A Road With No Turns or Tolls: Discover the World’s Longest Straight Highway in Saudi Arabia
A Road With No Turns or Tolls: Discover the World’s Longest Straight Highway in Saudi Arabia
Imagine driving straight for hours—seeing the same unchanging road ahead, again and again. It almost feels like you’re stuck in a loop, as if time itself is repeating. No, this isn’t the setup for a horror movie or a psychological thriller. It’s the real-life experience of travelling on Highway 10 in Saudi Arabia—the world’s longest completely straight road, officially recognized by Guinness World Records.
This incredible 256-kilometre (159-mile) stretch of asphalt runs through the Rub’ al Khali—also known as the Empty Quarter—the largest sand desert on the planet. What sets this road apart is its complete lack of bends or noticeable gradients. From start to finish, the road stays perfectly level and unwaveringly straight, creating a surreal driving experience that feels more like gliding than navigating.
Highway 10 begins in Haradh, a city well known for its oil and gas fields, and extends all the way to Al Batha, near the border with the United Arab Emirates. Originally constructed as a private roadway for Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd, the road was engineered with remarkable precision. Today, it is open to the public, offering a unique journey across some of the most remote desert terrain in the world.
Until recently, Australia’s Eyre Highway held the record for the longest straight road, with a 146-kilometre stretch connecting Western and South Australia. Highway 10 has now overtaken that record by more than 100 kilometres, setting a new global benchmark.
Though the road’s straightness might tempt drivers to relax and rely on cruise control, it comes with its own set of challenges. According to dangerousroads.org, accidents are not uncommon—despite the absence of sharp turns—due to the monotonous scenery and long driving hours. Additionally, desert wildlife like camels occasionally stray onto the road, posing serious threats to unsuspecting drivers. Oddly enough, there have even been reports of kangaroo sightings in the region, though such occurrences remain rare.
The reasons for constructing such a long and perfectly straight road are still unclear, though many believe it was designed as a high-speed route for royal use. Regardless of its origins, Highway 10 is now a marvel of modern infrastructure and a must-see for those looking to experience one of the most unique roads on Earth.
For thrill-seekers, road trip lovers, or anyone curious about the limits of road engineering, Saudi Arabia’s Highway 10 offers a journey unlike any other—where the road ahead is literally as straight as the horizon.
