Travel to Oman

Flying to Oman

Most visitors arrive in Oman by air, with the main international gateway being Muscat International Airport (MCT), located around 30km west of the capital. The airport is modern and well organised, serving a growing number of direct routes from Europe, the Middle East, South Asia and East Africa.

Oman's national carrier, Oman Air, operates direct flights from cities such as London, Paris, Frankfurt and Istanbul, as well as extensive regional connections via Gulf hubs. Several international airlines also serve Muscat, making it easy to connect from Asia, Africa and Australasia.

In addition to Muscat, Salalah International Airport is an important entry point, particularly during the khareef (monsoon) season when the southern Dhofar region turns green and attracts visitors from across the region. Smaller international airports also operate in cities such as Sohar and Duqm, though with more limited services.

Flight times

From London to Muscat: 7 hours 10 mins (direct).

Travelling to Oman by Rail

Oman does not currently have an operational passenger railway network, and there are no international rail connections into the country.

Driving to Oman

Oman can be reached by road from neighbouring Gulf countries, most commonly from the United Arab Emirates. Well-maintained highways connect Muscat with border crossings such as Al Buraimi and Hatta, making overland travel straightforward for visitors arriving from Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

There are also land borders with Saudi Arabia and Yemen, though these routes are used far less frequently by tourists. Road travel from Saudi Arabia is possible via the Empty Quarter crossing, which is primarily used by experienced travellers and commercial traffic. Travel near the Yemeni border may be restricted due to security conditions.

Drivers should carry all necessary vehicle documents, insurance valid for Oman and appropriate visas. Border formalities are generally efficient, but travel times can vary depending on traffic and the crossing point used.

Getting to Oman by boat

Oman can also be reached by sea, with several ports accommodating cruise ships and regional passenger services. The main international ports of entry are Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat and Port of Salalah in the south, both of which regularly welcome cruise liners sailing around the Arabian Peninsula or en route to India and East Africa.