Muscat Flights

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I changed planes here on my way to and from India. Going my connection time was 75 minutes. I had no problems at all, the aircraft arrived on time and transfer directions were clearly sign posted. The only slight hold up is the scanning of hand baggage.

On returning I had over 4 hours before my connecting flight. The airport is clean and tidy with lots of seating areas. To change money there are bureau de change and an ATM. To spend your money there are duty free & souvenir shops, to make UK visitors feel at home there's a WH Smith. There's also a wide range of eateries, fast food, coffee shops etc. The airport also has a bar.

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I flew with Oman Air on a nightflight from Frankfurt to Muscat. The trip on WY114 took 6 hrs. I also flew from Muscat to Dubai. The flight attendants were mostly from foreign countries, some europeans and maybe some Malaysian. I didn't see any women with an arab appearance. The inflight service was about average. A LCD display on each seat offering many different movies made the impression better. A nice surprise was also a free pack with eye patching, toothbrush/toothpaste and some warm socks.

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Muscat International airpot (MCT), formerly known as Seeb airport, is the main airport in Oman and the hub for Oman air. It is a small airport, but it is under expansion. The airport stakes a lot on beeing a large airport for the region. The airport is located at GPS 23° 35' 30" N 58° 16' 45" E, 37km from Matrah in Muscat.

Arrivals: All passengers disembark from the flights at tarmac and take bus to to the arrival hall. Follow the sign to the Visa-couter and get your visa on arrival. Make sure to be one of the first because it will be a queue here.... Pay 6 rials (or 20 USD / 15 Euro). You can also change money here. Then go to the immigration, show your passport and the visa-receipt. The immigration officer may ask you how long you will stay and the name of the hotel. So have your hotel ready - or just say a hotel name. Stamp your passport. Then walk towards the customs. The baggage are X-ray screened before you can enter the arrival hall. Then just walk outside and go to the taxi couter. Taxi to the city costs 8 rials, to Al Qurm beach is 7 rials.

Departure: The departure hall is on the right side of the ground floor. Go inside the terminal and line up in queue for a ticket/security check (see picture 4). There are two lines, one fast track for VIP or business passengers and one for all the others. Try to get to the fast track and you may save up to 30 minutes. If you look decent and have little baggage, the chances are good. The you walk towards the X-ray and screen all your baggage (see picture 5). The check-in counters are right behind. After check-in, walk up the stairs to the gates. There are no departure tax from Muscat.

This street map of Muscat is for orientation purposes.

I feel it is best to have a 4WD drive if you are visiting Oman as it will enable you to get off the main roads and explore the countryside without worrying too much about safety. There are several international Car Hire Firms in Muscat where you can arrange to pick up a 4WD. Taxis are fine for travelling around the capital area but as they are not metered then it can be hazardous to your wallet if you do not ask or negotiate a price before you get in. You can take a taxi 'engage' where you are the sole occupant or you can share the cost with other passengers. Busses are available but not always reliable or on time. There is a daily bus schedule from Muscat to Salalah which is far cheaper than flying down there but also takes between 10-12 hours.

This is the local transport its very cheap and always reaches on time ..... the seats a bit worn-out but the AC works and most important it doesnot keep u waiting.

Use the service taxis getting between the small towns which make up Muscat.
It costs 200 baizas per ride, per passenger.
Otherwise, say between Mutrah and Ruwi, you could easily pay up to OM3.

One thing you will soon discover about Oman, including Muscat, is that there are lots of traffic roundabouts instead of traffic lights. This actually does help in the flow of traffic as there are not that many vehicles in Oman. An interesting feature is that some of these roundabouts have interesting statues in their centres, such as the one in this photograph showing a huge frankincense burner in the middle of a roundabout in Muscat.