The airport is connected to the centre of Muscat by modern public transport buses, which will take you to the centre for 500 baisa. Traditional taxis work well, with fares of around 8–10 rials; however, taxi apps only work if you have an Omani phone number.

If you’re planning to travel around Oman, car hire services are also available.

Car hire

A car is by far the best way to get around Oman. Public transport is limited to the major cities, and the mountains, the desert and some holiday resorts can only be reached by car.

There are many international and local car hire companies operating at Muscat Airport.

Car hire prices are relatively reasonable, starting at around 220 usd per week.

You’ll find the car hire counters right in the arrivals hall. What’s more, the airport is situated next to Oman’s main motorway; signposting is very good and travelling by car in Oman is hassle-free, even for foreign visitors.

For example, directional signs are, in the vast majority of cases, also provided in English.

Taxis

The most convenient way to get to the centre of Muscat is by taxi. Taxis are available 24/7 at the airport and in the city. Fares are always charged according to the meter.

The fare to the historic centre of Muscat ranges from8 omr to 10 omr. For closer destinations in the modern part of Muscat, fares are around 2,50 omr to 3 omr.

The 10 best hotels in Muscat

Uber, Bolt, Careem and other international apps do not operate here.

Local mobile apps are available here – for example, Otaxi (Google Play / App Store) orTaxi Muscat. Although you can enter an international phone number in the app, I never received a confirmation text message, so I was unable to use the mobile app.

Taxis can usually only be paid for in cash.

You’ll find the taxi rank right outside the arrivals hall.

Public transport – buses

You can reach the airport from both the centre of Muscat and the main bus station via two public transport routes operated by Mwasalat:mwasalat.om/city.

The bus stop is located in the basement, approximately 200 metres from the arrivals hall.

Signposting to the bus stops in the arrivals hall is not very clear. After exiting the transit area, turn immediately right and take the lift or escalators down to the ground floor.

Fare

From 2026, tickets on all bus routes in Muscat can only be paid for using a contactless card. The fare varies depending on the distance travelled – you must always tell the driver your destination and pay between 1 omr and 1,5 omr.

You must pay for each journey. An all-day ticket is not currently available in Muscat.

Route A1

Route A1 connects the airport with the city centre and Ruwi bus station. The airport is not the terminus for route A1, so buses also run from there to the outskirts of Muscat, to Mabelah bus station in Seeb, which is not a particularly attractive destination for tourists.

When travelling from the city centre, make sure you check which route you are boarding. Both routes A1 and 1 terminate at Mabelah, but only route A1 stops at the airport. Route 1 does not stop at the airport.

The A1 bus runs every 30 minutes and tickets costing 1,5 omr can only be purchased in cash from the driver. When travelling from the city centre, you can also pay at the Mwasalat office at Ruwi bus station.

• Journey time: Ruwi– 45 minutes
• Fare – 1,5 omr
• Frequency – every 30 minutes
• Operating hours – 24/7
• Hotel recommendation: a 5-minute walk from Ruwi station – Golden Tulip Headington ****

For a detailed timetable and a route map showing stops, visitmwasalat.om/cityand, in the ‘Select Routes’ box, select the first option for the journey from the airport to the city centre, or the second option for the journey from the city centre to the airport.

From Ruwi bus station to the historic centre (Al Alam Palace), take route 4 (every 30 minutes) for 0,5 omr.

Route 8

Route 8 takes passengers to the Al Khuwair district (where the A1 also stops), where you’ll find many international hotels. Tickets must also be paid for in cash to the driver, but the fare is cheaper at 500 baisa (0,5 omr).

• Journey time: Al Khuwair– 50 minutes
• Price – 0,5 omr
• Frequency – every 30 minutes
• Last bus from the airport – 22:25
• First bus to the airport – 06:35 (07:00 on Fridays and Saturdays)