Asia > 🇴🇲 Oman
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Oman can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Oman; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Oman?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Oman?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Oman
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Adamstown | ADAM | |
| Muscat | MCT |
🚗 Why Renting a Car in Oman Makes Perfect Sense
In short, yes — renting a car in Oman is one of the best ways to explore the country. The Sultanate’s beauty lies in its diversity and spread-out attractions. While Muscat is accessible by taxi or organised tours, most of Oman’s treasures — such as mountain villages, wadis, and desert dunes — are only reachable by road.
Top destinations best explored by car:
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🏜️ Wadi Shab and Wadi Tiwi – stunning canyons along the coast road between Muscat and Sur.
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🏖️ Ras al Jinz – home to turtle nesting beaches on the eastern tip.
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⛰️ Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams – high-altitude mountain drives with panoramic views.
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🏰 Nizwa – the cultural heart of Oman, famous for its fort and souq.
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🐪 Wahiba Sands – classic desert dunes ideal for 4×4 adventures.
Driving lets you stop at viewpoints, small towns, and oases along the way — something that’s almost impossible on public transport.
🛣️ Roads, Safety, and Driving Conditions
Oman has excellent road infrastructure, with smooth highways connecting major cities and good-quality roads even in remote areas. The modern motorways between Muscat, Nizwa, and Sur make long-distance driving comfortable and safe.
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🚗 Driving side: Right-hand side
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⛽ Fuel: Extremely cheap compared to Europe
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⚠️ Speed limits: Strictly enforced; speeding fines are high
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🏜️ Off-roading: 4×4 recommended for deserts or mountain areas
Omanis are generally courteous drivers, and the roads are far less chaotic than those in neighbouring countries.
🏙️ Getting Around Muscat Without a Car
Muscat stretches along a long coastal strip, but taxis and ride-hailing apps like Otaxi make getting around fairly easy. However, the city’s layout — built between rocky hills and coves — means walking between districts isn’t practical. Buses exist but aren’t well-integrated or tourist-friendly.
If your trip is limited to Muscat and organised day tours, you might manage without a car. But if you want to visit places like Nizwa, Sur, or the desert camps, driving is by far the best option.
🚄 Muscat Metro Project
Oman is developing a metro system in Muscat to modernise transport and reduce congestion in the capital. The proposed route will stretch around 50 kilometres with 36 stations, connecting Sultan Haitham City to Ruwi via key areas such as the airport and central business districts. The project is currently in the feasibility and planning stage, with detailed studies underway. Once completed, the metro is expected to transform public transport, providing a fast, efficient, and sustainable alternative to driving — particularly for commuters and airport transfers.
🚘 Renting a Car — Practical Tips
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Available at Muscat International Airport (MCT) and in city centres.
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Major brands like Europcar, Hertz, and Budget operate alongside local firms.
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Minimum age: 21 for most rentals.
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Licence: UK and EU licences accepted for short visits; international licence preferred.
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Insurance: Check off-road coverage if heading to mountain or desert areas.
Hiring a 4×4 is strongly recommended if you plan to visit Jebel Akhdar, Wahiba Sands, or remote wadis.
🏜️ Scenic Routes and Road Trips
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Muscat → Sur (coastal route): 200 km, around 3 hours — passes Wadi Shab and Tiwi.
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Muscat → Nizwa → Jebel Shams loop: Ideal two-day drive through forts and canyons.
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Muscat → Salalah (via the desert): A long 1,000 km drive, better flown unless you enjoy endurance road trips.
🧭 Summary — Should You Rent a Car in Oman?
Why you should:
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Outstanding roads and signage.
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Freedom to explore mountains, deserts, and coastlines.
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Fuel is cheap, and distances are manageable.
Why you might not:
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Staying solely in Muscat on short tours.
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Nervous about mountain or desert driving.
✅ Conclusion:
For most visitors, renting a car in Oman transforms your trip. It’s the only realistic way to reach the country’s most beautiful wadis, forts, and dunes — and the drives themselves are part of the adventure. Whether you’re chasing sunrise in the mountains or camping under desert stars, a car in Oman means total freedom on some of Arabia’s most spectacular roads.