Transport in Oman – how to get around, how much it costs, and what will the GCC train change?

When planning a move or purchasing property in Oman, one of the key questions is: what is daily transportation like in the country? Is a car necessary? How much does public transport cost? And will the planned GCC railway realistically change mobility in the region?

Oman is a country with a well-developed road infrastructure, but it is still largely car-dependent. At the same time, new projects are emerging – including a strategic railway connecting Oman with the UAE – which may also affect the real estate market in the coming years.

Is a Car Necessary in Oman?

The short answer is: in most cases, yes – a car offers the greatest freedom.

Why is Oman a "Car Country"?

• Cities, especially Muscat, are spread out along the coast.
• Many residential areas are located several to a dozen kilometers from shopping centers or schools.
• High temperatures for most of the year make an air-conditioned car simply more comfortable.

For those living in central districts of Muscat, close to main arteries and bus stops, it is possible to function without a car. However, outside the main urban areas, a car significantly increases the quality of life.

From a property purchase perspective, this means that locations near major roads and transport hubs are truly important.

Public Transport in Oman – Mwasalat Buses

Public bus transport is operated by the state-owned company Mwasalat.

How Does Public Transport Work in Muscat?

• Buses run on the main routes of the city.
• There is an airport line (A1) connecting Muscat International Airport with the city center.
• An app and ticketing system are available.

This is an economical solution, but you have to account for limited service frequency compared to large European cities.

How Much Do Buses Cost in Oman?

Prices are very affordable:

• city travel: around 0.3–0.5 OMR,
• travel from the airport to the city: usually 0.5–1 OMR,
• intercity connections (e.g., Muscat–Salalah): around 8 OMR.

The buses are clean, air-conditioned, and relatively comfortable, but in practice, they are mainly used by people living along the main routes.

Taxis and Apps – a Convenient Alternative

Oman has both traditional taxis and ride-hailing apps (e.g., OTAXI).

How Does It Work?

• You can book a ride through the app.
• In many cases, you know the price in advance (estimated in the app).
• Payment by cash or card – depending on the operator.

Airport taxis are convenient but more expensive than buses. This option is recommended especially for short distances or if you don't have a car.

The cost of a ride depends on the route and time – so it's best to check the current fare in the app.

Renting and Driving a Car in Oman

Driver's License – What You Should Know

• For short stays, you can usually use your foreign driver's license (often up to 3 months, depending on visa status).
• For longer stays, an Omani driver's license is required.
• Rental companies may require an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Fuel and Rental Costs

Oman is known for its relatively low fuel prices compared to Europe, which significantly reduces the cost of daily car use.

Renting a car is a popular option among tourists and those who are considering buying property and want to explore the area freely.

For property owners, this means greater flexibility – especially if they plan to use a holiday home or apartment seasonally.

Intercity and International Connections

Mwasalat also operates connections between major Omani cities. The popular Muscat–Salalah route is a budget option, although the travel time can be up to a dozen hours.

There are also international bus connections, e.g., between Muscat and Sharjah in the UAE, which is important for people working between countries.

What Will the GCC Railway and the Hafeet Rail Project Change?

The biggest change in the coming years may be the development of the GCC regional railway.

What is Hafeet Rail?

This is a railway project connecting Oman with the UAE's railway network. The planned route will connect:

• Sohar (Oman)
• Al Ain and Abu Dhabi (UAE)

The intended speed for passenger trains is up to 200 km/h, and the travel time from Sohar to Abu Dhabi is expected to be around 100 minutes.

Although the exact launch date for passenger services has not yet been officially confirmed, the project is underway.

How Will the Railway Affect the Real Estate Market?

New transport infrastructure almost always affects the investment attractiveness of regions.

In Oman, we can expect:

• an increase in the importance of northern Oman (e.g., Sohar),
• greater mobility between Oman and the UAE,
• a potential increase in property values near planned transport hubs,
• increased interest from cross-border investors.

For people working in the UAE but looking for a calmer and more affordable place to live, the railway could become a real alternative to daily car commutes.

Transport and Choosing a Property Location in Oman

When buying property in Oman, it's worth paying attention to:

• access to main roads and highways,
• distance from the airport,
• proximity to shopping centers, schools, and beaches,
• planned infrastructure investments.

Properties located along developing transport corridors often increase in value faster than those in locations with limited accessibility.

Summary – What's the Best Way to Get Around Oman?

• Car – greatest freedom and comfort.
• Bus – cheapest option in the city.
• Taxis and apps – convenient solution for short distances.
• GCC Railway – the future of mobility in the region.

Oman offers good road infrastructure and growing transport options, and planned railway investments may further increase the attractiveness of selected locations in the coming years.

Looking for Property in a Well-Connected Location?

We help our clients choose properties in Oman, considering:

• access to transport infrastructure,
• planned railway and road investments,
• potential for value growth,
• everyday comfort.

If you are considering buying an apartment or house in Oman – contact us. We will help you choose a location that is convenient today and promising for the future.