Traveling from Dubai to Muscat by bus.
Getting from Dubai to Muscat by bus is adventurous and very easy to organize. It’s my travel style to choose unpopular ways and connections to get from one place to another. I use local transport for the majority of my travels across Asia, the Middle East and South America, and it has always been an amazing experience for me.
This time me and my friend Lia were looking for some adventurous traveling and came up with an idea to cross a land border from Dubai to Muscat by bus. Neither of us was crossing a land border in Arabian Peninsula before.
The journey from Dubai to Muscat by bus takes you through the beautiful landscapes of the United Arab Emirates and Oman, where you have a chance to witness the diverse scenery of the region.
Al Wajajah - the main border crossing between UAE and Oman.
Al Wajajah border post is the main crossing point between the UAE and Oman for travelers using the bus service.
When traveling from Dubai to Muscat by bus, make sure you have all the required travel documents, including a valid passport and any necessary visas or permits for entry into Oman. You can always check the latest travel advisories and border crossing regulations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. The bus journey from Dubai to Muscat typically takes around 6-7 hours, depending on traffic conditions and border crossing formalities (our bus took 8 hours).
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 a surprisingly straightforward experience, which additionally allowed to explore the 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 travelers and border checkups. Our bus was almost empty and it still took 8 hours.
DISTANCE: The distance between Dubai and Muscat is 445 kilometers.
TICKET: A bus ticket from Dubai to Muscat costs 100 dirhams (25 EURO). Be prepared that on the border the customs officers and trained dogs will be carefully checking your luggage.
BORDER CROSSING: The border crossing process from Dubai to Muscat by bus is relatively straightforward. After the luggage check-up and filling out some papers, you are welcome 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 the greatest in 2016! Taxis in Muscat are cheap but remember to always agree on the price before you get in.
VISA: You can either obtain 10 day or 30 day Oman visa at the border.
Oman - Dubai distance.
It’s only 450 kilometers from Dubai to Muscat – the capital of Oman and driving by car takes about 4.5 hours.
Muscat hospitality- 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 accommodation 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.
A lot off people say that upon entering Oman you will be greeted by the warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage of the country. Let me get this straight – if you are arriving at the hotel from an organized tour, you will be treated on a high level because you bring money and business.
We faced a real ordinary Muscat, overpopulated, overpriced and noisy city, so my experience of it wasn’t great. Of cours the ancient traditions and attractions to explore, including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Muttrah Souq, and the picturesque Corniche were wonderful.
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.
Best places to see in Oman.
If you really want to explore Oman you have to get away from Muscat. Oman was actually one of the most overwhelming, friendly and safe destinations I’ve ever traveled to. The most unforgettable places to see in Oman:
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