There are road trips, and then there is this: a 240-kilometre stretch of perfectly straight highway cutting through one of the most remote regions on Earth. Located in eastern Saudi Arabia, this route holds a Guinness World Record for being the longest straight road in the world. It passes through the Rub' al Khali, also known as the "Empty Quarter", a vast, otherworldly desert that stretches across much of the Arabian Peninsula.
There are no bends, no turns - just uninterrupted tarmac running through miles of soft sand and wide-open sky. It might sound intense, but with some planning, the two-hour drive is more meditative than difficult. What you get is a surreal driving experience across one of Saudi Arabia's most dramatic landscapes - no diversions, just a road that refuses to turn.
A Royal Road Turned Bucket-List Adventure
Originally built for King Fahd, the fifth king of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Highway 10 wasn't always meant for public joyrides. It was a private road connecting strategic regions across the kingdom. Today, it's a favourite among truckers, thrill-seeking road trippers, and the occasional Instagram-loving wanderer chasing the perfect desert sunset shot.
Also Read: 8 Tips To Perfectly Plan A Road Trip And Make Each Mile Count
Understanding The Route Of Highway 10
The 1,480 kilometres long Highway 10 begins in Ad Darb on the Red Sea coast and runs to the Al-Batha Border Crossing with the UAE. But the real star of the show is the record-holding stretch between Haradh and Al-Batha - an uninterrupted 240-km line through stark desert nothingness.
A Google Maps screenshot of the long, straight stretch at Highway 10.
What's It Like To Drive On Highway 10?
Flanked by towering dunes and endless stretches of golden sand, this road feels like an infinite ribbon cutting through the desert. Driving here offers a surreal, almost meditative experience - one that can feel oddly calming or intensely monotonous, depending on your perspective. Though the road is fully paved and frequently used for transporting goods across the desert, it remains remarkably quiet. The long, uninterrupted stretch offers both serenity and isolation. It is easy to lose track of time, so be sure to stay alert. Engage with your travel companions, enjoy a snack, and take in the magnificent desert landscape as it unfolds around you.
Also Read: How To Beat Motion Sickness: 9 Proven Tips For Smoother, Nausea-Free Travel
How Safe Is Highway 10?
The Ministry of Transport and Logistics has significantly enhanced the safety of Highway 10. The road features asphalted shoulders with improved slopes, clearly painted road edges and medians, reflective markers ("cat's eyes"), protective barriers and kilometre markers, as well as directional, warning, and guidance signage.
It is important to follow all traffic rules and stick to the speed limit at 120 km/h, or you'll have to pay fines. Radar cameras don't take breaks, even in the desert.
Best Time To Hit The Road
November to February is your golden window. Temperatures are milder, visibility is better, and your AC won't be working overtime to fight off 50 degrees Celsius desert heat. Daytime drives are safest as the desert can drop to near-freezing levels at night.
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Road Trip Essentials For Highway 10:
1. How To Rent A Car In Saudi Arabia
For your journey, several car rental services are available, including Yelo and Keys, offering a range of well-maintained vehicles suited for the long desert drive. To rent a car in Saudi Arabia, foreign residents need to carry the following documents:
- A valid driver's license.
- An International Driving License or a valid Saudi driving license.
- A valid credit card for electronic payments, with sufficient funds to cover rental fees and refundable deposits.
- A valid insurance card.
- A valid passport.
- A valid residency permit (Iqama) or a visit visa.
2. Ensure The Car Is In Good Condition
Before hitting the road, check your car is completely road-trip-ready. Check air in tires, tire quality, engine oil, brake and fuel. Pack a spare tyre, jumper cables, and an emergency kit.
3. Fill Your Gas Tank Completely
Petrol stations are rare on this route, especially along the straight stretch. Fill up early and maybe even carry an extra fuel can, just in case.
4. Things To Pack
It is important to carry everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable road trip. Carry a first aid kit, plenty of water and snacks, phone chargers, a torch, a fully charged GPS device and comfortable clothes for long stretches of driving.
5. Be Prepared For Surprises
Be prepared for weather conditions like extreme heat, cold, or sandstorms. Keep an eye out for stray camels and kangaroos (occasionally) that suddenly appear on the road from the desert and pose unexpected risks.
Looking for a road trip that blends excitement with the ultimate test of endurance? Saudi Arabia's Highway 10 offers a drive unlike any other.
