Transportation

While driving in Muscat, it is important to keep a few things in mind. First, drivers must carry an international driving license on them at all times. It is mandatory to wear seat belts, and the use of cell phones is strictly disallowed while driving. Enforcement is shaky with regards to these rules, as well as those regarding drunk driving, but we highly recommend that you avoid breaking them entirely because of the heavy fines associated with being ticketed. Speeding will earn you a smaller fine, although there are hidden radar guns throughout the city that will retroactively ticket speeding drivers. Be cautious while driving at night because livestock often wander across the streets and roads without warning. Additionally, take note that drivers here are often reckless. Speeding is common, lane changing swift, and braking done rarely. Take care to drive as safely as possible while you are here.

From Muscat or Seeb International Airport, tourists can take a maxi taxi or Baisa Bus into central Muscat. Alternatively, tourists may take an orange and white taxi to their hotel. This ride should cost between 5 and 8 Omani Riyal. The airport is fairly close to Seeb, but if you are staying in Muscat proper, expect a twenty minute ride at minimum.

Renting a car in Muscat is easy and advisable. The city is very large, so it is impossible to enjoy your stay and explore the city without access to a car. Since public transportation in the city is virtually non-existent, and since many taxis do not use meters (inflating prices for non-Arabic speakers and tourists), renting a car might be a good option. Doing this can be expensive depending on the type of car you want, but rates start at only 10 Omani Reals per day. The length of your trip and the nature of your plans will obviously impact whether this is a good decision for you, but we would recommend renting a car.

Taxis in Muscat can be differentiated by their distinctive orange and white color. Be sure to take a metered taxi in Muscat and to agree on a rate with the taxi driver before getting into the car. Rates are negotiable and taxi drivers often try to over charge passengers, especially tourists. You will not have difficulty finding a taxi, although we advise attempting to avoid rush hour (from 0730-0930 in the morning and from around 1500-1700 at night), as this will likely increase your taxi fare. We do not advise that you take taxis waiting outside of a hotel, because they tend to inflate rates.

The Baisa Buses or maxi taxis are inexpensive. These buses/taxis are punctual, they adhere to schedules and are air conditioned (a must in Muscat). A major advantage of this service is that the driver drops each passenger wherever he or she wants. However, the result is that rides often take longer than other modes of transport. Depending on where you want to go in the city, this could be a factor-Muscat is very spread out, so it does take time to navigate the city.