What is officially the longest bridge in the world right now?

The Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge in China currently holds the Guinness World Record with a staggering length of 164.8 kilometers. It is primarily a high-speed railway viaduct rather than a traditional road bridge for cars.

Which bridge is the longest over continuous water?

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in the USA is recognized as the longest bridge over continuous water. While the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge is longer in total aggregate length, the Causeway has the longest uninterrupted span directly over open water.

Is there a bridge connecting the US and Russia?

No, there is currently no bridge connecting Alaska to Russia across the Bering Strait. Although the idea has been proposed many times, extreme weather conditions and high costs have prevented any construction.

How long does it take to cross the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway?

It typically takes about 25 to 30 minutes to drive across the 24-mile span if traffic conditions are normal. You must adhere to the strict speed limits, as police patrols are frequent and there are no stopping lanes.

Why are the majority of the longest bridges located in China?

China's rapid expansion of its high-speed rail network requires tracks to remain perfectly flat and straight. Building elevated viaducts over land and water is the most efficient way to achieve this, resulting in massive structures like the Danyang-Kunshan.

Can I drive my own car on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge?

You generally cannot drive a private car across this bridge without a specific and difficult-to-obtain permit. Most travelers use the dedicated shuttle buses that operate 24 hours a day between the three cities.

Are these massive bridges free to use?

Most major water crossings, such as the Hangzhou Bay Bridge and Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, charge a toll fee for passage. However, the Manchac Swamp Bridge in Louisiana is a notable exception that is completely free for drivers.

Is it true that you lose sight of land on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway?

Yes, for an approximate 8-mile stretch in the middle of the bridge, land is not visible in any direction. This creates a unique sensation where it feels as though you are driving directly on the ocean surface.

10 Longest Over-Water Bridges in the World (Ranked)

Imagine a structure so vast that driving across it takes nearly as long as a standard commute between two cities. Engineering has reached a point where water is no longer a barrier but a foundation. When looking for the longest bridges, you will often find two distinct categories: railway viaducts that span mixed terrain and massive causeways built entirely over open water. This guide ranks them by total length, clarifying exactly what makes each one an engineering marvel.

The Global Rankings

This list covers the most significant structures connecting lands, reducing travel time, and defying geographical limits.

Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge

Holding the Guinness World Record as the longest bridge in the world, this colossal structure is the backbone of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway. While it crosses land, rivers, and canals, a significant 9-kilometer section spans purely across open water over Yangcheng Lake.

Length: 164.8 kilometers (102.4 miles) Location: China (Between Shanghai and Nanjing) Type: High-Speed Rail

You cannot drive a car here; it is exclusive to high-speed trains. The construction design specifically addresses the soft soil of the region, using a viaduct layout to prevent settling.

Longest over water bridges danyang kunshan grand bridge

Changhua-Kaohsiung Viaduct

Located in Taiwan, this is the second-longest bridge on Earth and a critical part of the Taiwan High-Speed Rail network. The bridge was designed not just for distance but for survival; it is built to withstand strong earthquakes and typhoons which are common in this region.

Length: 157.3 kilometers (97.7 miles) Location: Taiwan Type: High-Speed Rail

Cangde Grand Bridge

Another masterpiece from the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway project. This bridge features over 3,000 piers to support its massive length. It is designed to withstand the immense pressure of high-speed trains passing every few minutes.

Length: 116 kilometers (72 miles) Location: China Type: High-Speed Rail

Tianjin Grand Bridge

Connecting Langfang and Qingxian, this bridge essentially functions as an elevated railway track. By elevating the track, engineers solved two problems: they minimized land use on the ground and eliminated the need for dozens of individual railroad crossings.

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Length: 113.7 kilometers (70.6 miles) Location: China Type: High-Speed Rail

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge

This is the longest sea-crossing bridge in the world. Unlike the rail viaducts above, this project is a combination of cable-stayed bridges, an undersea tunnel, and artificial islands. It connects three major cities in the Pearl River Delta.

Length: 55 kilometers (34 miles) Location: China (Hong Kong, Zhuhai, Macau) Type: Roadway (Cars and Shuttle Buses)

Driving here requires a special permit for private cars, but you can easily take a shuttle bus to experience the crossing. The undersea tunnel section allows large container ships to pass overhead without obstruction.

Longest over water bridges hong kong zhuhai macau bridge

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

For decades, this held the title of the longest bridge entirely over water. Located in the United States, specifically Louisiana, it consists of two parallel bridges crossing Lake Pontchartrain. It is so long that for 13 kilometers of the drive, you cannot see land in any direction.

Length: 38.4 kilometers (23.8 miles) Location: USA (Louisiana) Type: Roadway

This bridge is a vital lifeline for commuters working in New Orleans. If you plan a road trip here, be aware that fog can sometimes reduce visibility to near zero. The toll fee is collected only on the southbound side.

Manchac Swamp Bridge

Also located in Louisiana, this bridge carries Interstate 55 over the Manchac Swamp. It is renowned not just for its length but for the fact that roughly one-third of the bridge's piles are driven over 75 meters deep into the swamp floor to find stability.

Length: 36.7 kilometers (22.8 miles) Location: USA (Louisiana) Type: Roadway

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Unlike the Causeway, this bridge is toll-free. It offers a unique view of the bayou, where you can see cypress trees and waterways beneath the concrete structure. It is a prime example of infrastructure adapting to the challenging geography found in largest US states where wetlands dominate the landscape.

Hangzhou Bay Bridge

This S-shaped cable-stayed bridge connects the municipalities of Jiaxing and Ningbo in Zhejiang province. The unique S-shape is not just for aesthetics; it helps the structure withstand the high tide currents and typhoons of the bay.

Length: 35.7 kilometers (22 miles) Location: China Type: Roadway

Midway through the bridge, there is a service center called Land between the Sea and the Sky, where travelers can stop, eat, and view the ocean from a lookout tower.

Runyang Yangtze River Bridge

This is actually a large bridge complex that crosses the Yangtze River. It consists of a suspension bridge and a cable-stayed bridge. The south bridge is a suspension bridge with a main span of 1,490 meters, making it one of the longest suspension spans in the world.

Length: 35.6 kilometers (22.1 miles) Location: China (Jiangsu) Type: Roadway

Donghai Bridge

Connecting mainland Shanghai to the offshore Yangshan Deep-Water Port, the Donghai Bridge was the first sea-crossing bridge completed in China. It winds through the sea in a serpentine shape to ensure safety against severe weather conditions.

Length: 32.5 kilometers (20.2 miles) Location: China Type: Roadway

You will notice hundreds of wind turbines along the bridge, as it passes through a major offshore wind farm, creating a futuristic industrial landscape.

10 Longest Over-Water Bridges in the World: Ranked by Length