Dakar Rally Route 2025

The Dakar Rally 2025 promises an extraordinary adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Saudi Arabia. With a total Dakar distance of approximately 7'700 kilometers, including 5,100 kilometers of competitive stages, the rally is set to test the endurance and skill of every participant.

The journey begins in Bisha with a 29-kilometer prologue that sets the tone for the adventure ahead. The first full stage covers 412 kilometers, but the real test comes early with the 48-hour chrono stage spanning nearly 1,000 kilometers over two grueling days.

From there, competitors will traverse diverse terrains, from the striking rocky landscapes of Al Henakiyah to the historic beauty of AlUla, eventually arriving in Ha'il for a much-needed rest day on January 10th.

The second week of the rally takes participants deep into the majestic Empty Quarter, home to some of the world’s most challenging dunes. The eleventh stage, in particular, delves into the heart of this vast desert, demanding precision, stamina, and unparalleled navigation skills.

For the first time, motorcycles and cars will follow separate routes on five stages, accounting for 45% of the competitive distance. This innovative change enhances safety while putting every driver’s navigation ability to the ultimate test.

The rally concludes in Shubaytah, where competitors will celebrate the culmination of twelve intense stages that combine technical expertise, strategic planning, and physical endurance.

The Dakar Rally 2025 route is more than a race—it’s a journey through some of the planet’s most stunning and unforgiving landscapes, making this edition a true highlight of the motorsport calendar.

You can find more exciting information about the Dakar Rally here

Prologue Dakar 2025

Friday, january 3, 2025

from BISHA to BISHA, 29km Special on 79km Total

A short, high-speed 29 km prologue sets the stage for the Dakar 2025. It provides an opportunity for participants to secure advantageous starting positions for the first full stage.

Stage 1, Dakar 2025

Saturday, january 4, 2025

from BISHA to BISHA, 412km Special on 500km Total

This 412 km special stage introduces participants to diverse terrains, excluding dunes. Competitors must balance speed and navigation to perform well.

48h Chrono Stage Dakar 2025

From Sunday, january 5, 2025 to Monday, january 6, 2025
from BISHA to BISHA, 965 km Special on 500 km Total

A two-day, 965 km chrono stage requires participants to stop at designated rest areas and resume the following morning. Endurance and vehicle preservation are critical.

Stage 3 Dakar 2025

Tuesday, january 7, 2025

From BISHA to AL HENAKIYAH, 496km Special on 845 km Total

Covering 845 km with a 496 km timed special, this stage challenges participants with technical sections followed by faster tracks.

Stage 4 (Marathon Part 1) Dakar 2025

Wednesday, january 8, 2025

From AL HENAKIYAH to ALULA, 415 km Special on 588 km Total

The first marathon stage spans 588 km, with a 415 km special. Competitors are left without team assistance overnight, testing their mechanical and strategic skills.

Dakar 2025 (Marathon Part 2) Stage 5

Thursday, january 9, 2025

From ALULA to HAIL, 428 km on 491 km Total

Continuing the marathon, this 491 km stage features a 428 km special with a mix of sandy and rocky tracks, leading participants to Ha'il.

Dakar Rally 2025 Rest Day

Friday, january 10, 2025

Competitors take a break to recover and prepare for the demanding stages ahead.

Dakar 2025 Stage 6

Saturday, january 11, 2025

From HAIL to AL DUWADIMI, 606 km Special on 829 Total

An 829 km stage featuring a 606 km special, the longest timed section of the rally. It offers varied terrains requiring endurance and precise navigation.

Dakar 2025 Stage 7

Sunday, january 12, 2025

from AL DUWADIMI to AL DUWADIMI, 481 km on 745km Total

This 745 km loop stage, with a 481 km special, combines different landscapes and challenges adaptability.

Dakar 2025 Stage 8

Monday, january 13, 2025

from AL DUWADIMI to RIYADH, 487 km on 733 km Total

Covering 733 km, including a 487 km special, this stage takes participants to Riyadh, blending fast tracks and technical sections.

Dakar 2025 Stage 9

Tuesday, january 14, 2025

From RIYADH to HARADH, 357 km Special on 589 km Total

A 589 km stage with a 357 km special transitions toward the Empty Quarter, featuring dunes and challenging navigation.

Dakar 2025 Stage 10

Wednesday, january 15, 2025

From HARADH to SHUBAYTAH, 119 km Special on 628 km Total

This 638 km stage, including a 119 km special, takes participants deeper into the Empty Quarter with extensive dunes.

Dakar 2025 Stage 11

Thursday, january 16, 2025

From SHUBAYTAH to SHUBAYTAH, 280 km Special on 506 km Total

A 506 km loop stage with a 280 km special focuses entirely on dune fields, testing endurance and navigation.

Dakar 2025 Stage 12

Friday, january 17, 2025

From SHUBAYTAH to SHUBAYTAH, 134 km Special on 205 km Total

The final stage covers 205 km, with a 134 km special. A mass start through the dunes creates an exciting finish to the rally.