Oman (OM)
Oman is one of the most welcoming and stable expat destinations in the Middle East, offering a unique blend of ancient Arabian heritage, dramatic natural landscapes, and a rapidly modernising economy.
Getting Around
Transport options for living in Oman.
Public Transport Overview
Public transport in Oman is limited compared to other Gulf states and a car is effectively essential for daily life, especially outside central Muscat. The government-operated Mwasalat operates urban bus routes covering key areas of Muscat including Ruwi, Muttrah, Al Khuwair, Qurum, Madinat al-Sultan Qaboos, Seeb, and the airport. Buses run roughly every 20–40 minutes on main corridors and less frequently on peripheral routes. There is no metro system in Oman. Outside of Muscat, public bus coverage is very limited; intercity travel relies on ONTC coaches or private vehicles.
🎫 Transit Passes
All Mwasalat urban bus routes within the Muscat Metropolitan Area, including routes to Muscat International Airport.
Taxi & Rideshare
Taxis are widely available throughout Muscat and other major Omani towns. Orange-and-white metered taxis operate in Muscat; in practice many drivers prefer a fixed fare — agree on price before getting in. Typical city fares in Muscat: OMR 3–8. Airport taxis: OMR 8–15 depending on destination. For women travelling alone, using a rideshare app is generally considered safer than hailing a street taxi.
Rideshare (Long-distance)
Careem (owned by Uber) is widely used in Muscat and is the main rideshare app. OTaxi is the government-backed local alternative — cheaper fares but fewer drivers at off-peak hours. Note: Uber itself does not operate directly in Oman; use Careem or OTaxi instead. All apps allow cashless payment and show driver details in advance. Surge pricing applies during peak hours, Eid, and major events.
Cycling
Cycling as a daily mode of transport is impractical in most of Oman. Extreme heat from May to September (frequently exceeding 40°C) makes cycling dangerous. Muscat is predominantly car-centric with limited cycling infrastructure. Qurum Natural Park and Al Mouj marina area are more cycle-friendly. Mountain biking in the Hajar Mountains is popular during the cooler season (October–March). E-bikes are growing in popularity.
Intercity Trains
Oman currently has no passenger railway network. Intercity travel is best served by ONTC coach services or flying. The Muscat–Salalah route (1,000 km) is served by ONTC overnight coaches (~11–12 hours, from OMR 12–15) and by Oman Air flights (1.5 hours). Muscat to Sohar by coach takes ~2–3 hours. The GCC regional railway project remains long-term planning only.
Driving
Driving is the primary and most practical way to get around Oman. The road network is generally well-maintained. Traffic drives on the right. Speed limits: 120 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on dual carriageways, 60–80 km/h in urban areas. Speed cameras and radar traps are widespread — fines are substantial. Fuel is inexpensive: RON 91 costs approximately OMR 0.180 per litre. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) strictly enforces traffic laws including seatbelt use and mobile phone bans. Wadi roads can become impassable during flash floods — check weather alerts before driving into mountain areas.
Airports
Muscat International Airport (MCT) is Oman's principal international gateway, located approximately 40 km west of Muscat city centre in Seeb. Oman Air serves as hub carrier. International carriers include British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Emirates, flydubai, IndiGo and others. Airport taxis to central Muscat cost approximately OMR 8–15; Careem operates from the arrivals area. Mwasalat buses also serve the airport on designated routes. Salalah Airport (SLL) serves the Dhofar region. Duqm Airport (DQM) serves the Duqm Special Economic Zone.