Majestic mountains. Endless deserts. Turquoise wadis. Bustling souqs. Oman’s diverse landscapes are too stunning to squeeze into an inflexible tour package. That’s why the ultimate way to explore the Arabian country is by car. Renting a vehicle allows you to set your schedule, travel off-road, and discover hidden villages along the way.
Arriving by plane in Muscat or Salalah? Simply pick up your car at the airport and take off on an unforgettable adventure across the Sultanate. Oman’s roads are generally well-maintained, and there’s no shortage of memorable drives and scenic routes in the Sultanate.
In this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to plan the perfect road trip, from routes and car rental tips to itinerary suggestions and ideal travel periods.
Why Take a Road Trip Through Oman?
Visitors are free to visit a huge variety of natural and cultural attractions in Oman. In contrast to other countries in the Middle East and North Africa, remote landmarks are only a few hours away.
The national road trip routes span ancient forts and desert dunes, mountain villages, and serene beaches. The country is safe, gas is cheap, and most major roads are in good condition. Renting a car and driving Oman makes it easy to sample a bit of everything, as well as lingering in your favorite spots, taking detours, and picking wildflowers along the way.
The Best Oman Car Rental Routes
- Muscat to Sur (Coastal Road)
Total Distance: 200 km | Driving Time: ~2.5–3 hours
This is one of Oman’s most scenic drives. Starting in Muscat, simply follow the signs to the coast along the Route 17 and keep an eye out for:
Bimmah Sinkhole: A natural sinkhole full of turquoise water.
Wadi Shab: A popular swimming and hiking spot.
Fins Beach: Ideal for picnics or overnight camping.
Sur: A picturesque fishing port town.
Best for: Leisurely travelers, couples, and photography enthusiasts.
- Muscat to Jebel Akhdar (Mountain Road)
Total Distance: 160 km | Driving Time: ~2.5 hours
Jebel Akhdar is the coolest place to visit when temperatures in Oman start climbing. A 4WD is a must due to some steep climbs.
Highlights along the way include:
Birkat Al Mouz: A beautiful palm oasis and historical village.
Saiq Plateau: A plateau covered with terraced farms and rose gardens.
Hiking Options: Wander on hiking trails between traditional villages.
Best for: Adventure seekers and those in search of fresh mountain air.
- Nizwa to Wahiba Sands (Desert Road)
Total Distance: 200 km | Driving Time: ~3–4 hours
This route goes from the cultural capital of Nizwa into the golden dunes of Wahiba Sands, and represents some of the best desert travel in Oman.
Must-do stops include:
Nizwa Fort & Souq: Exploring the old town of Nizwa.
Wahiba Sands: Camel rides, sandboarding, stargazing, and more.
Bedouin Camps: Spend a night in a traditional Bedouin camp.
Best for: Culture seekers and desert explorers.
- Salalah Loop (Southern Oman Road Trip)
Total Distance: 300–500 km, depending on the route | Driving Time: 1–3 days loop
Salalah and the surrounding region offer travelers a completely different Oman. If you visit during the Khareef monsoon season from June to September, then the entire area will be lush and green.
Must-see attractions:
Ayn Athum & Ayn Razat: Waterfalls and picnic spots.
Al Mughsail Beach: Blowholes, sea caves, and more.
Frankincense Land: Discover ancient ruins and UNESCO sites.
Best for: Nature lovers and those traveling during the monsoon.
- The Grand Oman Loop (Muscat – Nizwa – Wahiba Sands – Sur – Muscat)
Total Distance: ~900 km | Driving Time: 5–7 days
If you’re planning a week-long trip and want to see a little bit of everything, this route is for you. The drive goes from Muscat to Nizwa, then to the desert in Wahiba Sands, down to the beach in Sur, and finally back to Muscat.
On the way, you’ll experience Oman’s national highlights: history, desert, coast, and culture.
How to Rent a Car for Your Road Trip in Oman
- Selecting the Right Vehicle Type
Rent a sedan or compact car for urban or coastal areas.
Rent a 4×4 vehicle if you plan to travel to the mountains (Jebel Akhdar, Jebel Shams) or explore the desert.
- Necessary Documents
Valid passport and driving license (preferably English or an International Driving Permit).
Credit card for security deposit and rental fee.
The rental agreement, insurance, and other required documents.
- Car Insurance
Basic insurance is usually included in the rental price.
Full coverage insurance is recommended, especially if you’ll be driving on rural roads or mountain roads.
- Gas Station Availability
Gas stations are plentiful in cities and on popular tourist routes. It’s more challenging to find gas in the desert or mountains. Fill up before you go.
- Navigation Apps
Google Maps is reliable in Oman. Maps.me is a good offline app for navigation.
Cell service is not consistent in some rural areas, especially in the desert.
- Traffic Rules in Oman
Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Speed limits are clearly marked and enforced with radar cameras.
Seat belts are mandatory, and driving while on the phone is prohibited.
Ideal Stops Along the Way
- Ancient Forts
Explore the famous forts of Nizwa, Bahla, and Jabreen for a lesson in Oman’s tribal history and architecture.
- Wadis
Explore natural swimming holes like Wadi Bani Khalid or Wadi Tiwi with date palms and dramatic canyons.
- Secluded Beaches
Enjoy some solitude on the country’s picturesque beaches. Ras Al Hadd and Tiwi Beach offer seclusion and picnic spots.
- Traditional Villages
Visit Misfat Al Abriyeen, known for its traditional mud-brick villages in the Al Hajar Mountains, for a look into Omani culture.
Sample Itinerary for a 7-Day Oman Road Trip
Day 1: Arrival in Muscat
Activities: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Royal Opera House, Muttrah Souq
Overnight in Muscat
Day 2: Muscat to Sur (via the Coastal Road)
Stop: Bimmah Sinkhole and Wadi Shab
Overnight in Sur
Day 3: Sur to Wahiba Sands
Activities: Turtle beach at Ras Al Jinz and the desert
Overnight at a Bedouin camp
Day 4: Wahiba Sands to Nizwa
Activities: Nizwa Fort and Souq
Overnight in Nizwa
Day 5: Day Trip to Jebel Akhdar or Jebel Shams
Activities: Hiking and sightseeing
Return to Nizwa or overnight at a mountain camp
Day 6: Nizwa to Muscat
Activities: Bahla Fort and Jabreen Castle
Return to Muscat and relax
Day 7: Departure
Activities: Enjoy a morning on the beach or museums in Muscat
When to Drive a Road Trip in Oman
The best time to visit Oman and enjoy a car rental road trip is October to April, when temperatures are cooler. Summers in Oman can be unbearably hot, especially in the desert. The exception is Salalah, where June through September is ideal, as the area is greener and the temperatures are lower during Khareef.
Wrap Up
Renting a car and driving Oman is not just a means of transportation but an experience in itself. It’s an opportunity to dive into the country’s millennia-long history, travel through desert landscapes you could mistake for Mars, and meet locals who are some of the friendliest in the world.
From the terraced mountains of Jebel Akhdar to the sands of Wahiba Sands, every destination and every kilometer of highway have their own stories to tell. Oman is one of the easiest countries to explore by car thanks to reliable roads, clear signage, and a commitment to safety on the roads.
If you’re planning your travel itinerary and shopping for car rental options, rest assured: driving in Oman is not only possible — it’s one of the best ways to really get a feel for the country.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, history, a relaxing beachfront getaway, or all of the above, your self-drive tour of Oman is your ticket to the perfect mix of independence and discovery. So book that rental car, load up the GPS, and let the adventures of the desert roads and seaside highways of this Arabian gem unfold.