There are a lot of incredible roads around the world. Some offer coastal views, others pass through mountain ranges, and many are known for their stunning scenery. But a few are famous for something entirely different, being completely straight.
That’s often the case in places like the United States and Saudi Arabia. Both are huge countries with long, flat stretches of land and big open deserts that are perfect for building long-distance highways. Saudi Arabia, in particular, has several contenders. But the longest of them all, and believed to be the longest straight road on Earth, is Highway 85.
According to experts at Dangerous Roads, Highway 85 runs for 822km (510 miles) without a single major turn.
The road cuts through the centre of Saudi Arabia and stays straight for the entire stretch, with only a few very gentle curves along the way.
It reportedly takes over 8 hours and 45 minutes to drive from one end to the other.
The highway runs from Arar in the Northern Borders Province to Al Nairyah in the Eastern Province.
It passes through desert regions with barely any buildings, trees or traffic, just flat, dry landscape and endless tarmac.
There are few places to stop along the way, and drivers are advised to plan ahead. But for many, that’s part of the appeal.
Saudi Arabia actually claims the top two spots when it comes to the longest straight roads.
In second place is Highway 10, which stretches straight for 255km (158 miles) between Highway 75 and Highway 95.
Other straight roads around the world include Ruta Mayor Pablo Lagerenza-Mariscal José Félix Estigarribia in Paraguay (207km), ND-46 W in North Dakota, USA (194km), and B71 in Australia (two sections totalling 191km).
But when it comes to the world’s longest road, it’s 19,000 miles long and passes through 14 countries.