United Arab Emirates (United Arab Emirates)

Languages: Arabic

Currencies: AED · United Arab Emirates dirham (د.إ)

Capitol: Abu Dhabi

Continents: Asia

Borders: Oman, Saudi Arabia

More useful information

Area: 83,600km2

Population: 9,890,400

Traffic/driving side: right

Landlocked country: No

Independent country: Yes

United Nations member: Yes

IDD Prefix: +971

Timezones: UTC+04

Traveling to United Arab Emirates? Get everything you need with the best deals:

Last updated on January 5, 2024

Traveling from Dubai to Muscat by bus.

Getting from Dubai (UAE) to Muscat (Oman) by land border is very easy and convenient. It’s my way of traveling to use unpopular ways and connections to get from one place to another – for the majority of my travels, local transport in Asia, Middle East or even South America, was always an amazing experience. Me and my firned Lia were also looking for some adventurous traveling and came up with this itinerary – traveling from Dubai to Muscat by bus. Neither of us was crossing before a land border in Middle East.

How to get from Dubai/UAE to Muscat/Oman by bus.

Getting from Dubai (UAE) to Muscat (Oman).

There are many ways to travel from UAE to Oman – bus, car, plane or tour. I traveled by bus to Muscat and by car back to Dubai. Getting a bus from Dubai to Muscat was surprisingly straightforward experience, which additionally allows to explore beautiful emirate’s countryside – the views of the sandy hilly landscape are spectacular. We took this trip before Covid-19, so there were no travel restrictions in place and also the transportation network wasn’t so advanced. Nowadays you can even book affordable private car transfers from UAE to Oman – check best rates with GetTransfer.com.

For best deals you can search and book your flights in advance. Few years back flights from Europe to Dubai were much cheaper than to Muscat. 

Traveling from Dubai to Muscat by bus.

Buses from Dubai to Muscat changed in the last couple of years! We traveled in 2016 and there was a bus leaving from Caravan Restaurant to Muscat. It does not operate anymore. Currently in 2024, the onlybus company that operates between Dubai and Muscat is Al Khanjry Transport.

It’s NOT possible to purchase ticket online, you need to google them by name and visit their location in Dubai (or Muscat – depending your itinerary). 

It is highly advised to book your ticket in advance. You may also want to visit official bus website Mwasalat.

Bus from Dubai to Muscat.

TRAVEL TIME: The bus from Dubai/UAE to Muscat/Oman used to take 8 hours, nowadays it takes around 6 hours. It still depends on traffic, amount of traveleres and border checkups. Our bus was almost empty and it still took 8 hours.

DISTANCE: The distance between Dubai and Muscat is 445 kilometres.

TICKET: Bus ticket from Dubai to Muscat cost 100 dirham (25 EURO). Be prepared that on the border the customs officers and trained dogs will be carefully checking your luggage. 

BORDER CROSSING: After luggage check up and filling some papers you are welcomed to enter Oman. The whole procedure is kept in a friendly atmosphere.

MUSCAT BUS STATION: The bus arrives to Ruwi Bus Station in Muscat. You’ll find lots of hotels near the station but the accommodation standard wasn’t greatest in 2016! Taxis in Muscat are cheap but remember to always agree the price before you get in. 

VISA: You can either obtain 10 day or 30 day Oman visa at the border.

View from bus to Oman

Arriving in Muscat - the capital city of Oman.

Yet 7-8 years ago Sultanate of Oman was very expensive when it comes to traveling and accommodation. When I was there the cheapest accomodation in Muscat was 80 Euro/per night! Bus network between major cities was very poor and any tours were priced insanely high! At the end of the day it allowed us to discover such unpopular ways of traveling the country and engage with local people like nobody did at that time. 

Since Oman became an extremely popular travel destination, accommodation prices dropped significantly and tourist facilities are now much more affordable. It was much cheaper to book the hotel in Muscat via internet. At the reception the rates were much higher and they didn’t want to negotiate. So we have literally booked the room via internet standing in front of the reception desk 20% cheaper than rates on-site.

Sultanate of Oman is one of the most magnificent countries in Asia, located in the Persian Gulf and is one of the best places to experience traditional Arabia. Check COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE TO OMAN, for best travel advise and adventurous itinerary.

For best planning your stay in Oman you may want to use these tools (provided affiliate links contain best prices and travel deals, may provide me with a small commission at no cost to you):

  • TRANSFERS: GetTransfer.com – a booking service for transfers and car rentals with a personal driver at the best prices.
  • ACCOMMODATION: Muscat accommodation: I fould best deals on agoda.com
  • CAR RENTAL: If you are planninc car rental in Oman – which is the right idea – it’s most convenient way of traveling and exploring the country since public transport is not that well developed, go on: Rentalcars.com – the world’s largest online car rental service.
  • SIM CARD: Stay connected with DRIMSIM – the first universal SIM card and free app for travelers. 
  • FLIGHTS: For last minute flights and airline deals check Skyscanner.
  • INSURANCE: Best medical coverage: VisitorsCoverage.
Sassari Sardinia

Hey - I'm Eva!

Hiker, adventurous traveler and the author of this blog. My biggest joy is mountaineering and writing reportage travel stories here on this blog, to help you create a unique travel experience. Traveling is freedom, allows you seeing the world truly, meet communities, grow. Taste it!
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