Getting around Muscat

Public transport

Transport around Muscat is provided by private minibus operators. A major hub for these minibuses is opposite the ONTC bus station in Ruwi. It can be hard to understand the routes however, and timing is erratic.

Taxis

Taxis are the most common way for people to travel around the city and fares are generally inexpensive. Hello Taxis (tel: +968 2460 7011) offers a reliable service. Taxis, which are generally white and orange, can be hailed from the side of the road.

Driving

Given the large distances involved in travelling around the city, driving is a convenient option. All road signs are in English as well as in Arabic, and brown signs indicate major tourist attractions.

If driving beyond Muscat, especially to off-road destinations in the mountainous or desert interior of Oman, a 4-wheel drive is necessary. All car hire outlets cater for this.

Car hire

Car hire is available from Avis (tel: +968 2451 0342; www.avis.com); Budget (tel: +968 2451 0816; www.budget.com) and Hertz (tel: +968 2462 6200; www.nttoman.com). A reliable local firm is Mark Tours (tel: +968 2478 2727; www.marktoursoman.com).

Bicycle hire

Oman Bicycle Shop, on the corner of the Muscat Expressway and Bawsharstreet (tel: +968 9966 4710; www.omanbicycle.com), hires out road, trekking and mountain bikes.