A Comprehensive Guide to Muscat Airport in 2025

Need to know what to expect at Muscat Airport? This comprehensive guide to Oman’s main international airport will give you up-to-date information on transport to and from Muscat city as well as the services offered in the Terminal. I’ll also share some personal tips on many other practicalities such as renting a car or buying a SIM card there.

As a resident of Oman, I have often taken a flight out of or to Muscat Airport and I can confidently say that it is one of the most elegant – and calmest – airports I know. I was not surprised to discover that in 2024 Muscat International Airport (its official name) actually won the World Travel Award for Middle East’s Leading Airport Customer Experience.

The New Terminal opened in March 2018 and offers a COMPLETELY different experience from the Old Terminal. I can still remember the old airport and how most people had to sit on the floor (or in the staircases) because there were hardly any seats available in the whole place!

First Impressions when Landing at Muscat Airport

Many flights in and out of Muscat are in the evening or at night. However, if you’re lucky to land in Muscat during the day, you’ll probably be struck by the sight of thousands of white flat-roofed houses and buildings set out on a grid. In the backdrop, you will see a range of dry, brown mountains and the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman stretching out in front.

On first arrival, the airport appears spacious with long corridors. Yes! You’ll probably have to do lots of walking to arrive at the Customs Area but you’ll also find moving walkways to help you. Things are clearly indicated. Along the way, you’ll be greeted with beautiful high quality photographs showcasing the scenery you can find in Oman.

You should know that the experience going through immigration can often be slow for non-citizens of Oman (often over one hour). Before travelling to Oman, you will have to check if you need a visa. For stays that are shorter than 14 days, citizens from certain countries are not required to get a visa. In other cases, some international visitors will be able to get an e-visa through the official website prior to their trip. It is also important to know that certain nationalities are allowed to get a visa on arrival while others are not. Also make sure you know what is necessary for your nationality.

The arrival in Muscat Airport

Muscat Airport is actually situated in Seeb, 32 kilometres from the City of Muscat – that is about 25 minutes away by car. It has 2 Terminals but only one of these is in use.

The airport is designed to offer an elegant welcome to visitors and includes a wide range of services from cafés to shops to currency exchange stands to much more.

Money Matters: Getting Local Currency (Omani Rials)

After going through customs and collecting your bags at one of the 10 baggage reclaim belts, one of your first steps will no doubt be to get some Omani Rials in hand. In the arrival hall, you will find a currency exchange desk. It’s probably a good idea to only change small amounts of money there and only if it is an absolute necessity. As you know, the exchange rates in airports tend to be much higher than in bureaux de change in the city. For some of the best rates, I highly recommend Lulu Exchange (no affiliate link) which you will find inside Avenues Mall in the City.

Rather than changing money at a currency exchange desk, it is generally more advantageous to draw money from an ATM even if your bank issues a withdrawal fee. In the arrival hall, there are several locations where you can find ATMs and they accept foreign cards without any problem.

I usually use the ATMs of Bank of Muscat (red and white) or Bank of Dhofar (Green and white).

Picking up a SIM Card: Staying Connected

There are several telecom operators located in the middle of the Arrival Hall, all of which stay open until very late. I suggest you get one at the airport so that you can communicate with the hotel if necessary and can download the Otaxi app (see later). I use Ooredoo (no affiliate link) and have always been satisfied with their services.

At any of the operator kiosks, you will find SIM cards with different data bundles for varying lengths of time. I have always found the assistants to be very friendly and ready to help with installing the SIM cards. So don’t hesitate to ask if you need help. To pay, you can either use cash or your bank card.

Public Facilities and the Tourist Information Desk

Restrooms are clearly indicated and can be found in different locations of the airport.

Smoking is only allowed in specific ‘smoking areas’. These are small (tiny?) areas which are technically fenced off but are outside (one close to the taxi area and another near the buses).

Near Café Nero, there is a tourist information desk that should be able to give you leaflets and maps of Oman. My experience has been that the staff there is helpful but tourism brochures were limited.

How to get to the City of Muscat from the Airport

You have several options for reaching the city centre or your hotel, each catering to different budgets and preferences.

Taking a taxi

The taxi ramp is situated just outside the Arrivals Hall. If you are lost, follow the signs indicating where to find taxis. Taxis accept up to 4 passengers.

Official taxis are regulated with a digital taximetre and there is an official rate. You will be charged per kilometre (around OMR 0.25) which means that the average taxi ride to the City of Muscat will cost you on average around OMR 9.00 or 10.00.

You may also find non-official taxis but these are not regulated and illegal. So, be careful as the fare will be open to (any!) negotiation.

It is a good idea to download and use the Otaxi app (click here for link) as this will offer you the best option. By going through the app, you will know the rate as soon as you book. You will also find an OTaxi office just outside Exit A of the Arrival Hall near the taxi ramp.

Taking a Public Bus

Another – cheaper – option is to take a public bus from the airport. To get to the bus station, go to the Ground Floor of the airport.

The Mwasalat bus company (link here) operates multiple bus routes linking Muscat Airport to various areas across the city of Muscat as well as offering rides to other cities in Oman such as Nizwa, Sur, or Salalah. Rates are extremely reasonable.

• Route A1: this line connects Mabeila to Ruwi and does a stop at the airport and runs every 30 minutes. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the Ruwi bus station. You can buy the ticket on the bus and it costs OMR 1.00. For the schedule and complete list of stops, click here: A1 Line schedule.
• Route 8: this line connects Muscat aiport to Al Khuwair in the centre of Muscat. The route includes 27 stops and runs every 30 minutes also. The ticket will cost you OMR 0.500. For the schedule and complete list of stops, click here: Line 8 schedule.

Note: schedules are subject to change. It is advisable to check on the Mwasalat website to be sure.

A word about public transport in Oman: as you will discover very quickly, public transport is still not very developed in the country. There are plans to create a 50-KM metro which will run from Ruwi and Muttrah to the airport but this is just at a detailed study stage.

Hiring a Car

A third option is to rent a car. In a country where public transport is still scarce, renting a car will allow you to truly explore the country without restrictions. You will also be free to manage your schedule.

You may be tempted to rent a 4×4 Car but you should be aware that this is costly and requires experience in driving on dirt roads that can be challenging. It may be a better idea to rent a Sedan car and hire a driver for the parts of the trip that require a 4×4 car (for example, for trips to Jabal Akhdar and for exploring the desert around Wahiba Sands).

Rental Car Offices are open 24 hours a day and the Car Rental Desks are situated in the Arrival Hall. As well as the usual international companies such as Europcar or Thrifty, you will find more local companies such as Bahwan Tourism Car Rental Services. To find the links to their websites, check out this page. To pick up your car, you will need to go to Car Park 2 Level 0 after you have gone through the usual formalities at the Car Rental Desk in the Arrival Hall.

I have written a full blogpost on renting a car in Oman (click here for the link). You may also want to have a look at my blog post on driving in Oman (9 essential tips to survive driving in Oman).

By the way, if you are planning to travel to Salalah, make sure you check this with the rental agency as many do not allow such a long journey with their rental cars.

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Leaving Muscat Airport

Meals, Snacks, and Duty Free Shops in the Departure Hall

At the Departures Level and after clearing security check and customs, you will find several options for eating, snacking, as well as shopping.

Shops include duty free shops (selling perfume, make-up, chocolates and jewelry), specialised perfume shops such as Amouage, and other shops such as toy shops or electronic outlets.

Cafés include Caffe Nero specialising in coffee, sandwiches and cakes, Caribou Coffee, Tim Hortons, Khawaji Cafe and Selamlique Istanbul. In the Food Court which is open 24 hours, you’ll also find: Spice Kitchen (Indian and Asian street food), Mac Donald, KFC and Plenty (focusing on offering ‘healthy food’). Other dining options include Noor (international food), Tickerdaze (serving mainly burgers and pizza), and Luna. Both of these last ones serve alcohol.

An important Note about Ramadan: While meals are served on board of planes (including alcohol upon request) and in the food court, it is important to remember that food places are closed in the sections BEFORE security.

Resting at the Airport: the Aerotel Transit Hotel

If your flight is very early in the morning or if you have a long stop-over, you may opt to sleep and freshen up at the only hotel within Muscat Airport. This hotel is located on Level 5 of Departures.

Hotel rooms can be booked for 6 to 12 hours and include breakfast. For booking: click here.

I have never stayed at this hotel, but I am including a Youtube video about it taken from the ‘Agewise Adventures’ channel (click here for the link)

Baggage Storage at the Airport

If you have a long stopover and wish to store your baggage, you will find the Storage and Go office on the 4th floor of Departures. Prices to store luggage varies depending on length of time (price based on hours) and the size of bags/suitcases.

This post was all about Muscat International Airport. The Airport is a welcoming and elegant place to begin or end your journey in Oman. Whether you’re arriving or departing, it’s easy to navigate and gives you a small glimpse of Omani hospitality. I wish you safe travels, and enjoy your time in Oman!