![SDVH [Self Drive Vehicle Hire]](https://sdvh.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SDVH_logo_concept_4-02.svg){kind=logo}
Ever dreamed of a road trip where you could drive for hours without making a single turn? Whether it’s the satisfaction of getting a perfectly straight photo shot or blazing through never-ending horizons, you can’t deny that this seems like an experience to look forward to. Then buckle up and get ready for this ride as we introduce you to the longest straight road in the world. We’ve put together a list of the longest roads with minimal turns and bends for anyone who’s planning a road trip or simply interested in knowing.
Table Of Contents
Top 5 Longest Straight Roads In The World
Why settle for just one when we can provide you with a list of the top five longest straight roads across different continents?
1. Highway 85, Saudi Arabia – 822 km (510 mi)
Running through the heart of Saudi Arabia for 822 km (510 mi), Highway 85 is the longest straight road in the world. The highway runs from Arar, the capital of Northern Borders Province, to Al Nairyah, a governorate in Eastern Province. The highway was originally built as a private road for King Fahd, the then-prime minister of Saudi Arabia, but now serves as a major transportation route.
A drive through this dead straight road should take about nine hours without interruption, but you’ll surely be tempted to stop and admire the sheer scale of the engineering. Due to the desert landscape and climate, be prepared for hot temperatures, strong winds and potential sandstorms when exploring this highway.
If you’re looking for even longer roads, check out the longest roads in the world.
2. Highway 10, Saudi Arabia – 255 km (158 mi)
Second on the list of the world’s longest straight roads is another route in Saudi Arabia. Highway 10 is 255 km (158 mi) long, leading from the Haradh area to Al Batha near the UAE’s border with no bends left or right. It initially held the Guinness World Record for the longest straight road before being dethroned by Highway 85.
Highway 10 is fully paved and heavily used for transporting goods across the desert from certain regions of Saudi Arabia to the UAE. The super-straight stretch of road has an estimated drive time of around three hours.
For anyone looking to experience the thrill of driving at great heights, you’ll want to see our blog post about the UK’s highest roads.
3. Lagerenza-Estigarribia Road, Paraguay – 207 km (128 mi)
The next road on our list is far off on another continent. The Lagerenza-Estigarribia is a 207 km (128 mi) stretch of road in Paraguay that slices through the Chaco region and connects Mayor Pablo Lagerenza in the south to the northern area of Mariscal José Félix Estigarribia.
Lagerenza-Estigarribia serves as a vital transportation link in the Chaco region, facilitating the movement of everything from people and goods to livestock. Keep in mind that this road has limited resources, so plan your journey well and stock up on vital supplies.
4. North Dakota Highway 46, USA – 194 km (121 mi)
Now to the fourth-longest straight road and the longest in the USA, North Dakota Highway 46 (ND-46). As you’d have guessed, this road is located in North Dakota, running for 194 km (121 mi). The ND-46 cuts through the southeastern part of the state, connecting Oxbow in Cass County to Streeter in Stutsman County with only a few slight kinks.
The North Dakota Highway 46 is one of the oldest roads on our list, having been around since 1939. It offers a scenic drive through the flat, agricultural landscape of the Red River Valley, making it perfect for road trips.
5. Mexico 1 (Carretera Federal), Mexico – 169 km (105 mi)
Wrapping up our list of the world’s longest straight roads, we head over to Mexico, where the Carretera Transpeninsular, also known as Mexico 1, is located. The highway, which runs the length of Baja California Sur, includes a 169 km (105 miles) stretch without any turns or bends. The straight part connects the towns of El Médano and Las Barrancas.
You’re also likely to be impressed with the stunning coastal scenery of this route, making it perfect for a road trip. Although paved, this road has no protections or guardrails, so you still have to be careful on the road trip route.
If you don’t mind bends and curves, you’ll enjoy peeking at our list of the longest roads in the UK.
Honourable Mentions
We have our top five roads, so now it’s time for some honourable mentions. These straight roads are worth knowing for different reasons, even though they didn’t make the initial list.
Section Of Appian Way, Longest Straight Stretch Of Road In Europe – 62 km (39 mi)
The Appian Way is not fully straight but is mostly notable for containing the longest stretch of straight road in Europe. The entire length of the Appian Way covers 692 km (430 mi), but the straight section runs 62 km (39 mi) from Rome to Terracina on the Tyrrhenian Sea, from where it turns inland to the southeast to reach Capua.
A15, Longest Straight Road In Britain - 29 km (18 mi)
You’re probably also curious about the longest straight road in Britain. The A15 holds that title—well, just a section of the road. The A15 stretches for 157 km (98 mi) and the straight section in question lies between Scampton and the M180 motorway, running for 29 km (18 mi).
See here for a comprehensive guide to the longest A roads in the UK.
Interstate 80, Longest Flat Straight Road In The World (4.7 km (2.9 mi)
A straight road is one thing, but how about a flat and straight road? These are much harder to find and that’s why Interstate 80 holds this title even though it’s just 4.7 km (2.9 mi) long. Interstate 80 crosses the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah with no appreciable gradient up or down. Aside from being just flat and straight, a drive across this road will reward you with fantastic views of the 87-foot sculpture, Metaphor: The Tree of Utah.
SDVH offers 4×4 car hire perfect for road trips to unfriendly terrain. Also, check out our passenger van rental options if you’re planning group travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s The World’s Longest Straight Road?
The world’s longest straight road is Highway 85 in Saudi Arabia, reaching an impressive 822 km (510 mi). The Highway, which was built originally for King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, cuts through the Empty Quarter desert, offering a fine view and a unique driving experience. It was formerly a private road but now serves as a major transportation route.
What’s The Longest Straight Road In The UK?
The longest straight road in the UK is the A15 in England. Although this road is not fully straight, it has a straight section between Scampton and the M180 motorway, which runs for 29 km (18 mi). At full length, the A15 covers 157 lm (98 miles), running north from Peterborough to Hessle near Kingston upon Hull.
How Long Is The Eyre Highway?
The Eyre Highway is 1,664 km (1,034 mi) long, linking Western Australia and South Australia through the Nullarbor Plain. This road is popular among tourists, providing scenic views of the countryside. The Eyre Highway also has a 146 km (91 mi) straight section, which is one of the longest stretches of road in the world.
What’s The Longest Straight Road In Europe?
The longest straight road in Europe is the Corso Francia in Turin, Italy, stretching for an impressive 11.8 km (7.3 mi). The Corso Francia is actually a street running through the heart of Turin. It connects the city centre to the western suburbs, featuring grand architecture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
What’s The Best Road Trip In The World?
The best road trip in the world is the Great Ocean Road in Australia. This 150-mile coast is popular among tourists due to its iconic 12 Apostles rock formations, scenic cliffs and beaches. If you’re in the UK, the North Coast 500 in Scotland is another great road trip for you, offering views of everything from white sandy beaches and mountains to fishing villages. It promises to be a good experience, especially with great road trip songs to go.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—the longest straight road in the world. From North and South America to Asia and Europe, these roads are spread across the world, which is nature’s way of ensuring you don’t miss out on a unique road trip experience. Just be sure to take proper precautions and learn about these routes before touring any one of them.
