Imagine driving for more than two hours without turning the steering wheel even a single degree. No curves, no noticeable slopes, no changes on the horizon. That is the reality of Highway 10 in Saudi Arabia, which holds the Guinness record as the longest straight highway on the planet with a completely linear stretch of 240 kilometers.
A highway born for a king. Highway 10 stretches 1,480 kilometers from Ad Darb to the border with the United Arab Emirates, but it is its segment between Haradh and Al Batha that has received all the attention. The road was originally built as a private road for King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, although today it has become a fundamental artery for the transport of goods between the center and west of the country with the Emirates.
The Empty Quarter desert as a setting. The road crosses the Rub’ al Khali, known as the Empty Quarter, the largest sand desert in the world. The area itself explains why it is possible to build such a straight line: there are no mountains to surround, valleys to cross or geographical features to avoid. Just sand and more sand as far as the eye can see. The infrastructure is completely paved and has mainly two lanes in each direction, supporting intense truck traffic that crosses the desert.
Speed limits adjusted for heavy traffic. The maximum speed allowed on this highway varies depending on the type of vehicle: passenger cars can travel up to 120 km/h on fast sections, buses 100 km/h and trucks 80 km/h. Although upper limits of up to 140 km/h for light vehicles on certain stretches were announced in 2018, the constant presence of heavy transport makes maintaining these speeds complicated in practice.
A mental challenge more than a physical one. Believe it or not, driving on the straightest road in the world is not as easy as it seems, especially due to fatigue. The monotony of the desert landscape and the total absence of visual stimuli can cause drowsiness and even a dangerous disconnection while driving. Added to this is the occasional threat of wandering camels crossing the road. So, although the route is ‘easy’ to handle, mentally it can become a nightmare. Not for nothing is it on the Dangerous Roads website.
Reinforced security measures. Aware of the risks involved in driving on such a monotonous road, the Saudi Ministry of Transport and Logistics has implemented various safety improvements, including paved shoulders, reflective pavement markings (known as “cat’s eyes”), protective barriers, kilometer signs, and directional and warning signs. Here the driver’s attention must be vital, especially on a road with so few changes.
Other legendary straights. Before Highway 10 took the title, Australia’s Eyre Highway held the record with a 146-kilometre straight stretch through the Nullarbor Desert. Although almost 100 kilometers shorter, this Australian road remains one of the most unique driving experiences on the continent. Roads such as ND-46 in North Dakota, United States, or some sections of Argentina’s Route 40 also stand out, which, although they do not compete in length of absolute straightness, offer endless kilometers of visual monotony.
Cover image | City Vibes
In WorldOfSoftware | Yes, the V16 beacons transmit your position in the event of an accident. No, the DGT cannot “spy” on you with them
