How to get around in Muscat Oman
The magical allure of the desert with its rose hued sand dunes beckon travellers to explore the country’s length and breadth. With little public transport options to go around, getting around Muscat calls for renting a car, taxis and even ferry rides.
Muscat Oman | img via flickr
How to rent a car in Oman?
Renting a car is the easiest way to get around in Muscat. You can either hire one with a driver or drive around yourself. You can rent either a 4WD to navigate even the most challenging roads or a sedan and book desert night camps with companies that offer to pick you up halfway. There are overnight car parks to keep your rental sedan safe for the night. A 4WD cost about 35 OR for a day. Ask your hotel to recommend a reliable car rental company. Hotels like the Wahiba Sands Hotels are likely to offer help in this regard.
How to travel around Muscat by car?
The country’s ever expanding and modern road network makes driving in Muscat fairly straightforward. Having said that, you can expect some erratic driving along the road. Strict to driving defensively and be on guard at all times. You might have to deal with a few drivers who suddenly decide to cut in front of you without warning. The speed limit is 120km/h if you’re driving on dual carriageway roads and 100 100 km/h on single carriageway routes. Whenever you deviate to less travelled roads, keep your eyes peeled for depressions along the way. If you’re ever in an accident, leave your vehicle where it occurred. They consider moving the vehicle as an admission of guilt.
How to get around in taxis in Muscat?
Unlike in other areas of the country, finding a taxi in Muscat is fairly easy. The taxis are painted orange and white but most are not metered. You’ll need to negotiate per km rate or an overall price before starting the journey. If you don’t agree to a rate beforehand, you might end up with a hefty bill at the end of the journey. Locals in Muscat pay 2 OR per trip within the city limits. But tourists are expected to apy more. Most taxi drivers in Muscat can manage a conversation in English. But, it might help you to have a language app in your phone and get someone to write down the directions in Arabic.
While Uber and Careem are not available in Muscat, you can download the Government run Mwasalat app. This app works in a similar way, and you get connected to a driver with a metered taxi. You can pay with cash or card. The other option is ‘OTaxi’, but these are not available near the airport, malls or leading hotels.
How to get around by bus in Muscat?
Muscat’s bus network connects the airport and a lot of key tourist attractions. Buses charge for the distance travelled. A single zone costs 200 baisa while two zones cost 300. Three zones will cost you 500 baisa. If you’re travelling from the airport, expect to pay a little more (1 OR). You make the payment to the driver at the end of the trip. Get on to the mwasalat.om to get information about bus schedules.
How to prepare to get around in Oman?
Muscat is a sunny city, hence it’s a good idea to wear a hat when you travel around, even if you’re driving. Wear sunscreen and carry a bottle of water in your bag. As a tourist you don’t necessarily have to cover your head. But, carry a scarf or shawl to layer up when the air conditioning hits the high volumes.
