The World’s Longest Straight Road: A 256 km Engineering Wonder in the Saudi Desert

🌍 The World’s Longest Straight Road: A 256 km Engineering Wonder in the Saudi Desert

When we think of highways, we imagine curves, bends, and scenic turns winding through landscapes. But did you know that somewhere on Earth, there’s a highway so straight it feels like driving through infinity?

Welcome to Highway 10 in Saudi Arabia, officially the world’s longest stretch of road without a single turn.

🛣️ A Road Like No Other

Located between the towns of Haradh and Al Batha, Highway 10 cuts through the Saudi desert in a perfectly straight line for an astonishing 256 kilometers (159 miles). No curves. No bends. Just a continuous ribbon of asphalt aiming directly at the horizon.

This incredible road holds a Guinness World Record for being the longest completely straight stretch of highway anywhere on Earth.

📍 Route Details

• Location: Eastern Saudi Arabia
• Route: Haradh → Al Batha
• Straight segment: ~256 km (159 miles)
• Terrain: Flat desert – the Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali)

🌍 What Makes It Special?

• Zero turns or curves over the entire segment
• No intersections, traffic lights, or significant elevation changes
• Ideal for autonomous vehicle testing and long-haul endurance runs

🛤️ How Does It Compare?

Other highways around the world also boast long straight segments, like:

• Eyre Highway (Australia): 146.6 km straight segment – known as the “90 Mile Straight”
• Highway 85 (Saudi Arabia): 822 km of mostly straight terrain but not fully turn-free

Still, Highway 10 reigns supreme as the only road with a confirmed 256 km of perfectly straight tarmac.

⚠️ Is It Easy to Drive?

While it may seem simple, the monotony can pose risks:

• Driver fatigue due to repetitive scenery
• Desert mirages and intense heat
• No services or diversions for long stretches

📢 Final Thoughts from RoadsAndRails.org

At RoadsAndRails.org, we love uncovering the world’s most fascinating infrastructure—be it Indian Railways’ mountain lines or Saudi Arabia’s infinite roads.

Highway 10 is more than just a long road—it’s a symbol of engineering excellence, designed to conquer the most unforgiving terrain.

Next time you drive a twisty mountain road, remember—someone out there is cruising 256 km without turning the wheel even once!