Trade routes are a network of roads & pathways (or other lanes) and rest points traders may use to transport trade goods over long distances. Trade routes may be formed over land, over sea, or over air. In fictional worlds, there may be galactic trade routes that exist between planets or dimensions. Trade routes may cross inhospitable terrain, such as mountain passes, treacherous waters, fast rivers, or barren wastes. They may be subject to ambush by pirates or bandits. Caravans of many traders (or even trade factions) may be formed along trade routes to better defend themselves against threats. There may be forts, inns, markets, caravanserai, or entire towns or ports created along the trade route to accommodate or protect the traders.

When designing trade routes, first consider what trade goods are being transported. A trade route will form between places where a good is being manufactured and the price of that good is low and a place where there is more demand and the prices can be set higher.

Also consider what dangers may exist along the trade route and how traders may protect themselves along the way. They may rely on themselves for protection, they may band together, they may hire guards, or they may depend on government militaries to defend the route.

Modern trade often involves cargo ships, trains, and semitrucks.