Skyrises dot the city of Muscat while flyovers drawn complicated doodles. But how accessible are the remotest part of the country that boasts of being the third strongest currency in the world. Oman, mapped right out of an Arabian Nights’ set can be navigated through various means of transportation. Although not as diverse as South-east Asia, getting around Oman is becoming easier as it connects some of the remotest places to cities to ease travel for explorers and culture seekers.

Different Transport Services in Oman

Flights

Flights are the most convenient option when it comes to travelling longer destinations from Muscat like Salalah which is a 10-hr drive from Muscat. With over 10 airports across Oman, there are namely two international airports and in all seven operational ones.

The list of operational airports in Oman are

• Muscat International Airport
• Salalah International Airport
• Duqm Airport – Only Salam Air
• Khasab Airport – Only Oman Air (once a day)
• Ras al Hadd Airport – Only Salam Air
• Marmul Airport – Salam & Oman Air
• Suhar International Airport – Salam Air

 

Cabs

For the most part we boarded cabs that would cost between OMR (Omani Rial also known as RO as locals call it) 1 to 3. The only time it cost us around OMR 17.45 was our drive from Muscat to Wadi Shab. Cabs are available to book in almost all locations.

Apps to book cab services

1. Yango: Works like a wonder in Muscat city. The best part about this app is that it provides the best rate. Unfortunately, this app did not work in Nizwa.
2. OTaxi: Another cab service app that works across Oman. Compared to the prices offered on Yango, this is slightly costlier than what Yango offers for the same distance. The pros that come with this app is, unlike Yango, this works in remote locations like Nizwa.
3. TaxiF: Another app that helps to book cab service.
4. Taxi Tasleem: last but not the least is Taxi Tasleem.

P.S. – It is better to download all the apps to compare the prices on each to make the perfect budgeted choice.

 

Self-drive cars

A great and possible the best way to explore Oman is to rent a self-drive car. It’ll save a lot on the cab fares and the stress that comes with not being able to book one!

 

Buses

For a country where public transport isn’t as prevalent as in India, there are buses for intra-city and inter-city commute. Something I wanted to explore with my mum.

For both intracity and intercity travel there is Mwasalat bus service. Download the app and you can always check the nearest bus stop to avail the service. Intracity Mwasalat buses are red in colour while the inter-city ones are white.

The two main bus stations in Muscat are Ruwi Bus station and Azaiba Bus Station. Mwasalat buses can be boarded from the Parking Lot at Muscat International airport. Since our stay was at Ruwi, we alighted bus number A1 from platform 1. The bus fares are usually 300 Baisa

For intercity travel, you must head to Azaiba Bus Station. You can either book your ticket at any of Mwasalat centres or directly head to Azaiba Bus Station and purchase your ticket at the Mwasalat office there. For the ticket you must provide either your labour card or your passport and has to be paid with CARD ONLY – no cash is accepted here. Please note for intercity travel it is better to book the ticket in advance or there might not be availability.

P.S. – The first few rows of both intercity and intracity buses are reserved for ladies so you do not need to head to the back.

 

Hop-On Hop-Off Buses

A great way to explore the city is to get on the BIGBUS Muscat. With 8 stops, it covers all the attractions in Muscat including Mutrah Souq entrance, Opposite Al Falaj Hotel to explore the temples and churches, Al Jami Street of the Central Business District, Al Bustan for Parliament, Al Saidiaya Street for stunning views of the Marina, Next to National Museum from where you can also check Al Alam Palace, Musical Fountians to visit Mirani Fort & Harbour and the last stop is next to Dolphin Roundabout to head to the Al Corniche at Al Bahri Road.

You can book your 24-hr or 48-hr tickets here

 

Ferries

The Arabian coastal highlands would remain incomplete without boat rides and excursions. Not too frequent but still available to explore, there are two ferries between Muscat and Khasab, one ferry serving between Shinas and Khasab and another serving between Lima and Khasab. Apart from ferry service, you can opt for a Dhow Cruise – a traditional sailing vessel that was once employed to carry goods across the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.

Book ferries here

 

How to Travel From Muscat Airport By Bus

• The bus station at the airport is on a lower level which can be reached by an elevator.

• Bus routes go through two major bus stations – one at Ruwi and the other at Azaiba.

• Check for the bus timing.
• There is also an information centre where assistance could be requested.
• Once the bus arrives, hop on the bus and pay for the ticket in cash.

 

How to go to Nizwa from Muscat by bus and back

This is for those who plan on visiting Nizwa and cab fare isn’t within your budget.

• There are several buses from Muscat to Nizwa and the timings are 7 am, 8am, 9am, 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm and the last bus at 2:30 or 3:30 pm (you can call them at +968 24121500 and reconfirm).

• Although there are several buses from Muscat to Nizwa, there are only two from Nizwa to Muscat – one at 11:40 am and the other at 5:30 pm. It is worthy to note that the buses are sometimes late by 30 to 40 minutes.
• If you are staying at Ruwi, you can either avail a cab or go to Ruwi bus station and board the bus to Azaiba bus station.

• Book your ticket in advance or purchase after reaching (subjected to availability). Although the journey can be completed in 1.5 hours, but there are around 2-3 stops on the way from where travellers alight, along with a good 20-min break that takes the time to reach Nizwa close to three hours.

• The bus number from Muscat to Nizwa was 53. You will have several blogs mentioning Route 54 too.
• The route is Muscat- Ibri-Buraimi

• There are several drop-off locations in Nizwa. If you have booked your stay in or around Nizwa Souq then alight at Nizwa Souq – Walking Bridge 1
• Take the over bridge and cross to the other side. Follow the map and you will reach the road right across the Souq.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is there public transportation in Oman?

Yes, there is but only in the capital city of Muscat where there is an extensive bus network.

 

• What is the cheapest transportation in Oman?

The cheapest means of transport are public buses. The most popular ones are Mwasalat buses which connect all sections of the capital city.

Are taxis expensive in Oman?

Taxis/cabs in Oman are relatively more expensive than buses but Yango works on dynamic pricing so a trip that usually costs OMR 2.1 can end up for OMR 1.5.

 

• How to pay for public transport in Muscat?

Bus fares cost between 300-500 Baisa which needs to be paid in cash to the driver once you board the bus.

 

• What is the best way to travel in Oman?

Best way to travel in Oman is to rent self-drive cars.

 

• Is there an Uber in Oman?

No, Uber does not ply in Oman. Instead, you can download Yango, OTaxi, Taxi Tasleem or TaxiF. The fares can be paid either in cash or card.

 

Visit to any country without availing their public transport is incomplete, not because some are great budget options but because they take you through otherwise overlooked lanes laced with history and long-forgotten stories. Oman might not have as extensive a transport network as India, but it certainly connects the relevant spots within the country.

For those who are planning their first trip to Oman, you might want to check out the e-Visa process – applicable for both Indians and other nationalities. It is worthy to note that some nationalities are allowed VOA (Visa on Arrival). You can check the website for the list.