Traveling the Roads of Oman: Why You Should Consider a Self-Drive
- Alanna Gabbett
- 4 days ago
- 14 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Exploring Oman by car is not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about embracing the vast landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture at your own pace. This approach allows you to create your own adventure, stopping wherever your curiosity leads you. In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials of renting a car in Oman, the advantages of self-driving, and practical tips for a seamless journey.
In This Guide:
a. Average Rental Costs
b. Insurance Options
c. Gas Prices
d. Parking
e. Tolls
a. Licensing Requirements
b. Driving Orientation
c. Speed Limits
d. Seatbelt and Child Safety
e. Traffic Signals and Signs
f. Overtaking Rules
g. Use of Mobile Phones
h. Fines
i. Driving Under the Influence
j. General Safety Tips
a. GPS and Navigations Apps
b. Road Conditions
c. Plan Your Route
d. Ask Locals
Bookmark these reads for later:
This blog may contain affiliate links, including credit card referral links. Please review the terms and conditions of any credit card before applying. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Any opinions shared are my own. Your support helps sustain our blog, thank you!
The Appeal of Self-Driving in Oman
Oman is famous for its stunning deserts, lush mountains, and beautiful coastlines. Choosing to self-drive lets you reach remote areas that are often difficult to access by public transport or guided tours. For example, if you find yourself in Muscat, taking a drive down to the picturesque village of Wadi Shab—a 1.5-hour trip—allows you to explore its natural pools and hidden waterfalls unencumbered. Additionally, you'll pass by many beautiful beaches on the way, where you'll have the chance for a quick dip if you want.
Self-driving also means greater flexibility. Instead of being tied to a tour schedule, you can decide how long to stay at each stop. If you want an extra hour admiring the view at the Bimmah Sinkhole or stopping to taste fresh seafood in Sur, the choice is yours. You're not rushed to a tour guide's time schedule, or waiting on others when you're itching to head to the next stop.
If you have children, a self-drive is particularly valuable, as the entire trip can be catered to a pace that suits your family. Maybe you want to stop at a beautiful viewpoint you see on your drive, or check out a local roadside market - the freedom is completely yours. This is particularly useful at tourist spots such as Wadi Shab or Nizwa Fort, where young children might slow your pace, requiring additional time at each location.
What time do you want to start your day? The choice is yours! Craving a sunrise by the beach - you'll have the freedom to drive there. Want to sleep in and hike Wadi Shab in the afternoon? Sure! You're not tied to a tour schedule when you self-drive.
Wild Camping in Oman
Wild camping is completely legal! This means you can rent a car with a rooftop tent or an RV—many companies in Oman specialize in this. Want to camp on the beach? You can do that! Or perhaps you'd like to park at Jebel Shams, known as the Grand Canyon of Oman, and wake up to the sight of goats on the rocky cliffs. You can camp in your car, RV, or with a tent almost anywhere in Oman, from the roadside to the beach and even in the desert.
However, if you're planning to camp in the desert, it's advisable to hire a local guide to help you navigate the area and lead you back. This is important in case your vehicle gets stuck, as there is little to no cell service in the desert.
Where to Rent a Car
You'll most likely be flying into Muscat International Airport, where you'll have a range of car rental options right inside the airport terminal. Even those companies without in-terminal locations will usually offer a meet-and-greet pick-up service, where they will drive you to their office (usually not far down the road).
If you're flying into Salalah, Salalah International Airport also has a range of in-terminal car rental options for you to choose from. If renting out of Salalah International Airport, note that prices are generally a bit more expensive (about $50 more per week).
Your rental company can significantly impact your experience. It's important to choose a reliable company with good reviews. Rather than looking at specific companies, we recommend checking a third-party search engine like Discover Cars to ensure you get the best deal. Even after comparing prices found on Discover Cars with the rental company's official website, the prices offered on Discover Cars were cheaper. Additionally, the site allows you to filter for important features, such as transmission, number of seats, vehicle type, and price range.
The most affordable and reliable companies to rent a car in Muscat International Airport are:
Dollar Car
This is the company we chose. They have good reviews, affordable prices, and a wide range of vehicles. In fact, they recently upgraded their fleet and now have a host of newer cars in their lineup (we received one with only a few thousand miles on it).
Dollar Car Oman is conveniently located inside the Muscat airport, with convenient pickup and drop off just outside the terminal in the airport parking garage.
In addition, the staff was incredibly helpful, answering all our questions and giving us great advice on driving and touring Oman.
Dollar Car is also available in the Salalah International Airport terminal, with similar ratings, and is usually the most affordable option.
Green Motion
A rental company we aren't personally familiar with but that appears to have great reviews and affordable prices. On Discover Cars they are rated an 8.7 out of 10, which is pretty great. They offer a variety of car and van rentals in Oman, however are not physically located in the Muscat airport terminal (they do offer a meet and greet pick up at the airport).
Green Motion is only available at the Muscat International Airport
Europcar
Europcar is a company that we have used in the past, although in another country. While we don't have much experience with them, the company has great customer service, newer vehicles, and a slightly higher rating on Discover Cars (around 9.2 out of 10). Prices are affordable, in the same range as Green Motion and Dollar Car.
Europcar is also available at the Salalah International Airport.
Average Costs to Rent a Car
When renting a car, it's important to factor in costs for not just the rental itself, but also necessary and supplemental insurance, gas, parking, and tolls. This will help you budget more precisely and avoid surprises later on.
Average Rental Prices
Cost can fluctuate based on the vehicle type, rental duration, and time of year. Here are some average daily rates (in USD) you can expect:
Economy Cars: $20 to $40 per day
SUVs: $50 to $100 per day
Luxury Vehicles: Starting at $100 per day
During peak seasons, like winter months when tourism surges, prices may rise by 20% to 30%. Booking in advance is advisable to secure the best rates.
In January 2025 we rented a car out of Muscat International Airport for about $200 per week, which is about $28 per day.
Insurance Options
When renting a car, understanding your insurance can help protect you financially. It's important to always ensure you have at least a basic level of insurance. While accidents in Oman are seemingly rare (we never saw bad drivers or accidents in our 2 weeks there), unexpected circumstances - like a surprise camel in the road - can put a dent in your plans (and in your car!) It's essential to weigh the risk you're willing to take.
While standard coverages can vary by supplier, here are the primary types of insurance generally offered:
1. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
CDW insures the rental vehicle against damages due to accidents. Keep in mind that a deductible typically applies. Some companies will offer a "Super CDW" that will lower your deductible responsibility.
2. Liability Insurance
This type of insurance covers damages to other vehicles or property. Most rental agreements include this, but it’s wise to double-check.
3. Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
PAI protects you and your passengers in the event of an accident. If traveling with family or friends, this can be a crucial option as medical bills can add up quickly.
4. Supplementary Insurance
Consider buying supplementary insurance for additional coverage, including personal belongings or extra vehicle damage. Most companies will offer a variety of additional coverages so it's important through their pricing and any inclusions and exclusions.
Make sure to read your rental agreement thoroughly for a clear understanding of your insurance coverage.Already have rental car coverage?
Some travel credit cards offer rental car coverage so it may be worth checking the terms on the cards you have. It's important to fully understand the terms of your credit card's rental coverage and if you're unsure, it would be wise to give them a call to clarify. Many cards may have restrictions on which countries they cover, the type of vehicle, the total vehicle MSRP, and other conditions.
For example, our Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers collision rental car coverage but has a host of conditions for it to be valid. We have to pay for the rental car fully with this card, we have to decline any CDW, basic insurance, and any other insurances offered by the agency, and they only provide up to $60,000 worth of coverage for vehicles with an MSRP up to $125,000.
Gas Prices
While the price of gas can fluctuate quite frequently, as of April 2025, the price of gas in Oman is around USD 0.62 per liter, which is about USD 2.35 per gallon - which is pretty cheap!
Parking
Always check for signs where you intend to park to determine if the zone is free or paid. While we didn't come across any paid parking spots during our time in Oman (many lots appeared to be free), it's important to do a bit of research ahead of time and stay vigilant as rules can change at any time.
Tolls
Currently, Oman DOES NOT have a widespread toll system on its highways. We spent 2 weeks road-tripping around Northern Oman and never encountered a toll road. However, always stay informed about any new developments regarding toll roads, especially if you plan to travel long distances.
Do You Really Need a 4x4?
While many roads are easily navigable with a standard 2WD vehicle, to see certain attractions like Wahiba Sands or Jebel Akhdar, a 4x4 vehicle is necessary. It's important to decide on the places you plan to travel before committing to a 4x4 vehicle as this comes with a hefty price tag. For example, when we were booking a rental car in Oman, a standard 2WD vehicle was only $200 per week, while the cheapest 4x4 was $400 per week!
Driving through the stunning landscapes of the Hajar Mountains is best enjoyed with a capable vehicle as it will definitely make your ride more enjoyable, however, we had no issues in our entire 2 weeks in the country.
Note that many people will tell you that you need a 4x4 to drive up to Jebel Shams (or to the trailhead of the Balcony Walk). This is incorrect! You can drive up Jebel Shams with a standard 2WD as long as you drive slowly and carefully. However, you should never attempt the drive in a standard 2WD if it's been raining (the police may even stop you from entering that part of the road). We confirmed this information with our rental car agency. They advised that the only places where 2WD vehicles should not be driven are Jebel Akhdar (another mountain range) and into the desert. Additionally, it is generally not advisable to drive alone into the desert, no matter which car you have.
Rules and Regulations
Familiarizing yourself with local driving laws will help ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here are key regulations to keep in mind:
Licensing Requirements:
International Drivers: Tourists can drive in Oman using a valid international driving permit alongside their national driver's license. If you are a U.S. citizen, an international driver's permit can be obtained at any AAA office for about $20.
Foreign drivers in Oman can drive for tourism or transit purposes for up to 3 months on an international driver's permit.
Residents: If you hold a residency visa, you must obtain an Omani driver's license to drive legally. This means that expats moving to Oman must obtain an Omani driver's license as soon as possible.
Driving Orientation:
Vehicles in Oman drive on the right-hand side of the road, with overtaking on the left.
Speed Limits:
Urban Areas: Speed limits typically range between 40-80 km/h.
Rural Areas: The standard speed limit is 90 km/h.
Highways: The maximum speed allowed is 120 km/h.
Be aware that speed limits are strictly enforced with both fixed and mobile speed cameras.
Seatbelt and Child Safety:
Wearing seatbelts is mandatory for all occupants of the vehicle.
Children under ten years old must be seated in the rear with appropriate restraints.
Infants under 9 kg (20 lb) must be secured in a rear-facing child safety seat attached with a seat belt.
Toddlers between 9 to 18 kg (20 to 40 lb) should be in a forward-facing child safety seat secured with both a tether strap and seat belt.
Children over 18 kg (40 lb) who have outgrown forward-facing seats should use booster seats until the seat belt fits properly.
Traffic Signals and Signs:
Traffic laws are strictly enforced. Running a red light can result in mandatory detention and confiscation of your driver's license and vehicle registration until legal proceedings are concluded.
Most road signs are in Arabic and English, but the spellings of place names may vary.
Overtaking Rules:
Overtaking should be done on the left side. Overtaking on the right is prohibited unless the driver in front signals a lane change.
Use of Mobile Phones:
The use of mobile phones in any manner while driving, including for navigation, is prohibited. Violators may face fines of 300 Omani Rials, can face up to 10 days in jail, and receive two black points on their driving record - Oman employs a black points system to monitor and penalize traffic violations. Accumulating points can lead to fines, license suspension, or revocation.
Fines:
Parking in spaces designated for the disabled: Fine of 50 OMR.
Driving slowly and causing a traffic jam: Fine of 35 - 50 OMR.
Overtaking on the road shoulder: Fine of 50 OMR.
Reckless driving: Fine of up to 500 OMR and up to 3 months in prison.
Exceeding speed limits: Fine of up to 50 OMR and black points to your driving record.
Driving Under the Influence:
Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substances that impair mental faculties is strictly prohibited in Oman.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited, with a permissible blood alcohol level of 0.0%.
Standard DUI offenses can incur an 800 OMR fine and up to 6 months in prison.
Refusing to present a driver's license or to undergo an alcohol breath test when requested by authorities can result in a fine of up to 500 OMR and 10-30 days imprisonment.
General Safety Tips:
Defensive Driving: Be cautious of unexpected maneuvers from other drivers, such as sudden stops or lane changes.
Livestock and Pedestrians: In rural areas, watch for wandering livestock (and even Camels!) and pedestrians, especially at night when visibility is reduced.
Road Conditions: While major roads are well-maintained, some rural roads may be in poor condition. Exercise caution when traveling in less developed areas.
Emergency Equipment: Drivers must carry a warning triangle and reflective vest, and it is recommended to have a first-aid kit in the vehicle. Your rental agency will provide you with these items - always confirm that these items are present before taking the vehicle.
By familiarizing yourself with these regulations and practicing attentive driving, you can navigate Oman's roads safely and enjoy all that the country has to offer.
Navigation Tips
Here are some practical navigation tips to keep your journey smooth:
GPS and Navigation Apps
Utilizing a GPS or apps like Google Maps can make driving much easier. Download offline maps to avoid issues in areas with poor connectivity.
Ensure you have sufficient data for running navigation apps, either with your local phone provider, a SIM card, or an eSIM. We highly recommend Airalo, which is an eSIM provider that offers great rates on pay-per-GB plans.
Road Conditions
Most highways are well-maintained, but rural areas may have rougher roads (gravel and rock). Be prepared for differing conditions if you venture off the main roads.
A standard 2WD vehicle can traverse most roads in Oman. The only places you can't go without a 4x4 are up to Jebel Akhdar and into the desert.
Plan Your Route
Planning your routes ahead of time allows you to enjoy the journey without the stress of last-minute navigation. We recommend aiming to arrive at your final destination before the sun sets - some smaller towns and rural areas may lack street lights, making it difficult to find hotels and other accommodation at night. In addition, always allow extra time to get to your destinations to account for traffic or detours.
Ask Locals
Don't hesitate to seek directions from locals. If you get lost, don't panic. Locals are friendly and willing to help. If they don't speak English, pull out your phone and use Google Translate to ask for help. They may even have great recommendations on scenic routes, unique attractions, and places to eat in the area.
Our Top Tips and Advice
Fuel Up Regularly: Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially in remote areas where gas stations might be few and far between. If you plan to make the long drive to Salalah (it's about 10 hours from Muscat!) be sure to fill up whenever you see a gas station as this drive is known to have very few amenities along the way.
Stay Hydrated: Carry water with you, as the heat can be intense, especially during long drives. Even in the cooler months, the midday sun can be brutal, making it easier to become dehydrated.
Emergency Kit: Ensure your vehicle has essentials like a spare tire and first-aid supplies. Your rental agency should supply items like a spare tire and any required essentials for the car, while you should make sure you bring a small first-aid kit on your trip.
Respect Local Customs: Oman is a conservative country, and when visiting, it's important to respect and follow local customs. For instance, women should dress modestly in public, covering at least their shoulders and knees, not only when visiting mosques. Most major tourist attractions have signs requesting that foreigners respect modesty customs and dress appropriately. Women should avoid wearing bikinis on public beaches, and men should keep their shirts on in public. Although we noticed some women in bikinis and some visitors in immodest clothing during our trip, it didn't seem like the police or locals took any action. Nonetheless, adhering to these local customs is a sign of respect.
In addition, you should be aware of other customs, such as never taking food or drink with the left hand, not arguing or shouting, and avoiding curse words in public.
Enjoy the Journey: Take time to soak in Oman’s splendid landscapes without feeling rushed. Take your time at each attraction, lounge on the beaches, admire the mountains and enjoy the slow pace of the locals. Wander aimlessly through the souqs, admiring the handcrafted goods, take time to learn about history while walking through Oman's many forts and castles, and completely immerse yourself in their unique culture.
After visiting 40 countries, Oman remains one of our favorite trips. The country is a true hidden gem that surprised us at every turn and offered us a truly unique and immersive experience. It was a great opportunity to learn about another culture and appreciate alternative ways of life. It's a country we think everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.
Embrace Your Adventure
Traveling the Roads of Oman
Traveling through Oman by car offers a unique sense of freedom and discovery that few other modes of travel can match. Whether you're navigating the rugged curves of Jebel Shams, cruising along the turquoise coastline near Sur, or venturing into the golden silence of the Wahiba Sands (accompanied by a guide, of course), each road leads to something unforgettable. A self-drive journey lets you go beyond the guidebooks and experience the country's diverse beauty and culture on your own schedule.
So if you're considering your next travel destination, make Oman and the open road your choice. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore hidden villages, linger at scenic viewpoints, and truly connect with the landscapes around you. It’s not just about getting from one place to another—it’s about the joy of the journey itself. Pack your bags, hit the road, and let Oman surprise you at every turn.
Comentarios