Oman: Travelling

Means of Transport Recommended in Town

Recommendation

Driving in Oman is easy and generally safe both in and between cities. Public transport options are limited and driving is the best and most common option throughout the country. 'Baiza' buses, run by the public Mwasalat Company, are the most popular public transport option and are relatively cheap (200 baizas or USD 0.50 for short hauls). Mwasalat also offers regular bus services to other major cities in Oman and within the region; however, ticket prices are rather expensive, especially given the low oil prices in the country. Taxis are prevalent in major cities. Taxis only became metered in January 2018 and it is advisable to ask or negotiate the price beforehand. Taxi prices can be rather expensive; however, share riding options are quite common and practical.

Maps of Urban Networks

Open Data on City and Intercity Routes (Mwasalat Public Transport Company)

Transportation From Airport to City Centre:

Airport	Distance	Taxi	Bus	Train	Car Rental
Muscat International Airport (MCT)	10-15 km	Minimum fare: OMD 5 (USD 13)/ 15-20 min Average fare: OMD 10 (USD 25) Lower fares apply for shared taxis Higher fares apply for weekday nights	Bus: OMD 0.5 (USD 1.3)/ 20-30 min	No train options	Available

Means of Transport Recommended in the Rest of the Country

Recommendation

Oman has an extensive road network; however, roads outside cities are more suited to 4x4 vehicles owing to the geography of the country. Seat belt is compulsory both for front and rear passengers. Speed limit is between 40 and 80 kph in urban areas, 90 kph in rural areas and 120 kph on motorways. Oman does not currently have any rail infrastuctures; however, new rail projects are under way.
Oman has five commercial airports, three of which are open to international flights. Muscat International Airport is the main international airport in the country.

Airlines

You Can Consult The EU Air Safety List. Look Also at the rating of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Travelling By Yourself

Recommendation

Driving in Oman is generally safe and usually the best option as public transport is rather limited and inter-city bus services are relatively expensive. However, as public transport options are limited and rail infrastructure is non-existent, traffic congestion is also quite common, especially in the capital city of Muscat. A saloon car is usually sufficient to travel throughout the country; nevertheless, a 4x4 is recommended to reach mountainous areas and Wahiba Sands.
Road signs are in Arabic and English.

Road Maps

A Collection of Maps of Oman

Find an Itinerary

Via Michelin Oman Road Map

Different Forms of Tourism

Historical

- Al Jalali and Al Mirani Fort: Ordered by the Portugese Empreror Philip I in the 1580s, the twin fort was built to protect the harbour after Muscat had been sacked twice by the Ottomans
- Muttrah: Centre of commerce prior to the discovery of oil. The district has an old public market (souq)
- Misfat al Abriyeen: Old mountainous village located 1,000 m above sea level
- Bahla: The city has been a stopping point for travelers for centures and has a fort that dates back to the 13th century
- Nizwa: Former capital of Oman (6th and 7th centuries)

Cultural

- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
- Royal Opera House
- Al Alam Palace (can only be visited from outside)
- Al Husn Palace (Sultan's Palace in the city of Salalah)
- National Museum of Oman

Nature

- Masirah Island
- Wadi Sahalnoot and Wadi Darbat (near the city of Salalah)
- Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain)
- Musandam Fjords
- Wahiba Sands
- Wadi Bani Khalid (in Al Sharqiyah Region)
- Jebel Shams (Sun Mountain)
- Ras al Jinz (nature reserve for green turtles)

Religious

- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
- Prophet Ayoub's (Job) Grave
- Prophet Hud's Tomb
- Sultan Saeed Bin Taimur Mosque

Thermal

No thermal tourism in the country.

Beach

- Khasab Beach (Musandam Governorate)
- Al Qurum Beach (Muscat)
- Al Mughsayl (Dhofar)
- Bandar Jisaah (near Muscat)
- Tiwi Beach
- Al Bustan Beach
- Duqm Beach
- Al Sawadi Beach

Winter Sports

Oman's climate is not suitable for winter sports.

Outdoor Activities

Daily excusions in Wahiba Sands and scuba diving are the most common outdoor activities.

Shopping

Khanjaar (Omani dagger) is a unique representation of the Omani culture and is featured on the country's flag. Frankincense (aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes), mandoos (Omani chest), pottery, palm baskets and crafts and silver jewelry are some of the most popular souvenir items from Oman.

Tourism Organisations

Oman Tourism Portal
Experience Oman Website

Health and Safety

Health Precautions

No compulsory vaccination; however, the following vaccines are recommended: Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Influenza.
Dengue fever is a threat to visitors and it is advised to bring mosquito repellent.
Healthcare facilities are modern and clean, and usually provide good service. Bottled water is available and recommended.
Medical insurance is essential.

For Further Information on Sanitary Conditions

FCO Travel Advice - Health

For Further Information on Safety Conditions

FCO Travel Advice - Safety and Security
Government of Canada - Oman Travel Advice

Time Difference and Climate

Time and Time Difference

It is %T:%M %A In Muscat (GMT+4)

Summer Time Period

None