The airport is connected to the centre of Muscat by modern public transport buses, which take you to the centre for 500 bays. Regular taxis work well with prices around 8-10 rials, while mobile apps for taxis only work with an Omani phone number.

If you're planning to travel around Oman, car rental companies are also available.

Car rental

A car is by far the best means of travelling around Oman. Public transport is limited to the major cities, and there's no way to get to the mountains, desert and some resorts except by car.

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

Rental prices are relatively reasonable and start at around 220 usd per week.

Rental counters can be found right in the arrivals hall. In addition, the airport is on Oman's main highway, signage is very good and travelling by car in Oman is hassle-free even for foreign visitors.

For example, directional signs are overwhelmingly in English.

Taxi

The most convenient transport to the centre of Muscat is by taxi. Cars are available 24/7 at the airport and in the city. Driving is always by meter.

The price to the historic centre of Muscat is between 8 omr and 10 omr. To closer destinations in the modern part of Muscat, prices are around 2,50 omr to 3 omr.

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

There are local mobile apps - for example, Otaxi (Google Play / App Store) or Taxi Muscat. Although it is possible to enter an international phone number in the app, I did not receive a confirmation sms message even once, so I could not use the mobile app.

Taxis can usually only be paid for with cash.

You can find the taxi stand right outside the arrivals hall.

Public transport - buses

There are two Mwasalat public transport lines to the airport from Muscat city centre and the main bus station: mwasalat.om/city.

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

The signage to the bus stops in the arrivals hall is not very good. After exiting the transit area, take an immediate right and take the elevator or escalator down to the ground floor.

Fares

Fares on all lines in Muscat are always paid at the driver's station and in cash only. The price varies according to the distance travelled - always report your destination to the driver and pay between 0,3 omr and 0,5 omr.

You always pay for each ride. All-day fares do not work in Muscat yet.

Route A1

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

When travelling from the centre, be careful which line you board. Both the A1 and 1 routes terminate at Mabelah, however only the A1 stops at the airport.

The A1 bus runs every 30 minutes and you can only purchase a ticket for 1 omr with cash from the driver. When travelling from the centre, you can also pay at the Mwasalat office at Ruwi Bus Station.

• Ruwi journey time - 45 minutes
• Price - 0,5 omr
• Frequency - 30 minutes
• Operating Hours - 24/7
• Hotel tip 5 minutes walk from Ruwi station - Golden Tulip Headington ****

For a detailed timetable and route map with stops, visit mwasalat.om/city and select the first entry for the airport to city centre route or the second entry for the city centre to airport route in the 'Select Routes' box.

From Ruwi bus station to the historic centre (Al Alam Palace) use line 4 (frequency 30 minutes) for 0,4 omr.

Route 8

Line 8 takes passengers to the Al Khuwair district (where the A1 also stops), where you will find many international hotels. Tickets are also cash-only with the driver, but fares are cheaper at 400 baht (0,4 omr).

• Driving time Al Khuwair - 50 minutes
• Price - 0,5 omr
• Frequency - 30 minutes
• Last bus from the airport - 22:25
• First bus to the airport - 6:35am (7:00am on Fridays and Saturdays)