Car Rental at Muscat Airport

Airport travel guide

Developed and affluent, but relatively quiet, Muscat hasn’t received the same international attention as some of its neighbors like Dubai. But give this coastal capital a chance and you’ll discover an ancient city that has been inhabited for three thousand years, boasts fascinating culture in the shape of everything from museums to markets, and also provides access to unique nature. These are three of the most interesting attractions in and around Muscat:

• Al Jalali Fort. The imposing Al Jalali Fort is one of the symbols of Muscat. Built in the late 16th century by the Portuguese who ruled the area at the time to repel Ottoman naval attacks, Al Jalali has seen multiple sieges and attacks over the centuries but has always been rebuilt to its former glory. There are several other famous forts in Muscat, most notably Al Mirani Fort.
• Museums. Muscat is home to a large number of museums, several of which are among the best on the Arabian peninsula. Among these, Bait Al Zubair Museum is dedicated to the history of the Omani people, Bait al-Baranda Museum is mainly dedicated to the early habitation of Oman, the Natural History Museum deals with the flora and fauna characteristic of the country, and the National Museum is the best place to see Omani national costumes and traditional crafts.
• The Hajar Mountains. Located in the country’s interior west of the capital, the Hajar Mountains are one of the most impressive natural attractions of Oman. Home of austere landscapes and dramatic vistas, the area is also home to attractions such as the ruins of Wadi Tanuf, ancient sites of Bat and Al-Khutm, and the Al Hoota cave of stalactites and stalagmites. The main highways of the region are quite accessible, but to explore the mountains properly, it is best to rent a 4x4. A car trip from the capital to the mountains takes about three hours, so while the area can be visited on a day trip, it is best to spare at least two to three days to have time.
• The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. This is the most important mosque in Oman and one of the most impressive and visually stunning. It shimmers beneath the sun in shades of beige and white and boasts stunning courtyards, manicured gardens, rich tapestries and porticoed walkways. The mosque dates back to 2001. Its interiors are just as impressive as its exteriors and are decorated with stunning blue and green mosaics. Look out for the intricately woven carpet that decorates the interior flooring. This was once the largest Persian rug in the world. That is, until the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi came in, took measurements, and claimed the title!
• Muttrah. Ancient Muttrah is one of the oldest parts of Oman. It is technically its own city, but urban expansion has made it difficult to note where Muscat ends and Muttrah begins! The Muttrah souk has been in operation for over 250 years and is worth passing through. The stalls here are an attack on all of the senses. Be prepared to find herbs and spices piled high in colorful jars, jewelry and precious metals, weapons and traditional dress. This market caters mostly to tourists, so you won’t find the best deals here. (If something does catch your eye, be prepared to haggle! The initial price is always inflated). The Muttrah fish market is one of the interesting places to people-watch. If you can get there at 3 or 4 am, you will see some ferocious negotiations between locals and restauranteurs and the Omani fishermen as they bring in their fresh morning catches. 
• The Royal Opera House in Muscat. This is a gorgeous example of contemporary Arabian architecture. It was designed by architects Wimberly Allison Tong and Goo, and construction on the site started in 2007. Various operas, ballets and cultural performances worldwide are hosted here each month. Getting tickets to an event would be a spectacular way to experience life in Muscat like a local. If your schedule doesn’t allow it, you can tour the premises to learn more. 
• Fanja. Fanja is a small settlement located 25km away from Muscat, Oman. The town is essentially divided into two halves: the abandoned old town and the newer settlement. While the new town of Fanja has some interesting marketplaces to offer, it is the old town that draws in visitors. This ghost town is filled with abandoned houses and buildings - including an abandoned fortress whose rusting cannons are still lined up defensively along the walls. 
• Yiti Beach. Some gorgeous beaches run along Oman’s east coast. One of the closest to Muscat is Yiti beach on the Gulf of Oman. The water here is clear, calm, and perfect for swimming in, and the beach is framed by unique rock formations. Yiti beach is usually pretty quiet, and most tourists don’t even know about its existence. On the weekends, you will see Omani families here enjoying picnics and flasks of tea.

Top international routes

• Salalah
• Doha
• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi
• Mumbai
• Jeddah
• Bahrain
• Cochin
• Riyadh
• Bangkok

Main airlines

Oman Air, SalamAir, Kish Air, Jet Airways, Air India, and Pakistan International Airlines

Terminals

The airport has two terminals, the Old and New Terminals, but as of May 2021, only the New Terminal has scheduled flights while the Old Terminal is under construction. It will reopen in the future to serve low-cost carriers.

Location

Muscat Airport is about 32 km (19.9 mi) west of Muscat, the capital of Oman. Highway 1 is the main road connecting the airport to the city, but you can also take 18th November Street, which runs parallel to Highway 1 and has views of the Gulf of Oman.

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from $13 per day
• Medium cars - from $14 per day
• Large cars - from $21 per day
• SUVs - from $24 per day
• Premium cars - from $42 per day

Car rental desks

Most can be found in the arrivals hall.

Services and facilities

Modern and fairly large, Muscat Airport isn’t quite as large as its neighbors, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but nonetheless has plenty of amenities. These include a number of shops and eateries, ATMs, a pharmacy, a children’s play area, a prayer room, paid lounges, an on-site hotel, and WiFi that is free to use for the first two hours.

Nearest gas station

There’s a Shell gas station that is a part of the airport complex and has the same address as the airport. Many other gas stations can be found on the way from the city and in Muscat.

Popular one-way rentals

• Abu Dhabi (498 km / 309 miles)
• Dubai (427 km / 265 miles)
• Sharjah (411 km / 255 miles)
• Salalah (1,017 km / 632 miles)