While the public transport network is limited, the dual carriageway connecting Muscat to most major cities and towns makes transport and driving in Oman relatively easy. Most expats living in the country usually choose to buy a car or have one provided for them, along with a driver, by their company.
Public transport in Oman
While public transport in Oman is not extensive, the state-owned National Transport Company and MWASALAT have been working to develop more transport services in Sohar and Salalah. There is a relatively good bus system in Muscat and between towns and cities across the country.
Although plans have been put in place to develop a railway across Oman and a metro system in Muscat, there is currently no train network in the country.
Buses
Expats can enjoy an air-conditioned long-distance journey across expansive deserts by bus in Oman with private companies such as the Gulf Transport Company or public services such as MWASALAT. Daily departures allow travel between Muscat and several towns and cities, including Nizwa and Salalah, as well as services to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
MWASALAT city buses can be found in Muscat, these are red and serve major roadways in the city. Microbuses, locally known as baisa buses, are one of the cheaper alternatives. Baisa buses don’t clearly indicate their route, so it’s worth asking the driver, and learning a few words of Arabic can help with this.
Useful links
- See MWASALAT's website for more on public transport schedules and routes across Oman.
- For more on Oman's planned railway, visit Oman Rail.
Taxis in Oman
Taxis are one of the most common ways to get around in Oman for expats who do not have a car. Both public and private taxi services are available. All offer reasonable fares.
Expats can download the MWASALAT taxi app to readily order their rides. It may be possible to find a shared taxi with multiple passengers splitting a bill.
Useful links
Driving in Oman
Owning a car in the Sultanate is relatively cheap. It’s also possible to rent a car with a driver. Most expats in Oman own or rent a car and rarely use public transport.
While many roads are well maintained, driving outside main cities and off-road may require a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Traffic drives on the right. Expats driving in Oman should note that traffic laws are strictly enforced. There is a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol, on-the-spot fines apply for talking on a cell phone while driving, and speeding cameras are common.
That said, drivers in Oman are known for reckless and speedy driving. It’s important to always follow the rules of the road, be aware of safety hazards, and drive defensively.
Driving licences in Oman
Expats are likely to be able to use their foreign driver's licence for three months in Oman, though it is useful to get an International Driving Permit, which can be obtained in one’s home country. The International Driving Permit must be accompanied by the original driver's licence, and it will remain valid for one year.
After three months of being in Oman or a year of holding an International Driving Permit, expats must obtain a local driver's licence. Oman only has reciprocal licence agreements with the UAE.
New arrivals to Oman must apply for a local driver's licence at the Royal Oman Police Traffic Department and fill in an application form. They will need to submit proof of identity and residency, and they must take a written and practical driving test.
Renting a car in Oman
A car may be provided as part of an employment package and, if not, expats can always rent a car out of their own pocket – at a reasonable price. Both local and international car rental firms operate in Oman and offer insurance.
Useful links
Air travel in Oman
Oman’s main international airport is Muscat International Airport. New arrivals in Oman worried about how to get from the airport to their destination can easily take a taxi or a bus, or organise hotel pick-ups.
Oman Air, the national carrier, and SalamAir, a low-cost, domestic airline, offer flights between Muscat International and the country’s other main airports in Salalah, Sohar and Duqm. Other airlines that fly in and out of Oman include Gulf Air, Emirates, Etihad and British Airways.