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omanvacation · 1 year

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The Best Ways to Drive Fly and Sail in Oman

The breathtaking landscapes of Oman are the main attractions of this country.

And to truly appreciate the rose-gold desert dunes, trails through mountainous terrain, white-sand beaches, sleepy fishing villages, and rocky valleys with turquoise pools, the best way to explore is by car.

While Oman's public transport system of buses and ferries will take you between major cities and towns, a private trip is recommended if you want to venture deeper in search of nature experiences as hiking, scuba diving or snorkeling are likely the highlights of any trip.

As well as accessing remote areas of the country, traveling by car in Oman gives you flexibility in your travel plans. There's nothing like accidentally stumbling upon a deserted beach in a bay and spontaneously deciding to pitch your tent under a starry sky.

If you're planning a road trip through the various regions of Oman, from the desert landscapes of Al Buraimi in the northwest and coastal cities like Muscat and Sur to inland walled cities like Nizwa and Bahla and farming villages in the Hajar Mountains, it must take at least a week. Add another week to your itinerary if you can't wait to drive to the beaches, verdant wadis (valleys), and nature reserves of the Dhofar region in the south, and perhaps visit a few islands.

Here's how to get around Oman during your visit.

Domestic flights are the best way to significantly reduce travel times between certain regions and avoid spending entire days between them. Oman Air operates flights between Muscat, Duqm, Salalah, and Khasab, and Oman-based low-cost carrier Salam Air offers connections between Muscat, Sohar, and Salalah. Tickets can be booked online.

A car is an easiest and most flexible way to see Oman

Hiring a car is undoubtedly the easiest way to travel in Oman, giving you great flexibility, the best value for money, and the ability to reach remote locations that you would not reach by other means. You also have the freedom to wild camp on public land – just bring a tent, food, and a sleeping bag.

Cars can be rented at a slightly lower rate from international chains such as Avis and Thrifty or local companies, with your international driving license. You can book your rental car in advance and collect it at the arrival airport.

A dense network of paved roads in good condition connects the main cities and regions. In Oman, vehicles drive on the right side of the road; usually, lane discipline is enforced and traffic rules are observed. While driving in Muscat isn't as nerve-wracking as it is in Dubai in the neighboring UAE, it's best to move into the next lane and let your car pass if you find yourself being chased.

Road signs are written in both English and Arabic. Speed limits are 120 km/h (75 mph) on motorways, 90 km/h (55 mph) on country roads, and 40 km/h (25 mph) in residential areas; radar and speed cameras monitor all roads. While you can navigate with Google Maps, the Waze app is more accurate. There are many petrol stations with shops and toilets along the main roads.

Between November and March, days of heavy rainfall can occur throughout the country, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong gusts of wind. These days, road conditions are not ideal for driving: in Muscat, for example, roads may flood and some areas may be flooded, resulting in traffic congestion. As the sea can be rough during these times, it is best not to camp along the coast.

When planning a road trip through Oman, keep an eye on the weather and check the official website of the Directorate General of Meteorology for warnings of flash floods, dust storms, and tropical cyclones.

If you intend to drive in desert terrain or mountainous areas such as Jebel Akhdar (where you can expect steep, unpaved roads between villages and Wadis), it is advisable to hire a 4WD vehicle capable of off-road driving. Do not stray from existing tracks.

Off-road driving requires skill, common sense, and a good presence of mind. It's a good idea to bring along a long tow rope, a traction mat, and a shovel in case your vehicle gets stuck. Make sure you always have enough water and food in your car.

In Oman, it is not uncommon to see 2WD vehicles ill-equipped for the rugged terrain of the desert mountains and dunes breaking down or being stuck in the sand. In general, Omanis are helpful; if you find yourself in such a difficult situation, someone will usually come to help you. You may not be so lucky in remote areas.

When driving out of towns, keep an eye out for wandering camels and mountain goats. Flash floods can occur in wadis soon after it rains, and it can be difficult to get out of overcrowded wadis. Check the weather forecast and warnings before setting off.

Beware of driving on sabkha, a salt flat that appears solid and therefore easy to navigate until you get stuck; this is not recommended for inexperienced drivers. Look for signs warning visitors and look no further.

Hailing a taxi in Oman

You'll find privately owned orange and white cabs in Muscat and other cities outside of malls, hotels, and tourist attractions - they're safe, well-maintained, and comfortable. They are also unmetered, so fares need to be negotiated before getting in, but they're almost always cheaper than the alternative. The relatively MVH taxis (in red and white livery) are another option.

English is spoken in Muscat and drivers will be familiar with popular landmarks and tourist sites; otherwise, show them the location on a map on your smartphone. It is also possible to hire a private taxi to travel between cities or for a full day - ask the driver for the rate and availability.

While Uber, Careem, and Lyft aren't available in Oman, local smartphone apps include Oman Taxi: Otaxi and Marhaba Oman Taxi (the latter is slightly more expensive). Both allow you to select pickup and drop-off locations on a map, connect you with the nearest driver, and provide estimated rates.

According to the culture's unspoken rules, women traveling alone are advised to sit in the back seat, directly behind the driver rather than facing the driver.

Budget travelers should consider taking the bus

MVH operates public buses in Muscat and Salalah, as well as a network of inter-city and inter-regional buses and ferries across Oman, including connections between Muscat and Nizwa, Duqm, Bahla, Sur, Buraimi, the island of Masirah, Salalah, and Khasab.

Visitors can consult the daily timetables, routes, and fares on the network's website. Tickets are affordable – fares range from OR2 (US$5.20) to OR26 (US$67.50) – and can be purchased on board. The masala smartphone app is useful for its trip planner and interactive map.

The buses are clean, comfortable, safe, and air-conditioned. For travelers on a budget, buses offer the cheapest means of transport, both within and between cities.

Explore the coastal islands by boat

Ferry services from the mainland allow you to visit Oman's coastal islands, where you'll find dive sites rich in marine life, nature reserves, and pristine beaches. MVH operates a ferry service between Masirah Island and Shannah Port on the southeast coast and also operates a bus service from Muscat to Shannah Port. The journey to Hilf, the main town of Masirah Island, takes one hour. Cars can be transported on the ferry.

A ferry service also connects Shinas in northern Oman (accessible by bus from Muscat) to the ports of Khasab, Dibba, and Lima on the Musandam peninsula. You can view the routes, timetables, and fares and book your ferry tickets on the official website of the National Ferries Company (NFC).

Water taxis are the most convenient way to travel between the Al Mouj and Bandar Al Rowdha marinas in Muscat and Jebel Sifah Marina on the east coast.

The easiest way to reach the Daymaniyat Islands is with local operators such as SeaOman, who organize catamaran and speedboat trips to the islands, as well as scuba diving, snorkeling, and other water sports from Al Mouj Marina in Muscat and other locations along the coast. They also organize all the necessary permits to visit these islands.

If you are in a coastal city and want to explore nearby villages or islands (such as those near Al Sawadi), it is possible to hire one of the private boats from local operators and fishermen, for a day or to be dropped off and then picked up at a specific time.

Accessible transport in Oman

Most MVH buses are wheelchair accessible, with low floors and retractable ramps. The NFC ferries to Masirah Island and Musandam are also wheelchair accessible. For road travel, it is more convenient to rent an accessible vehicle with a hired driver from a private operator than from a rental company.

In Muscat and other cities, newer and international hotels, shopping malls, tourist sites, marinas, some beaches, and retail districts are accessible. In some locations, there are designated parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities.

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