Oman has a modern infrastructure of roads that link most cities in Oman with Muscat. The speed limit on major highways is 120kph (74mph), reduced to 100kph (62mph) within the city limits, and enforced by speed cameras. Road accidents are depressingly common but most drivers follow the rules. While the June 2007 hurricane caused extensive damage to many of the city's byways, the major arteries have been repaired.
Most people fly into Muscat but a growing number of visitors are choosing to drive from Dubai and other destinations in the UAE, attracted by easier border crossing formalities. From Dubai, Muscat is a six-hour drive across desert landscape through the border at Wajajah, passing the coastal towns of Sohar and Barkar. Extra insurance is generally needed to take a UAE hired car over the border and the car has to be returned to base. An international driving licence is required to hire a car though often a UK driving licence is accepted.
Emergency breakdown services:
Assistance in case of breakdowns may be sought from the Royal Oman Police (tel: 9999) but beware that many roads outside the capital area are infrequently used and waiting times could be long. Always travel with plenty of water and stay with the car if you get stuck in remote areas.
Public transport is provided by Oman National Transport Company (ONTC) (tel: 24 708 522; website: www.ontcoman.com) with buses that connect Muscat with all parts of the country from the main station on Al-Jaame St in Ruwi. The ONTC runs a daily service between Dubai and Ruwi bus station (tel: 24 701 294) in Muscat. The six-hour daily ONTC service between Abu Dhabi and Muscat travels via the town of Buraimi.
Most people fly into Muscat but a growing number of visitors are choosing to drive from Dubai and other destinations in the UAE, attracted by easier border crossing formalities. From Dubai, Muscat is a six-hour drive across desert landscape through the border at Wajajah, passing the coastal towns of Sohar and Barkar. Extra insurance is generally needed to take a UAE hired car over the border and the car has to be returned to base. An international driving licence is required to hire a car though often a UK driving licence is accepted.
Emergency breakdown services:
Assistance in case of breakdowns may be sought from the Royal Oman Police (tel: 9999) but beware that many roads outside the capital area are infrequently used and waiting times could be long. Always travel with plenty of water and stay with the car if you get stuck in remote areas.
Public transport is provided by Oman National Transport Company (ONTC) (tel: 24 708 522; website: www.ontcoman.com) with buses that connect Muscat with all parts of the country from the main station on Al-Jaame St in Ruwi. The ONTC runs a daily service between Dubai and Ruwi bus station (tel: 24 701 294) in Muscat. The six-hour daily ONTC service between Abu Dhabi and Muscat travels via the town of Buraimi.