The beautiful country of Oman is all but a stone’s throw away, full of natural beauty and astonishing history waiting to be explored. And if you’re wondering how to get to Oman from the UAE, you’ve come to the right place. While taking a short flight to our neighbor’s doorstep is always an option, some of us might not be game for the hassle of heading to the airport. Fortunately for us living on this side of the border, there are many ways we can get there and one of them is by bus.
Not only travel by bus easy and pocket-friendly, but they could also be a fun little activity if you’re feeling a bit worse for wear or in need of a quick getaway to refresh yourself. Daycations, staycations and vacations – all are a possibility.
Sharjah to Muscat bus service
Oman National Transport Company (Mwasalat) announced a new bus service to Sharjah, starting February 27. Mwasalat announced the launch of a new bus service, aiming to strengthen the international bus network between Oman and the UAE.
The service will run four daily trips, two departing from each of Sharjah and Muscat.
The service operates via Shinas, offering a convenient connection between the two cities.
Fares start at OMR 10 (approximately Dh95.40) for one-way trips and OMR 19 (approximately Dh276.66) for return trips.
Passengers can bring 7 kg hand luggage and 23 kg checked baggage.
Residents wishing to see Musandam’s rugged mountains and crystal-clear waters can take a bus ride from Ras Al Khaimah. Operated by the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA), the public transport service to Musandam in Oman started in October, 2023.
- Travel time is approximately three hours
- Ticket for the one-way journey costs Dh50
- Booking can be done on the official website of RAKTA, the RAKBUS application, on the bus and at the bus station
- Runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 8am and 6pm
The service starts at the main bus station (Al Dhait South) in Ras Al Khaimah and stops at two places in the emirate: the Al Rams and Shaam area.
Abu Dhabi to Muscat bus service
Mwasalat relaunched bus service to the UAE in October 2023, connecting Muscat to Abu Dhabi via Al Ain.
- One-way ticket from Muscat to Abu Dhabi will cost OMR11.5 (Dh109)
- Book tickets on the Mwasalat website
- Passengers are allowed to check up to 23kg of luggage
- Hand baggage allowance is 7 kilograms.
- From Abu Dhabi, the journey to Muscat will be around 5 hours
- Buses depart from Muscat’s Azaiba bus station at 6.30am and reach Abu Dhabi at 3.40pm. Buses depart from Abu Dhabi station at 10.45am and reach Azaiba at 8.35pm.
Dubai to Muscat bus service
Yes, there is a service available from Dubai. Although Mwasalat cancelled the route during the Covid-19 pandemic, residents can still avail themselves of bus services through Al Khanjry Transport. Online booking is unavailable, but it could be booked in person at their offices in Ruwi and Burj Sahwa or through WhatsApp.
Bus ticket from Dubai to Muscat is around Dh95 (10 rial) per person for a one-way
Daily service at 7am, 3pm, and 9pm from the office of Al Khanjry Transport in Dubai
The journey takes approximately 4-hr 35-min (excluding immigration process) and covers around 450 km
Documents required
UAE residents entering Oman via bus require the following documents:
- Passport (with at least six months of validity)
- Emirates ID (with at least six months of validity)
- For entry into Oman, UAE residents can get a visa at the Oman border
Fees, visa costs
At the UAE border, residents leaving the country must pay the exit fee of Dh36. An Oman visa may be obtained at the Oman border by paying Dh50.
For UAE tourists with a single-entry visit visa:
- An Oman visit visa must be obtained before the journey
- To return to the UAE, a visa application must be submitted while in Oman and must be obtained before starting the return journey
For tourists with multiple-entry visit visas:
- An Oman visa before departure is required.
- Re-entry can be facilitated with a multiple-entry visa. However, their passport should be valid for six months to enter Oman.
