The Ultimate UAE to Oman Bus Travel Guide: Unveiling Muscat, Musandam, and Salalah
As peak travel season sweeps in, pushing airfares to popular heights, the savvy traveler seeks alternatives to reach captivating destinations. If the prospect of a road trip to Oman is hampered by the lack of a vehicle or driving license, why not opt for an enriching bus journey instead? In a seamless blend of convenience and exploration, transportation companies and travel agencies rooted in the UAE offer enticing bus tours that span the beauty of Muscat, the allure of Musandam, and the lush landscapes of Salalah. Notably, UAE residents are bestowed with a visa upon arrival, simplifying travel logistics even further. Discover why taking the bus stands as a compelling choice, allowing you to revel in scenic vistas, partake in authentic local experiences, and craft cherished memories, all while bypassing the driving ordeal. Join us as we unfold the essentials of this exceptional journey.
An Overview of the Dubai to Oman Bus Service
The collaboration between Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and Oman's National Transport Company, Mwasalat, in 2019 led to the revival of the 201 bus route connecting Dubai and Muscat. This partnership introduced new routes and stations, enhancing connectivity between the two destinations.
Beyond serving local commuting needs, the RTA focuses on promoting Dubai's tourism and business activities by establishing various UAE-wide bus routes. The Dubai to Oman 201 bus route provides a convenient and cost-effective travel alternative compared to other options. Explore more to understand the RTA's contributions to efficient transportation within Dubai.
Alternative Bus Routes Between Dubai and Oman
If you're looking to consider alternative bus routes between Dubai and Oman, there are a handful of private options available. These independent transportation companies provide services connecting Muscat and Dubai, with Al Khanjry buses being one such example. These buses can be boarded near Ruwi bus station in Muscat. Departure timings for these buses are set at 06:00 am and 03:00 pm on a daily basis. The buses make a single stop at Sohar, allowing passengers to shop or grab a snack.
Bus Tickets Fares from Dubai to Oman
• A single bus ticket for traveling from Dubai to Oman is priced at AED 55.
• For a round-trip journey between Dubai and Oman, the bus ticket costs AED 90.
• Additionally, there is an exit fee of AED 35 per person at the UAE border.
Passengers can purchase Dubai to Oman bus tickets at the RTA stand. The upcoming implementation of online booking options will simplify the process of reserving Dubai to Oman bus tickets.
Dubai to Oman Bus Timings
The Dubai to Oman bus service operates at varying timings due to departures from three different city points. The departure points and corresponding timings are as follows:
• Rashidiya Bus Station: 08:00 am, 04:00 pm, and 11:30 pm
• Airport Terminal 2: 07:45 am, 03:45 pm, and 11:15 pm
• Abu Hail Bus Station: 07:30 am, 03:30 pm, and 11:00 pm
Travel Time: The total duration of the bus journey from Dubai to Oman is 6 hours. This time frame accounts for customs and border control procedures. Each bus station stop lasts for 15 minutes; however, travel time might extend due to traffic conditions.
Bus Route from Oman to Dubai
If you're traveling back to Dubai from Oman, your bus journey will encompass 11 stops prior to reaching the border. You can board the bus from any of these designated stations:
-Barka
-Shinas
-Muscat Airport
-Burj Al Sahwa
-Athaiba
-Maabela
-Suwaiq
-Musanah
-Khabura
-Sohar
-Saham
Bus Tickets Fares from Oman to Dubai:
• Cost of a single bus ticket for traveling from Oman to Dubai is OMR 5.5.
• Round-trip ticket will cost OMR 9.
The departure times for the bus service traveling from Dubai to Sohar, Oman are 06:20 am, 03:20 pm, and 11:20 pm. To obtain precise timings, you can visit a Mwasalat ticket office, refer to their website, or contact +971-425-25909 for further information.
Facilities offered by the Dubai-Oman Bus Route
• Air-conditioned and Wi-Fi-equipped buses on Dubai to Oman route.
• Mwasalat buses feature advanced tech and safety ensuring a modern travel experience. Seating about 50 passengers.
• Bus stations connected to Metro and RTA Taxi options for continued travel.
• RTA ready to increase trips based on demand.
Oman Visa Requirements
UAE residents have the option of obtaining a visa on arrival for a 14-day stay when crossing the Oman border. However, if you're planning your trip through a tour operator, they often include the visa cost in the package and arrange for an e-visa in advance to simplify the border crossing procedure. The necessary documents for this process are as follows:
• A valid passport with a minimum of six months' validity.
• A valid Emirates ID and UAE residence permit, both with a validity of at least three months.
Note: All UAE residents do not need a visa for entry into Oman. Expatriates living in the UAE can visit Oman using a special entry visa, which has a validity of four weeks and can be extended for an additional week if needed.
Cost of Oman Visa
• There's an exit fee of AED 35 that needs to be paid while leaving the UAE border.
• The cost for the visa on arrival is 5 Omani Rials (equivalent to AED 47). This fee should be paid using a credit or debit card when you're at the border crossing between the UAE and Oman.
Cost of Dubai Visa from Oman
Expatriates residing in Oman have the option to obtain a UAE visa for 13 Omani Rials or AED 124. Expats can also apply for 48 or 93-hour visas to travel from Oman to the UAE, with the costs being 13 OMR and 20 OMR respectively.
Now that you're well-acquainted with the bus schedules, fares, visa particulars, and routes connecting Dubai to Oman, let's delve into captivating destinations such as Musandam, Muscat, and Salalah. We'll explore exciting bus trips from Dubai to these locations, uncover their attractions, and delve into the associated costs.
1. Bus Trip From Dubai to Musandam (Travel Time: Around 5 to 6 hours)
Musandam is a special part of Oman with its main city called Khasab. One of the best things to see there is Khor Sham, which is a very long and beautiful area of water surrounded by high cliffs. You can also enjoy a full-day dhow cruise. Musandam is also called the 'Norway of Arabia' because it has tall, narrow waterways called fjords that look like the ones in Norway.
The dhow cruise is a star attraction and is a really fun thing to do. You get to see the amazing fjords and even watch dolphins swimming. The boat also stops at places like Telegraph Island and Seebi Island. The great thing is, you can start the trip from Dubai and finish it all in one day, coming back in the evening. This is a popular way to explore Musandam.
Expected Itinerary for a Bus Trip to Musandam:
• Passengers are picked up at approximately 6.30 am.
• The Al Darah border crossing in Ras Al Khaimah is reached within an hour, where border formalities are completed.
• Arrival at the harbour area in Khor Sham, Khasab, is expected by around 9.30 am.
• The dhow cruise commences after this, featuring a guided tour and the provision of swimming and snorkeling gear.
• The cruise concludes around 4 pm.
• Departure for the UAE takes place after the cruise.
• The entire trip concludes approximately by 7 pm, with passengers being dropped off in the UAE.
Note: Depending on the tour company you choose, you'll have the flexibility to be picked up either from your place of residence or at a designated meeting point, usually located near the company’s office. The overall trip duration encompasses a full day of experiences and varies based on the tour package.
Travel Cost: The total tour package cost may differ depending on the chosen tour providers, spanning from AED 300 to AED 500 per individual. This covers a comprehensive guided dhow tour, bus transportation for pick-up and drop-off, activity participation, and meals.
2. Bus Trip From Dubai to Muscat (Travel Time: Around 7 hours)
You also have the option to travel by bus to Muscat, Oman's capital. Although there might not be numerous tour operators providing organized bus trips to this destination, you can buy tickets for a daily coach service offered by transportation companies within the UAE.
Expected Itinerary for a Bus Trip to Muscat:
According to insights from tour operators, the usual duration of the trip is approximately seven hours. Nevertheless, it's important to note that if there's significant congestion at the border, you might need to account for some extra hours as well.
Travel Cost: The price for a single journey is around AED 100, but the actual expense can differ based on the chosen transportation company.
Note: Given the popularity of this bus journey, experts recommend booking tickets beforehand and arriving at least 30 minutes ahead of departure. Seating allocation operates on a first-come, first-served principle.
Where to buy bus tickets from Dubai to Muscat?
Online ticket booking is not available for the Mwasalat bus traveling between Dubai and Muscat, and vice versa. Instead, tickets can be purchased in person either at the RTA stand located at Exit 2 of the Abu Hail Station MRT station or at the Mwasalat Office situated near the Clock Tower in Deira.
3. Bus Trip From Dubai to Salalah (Travel Time: Around 18 hours)
Salalah becomes an excellent and convenient escape, presenting families with the opportunity to witness waterfalls, mountains, valleys, and a refreshing drop in temperature. Khareef, often termed as the monsoon season, generally spans from June to September.
Numerous travel companies based in the UAE provide comprehensive tour packages for Salalah, and there's typically an increase in demand during the Khareef season.
Travel Cost: Opting for a bus journey to Salalah, a 2-night, 3-day excursion typically comes at a price of approximately AED 1,000. This package covers various elements including a guided tour, hotel accommodation, visa processing, meals, beverages, and bus transportation for pick-up and drop-off.
Note: While UAE residents can acquire a visa upon arrival, certain travel companies arrange for an eVisa to avoid potential delays at the Oman border.
In conclusion, this comprehensive guide to bus travel from Dubai to Oman illuminates a world of possibilities for adventurous explorers. With insights into routes, fares, and visa requisites, this guide simplifies the journey and enhances the experience. From the mesmerizing fjords of Musandam to the cultural richness of Muscat and the tranquil charm of Salalah, each destination promises a unique and unforgettable adventure. By choosing the convenience and comfort of bus travel, you can embark on a remarkable journey through Oman, creating cherished memories and discovering the hidden gems that await at every stop along the way.