overland

Overland refers to travel or transport conducted on land rather than by sea or air. The term can describe journeys undertaken across an entire continent or regions, the routes used to connect distant places, and the movement of goods by land.

In travel contexts, overland denotes long-distance journeys by road, rail, foot, or animal transport. Historically, overland routes such as the Silk Road, the Amber Road, and caravan circuits linked cultures and economies before the prominence of steam and sea power. In contemporary travel, the phrase is often associated with adventure expeditions and cross-continent trips by car, motorcycle, or bicycle, frequently emphasizing self-sufficiency and flexible itineraries.

In logistics, overland transport covers road and rail shipments within a country or across borders. It competes with sea and air freight and is a common component of multimodal supply chains. Reliability and speed depend on infrastructure, regulations, and border procedures, while weather and terrain can affect transit times.

Notable overland corridors include railways such as the Trans-Siberian Railway and road networks like portions of the Pan-American Highway. In culture and hobbyist circles, overlanding refers to long-range, self-reliant travel using off-road capable vehicles and supporting equipment.