A trade route is a logistical network identified as a series of pathways and stoppages used for the commercial transport of cargo. The term can also be used to refer to trade over bodies of water. Allowing goods to reach distant markets, a single trade route contains long-distance arteries, which may further be connected to smaller networks of commercial and noncommercial transportation routes. Among notable trade routes was the Amber Road, which served as a dependable network for long-distance trade. Maritime trade along the Spice Route became prominent during the Middle Ages, when nations resorted to military means for control of this influential route. During the Middle Ages, organizations such as the Hanseatic League, aimed at protecting interests of the merchants and trade became increasingly prominent.

नौभार (कार्गो) के लाने-ले जाने के लिये प्रयुक्त मार्गों के नेटवर्क को व्यापार मार्ग कहते हैं। कुछ प्रसिद्ध व्यापार मार्ग ये थे, अम्बर माभारत रोमन पाठ , मसाला मार्ग, पुर्तगालियों द्वारा खोजा गया यूरोप से भारत पहुँचने का समुद्री मार्ग, रेशम मार्ग, रोमन-भारत मार्ग, ग्रैंड ट्रंक रोड आदि।