If you’re like us, then you may not have heard much about Oman because it is not the most pocket-friendly country for budget backpackers. However, it can be done and one of the cheapest ways to get here is to travel from Dubai to Oman by bus.

Whats the bus like?

The bus between Dubai and Muscat is surprisingly cheap, easy and comfortable and therefore it is the perfect choice for anyone travelling to Oman (especially those on a budget).

The route also now includes extra stops like Dubai airport, which makes getting to Oman easier than ever. It also provides an opportunity to fly to Dubai and use the Hatta overland border crossing which is usually cheaper than flying directly to Muscat.

Flying to Dubai

If you do choose to fly to Dubai some nationalities can make use of the Dubai/Oman common visa which will save you the Omani visa costs. Two for the price of one or none? find out more below.

Which company?

Mwaslat and Al Khanjry are the two main operators. Both companies can get you to Muscat in as little as 6.5 hours (if you’re lucky).

Mwaslat is who we travelled with. They also operate all of the city buses around Muscat and we have no regrets as it turned out to be really nice, for an overnight bus anyway.

Mwaslat bus service

Dubai to Oman

Bus times:

3 times daily. 7.30am, 3.30pm and 11pm.

Location:

Abu Hail station

Cost:

55AED (approx. £11 / $15) Also a 35.25 Exit fee when departing Dubai

Stops in Dubai:

Abu Hail station, Dubai International Airport, and Al Rashidiya metro station.

Oman to Dubai

Bus times:  

6.20am, 3.20pm, and 11.20pm

Location:

Aziba -station in Muscat

Cost:

5.50 Omani Rial (approx. £11 /$15) one way or 9 Rial return.

Stops in Oman: 

Aziba -station,Muscat Intl Airport, Sahwa Tower,Maabelah – Mwasalat,Barka Bridge, Musanah rbt, Khaburah rbt, Saham rbt, Sohar Mwasalat arr, Sohar Mwasalat dep and Shinas rbt before crossing the UAE border.

For times of pick up at the various stopsclick here

Al Khanjry bus service

Dubai to Oman

Bus times: 

3 buses daily. 7 am, 3 pm and 10.45pm.

Cost:

55 AED (approx.£11/$15) Also, a 35.25 Exit fee when departing Dubai

Location:

Dubai: Deira Clock Tower, behind DNATA building, port saed 10 street, parking plot 128 A

Oman to Dubai

Bus times:

3 daily. 6am, 3pm, 10.45pm

Cost:

55 AED (approx. £11/$15)

Location:

Muscat: Ruwi, next to sultanate Qaboos masjid.

Duration:

It states “6 hours” each way (usually longer depending on the border crossing)

The border process and visa information

If it is your first border crossing before then this will help you understand the process. If you’re a veteran border crosser, then skip this bit and head to the information about the visa

First of all don’t worry. It is usually straight forward and if you’re unsure then ask. There is always someone willing to help.

Step 1: Get your ticket

Choose the bus and buy your ticket.

Step 2:Arrive early

Be ready to get on the bus about 30 minutes before departure. Put your main luggage in the underside lockers of the bus. Remember to take your valuables in a smaller bag with you on board the bus to keep them safe.

Step 3: Arrive at the Hatta border

You will the need to exit the bus and enter the departure area where you have to pay the 35.25 AED exit fee and get your departure stamp. Keep the receipt! This process took us around 15 minutes, but the ques were short. Busier times would take much longer. Next you need to get back on the bus and will be driven to the next area.

Step 4: customs officers check bags

Everybody gets back off but this time you also must get all of your bags and be ready to have them searched by border officers. Men go to the male customs officers and women to the female customs officers. They may also line up all the cases and use a sniffer dog to search them. Once all has been searched then its back on the bus but don’t settle in just yet.

Step 5: Oman immigration

Finally you will drive a bit further before getting off once more. Follow the driver into the offices to get the entry stamp for Oman. Again, ques were sort, but this could take much longer during the day or weekends. Assuming you have the correct visa (check below) and all goes well, you get on the bus and relax because you are in Oman. Put your tired head to rest and awake in Muscat. (Once across the border the Wi-Fi in the bus works) prioties, right?

TAKE NOTE OF THE VISA INFORMATION BELOW

Oman visa

ALWAYS CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

Most nationalities need a visa for Oman. They no longer issue visa on arrival. But there is an option for this is you are coming from Dubai. Read below or for a complete guide check out

How to get a visa for Oman for free 

Option 1 –E-visa

Oman has recently introduced an e-visa system and does not issue visas on arrival at the border. A standard tourist e-visa for single entry is 5 Oman Rial for 10 days and 20 Rial for 30 days. It takes at least 24 hours to obtain. Do it in advance. You will get the visa via email and it is attached to your passport. For information about the visa process check out our blog.

Note: Visa must be used within 1 month of being granted.

Overstaying your visa will cost 10 Rial per day fine or worse. 

There are many sites online to get the visa but I am sure even if it is genuine it will cost much more. Make sure you only use the official government site https://evisa.rop.gov.om/

Option 2 – joint visa with the United Arab Emirates

This is a little more complicated so stick with me. If you flew into Dubai directly and obtained a visa/tourist entry stamp you can get entry into Oman for free with no need to buy a visa before arriving at the border. The idea is to try and improve tourism between the countries.  The problem is this is only available for certain countries. Check this link for the more information and the list of countries http://www.rop.gov.om/old/english/dg_pr_visas_dubai.asp

How it works

When you arrive in Dubai you will gain a 30-day entry stamp or have a visa. At the Omani border, they will give you a 3-week visa stamp for free providing your visa for UAE (Dubai) is valid for at least that period. You do not have to apply online and you can just arrive at the border to get this.

Our Mistake

We didn’t realise this until we had done our e visa online. We waited nervously for the visa as we did it the night before going to Oman. Without the visa, we decided to risk it and got on the bus anyway. We then realised on the bus we didn’t need the visa. So that was a waste of 5 Rial. But hey we made the mistake, so you guys won’t have to.

From Oman to Dubai

If you didn’t buy a return ticket, then you can buy it at the bus station in Oman where you get off the bus. The process is pretty much the same only in reverse. You will have your bags searched by Dubai customs officers. Make sure any medication or tablets being brought into Dubai have the original packets and labels.

Depending on your passport you should be able to arrive at the border and gain an entry stamp for 30 days. However, this is only for certain nations so as always

Check before you travel.

Side note: Dubai has a good bus and metro system and you can pick up a NOL card for 25AED. The card costs 5 AED and it leaves you 20AED which can be used on the bus and trains.