Driven to the Limit: Navigating toilet anxiety and long drives

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‘Toilet anxiety” is a recognised condition by Anxiety UK, affecting thousands of drivers and passengers across the country. People with toilet anxiety can find themselves dreading a long car journey, or a journey that will run into heavy traffic because of concerns about where facilities will be available, which can be distracting for drivers.

A spokesperson from Anxiety UK explains, “Toilet anxiety is a condition which can make driving or travelling challenging for those affected. It is characterised by not only psychological symptoms, such as worrying thoughts, but also by very real physical symptoms due to adrenaline release, which can make people feel, amongst other things, that they need to use the toilet. Having timely access to toilets is both important and essential for anyone, but particularly for those experiencing this condition.”

The behaviours associated with this anxiety will be familiar to many: pre-planning driving routes, searching online for facilities before a trip, and feeling stressed when service stations are few and far between.

To shed light on toilet access on popular driving routes in the UK and USA, we analysed geospatial data to map which roads have the most limited access to publicly accessible roadside rest stops. For this study, we defined rest stops as facilities directly available to drivers without needing to divert far from the main route, including public toilets, highway service areas, fuel stations with toilets, and other locations explicitly tagged as having facilities. While it’s always possible to stop in nearby towns, our analysis focused on what’s available directly from the road network itself, giving a realistic picture of the experience for drivers on long journeys.

Roadside relief: What are the rules?

For drivers living with toilet anxiety, the temptation on loo-less roads might be to simply pull over and relieve yourself at the roadside. But it’s important to know that this isn’t a legal or safe solution.

In the UK, public urination can be treated as an offence under the Public Order Act 1986 (for disorderly behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress) or under local by-laws as a form of littering. Penalties can start with a fixed penalty notice of up to £90, and if unpaid, fines can rise as high as £2,500.

In the US, public urination is also illegal in every state, though the exact offence and penalty varies by location. Most often it’s treated as disorderly conduct or a public nuisance, with fines ranging from $50 to $500.

Our analysis highlights the roads where facilities are most scarce, and why relying on “emergency stops” isn’t an option. Building planned rest breaks into journeys and making use of in-car navigation to locate the nearest facilities, are safer and more reassuring strategies.

Ten Longest Routes in UK Without a Rest Break

Most of the routes are located in Scotland, where the country’s vast rural landscapes mean towns and service facilities are often spaced far apart. In areas like the Highlands and Aberdeenshire, scenic beauty and remoteness go hand in hand, but it means there are long stretches of road without easily accessible public toilets.

Route 1 – Portlethen to Dundee

The longest stretch of road without a rest break runs from Portlethen, just south of Aberdeen, down the A92 and A90 to Kingsway West in Dundee. Covering 109 miles, this journey cuts along Scotland’s rugged east coast, passing through seaside towns like Stonehaven, Montrose, and Arbroath before reaching the city of Dundee. Drivers can expect the trip to take just under two hours (114 minutes on average). With no easily accessible public toilets along this entire route, it’s one of the most demanding stretches for anyone anxious about where the next rest stop might be.

Route 2 – Shibdon Pond to Belford

The second-longest stretch runs down the A1 from Shibdon Pond, near Blaydon in Tyne and Wear, towards Belford in Northumberland. Covering approximately 85 miles, the route winds through the North East’s rolling countryside, past towns such as Durham, Chester-le-Street, and Alnwick. The average journey time is around 90 minutes.

Route 3 – Lairg to Rhiconich

Up in the Highlands, the A838 offers one of the UK’s most isolated journeys, stretching from the village of Lairg out to Rhiconich on Scotland’s north-west coast. This 78-mile route snakes through stunning landscapes and lochs, making it a beautiful, but potentially stressful drive. Despite being shorter than the top two, the journey takes nearly two hours (118 minutes on average), with an average speed of 40mph.

Route 4 – Tournaig to Abhain Droma

Another Highland route is the 74-mile stretch along the A832, running from Tournaig on the western coast to Abhain Droma inland. The journey passes Loch Ewe and meanders through small hamlets, woodland, and mountainous terrain. The route has an average drive time of 107 minutes without an easily accessible public toilet for drivers.

Route 5 – Helmsdale to Mevich

Heading north once again for route 5, the A897 links Helmsdale with Melvich. Covering 71 miles, this route threads through remote Sutherland, following the River Helmsdale inland before reaching the north coast. Despite its modest length compared to others, the journey drags to two hours on average (123 minutes) due to slower roads with an average speeds of 36 mph.

Route 6 – Perth to Aberfeldy

Closer to central Scotland, this 65-mile drive begins on Dunkeld Road in Perth and winds through the A85, A822, and A826 towards Crieff Road in Aberfeldy. Passing through small Perthshire towns, the route mixes fast A-roads with more rural stretches. The average journey lasts 99 minutes without a public rest stop, with an average driving speed around 39 mph.

Route 7 - Stonehaven to River Ythan

This 64-mile drive begins at the Stonehaven Roundabout, south of Aberdeen, and runs north via the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, joining the A92 towards the River Ythan near Ellon. This route is one of the quicker long-haul drives in the list, averaging just over an hour (61 minutes), with drivers able to reach speeds of around 62 mph.

Route 8 – Golspie to Rosehall

From the coastal village of Golspie, this 61-mile route heads inland along the A9 and smaller Highland roads to Rosehall. The journey has a mix of breath-taking coastal and inland scenery and an average driving time of around 89 minutes, with speeds at 41 mph on average.

Route 9 – Amagh to Omagh

Crossing over to Northern Ireland, the 59-mile route between Armagh and Omagh along the A28 and A5 ranks ninth. It passes through towns like Dungannon and Ballygawley with an average travel time of 76 minutes, stretching to over 82 minutes in heavier traffic.

Route 10 – Inverurie to Aberchirder

The 57-mile route between Inverurie and Aberchirder in Aberdeenshire, via the A96 and A97 cuts through rural farmland and small towns like Huntly. On average, the trip takes 69 minutes, but it can stretch to 76 minutes with heavier traffic. Drivers typically travel at speeds close to 49 mph.

Ten Longest Routes in the USA Without a Rest Break

Route 1 – Belfield (ND) to Mitchell (SD)

This 648-mile stretch beginning in Belfield, North Dakota, and runs all the way to Mitchell, South Dakota. Drivers follow the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway and cross through small towns like Bowman, Hettinger, McIntosh, and Mobridge, even passing over Lake Oahe before arriving in central South Dakota. On average, the drive takes over 10 and a half hours (632 minutes), with maximum durations creeping closer to 11 hours.

Route 2 – Fall River (SD) to Cairo (NE)

This 513-mile route beginning near Angostura Reservoir in Fall River County, South Dakota, and winding southeast into Nebraska. The journey crosses through towns like Chadron, Valentine, and Broken Bow before reaching Cairo. Drivers spend over eight hours on the road (491 minutes), and without public rest stops along the way, this stretch could pose a challenge for motorists managing toilet anxiety.

Route 3 – Scott City to Belleville (KS)

The 324-mile route across Kansas, beginning just outside Scott City and finishing in Bellevillefollows Highway 36 through Oakley, Norton, and Smith Center. Average travel time is just over five hours (310 minutes), rising to about 5 hours 20 minutes with delays. With no easily accessible roadside toilets along the journey, even this shorter stretch could feel daunting for anxious drivers.

Route 4 – Lavonia to Douglas (GA)

In the South, the 306-mile stretch from Lavonia to Douglas, Georgia, weaves through towns such as Elberton, Wrens, Vidalia, and McRae-Helena. Average travel time here is close to six hours (352 minutes), with delays adding up to an extra 10 minutes. Traffic and narrower roads reduce speeds compared to other routes, averaging 52 mph, making this one of the slower long-distance drives without rest stops.

Route 5 – Guymon (OK) to Goddard (KS)

This 294-mile drive starts just outside Guymon, Oklahoma, and runs north into Kansas, ending in Goddard. The route passes through small towns like Hooker, Kismet, Minneola, and Pratt, offering a glimpse of America’s agricultural heartland. The trip takes just under five hours (292 minutes), with average speeds of 61 mph.

Route 6 – Poplar (MT) to Burlington (ND)

The 284-mile route from Poplar, Montana, to Burlington, North Dakota, cuts through towns like Williston and Stanley. Despite the distance, this is a relatively efficient drive: average travel time is just over four hours (262 minutes), though congestion can extend it closer to five. With speeds averaging 65 mph, it’s one of the faster routes, but the sparsity of facilities across northern Montana and North Dakota remains a concern for anyone who suffers from toilet anxiety.

Route 7 – Sturgis to Vivian (SD)

Another South Dakota entry, this 283-mile stretch links Sturgis to just outside the small town of Vivian. The drive runs through Bear Butte and Fort Pierre before following the Purple Heart Memorial Highway. At just over four hours (255 minutes), it’s a manageable journey timewise, but the long gaps between facilities can cause stress. Average speeds almost reach 67 mph, making it one of the fastest long-distance drives in the rankings.

Route 8 – Shoshoni to Rawlins (WY)

This 281-mile route from Shoshoni to Rawlins in Wyoming crosses high plains, reservoirs, and the North Platte River, before linking into Interstate 80 at Rawlins. Drivers can expect about four hours on the road (248 minutes), speeds average a brisk 68 mph.

Route 9 – Havre (MT) to Lubec Lake

This journey runs 273 miles across northern Montana, from Havre past Lubec Lake towards False Summit, passing through small towns like Chester, Shelby, and Cut Bank before approaching East Glacier Park. On average, the trip takes just over four hours. With speeds around 65 mph, this is a relatively fast mountain-border drive, but the remoteness of the route means rest breaks are scarce.

Route 10 – Jackpot to Ely (NV)

Rounding out the top 10 is Nevada’s 265-mile route from Jackpot down to Ely. The road runs through the desert along the Great Basin Highway, passing places like Wells and McGill. With average travel times of 227 minutes (just under four hours), it’s one of the shorter drives in the rankings, but also among the fastest, with speeds topping 70 mph. Even so, long desert stretches without facilities make it a daunting trip for anyone worried about where to stop.

Expert Tips for Managing Toilet Anxiety on the Road

While long, toilet-less roads can feel daunting, there are a few practical ways to help ease anxiety and make travel more manageable:

Plan ahead: Knowing roughly where toilets are located along your route can help reduce anxiety. Online maps and sat navs can help you identify service stations and suitable stops in advance.

Build in extra time: Allowing some flexibility in your journey schedule means you won’t feel pressured if you need to take an unscheduled break.

Practice calming techniques: Pulling over and performing breathing exercises or grounding techniques such as the 5-4-3-2-1 method can help to calm you down if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Listen to a relaxing playlist: Listening to soothing music can help lower adrenaline and reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety.

Choose the right car features: Many modern leased cars come with in-car navigation that highlights nearby facilities, helping you feel more in control while driving.

Car insurance expert Alicia Hempsted says:

“For sufferers, toilet anxiety is a barrier to making long journeys. While severe anxiety disorders that impact driving ability should always be disclosed to your insurer, toilet anxiety isn’t currently recognised as a condition that needs declaring. The good news is that modern route-planning apps and connected car services make it easier than ever to map out rest stops in advance. Taking a few minutes to plan your route can help you feel more in control and reduce stress behind the wheel – and that means you can focus on getting to your destination safely.”

Methodology

Publicly accessible roadside toilet locations were gathered from the OpenStreetMap (OSM) API. The entire UK and mainland USA were searched for:

• Public toilets

• Highway service areas

• Pubs

• Fuel stations explicitly tagged as having toilet facilities

• Any other facilities recorded as having publicly accessible toilets

Road network data was also obtained from OSM. In the UK, analysis was limited to motorways, trunk roads, and A-roads (OSM classifications motorway, trunk, primary). In the USA, analysis focused on interstate highways, major U.S. highways, and the largest state routes (OSM classifications motorway, trunk).

Each toilet location was given a buffer zone, 1 km in the UK and 5 km in the USA. Any sections of road falling within these buffers were removed from the dataset, deemed to be “close to a toilet”.

The remaining road segments formed isolated clusters. From these, the longest continuous stretches of road in a single direction (without doubling back or looping) were identified.

Likewise, the highest density areas were found by the highest number of overlapping buffers.

Travel times for these routes were then calculated using the Google Routes API with the traffic-aware setting (“best guess”). Dates more than two months in the future were used to avoid short-term traffic anomalies such as temporary roadworks.

Route lengths were rounded to one decimal place.