Bridges are not only remarkable structures that connect what were once insurmountable terrains, but they are also breathtaking symbols of human achievement and engineering prowess. Some bridges help make travel easier and faster; others are beautiful bridges around the world that are a work of art in their own right.
From the USA’s Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, the longest bridge over water, to China’s record-breaking Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge, the longest bridge ever built, here are the world’s longest bridges today.
10 Lake Pontchartrain Causeway (United States)
Aerial Drone Photography of the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
Louisiana’s Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is a remarkable 38.4 kilometers (23.8 miles) long and one of the longest bridges in America and the entire world. Though this is the smallest entry on this list, this bridge was constructed almost entirely over Lake Pontchartrain and still holds the Guinness World Record for the longest bridge of continuous length over water.
The stories and histories behind centuries-old bridges are often fascinating, and Lake Pontchartrain is no exception. Before this dual bridge system was completed, travelers would have to take lengthy ferry trips across Lake Pontchartrain. Today, locals, commuters, and tourists can enjoy a smooth journey over Lake Pontchartrain while enjoying the scenic views of the water.
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Length:
22.4 miles -
Completed:
1969 -
Transport:
Highway
9 Metro Manila Skyway System (The Philippines)
View of the Metro Manila Skyway System in Manila, Philippines
The Metro Manila Skyway System in the Philippines is an extensive network of elevated highways, including the recently inaugurated Skyway Stage 3 section, which significantly lengthened the bridge’s distance and boosted its ranking as the ninth-longest bridge in the world.
This remarkable bridge system spans over 36 kilometers (24.4 miles), providing locals, commuters, and visitors with breathtaking views of Manila’s vibrant urban sights and attractions.
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Length:
24.4 miles -
Completed:
2021 -
Transport:
Expressway
8 Beijing Grand Bridge (China)
View of China’s Beijing skyline, which was more connected to Langfang thanks to the Beijing Grand Bridge
China’s Beijing Grand Bridge is 48.2 kilometers (30 miles) long, making it the current eighth-longest bridge in the world. This remarkable structure forms part of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway and is essential in connecting South Beijing to Langfang.
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Length:
30 miles -
Completed:
2010 -
Transport:
High-Speed Rail
China’s construction of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway began in 2008 and contributed to the completion of hundreds of bridges and dozens of tunnels. From this project, some of the longest bridges in the world were created, many of which appear on this list.
7 Bang Na Expressway (Thailand)
Elevated Bang Nak Expressway in Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand’s Bang Na Expressway is 54 kilometers (33.6 miles) and offers locals, commuters, and visitors a smooth journey from Bangkok to the eastern suburbs. Different components of the bridge were designed by several engineers from around the globe, including American civil engineer Louis Berger.
This elevated, six-lane highway held the title of the longest bridge in the world for a few years.
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Length:
33.6 miles -
Completed:
2000 -
Transport:
Expressway
6 Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge (China)
View of Zhengzhou, China which is connected to Xi’an thanks to the Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge
The Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge is 79.7 kilometers (49.5 miles) in length, making it the sixth-longest bridge in the world. This railway viaduct is a part of the Zhengzhou-Xi’an High-Speed Railway and offers passengers unforgettable views of China’s beautiful rivers, including the Weihe River, which is crossed twice.
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Length:
49.5 miles -
Completed:
2008 -
Transport:
High-Speed Rail
5 Cangde Grand Bridge (China)
China’s Cangde Grand Bridge is approximately 105.8 kilometers (65.8 miles) long and the fifth-longest bridge in the world. The Cangde Grand Bridge makes up an essential section of China’s Zhengzhou-Xi’an High-Speed Railway, connecting the cities of Zhengzhou and Xi’an.
Not only is this remarkable bridge among the longest bridges on Earth, but it also covers large expanses of China’s diverse landscape, passing through beautiful valleys, rivers, and hills.
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Length:
65.8 miles -
Completed:
2010 -
Transport:
High-Speed Rail
4 Tianjin Grand Bridge (China)
Aerial view of Tianjin, China
The Tianjin Grand Bridge is the fourth-longest bridge on the planet and another testament to China’s engineering prowess. Spanning an impressive 113.7 kilometers (70.6 miles), this bridge plays an integral part in the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway, providing fast and seamless travel through China’s beautiful and expansive terrain.
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Length:
70.6 miles -
Completed:
2010 -
Transport:
High-Speed Rail
3 Kita–Yaita Viaduct (Japan)
Japan’s high-speed bullet trains travel over the Kita-Yaita Viaduct
Japan’s Kita–Yaita Viaduct stretches over 114.4 kilometers (71.1 miles), making it the third-largest bridge in the world. This bridge connects the cities of Kita and Yaita and serves as a symbol of Japan’s dedication to modern infrastructure development.
The Kita-Yaita Viaduct seamlessly adapts to the diverse terrain across its route, allowing bullet train passengers to enjoy smooth travel while soaking up the beautiful views of Japan’s landscapes.
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Length:
71.1 miles -
Completed:
1982 -
Transport:
High-Speed Rail
2 Changhua–Kaohsiung Viaduct (Taiwan)
Diesel trains on the Jiji line passing through the rice fields in Changhua, Taiwan
Taiwan’s Changhua–Kaohsiung Viaduct is approximately 157 kilometers (97.7 miles) and is the second-longest bridge in the world. Like many of the entries on this list, Changhua–Kaohsiung Viaduct was specifically built to support a growing high-speed rail system.
This bridge allows trains to travel smoothly across the country’s west coast and efficiently move between the cities of Changhua and Kaohsiungand. For locals and tourists alike, this bridge allows for faster travel times and the ability to take in breathtaking panoramas of Taiwan’s stunning coastline and picturesque landscapes while traveling.
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Length:
102.4 miles -
Completed:
2004 -
Transport:
High-Speed Rail
1 Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge (China)
The Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge passes through Suzhou, China
Stretching an astonishing 164.8 kilometers (102.4 miles), the Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge in China holds the current record for the longest bridge in the world right now. This elevated viaduct forms part of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway.
Incredibly, the Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge was built in just four years, showcasing China’s commitment to rapid modernization and economic expansion. Today, this bridge serves one of the busiest high-speed railways in the world and offers passengers captivating views of the surrounding countryside, including rivers, lakes, canals, and even paddy fields.
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Length:
102.4 miles -
Completed:
2010 -
Transport:
High-Speed Rail
