We decided to break up the route descriptions with a special post on rental cars. Driving in Oman is relatively easy and can be a rewarding way to explore. There are only a few things you should know before setting off.
- Driving License and Permit
To rent a car in Oman, you will likely need:
Valid driving license from your home country.
Passport (visa, if required).
International Driving Permit (IDP), if your license is not in English or Arabic.
Note: All car rental agencies in Oman accept GCC, EU, North America, and Australian licenses without requiring an IDP (but check first just in case). You will also need to be at least 21 years of age, and some companies require a minimum age of 25 to rent premium/4WD cars.
- The Road Infrastructure
Oman’s road system is very good, modern, and well-maintained. The highways are generally excellent, with ample signage in both Arabic and English. Muscat, Nizwa, and Salalah are all connected with good roads.
As you leave the urban areas and drive into the mountains or deserts, the following applies:
Mountain Roads, such as the Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams (and especially their summits): Bring a 4WD, as required by law.
Desert Routes: Recommended only for experienced drivers, and not at all during sandstorms.
Wadis and off-road: Dangerous without 4WD, but stunningly beautiful.
Don’t forget a navigation app on your phone (save offline maps), as many places you visit may have weak or no mobile signals.
- Manual or Automatic Cars
Most rental cars are manual (stick shift) in Oman, though the availability of automatics has improved in recent years. Automatics are typically more expensive to rent but are worth the premium if you don’t know how to drive in the mountains or are just not comfortable in a manual. Be sure to reserve an automatic well in advance in the peak season (winter, October–March).
- Fuel
Oman is an oil-rich country, so petrol is dirt cheap (like in all Gulf countries). A full tank will set you back a fraction of what it would in the EU or the US.
Petrol stations are not hard to find in the cities, but they are very spread out in rural areas, so don’t go too far without refueling. On mountain roads or in deserts, gas stations may be very few and far between (check on Google Maps or Maps.me before leaving).
Fuel types are regular 91 Octane (gasoline) and Super 95 Octane (petrol) — take the one that matches your rental car.
Credit cards are usually accepted, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash in case.
- Traffic Laws
Oman has strict traffic rules and regulations, and is also well-equipped to enforce them — almost all major highways have speed cameras.
Omani road signs and laws are generally very clear:
Drive on the right side of the road.
Seatbelts must be worn by all passengers.
Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited (hands-free is okay).
Speed limits are 40-60 km/h in town and 90-120 km/h on the highways.
Drink-driving is also a serious offense in Oman.
Omanis are generally very courteous drivers, but some can get a little aggressive on the highways, and don’t be surprised if locals overtake you using the wrong side or dart between lanes. Just stay focused and defensive, especially when overtaking.
- Insurance
Typically, rental car services in Oman offer standard insurance coverage as part of their packages, which usually includes:
Third-party liability.
Collision damage waiver (CDW).
Note that these may have a high excess fee. You may also want to consider:
Full coverage insurance, to reduce your financial liability.
Personal accident insurance.
Off-road insurance, if you are driving into mountains or the desert (usually excluded).
Make sure to read the rental agreement carefully and check the car for damage, scratches, or dents before driving off. Take photos of existing damage to avoid being blamed for it after.
- Navigation and Road Signs
English language signs are very common in Oman, especially along the highways and in tourist-friendly locations.
GPS and Google Maps will work fine for the most part, but as a precaution, we always download offline maps on our phones for places we visit (like Jebel Shams, Ras al Jinz, or the Empty Quarter). We also always have a second app like Maps.me as a backup.
GPS will not take you to the middle of a wadi or village, so use your common sense and know when it’s leading you astray.
- Toll Roads and Parking
Oman has no toll roads as of this writing. Parking in Oman is generally easy and free in most places, but not in the following locations:
Downtown Muscat (Ruwi, Mutrah).
Airports and around major commercial centers.
Double-check the signs before leaving your car, as illegally parked vehicles may get fined or towed.
- Roadside Assistance and Emergencies
Roadside assistance is standard with most rental cars in Oman. Keep the agency’s contact number provided to you with the car at all times.
Emergency numbers in Oman are:
Police: 9999
Fire/Ambulance: 9999 (same number)
Tourist Emergency Line: +968 9934 1212 (provided by the Ministry of Tourism).
Stay with your car and wait for help in case of a breakdown. Omanis are known for their helpfulness, and you can also count on getting assistance from locals who will stop and help in an emergency.
- Cultural Considerations and Driving Etiquette
A little respect for local culture goes a long way and is more than appreciated by Omanis.
Keep the noise down and don’t blast music when driving past mosques or villages.
Dress modestly and cover up if you get out of the car in rural areas.
On the road:
Flashing headlights generally means “I’m coming through” or to warn of a hazard ahead, and not as a courtesy flash (be aware when overtaking).
Expect Omanis to stop suddenly to greet friends/relatives on the roadside, especially in smaller towns. This is very common in Oman and can catch you off guard.
Driving after dark in rural areas is not recommended:
Poor lighting in villages and rural areas.
Livestock wandering on the road.
Less road signage or reflectors on wadi beds.
- Best Tourist Routes for Self-Driving
If you’re trying to decide where to go, here are our top picks for self-drive routes in Oman:
Muscat to Sur via Quriyat and Wadi Shab.
Nizwa to Jebel Akhdar.
Sur to Ras al Jinz.
Muscat to Salalah via Nizwa and Haima.
Nizwa to Bahla and Al Hamra.
Explore our top drives in Oman here.
- Returning the Car
On return, typically you need to:
Fill the tank to full unless otherwise agreed with the agency.
Clean the interior if very dirty.
Inspect the car for any damage or excessive tire wear.
Return the keys and paperwork as per instructions.
Ask the agent to do a final walk-around inspection and provide written confirmation of the vehicle return to avoid any disputes later.
- Alternative Rental Options
Chauffeur-Driven Car Rental
Local driver handles everything for you (navigation, driving in mountains/deserts).
Guided Rental/Caravan
Drive in a convoy with a guide car in front to lead you and help with navigation and potential driving challenges.
- Final Thoughts
Renting a car in Oman is worth it — if your goal is to see more than just Muscat, experience the wonders of Oman’s natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and hidden treasures, then hiring a rental car is your best option. It’s really not as hard as it might seem.
A car rental will allow you to explore at your own pace, make stops whenever you want, and get access to sites that are unreachable or missed by tour buses. Plus, the flexibility of having your own transport in Oman is priceless.
Plan, obey the rules, and you’ll soon understand why travelers from all over the world keep falling in love with the Sultanate of Oman, one scenic drive at a time.
