Are you planning a bus trip from United Arab Emirates to Oman? Here’s everything you need to know

Oman’s picturesque landscapes and warm hospitality make it a popular tourist destination among UAE residents for short holidays or weekend getaways. Whether you want to experience the wadis, white sand beaches or majestic mountains, the Sultanate offers something for every traveler.

Just a stone’s throw from the United Arab Emirates, it is easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. You can hop on a bus, a car or even a flight to discover the otherworldly charms of the Sultanate.

If you are not up to the long 4 hour 33 minute drive from Dubai to Muscat (over 450 km) or are not sure about shelling out around Dh1,000 for a one hour flight from DXB to MCT; You can opt for some cheap buses that travel between the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

These buses offer a convenient and affordable option for travelers looking to explore the Sultanate without breaking the bank. Here are the bus options and documents required to travel to Oman from the United Arab Emirates.

Sharjah-Muscat Bus Service

On February 27 (2024) the Sultanate’s public transport company, Mwasalat, launched a bus service connecting Sharjah and Muscat. The service offers four trips, two from Sharjah and two from Muscat, and is operated through Shinas.

• 23 kg are allowed as check-in baggage and 7 kg as carry-on baggage.
• Fares start from 10 Omani rials (100 dirhams) and 19 Omani rials (190 dirhams)

The first bus from Sharjah departs at 6.30 am from Al Jubail Bus Station and arrives at Azaiba Bus Station at 2.30 pm. The second bus departs from Sharjah at 4.00 pm and arrives in Muscat at 11.50 pm.

The bus from Muscat will leave at 6:30 a.m. and arrive in Sharjah at 3:40 p.m. The second will leave Muscat at 4:00 p.m. and arrive at Al Jubail bus station at 1:10 a.m.

Bus service from Ras Al Khaimah to Musandam

Residents who wish to see the rugged mountains and crystal clear waters of Musandam can take a bus trip from Ras Al Khaimah. Operated by the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA)Public transport service to Musandam in Oman started in October 2023.

• Travel time is approximately three hours.
• The one-way ticket costs 50 dirhams.
• Reservation can be made on the official RAKTA website, RAKBUS app, on the bus and at the bus station.
• It runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The service starts at the main bus station (Al Dhait South) in Ras Al Khaimah and stops at two locations in the emirate: the Al Rams area and Shaam. In Musandam, the service will start and end in Wilayat of Khasab, with stops in Tibaat, Wilayat of Bukha, Harf and Qada area.

Abu Dhabi to Muscat Bus Service

Mwasalat relaunched the bus service to the UAE in October 2023, connecting Muscat to Abu Dhabi via Al Ain.

• A one-way ticket from Muscat to Abu Dhabi will cost OMR 11.5 (Dh109).
• Ticket reservation on the Mwasalat website
• Passengers can check in up to 23 kg of luggage.
• The carry-on baggage allowance is 7 kilograms.
• From Abu Dhabi, the journey to Muscat will take about 5 hours.

Buses leave Muscat’s Azaiba Bus Station at 6:30 a.m. and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 3:40 p.m. Buses leave Abu Dhabi station at 10:45 a.m. and arrive in Azaiba at 8:35 p.m.

Dubai to Muscat Bus Service

Yes, there is a service available from Dubai. Although Mwasalat canceled the route during the COVID-19 pandemic, residents can still avail bus services through Al Khanjry Transport. Operating daily, this service provides a vital link for travelers looking to travel between the two cities.

• Online booking is not available, but you can book in person at their Ruwi and Burj Sahwa offices or via WhatsApp.
• The bus ticket from Dubai to Muscat costs around Dh95 (10 riyals) per person one way.
• Daily service at 7:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. from Al Khanjry Transport office in Dubai.
• The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 35 minutes (excluding the immigration process) and covers around 450 km.

Required documents

UAE residents entering Oman by bus require the following documents:

• Passport (with at least six months validity)
• Emirates ID (with at least six months validity)
• To enter Oman, UAE residents can obtain a visa at the Oman border

Fees, visa costs

At the UAE border, residents leaving the country must pay the exit tax of Dh36. An Oman visa can be obtained at the Oman border by paying Dh50.

For UAE tourists with single entry visit visa:

• A visit visa to Oman must be obtained prior to travel.
• To return to the United Arab Emirates, a visa application must be submitted while in Oman and must be obtained before commencing your return journey.

For tourists with multiple entry visit visas:

• An Omani visa is required prior to departure.
• Reentry can be facilitated with a multiple entry visa. However, your passport must be valid for six months to enter Oman.

News Source: Khaleej Times