Oman is an Arabian jewel combining ancient forts, pristine wadis, and dramatic desert landscapes. From the bustling souqs of Muscat to the frankincense trails of Salalah, this sultanate offers authentic Arabian experiences with world-class hospitality.
- Public
- Mwasalat bus network covers main Muscat areas but is slow and not comprehensive. Useful for city center trips but impractical for day trips or exploring interior Oman.
- Taxi
- OTaxi app provides reliable metered taxis in Muscat. Traditional orange-and-white taxis widely available. Negotiate fare or ensure meter is running before departure.
- Rental
- Rental car is strongly recommended for exploring Oman — wadis, forts, mountains, and desert require mobility not possible by public transport. 4WD essential for many destinations.
- Walking
- Old Muscat, Muttrah Corniche, and Al Mouj marina are pleasant to walk. Most of greater Muscat is too spread out and hot for walking — temperatures June-September make walking dangerous.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Taxi OMR 8-12 (20-35 minutes)
- Shuttle
- Bus Route A1 to Ruwi OMR 1 (45 minutes)
- Bus
- Bus Route 8 to Al Khuwair OMR 0.5 (30 minutes)
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Mwasalat bus network in Muscat with routes connecting major areas. Fare OMR 0.5-1 per trip. Routes run 6:00-21:00 approximately every 30 minutes. Not comprehensive coverage. Route maps available at bus stations and online.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Orange and white taxis common in cities. Metered taxis: OMR 0.3 base fare + OMR 0.13 per km. Airport taxis slightly higher. OTAXI app available. Always ensure meter is running or agree price beforehand. Tipping not expected but appreciated.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
ONTC (Oman National Transport Company) operates intercity buses. Muscat-Salalah OMR 12 (12 hours overnight), Muscat-Nizwa OMR 3 (2.5 hours), Muscat-Sur OMR 4 (3 hours). Buses air-conditioned, comfortable, and reliable. Book in advance for popular routes.
Flights
Oman Air operates domestic flights. Muscat-Salalah from OMR 30-60 one-way (1.5 hours), multiple daily flights. Muscat-Khasab available. Often good deals if booked in advance. Much faster than bus for long distances.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Muscat International Airport
From centre: 32 km
Options: Taxi OMR 8-12 (20-35 minutes); Bus Route A1 to Ruwi OMR 1 (45 minutes); Bus Route 8 to Al Khuwair OMR 0.5 (30 minutes); Private transfer pre-booked OMR 12-15; Rental car available from multiple companies
Salalah Airport
From centre: 6 km
Options: Taxi OMR 3-5 (10-15 minutes); Hotel shuttle often available; Rental car from airport companies
Sohar Airport
From centre: 15 km
Options: Taxi OMR 4-6 (15 minutes); Limited public transport
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
OTaxi
Oman's primary ride-hailing app with fixed prices shown upfront. More reliable and cheaper than street taxis. Works throughout Muscat.
Mwasalat
Official Muscat bus authority app showing routes, schedules, and real-time bus tracking for the city bus network.
Oman Air
National carrier's app for booking domestic flights Muscat-Salalah and international connections. Good deals when booked in advance.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Rent a 4WD for any mountain or desert itinerary — the Jebel Shams road, Wahiba Sands, and Wadi Bani Awf require it and regular cars cannot legally access these areas
Download the OTaxi app before arriving — it shows fixed prices upfront and is much easier than hailing traditional taxis
ONTC intercity buses to Nizwa (OMR 3) and Sur (OMR 4) are comfortable, air-conditioned, and a good budget option for simple destinations
Muscat to Salalah by bus takes 12 hours overnight — take Oman Air (from OMR 30 one-way) for the 1.5 hour flight if time is limited
Petrol is very cheap in Oman (around OMR 0.18/liter) — fill up before entering remote areas as stations can be 100km+ apart in the desert
GPS navigation works well in Oman (Google Maps and Waze both good) but download offline maps before heading to remote wadis