Muscat City Guide - Getting Around

Muscat is sprinkled along a narrow strip of land between the mountains and the sea and comprises a number of car-oriented suburbs linked by a dual carriageway. As such, it's difficult to get around the city, including the beaches, most of the hotels and the museums, without transport. The only exceptions to this are the old quarters of Mutrah and Muscat. These relatively compact areas can be enjoyed on foot.

Transport around Muscat is provided by private minibus operators. A major hub for these minibuses is opposite the ONTC bus station in Ruwi.

Taxis are the most common way for people to travel around the city and fares are generally inexpensive. Hello Taxis (tel: 24 607 011) and Comfort Line (tel: 24 702 191) are two reliable firms.

Given the large distances involved in travelling around the city, car hire is a convenient option. All road signs are in English as well as in Arabic and brown signs indicate major tourist attractions. There are plenty of modern petrol stations with well-stocked shops and toilet facilities across the city. All petrol is unleaded and there's a fine for having a dirty car! 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 is available from Avis (tel: 24 400 888; website: www.avisoman.com); Budget (tel: 24 510 816; website: www.budget.com) and Hertz (tel: 24 566 208; website: www.nttoman.com). A reliable local firm is Mark Tours (tel: 24 562 444; website: www.marktoursoman.com).

Riding a bicycle in Muscat is not recommended and there is nowhere to hire a bike.