People love singing about going places, whether it’s on a train or through feelings. Travel isn’t just about physical movement; it can also symbolize change and growth. Music often nails this feeling of journeying, whether it’s about life or love.
For example, think about those road trip tunes that make you feel like you’re cruising down an open highway with the wind in your hair, or those anthems that inspire adventure and exploration.
In this playlist, we’ve rounded up 20 awesome songs that capture the essence of traveling.
Contents
- 20 Songs About Traveling
- 1. “Leaving On A Jet Plane” By John Denver
- 2. “Come Fly With Me” By Frank Sinatra
- 3. “500 Miles” By Peter, Paul, And Mary
- 4. “On The Road Again” By Willie Nelson
- 5. “America” By Neil Diamond
- 6. “Midnight Train To Georgia” by Gladys Knight And The Pips
- 7. “Lonesome Traveler” By The Weavers
- 8. “Ramblin’ Man” by Allman Brothers Band
- 9. “San Francisco” By Scott McKenzie
- 10. “Route 66” by Nat King Cole
- 11. “Four Strong Winds” by Ian & Sylvia
- 12. “Road Trippin'” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
- 13. “Jane Austen Tango” By Talis Kimberley
- 14. “Travelin’ All Alone” By Billie Holiday
- 15. “I’ll Fly Away” By Gillian Welch And Allison Krauss
- 16. “We Open In Venice” By Sammy Davis Junior, Frank Sinatra, And Dean Martin
- 17. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
- 18. “Ain’t It A Pretty Night” By Patricia Racette
- 19. “End Of The Line” by Traveling Wilburys
- 20. “Passing Through” by Pete Seeger
- Submit Your Song to This Playlist
- Listen on Other Music Streaming Platforms
20 Songs About Traveling
1. “Leaving On A Jet Plane” By John Denver
Another popular travel song is “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver. This song, written and recorded in 1966, has been covered by many artists over the years.
Similar to “500 Miles,” “Leaving on a Jet Plane” delves into the emotions of traveling. The speaker hesitates to wake their lover to bid farewell, knowing it would only make the separation harder. As Denver sings, “So kiss me and smile for me, tell me that you’ll wait for me.”
Although the lyrics convey sadness, there’s a glimmer of hope for a future reunion. The speaker anticipates the day they’ll come back, ready to wear their wedding ring once again.
2. “Come Fly With Me” By Frank Sinatra
Here’s a catchy travel tune where lovebirds jet off together: “Come Fly With Me” by Frank Sinatra. Sinatra’s upbeat melody and playful lyrics whisk listeners away to exotic destinations.
In the song, each locale—from Bombay to Peru to Acapulco Bay—is portrayed as thrilling and alluring. The singer eagerly invites his sweetheart to join him on this adventure because, as he croons, “it’s such a cool, cool day” for flying and exploring.
Yet, amidst the excitement of globetrotting, the bridge emphasizes that nothing compares to being with the one you love. As Sinatra sings, “Come fly with me, let’s float down to Peru. In llama land, there’s a one-man band, and he’ll toot his flute for you.” “Come Fly With Me” serves as a sweet reminder that the journey’s joy lies not just in the destination, but in the company you keep along the way.
3. “500 Miles” By Peter, Paul, And Mary
The first song on our list is “500 Miles” by Peter, Paul, and Mary. Even though it was released in 1962, it’s a must-mention when talking about songs related to traveling.
In the song, the singer talks about getting on a train heading somewhere. They warn that if you miss this train, they’re already on their way. As the song goes on, the singer moves farther from home. They have nothing with them, not even much money.
But this isn’t a fun adventure. The lyrics show that the singer can’t return home, so they have to keep traveling with no clear end in sight. One of the lines goes: “If you miss the train I’m on, you will know that I am gone.”
4. “On The Road Again” By Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” is a beloved country classic that earned him a Grammy Award and a spot in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Nelson wrote the song while touring, capturing the essence of life on the road for musicians. It celebrates the nomadic lifestyle with enthusiasm, highlighting the excitement of constant travel and the thrill of discovering new places and meeting new people. As Nelson sings, “On the road again, like a band of gypsies, we go down the highway.”
Despite the lack of permanence, there’s a strong sense of camaraderie among the singer and fellow travelers. They may not have roots in any one place, but they form a tight-knit musical family on their journey.
5. “America” By Neil Diamond
Neil Diamond’s song “America” is our next pick. It talks about traveling and embodies the hopeful spirit of the American dream.
The lyrics tell the story of immigrants coming to America in search of a better life. They’ve traveled far, longing for a place to call home, and America represents that opportunity for freedom and success. As Neil Diamond sings, “They’re coming to America, never looking back again.”
As the song progresses, it seamlessly transitions into lines from “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” emphasizing the promise of freedom in the United States.
6. “Midnight Train To Georgia” by Gladys Knight And The Pips
This song is all about a journey, but not on an airplane like we usually talk about. Instead, the main character takes a train ride. Gladys Knight & the Pips released this tune back in 1973 on their Imagination album.
The choice of a train ride fits well with the song’s nostalgic feel. The story is about a guy who’s had a tough time in Los Angeles and decides to head back home to Georgia to figure things out. He hops on the midnight train to get there.
As the song goes, “He’s leaving, on that midnight train to Georgia,” capturing the essence of the journey and the longing for home.
It’s a song that reminds us to stay true to ourselves. Sure, chasing dreams is important, but not if it means giving up who you are. If you find yourself sacrificing your values for some bigger goal, maybe it’s time to reconsider, just like the singer in the song who heads back home in search of what really matters.
7. “Lonesome Traveler” By The Weavers
Let’s talk about a song that’s all about traveling: “Lonesome Traveler” by The Weavers. This quartet dropped the tune in 1955 on their album Hard, Ain’t It Hard.
At first glance, it’s about the loneliness that comes with being on the road without a place to call home. The singer tells us about their journeys, roaming through mountains and valleys, meeting all kinds of people along the way—rich, poor, hungry, and cold.
But if we dig a little deeper, the song reveals more than just travel tales. It’s about the lessons learned on the road, the eye-opening experiences that come from meeting people from all walks of life.
As the song goes, “I traveled cold and then I traveled hungry well, I’ve been a traveling on, Traveled in the mountain, traveled down in the valley.”
The song wraps up with the singer contemplating putting an end to their travels. Maybe not traveling literally, but still continuing to learn and grow from life’s lessons.
8. “Ramblin’ Man” by Allman Brothers Band
“Ramblin’ Man” by Allman Brothers Band was a big hit. The band had been playing around with it since 1971. The song talks about a guy who travels a lot, going from place to place.
People really connect with the lyrics, maybe because we all want to do our best, just like the singer. He keeps asking for forgiveness for his wandering ways in the chorus.
Moving around is part of being human, whether it’s leaving places, jobs, or people. It helps us grow, so there’s no need to say sorry for it.
One of the lines goes, “Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man, tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can.” It really captures that feeling of always being on the move.
9. “San Francisco” By Scott McKenzie
Next up is “San Francisco” by Scott McKenzie. Written by John Phillips in just 20 minutes, this iconic song was released in 1967. It was a response to concerns about the influx of hippies traveling to San Francisco for a festival.
Phillips aimed to ease anxieties with the song, which became a beloved anthem of peace and free love across the country. As McKenzie sings, “If you’re going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.”
Overall, the lyrics express the carefree spirit of travel and the idea of embracing the unknown upon arrival at your destination.
10. “Route 66” by Nat King Cole
“Route 66” by Nat King Cole is a rhythm and blues classic inspired by travel. Bobby Troup got the idea for the song while driving from Pennsylvania to California. Nat King Cole first sang it in 1946.
The song celebrates the joy of road trips, mentioning the places Troup and his wife passed on their journey. From St. Louis to Joplin, Missouri, and through Oklahoma City, New Mexico, and Arizona, it’s a musical map of their route. It’s like the singer is saying, “If you’re heading to California, why not take this iconic road?”
One memorable line goes, “It winds from Chicago to L.A., more than two thousand miles all the way.” It really captures the spirit of the open road and the adventure ahead.
11. “Four Strong Winds” by Ian & Sylvia
“Four Strong Winds” is a sad song about traveling. It was released by the Canadian folk duo Ian & Sylvia in 1963 on their album called Four Strong Winds.
The song talks about the end of a romantic relationship. The singer knows that the good times they shared are over, and they have to go their separate ways. The singer plans to travel to Alberta, where the weather is nice in autumn.
At one point, the singer hopes that the other person will change their mind and want to be together again. But they also realize that they’ve already talked about it many times, and their relationship can’t be saved.
One of my favourite lines from the song is: “Four strong winds that blow lonely, seven seas that run high.”
12. “Road Trippin'” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Road Trippin'” by Red Hot Chili Peppers is all about the joy of traveling. It’s a tribute to hitting the road with family and friends. The song is on their album “Californication.”
There’s a real sense of optimism in the song, celebrating the freedom of travel. The singer sets off with two friends, packing supplies and leaving town behind. They’re not worried about where they end up; they’re happy to “get lost anywhere in the USA.”
No rules, just enjoying the sun and each other’s company. And it seems like they had a great time doing just that. One of the lines goes, “Road trippin’ with my two favorite allies, fully loaded, we got snacks and supplies.” It really sets the scene for an adventure with friends.
13. “Jane Austen Tango” By Talis Kimberley
Talis Kimberley, an English folk singer-songwriter, wrote a quirky song called “Jane Austen Tango.” The song is about Jane Austen, the famous author, traveling through time instead of space.
As Jane journeys through time, she meets smart and creative women who share her first name. Some of these women are made up, while others actually existed, but they’re all clever.
The song is a fun nod to book lovers. It has upbeat music and witty lyrics that poke fun at the situation. It feels playful and light-hearted, like it’s inviting you to hop on board Jane’s time-traveling adventure. One of the catchy lines goes: “Jane Austen tango, two-step in time, dance with a heroine who’s witty and prime.”
14. “Travelin’ All Alone” By Billie Holiday
In this song, Billie Holiday explores familiar themes found in many songs about travel. “Travelin’ All Alone” touches on the importance of human connection and the sadness of feeling isolated.
The lyrics express the singer’s sorrow at being all alone. She feels exhausted and worn out with nobody to turn to for support. It seems like nobody cares about her. She sings, “My weary mind is aching, Lord, my aching heart is breaking.”
She turns to prayer to help with her burdens, troubles, and love life, but it doesn’t seem to ease her pain. She reflects on how her friends were only around when things were going well, but now that she’s older, they’re nowhere to be found.
15. “I’ll Fly Away” By Gillian Welch And Allison Krauss
“I’ll Fly Away” by Gillian Welch and Allison Krauss is a well-known song from the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou. Gillian Welch sings lead vocals, while Allison Krauss provides harmony.
Like “Jane Austen Tango,” the traveling in this song isn’t about a road trip. It’s more symbolic. The singer dreams of flying away to a heavenly afterlife, seeking freedom and happiness away from life’s burdens.
Despite touching on themes like death, the song feels upbeat and hopeful. It suggests that death isn’t necessarily a bad thing, conveying a message of optimism. One line goes: “Some glad morning when this life is o’er, I’ll fly away.” This captures the uplifting spirit of the song.
16. “We Open In Venice” By Sammy Davis Junior, Frank Sinatra, And Dean Martin
This song is from the musical “Kiss Me Kate,” which gives a modern twist to “The Taming of the Shrew,” and it’s known for its playful and fun lyrics by Cole Porter. Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Junior, and Dean Martin teamed up to record it.
The lyrics talk about a traveling acting troupe wandering around Italy, aiming to entertain without being too serious. They sing about opening their show in Venice, and then plan to go to Verona, Cremona, Parma, Menace, and Padua.
Throughout the song, the singers joke about their destinations, and Cole Porter’s clever rhymes make it impossible not to laugh along. As they sing, “We open in Venice, we next play Verona, then on to Cremona.”
17. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver is a famous song that’s often just called “Country Roads.” It’s all about traveling and feeling nostalgic. It was a big hit, reaching #2 on the US Hot 100 Singles chart.
The song talks about wanting to go back home, specifically to West Virginia, after being away for a long time. The singer misses the blue waters and mountains of his home.
He regrets not returning sooner, realizing how much he misses it. A line from the song goes, “Country roads, take me home to the place I belong.”
18. “Ain’t It A Pretty Night” By Patricia Racette
“Ain’t It A Pretty Night” is sung by Patricia Racette, an operatic soprano. It’s from the opera Susannah, which retells The Book of Daniel.
In the song, Susannah dreams about the future and wanting to travel. She talks about her desire to see big cities and wonders what life is like beyond the mountains. One line from the song goes, “Someday I’ll leave an’ then I’ll come back, When I’ve seen what’s beyond them mountains.”
She wants to meet nice people and dress up in the city. However, she admits she might miss the comforts of home as she plans her travels.
19. “End Of The Line” by Traveling Wilburys
“End of the Line” is a song by the Traveling Wilburys, a British-American supergroup. It’s all about traveling and takes its name from the final announcement on a train journey.
The song talks about what happens when the journey of life comes to an end. It emphasizes the importance of being connected to others because having time alone can feel lonely. One line from the song goes, “Well it’s all right, riding around in the breeze.”
Interestingly, it was the last track on the Traveling Wilburys’ 1988 album. It became a tribute to Roy Orbison when he passed away that same year.
20. “Passing Through” by Pete Seeger
It’s a song about traveling through time and space, written by Dick Blakeslee and sung by Pete Seeger.
The song talks about how traveling is like our journey through life. We’re not here forever; we’re just passing through.
The singer meets different famous figures along the way, like Adam leaving the Garden of Eden, Jesus on the cross, and George Washington and Franklin Roosevelt. They all remind him that they’re just passing through, too.
As the song says, “Passing through, passing through. Sometimes happy, sometimes blue, glad that I ran into you. Tell the people that you saw me passing through.”
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Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.