza Miserere and the National Congress building. Rivadavia Avenue is also known for its bustling shopping districts and theaters.
Located in the far south of Kazakhstan and about 186 miles (300 km) northeast of Almaty, the town of Tekeli boasts the country’s longest road: Kunaev Street. With a length of 24 miles (38 km), the street was named after Dinmukhamed Kunaev, the first Secretary of Kazakhstan’s Communist party.
Walking along Kunaev Street can take anywhere between six to eight hours, and would afford travelers a glimpse of the snow-capped Dzungarian Alatau Mountains that surround the town from north and south.
Sunset Boulevard is another one of the most iconic streets in Los Angeles, stretching around 23.6 miles (38 km) from downtown LA to the Pacific Coast. Known for its winding path through famous areas like Hollywood and Beverly Hills, the boulevard is synonymous with the entertainment industry and the glamour of Los Angeles.
Along Sunset Boulevard, you’ll find a blend of historic landmarks, luxury hotels, nightclubs, and film studios. The Sunset Strip section, in particular, is famous for its vibrant nightlife, connections to rock music history, and even the scenic views of palm-lined streets.
Western Avenue is one of the longest streets in Chicago, and stretches approximately 29 miles (47 km) from the far south side to the northern limits of the city. The avenue connects diverse neighborhoods across Chicago, including Beverly, Bucktown, and Ukrainian Village.
Historically, Western Avenue was once the western boundary of the city, hence its name. Along the street, you'll find landmarks such as the iconic 95th Street Bridge and the Western Avenue Corridor, a hub for auto dealerships.
Broadway Street is a major north–south thoroughfare in New York City. It stretches over 33 miles (53 km) through Manhattan, the Bronx, and lower Westchester County. Broadway is the heart of the American theater industry, where world-renowned plays and musicals are staged.
Beyond the theater district, Broadway passes through diverse neighborhoods, from the financial center at Wall Street to the lively areas of Harlem. Historically, Broadway follows an ancient Native American trail called the Wickquasgeck trail, making it the oldest street in the city.
South Sepulveda Boulevard is a major north-south street in Los Angeles, California, extending for about 42.8 miles (68.9 km). It runs from the San Fernando Valley in the north, through West Los Angeles, and down to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and beyond.
South Sepulveda is known for passing through a variety of neighborhoods, which makes it a crucial artery for both residential and commercial traffic. The street is also significant for its proximity to landmarks such as the Getty Center.
Colfax Avenue is another one of the longest continuous streets in the United States, stretching 49.5 miles (79.7 km) through the Denver metropolitan area in Colorado. Running from the eastern plains through the heart of Denver and ending in the foothills near Golden, Colfax is steeped in history.
Often referred to as "America's longest commercial street," Colfax Avenue is lined with a mix of historical landmarks, shops, bars, restaurants, and theaters. Famous sites along Colfax include the Colorado State Capitol and even the Ogden Theatre.
The Moscow Automobile Ring Road (more commonly known as the MKAD) is a major highway encircling the Russian capital city of Moscow. Completed in 1962, it stretches for 67.7 miles (108.9 km) and serves as a vital traffic artery for the city.
The MKAD has a speed limit of about 60 mph (100 km/h) across 35 exits (including 10 interchanges). Over the years, it has undergone significant expansion to handle Moscow's growing population and vehicle congestion.
Another continuous thoroughfare from Saint Petersburg appears on this list! Primorskoye Highway is located in the northwestern part of the Russian city and runs for 106 miles (170 km) along the Gulf of Finland's coastline. It connects Saint Petersburg with several suburban areas.
The highway is known for its scenic views of the Baltic Sea and lush forests, and it is a popular route for locals heading to summer country homes and tourists visiting the region’s natural attractions and beaches.
Sukhumvit Road is one of the longest and most important roads in Thailand, stretching a whopping 305 miles (491 km) from Bangkok to the Cambodian border. Within Bangkok, Sukhumvit Road is a major commercial and residential thoroughfare, known for its bustling urban life, luxury hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
Sukhumvit is also well served by the Bangkok Skytrain, elevated above ground level. Outside of Bangkok, the road passes through coastal provinces like Chonburi and Rayong, linking the capital to popular beach destinations.
The longest continuous street in the world can be found in Canada, running north and west from Toronto. Yonge Street extends for an astounding 1,178 miles (1,896 km) from Toronto to Rainy River on the Ontario-Minnesota border.
Yonge Street is lined with notable landmarks, including Yonge-Dundas Square, the Eaton Centre, and various theaters and shopping districts. It is also a central hub for public events, and has played host to many parades, street performances, and even protests.
Sources: (Explanders) (Smapse Education) (Civitatis) (Britannica) (Guinness World Records)
See also: The largest empires in world history
The longest streets in the world
Some of the roads on this list stretch over astonishing distances
LIFESTYLE Roads
Streets are more than just lines on a map. All over the world, they are the veins of cities, the routes that connect cultures, and the pathways that hold stories of millions of people as they go about their daily business. Some streets, however, go beyond their ordinary purpose, stretching and cutting through entire regions. The longest streets in the world truly span vast distances, where a single road can take you from the heart of a bustling metropolis to the quiet reaches of the countryside.
Curious? Click through this gallery to embark on a virtual road trip down the planet’s longest streets.