How to Get Around in Muscat, Oman - Muscat travel guide!

 If you have recently relocated to Muscat or are visiting, you could be wondering how to get around. Taxis may be expensive, especially unmetered ones, so you may want to use the bus to save money. If you want to go on day excursions, you should hire a vehicle, so you may choose your own departure time and route. If you want to remain for a long time, you may want to get a vehicle to get about town. Luckily, we have put up a brief tutorial on each approach. 

anonymous, OM-Muscat 8, CC BY 3.0

Taxis

Taxis are easily found in Muscat, coloured white and orange, however not many are metered. If you don't bargain ahead of time, you will wind up paying more than an Omani would. There are no Uber or Careem in Muscat; however, you may download comparable applications. Mwasalat is a government-owned company that offers metered taxis. You will be paired with a driver, given an approximate arrival time, and provided a digital receipt. Although Otaxi is widespread in Muscat, it is not permitted in airports, malls, or large hotels. When finding accommodation, always make sure to book a palace close to the city centre, where most tourist attractions are located. For instance, you can check out hotels in Muscat, Oman, the likes of Avani Muscat Hotel for your utmost convenience. 

Buses

Muscat's bus network links all major bus terminals, the airport, and tourist destinations. In addition to paying the driver as you get in, you must pay for the distance driven. Based on your destination, journeys from the airport might cost up to 1 OMR. Buses connect Oman's main cities. For instance, a one-way journey from Muscat to Salalah costs 7.5 OMR, or around 12 OMR. A bus between Muscat and Dubai in the UAE costs 5.5 OMR for one way or 9 OMR round fare. 

Renting a vehicle 

In Muscat, you can rent a vehicle from a variety of businesses, including international brands like Hertz, Sixt, and Europcar. Although the minimum age to hire a vehicle is 21, many companies will not lease automobiles to drivers underneath the age of 25, and when they do, there will be a large excess if you are involved in an accident. You must carry your valid driver's license or a foreign driver's license with you. If you intend to visit the UAE, verify with your rental vehicle company beforehand since some only allow travel inside Oman. 

Purchasing a vehicle 

There are several new and used automobile dealerships in Muscat, so finding a vehicle will not be difficult. Before you may purchase a car, you must be a resident of Oman with a valid Omani driver's license, and you can have only 3 automobiles registered under your name. If you acquire a used automobile, ensure the car is registered in your name. You must make sure to do this with the Royal Oman Police.

Driving 

If you are coming from a western nation, the unpredictable driving you will encounter on the highway in Oman may surprise you. You ride on the right side of the road, and all of the normal rules apply: you should wear seatbelts, even if you are a passenger, and you can't really talk on your cell phones while driving. The speed limit in residential zones is 40 km/h, increasing to 90 km/h on country roads and 120 km/h on motorways. In Muscat, many motorists find Google Maps to be unreliable, so you may want to use Waze instead to navigate the city and surrounding region. Equipped with the right navigation tool, you are bound to not get lost!