Tabuk is a city in northwest Saudi Arabia, historically a waypoint on pilgrimage and trade routes and increasingly known today as the nearest major city to the NEOM development and the Red Sea coast, and a rental car is the practical way to reach both the city center and the wider region's coastal and desert landscapes. Most visitors arrive by air at the regional airport serving the city, with rental counters from international and local operators, and pickup is generally straightforward given the area's steadily growing but still modest passenger traffic.
From central Tabuk, the drive toward the Red Sea coast and the resort and development areas associated with NEOM stretches roughly two to three hours northwest, crossing open desert terrain on modern, well-signed highway before reaching the coastline. Heading closer to the city, the historic Tabuk Castle and old town quarter are only minutes from the center, while the surrounding countryside includes dramatic rock formations and desert scenery increasingly popular with visitors exploring this once-quiet corner of the kingdom.
Driving is on the right throughout Saudi Arabia, and the highways connecting Tabuk to the coast are modern and well maintained, built to support the region's rapid development, though stretches can be long and visually monotonous across open desert, so regular breaks and full fuel tanks matter more than road quality itself. Summer heat is severe, often exceeding forty degrees Celsius, making air conditioning, hydration and avoiding midday desert drives sensible precautions. Fuel stations are well spaced along the main highways given the scale of regional development underway, though it is still wise to top up before longer coastal or desert legs where distances between stations can be considerable. A standard sedan handles the paved highway network comfortably, while those planning to explore beyond the main roads into the surrounding desert may prefer a vehicle with additional ground clearance for this evolving northwestern region.