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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, however, to understand the routes 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: 2460 7011) offer a reliable service. Taxis, which are generally white and orange, can be hailed from the side of the road.

Car hire: 

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. All petrol is unleaded and there's a fine for driving 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: 2440 0888; www.avisoman.com); Budget (tel: 2468 3999; www.budgetoman.com) and Hertz (tel: 2456 6208; www.nttoman.com). A reliable local firm is Mark Tours (tel: 2478 2727; www.marktoursoman.com).

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