Arrival & Getting into Town

Most international flights connect through Doha or Dubai, although some arrive directly at Muscat International Airport (MCT). The airport is about 35 km from the city center, a 40-minute drive. Official taxi desks are available at the arrivals exit, with rides to downtown costing around 15–20 OMR. You can also arrange a hotel pickup. Car rental counters from various companies are located inside the terminal, and the easiest option is to pick up your vehicle as soon as you land.

Self-Drive: The Heart of Travel in Oman

• Most car rental companies accept a foreign driver’s license with a translation or an International Driving Permit. Be sure to confirm insurance terms when picking up the car.
• Drive on the right. Yield to traffic from the left at roundabouts. Speed limits are typically 80–120 km/h, and speed cameras are strict—speeding fines are high.
• Fuel is cheaper than bottled water. Gas stations are spaced far apart, so fill up whenever you can, especially on inland and desert routes.
• Four-wheel drive is mandatory for certain sections of the Wahiba Sands desert and parts of the Green Mountain area. You may need to lower tire pressure for sand driving—rental agencies will confirm four-wheel-drive requirements.
• Road surface temperatures soar at midday in summer. For long drives, carry twice as much drinking water as you think you’ll need.

Intercity Transport

The national bus company Mwasalat operates modern, affordable buses connecting Muscat with cities such as Nizwa, Sur, Salalah, and even Dubai. Fares are low (around 3 OMR from Muscat to Nizwa), but schedules are limited and stops are fixed, making it more suitable for backpackers. For families or group travel, hiring a private driver (around 50–80 OMR per day) offers greater flexibility.

Local Transport

Muscat has no metro or rail system. Local travel relies on Mwasalat buses (1–2 OMR) and taxis. Taxis do not have meters, so agree on a fare before getting in. Ride-hailing apps OTAXI and Careem are available in Muscat, offering transparent pricing—recommended for convenience. Major attractions in the city are spread across a 10–20 km range, so visiting two districts in a day is a good plan.

Practical Tips

• Traffic lights and surveillance cameras are common—always yield to pedestrians.
• Friday mornings are prayer times, resulting in lighter traffic but many businesses closed.
• Before returning your rental car, make sure the fuel tank is full. There are plenty of gas stations near the airport.