Living in Muscat without your own car is entirely doable, but it takes a little planning. Oman’s public transport network is run mainly by Mwasalat, the national operator, and 2026 brings one big change every resident needs to know: city buses are going fully cashless. This guide walks through buses, the Mwasalat smartcard, intercity coaches, airport transfers, taxis and ride-hailing so you can move around confidently.
Mwasalat city buses in Muscat
Mwasalat runs around a dozen city bus routes across Muscat, linking major hubs such as Ruwi (the central bus station), Al Khuwair, Ghala, Azaiba, Seeb and the airport. Buses are modern, air-conditioned and generally reliable, though they run less frequently than metros in bigger Gulf cities, so allow buffer time. The main city hub is Ruwi Bus Station, where most routes converge and where you can change between lines.
City fares are among the cheapest in the region. A single ride typically starts at around 300 baisa (0.300 OMR) and rises with distance, so most trips inside Muscat cost only a few hundred baisa. Because fares depend on your start and end points, it is worth checking the exact price for your route in the Mwasalat app before you travel.
The big 2026 change: cashless buses
From 1 August 2026, Mwasalat is ending cash payments on all city buses in Muscat and Salalah. After that date, drivers will no longer accept notes or coins. Instead, you pay using approved electronic methods, including bank cards and mobile wallets such as Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, as well as the Mwasalat smartcard. If you rely on the bus for your commute, sort out a payment method before the switchover to avoid being caught out.
The Mwasalat smartcard and e-wallet
The Mwasalat smartcard is the simplest way for regular riders to pay. You tap on when boarding, and the correct fare is deducted from your balance. Alongside the physical card, Mwasalat offers a digital Sayir e-wallet through its official app, which you can top up in advance using any debit or credit card. Both remove the need to carry cash and speed up boarding, which is exactly why the network is moving cashless.
To get set up, download the Mwasalat app (available for Android and iPhone), create an account and load a balance. You can also buy intercity tickets and top up your e-wallet through the app or the official website. Keeping a small balance topped up means you can simply tap and go on any city route.
Intercity coaches: travelling beyond Muscat
For longer journeys, Mwasalat runs comfortable intercity coaches connecting Muscat with cities across Oman, including Sohar, Nizwa, Ibri, Buraimi and Salalah, plus cross-border services to the UAE. These coaches are the affordable alternative to renting a car for weekend trips.
The flagship long-haul route is Muscat to Salalah (Route 100), a journey of roughly 1,000 km that takes around 12 to 13 hours. It departs from Azaiba Bus Station and also picks up at Muscat International Airport. The fare is approximately 8 OMR one way, or about 12.5 OMR for a return ticket, making it far cheaper than flying or fuel for the drive. Because departure times and schedules change seasonally, book your seat and confirm timings in the Mwasalat app rather than relying on old timetables. If you plan to explore Oman regularly or need to reach areas the coaches don’t serve, converting to a local driving licence may be worth it — our guide to the Oman driving licence for expats explains the process.
Getting to and from Muscat Airport
Muscat International Airport is well connected by Mwasalat. A dedicated city bus route links the airport with Al Khuwair and other central districts, and the Salalah intercity coach also stops at the airport terminal. Buses are the budget option for airport transfers, though services do not run around the clock, so late-night or early-morning arrivals will usually need a taxi or ride-hailing car instead.
When you land, follow the signage from the arrivals hall to the ground transport area, where you will find the bus stands alongside the taxi rank. If you are travelling on to Salalah or another governorate the same day, the intercity coach stop makes the airport a convenient interchange.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Oman’s traditional taxis are orange-and-white cars. They are widely available but usually unmetered, so you agree the fare with the driver before setting off — always negotiate the price up front to avoid surprises. Shared taxis running fixed routes are cheaper but less predictable.
For most expats, app-based ride-hailing is easier and more transparent. The main options in Muscat are:
- OTaxi (Oman Taxi) — the government-backed app, generally the most affordable, with upfront pricing and driver details shown before you ride. It can be slower to find a car in off-peak hours.
- Careem — the app many expats default to for reliability and wide coverage. A typical ride within Muscat costs in the region of 3 to 7 OMR, varying by distance and demand.
Both apps let you pay by card, see your driver’s location in real time and avoid fare haggling, which makes them the go-to choice for airport runs, evenings out and trips where no direct bus route exists.
Tips for residents without a car
Getting by without a car in Muscat comes down to location and habits. A few practical pointers:
- Live near a bus corridor. Choosing housing along a Mwasalat route — around Ruwi, Al Khuwair or Azaiba — makes daily commuting far simpler.
- Go cashless early. Set up your Mwasalat smartcard or Sayir e-wallet well before the 1 August 2026 cash cut-off.
- Keep two ride-hailing apps installed. Having both OTaxi and Careem means you can compare prices and availability, especially at busy times.
- Budget realistically. Combining buses for commutes with occasional taxis is very economical; factor it into your monthly plan using our cost of living in Muscat budget guide.
- Carry your ID. Keep your residence documents handy when travelling; see our overview of the Oman resident card types, costs and renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still pay cash on Muscat buses in 2026?
Only until 31 July 2026. From 1 August 2026, Mwasalat city buses in Muscat and Salalah accept payment only through approved electronic methods — bank cards, mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, or the Mwasalat smartcard. Set up a digital payment method before then.
How much does a Mwasalat city bus ride cost?
City fares are distance-based and start at around 300 baisa (0.300 OMR), so most trips inside Muscat cost only a few hundred baisa. Check the exact fare for your specific route in the Mwasalat app, as prices vary between start and end points.
What is the best way to get around Muscat without a car?
Combine Mwasalat buses for regular commutes with ride-hailing apps like OTaxi and Careem for door-to-door trips and airport transfers. Living near a bus corridor and keeping a topped-up Mwasalat smartcard or Sayir e-wallet makes car-free life in Muscat straightforward and affordable.
