Is it music that chooses your mood, or your mood that chooses music? Either way, a road trip needs music—whether you’re driving across the country, headed on a weekend getaway, or simply taking the scenic route to work. Throughout over a decade of driving, I’ve created a handful of Spotify road trip playlists I always queue up before any drive, whatever the mood. From sad songs to rock anthems and country songs to 80s hits, these are the best playlists for long drives in any weather. 

Driving Playlist

Some of the best playlists are the eclectic ones containing the best tracks from every genre. My ultimate driving playlist includes everything from Bon Iver to Beyonce and everything in between. Every single song is one you can sing your heart out to, whether you’re traveling alone, with friends, or with loved ones. The playlist is 19 hours long (😅😅😅) so even if you’re driving across state lines or for a multiple-day trip – you’ll never hear the same song twice, or get bored of what you’re listening to. 

Read More: 14 Long Distance Road Trip Essentials For The Car

90s and 00s Throwback

As a 90s kid, I don’t think there was a better time for music than during the 90s and 00s. And I will die on that hill. These travel playlist throwback songs take me back to my youth and the music I grew up with. Whether it’s Blink-182 or the Spice Girls, this Spotify road trip playlist is perfect for a weekend getaway with your girls to enjoy some carpool karaoke and belt your hearts out. 

Road Trip Songs from the 80s

While I might be a 90s baby, I still grew up listening to my mom’s 80s music at home and on the road. There was no better time for real, sing-your-heart-out ballads than the music of the 80s. My 80s road trip playlist features iconic artists like Queen, The Police, and Journey—perfect for a singalong in the car wherever you’re traveling and perfect for those of you who grew up stealing your parent’s mixtapes. 

Evening Commute

One of the best ways to not take the stress of work home with you is by relaxing on your commute back home – and what better way than with a calming travel playlist? This evening commute playlist by Spotify only contains smooth songs to help you relax and unwind after a long day. From Birdie to James Arthur the mix is perfect for taking you home in style. 

Sad Songs

Road trips don’t always have to be about karaoke sessions or exciting music to entertain your trip; driving is a great time to reflect too. Whether it’s a rainy drive, you’ve had a long, hard week, or you simply want some quiet time for yourself, sad songs make for great music to drive to. With songs from Adele, The Beatles, and Ed Sheeran, my sad songs playlist is perfect for singing along while you relax and reflect—my favorite for late-night drives and rainy Sunday afternoons. 

Can you send playlists on Spotify?

To share a playlist on Spotify, click on the playlist you’d like to share and click the ‘…’ next to the play button. The share option will be listed at the bottom of the pop out menu and you can copy the link to your playlist or grab the embed code from there. You can also invite collaborators to your playlist by clicking the person icon next to the play button.

Make sure to follow me on Spotify for more travel and road trip playlists for every mood!