Our two-week road trip through Oman
The moment we landed in Oman, one thought crossed our minds: Masha Allah!😍
It was around 5 PM, and as our plane descended towards Muscat, the white buildings glowed under the golden evening sun. We had barely arrived, and Oman had already started making an impression on us.
We flew in from Delhi, picked up our rental car, and set off on a two-week road trip to explore the country at our own pace – from the coast along the Gulf of Oman to the golden dunes of Wahiba Sands and the mountain villages around Al Hamra.
So, if you're planning an Oman trip from India and wondering what a two-week Oman road trip could actually look like, here's the route we followed, what we loved, and everything we learnt along the way.
Oman Road Trip Map
We spent 14 days exploring Oman, here’s our route map to help you plan your own Oman road trip.
If you enjoy exploring a country at your own pace, you might also like our 2-week Sri Lanka road trip, where we explored everything from cultural sites and hill towns to beaches along the coast.
Our detailed 14-day Oman itinerary
If you're planning an Oman road trip, we'd recommend keeping at least 10 days for it. While the distances between destinations might look manageable on a map, driving through long stretches of open land can make each journey feel longer than expected.
Day 1: Delhi to Muscat – And Our Oman Road Trip Begins!
The moment we boarded Oman Air, I was already excited to reach Muscat. Our 3-hour flight from Delhi to Muscat was comfortable, and as the plane began its descent, my eyes lit up.
Immigration at the airport was a breeze. We picked up a local SIM card, exchanged some currency, and headed straight to collect our rental car. The entire process was surprisingly smooth, and before we knew it, we were on our way to the hotel.
The roads were excellent, and if you've ever driven in a new country, you know that feeling – a little excitement, a little curiosity, and the urge to just keep driving and see where the road takes you!
We checked into our hotel, grabbed a quick bite for dinner, and called it a day.
Days 2-3: Exploring Muscat
We spent the next couple of days exploring Muscat, from its beautiful architecture and traditional Mutrah souq to its coastline and local food. The city was a lovely introduction to Oman, and it was the perfect place to ease into our road trip before heading towards Sur.
If you're planning to spend more time here, we'll be sharing a detailed Muscat travel guide covering the best places to visit, our recommended itinerary, where to stay and practical tips for exploring the city.
Days 4-5 : Sur and the Gulf of Oman Coast
Route: Muscat – Bimmah Sinkhole – Sur
Driving time: Around 2-3 hours of driving in total, excluding sightseeing stops
Time needed: minimum 2 days
The drive from Muscat to Sur was an experience in itself. We drove along gorgeous highways, past vast stretches of open land, with beautiful coastal views appearing along the way.
We took a stop along the way at the stunning Bimmah Sinkhole, a natural limestone crater filled with turquoise water. It was quite a sight and a lovely break from the drive.
This laid-back coastal town offered a different side of Oman, with its traditional dhow-building heritage, beautiful beaches and a slower pace of life.
Did you know? Sur is also associated with Sindbad the Sailor, the legendary seafarer whose adventures are told in The Thousand and One Nights.
Sur was a lovely surprise on our Oman road trip! We'll be sharing a detailed guide with more on its coastal sights, dhow heritage and places worth exploring.
Looking for another international road trip? Check out our East Coast Malaysia road trip for a completely different kind of adventure.
Day 6: Wahiba Sands Desert Experience
The drive from Sur to Wahiba Sands was one of the most amazing drives we had in Oman! The landscapes kept changing as we drove past stark mountains and rocky, grainy terrain that seemed to shimmer as the sunlight fell on it.
And then came the desert.
Imagine staying in a private dome in the middle of vast sand dunes, with nothing but golden sand stretching as far as the eye could see. It felt like we had arrived in the middle of nowhere.
We visited a Bedouin house, tried fun desert activities, went on a camel ride and experienced dune bashing.
One of our favorite moments was watching the sun go down over the dunes with a cup of Omani tea in hand. We also spent time stargazing after dark and, of course, couldn't resist meeting the adorable baby camels!
If you'd like to plan your own desert escape, we'll be sharing a detailed Wahiba Sands travel guide with more information about desert camps, activities and what to expect.
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Days 7-9: Slow Days in Al Hamra, Oman's Historic Mountain Village
After spending a magical night in Wahiba Sands, we hit the road again, this time heading towards Al Hamra, a quaint historic village nestled at the foothills of the Hajar Mountains.
Known for its traditional mud-brick houses, old-world charm and mountain views, Al Hamra is over 400 years old and offers a glimpse into a different side of Oman.
But what we didn't expect was how much we'd fall for this place.
What started with a beautiful stay soon turned into slow coffee dates, walks through the village, delicious local food and stories about old Oman. We found ourselves having conversations with a local family, learning little things about their lives.
We'll share more about where to stay, what to explore and how to experience this part of Oman in our detailed guide.
Days 10-12: Exploring Nizwa, the Cultural Heart of Oman
The drive from Al Hamra to Nizwa took us less than an hour. We booked an Airbnb apartment for our stay, and our host was incredible, making us feel right at home.
Nizwa felt like the cultural heart of Oman, with its rich history, traditional markets and glimpses of everyday Omani life.
We explored the grandeur of Nizwa Fort, wandered through the historic Nizwa Souq, visited the charming village of Birkat Al Mouz and discovered some pretty cafés along the way.
But the highlight was undoubtedly the Friday livestock market at Nizwa Souq. We arrived early to witness locals gathering to buy and sell animals, with buyers, sellers and onlookers coming together in a lively, traditional setting.
It was a chance to see a more traditional side of Oman, beyond the forts and historic buildings. And if you can plan your visit around Friday, we'd highly recommend experiencing the market for yourself.
Day 13: Driving back to Muscat
It was finally time to leave Nizwa and make our way back to Muscat. But before hitting the road, we stopped for an indulgent breakfast at Alam Cafe, which we'd highly recommend if you're in the area.
After breakfast, we drove back to Muscat, checked into our Airbnb and in the evening headed out to Mutrah Corniche one last time.
Day 14: Fly back to India
The next day, we boarded our flight back to India, carrying home two weeks' worth of memories.
Oman had surprised us in so many ways. And if there's one thing we'd take away from this road trip, it's that the country deserves to be explored slowly, with enough time to take those little detours and enjoy the unexpected moments along the way.
One of our favorite parts of travelling is the people we meet and the stories we hear along the way. We had some memorable encounters in Uzbekistan too, including a lovely conversation with a fellow passenger on our train journey from Bukhara to Khiva. You can read that story in our 10-day Uzbekistan itinerary.
How to Plan an Oman Road Trip: Things to Know Before You Go
Before you start mapping out your route, there are a few things worth knowing about flights, visas and getting around the country.
Here's what we learnt while planning our two-week Oman road trip from India:
How to Get to Oman from India
We flew from Delhi to Muscat with Oman Air, and the flight took around three hours. It was a comfortable journey, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal options available on board.
Our round-trip flights cost us approximately ₹21,000 per person.
Oman Visa for Indian Travelers
Visa requirements depend on your passport, travel plans and eligibility.
Indian citizens may qualify for a stay of up to 14 days without a visa if they hold a valid, unexpired visa or residence permit from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, or Schengen countries.
You can apply for an Oman tourist visa online through the Royal Oman Police eVisa Portal (choose a 10-day or 30-day tourist visa option).
Renting a Car in Oman
Renting a car in Oman is a relatively easy and affordable way to explore the country, especially if you're planning a road trip beyond Muscat. We opted for Budget Car Rental, which was available at Muscat International Airport, and the entire pickup process was very smooth.
We paid around 98 Omani Rial (OMR) for 14 days road trip. Fuel was also very affordable, at approximately 0.2 OMR per liter, making self-driving a great way to explore Oman.
Do you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Oman?
We carried an International Driving Permit (IDP) with us, but we weren't asked to use it during our rental process. Our tourist visa and valid Indian driving license, which was in English, was enough for us to collect the car.
Quick Tip: Requirements can vary depending on your rental company and circumstances, so carrying an IDP is a sensible precaution.
Driving in Oman: What You Should Know
One of the best things about our Oman road trip was how easy it was to explore the country by car. Here are a few things you should know before planning a Oman road trip:
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Oman follows right-hand traffic: Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, with the steering wheel on the left.
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Watch your speed: Speed limits are strictly enforced, and you'll spot (sometimes not, but still there) speed radars along highways and other roads.
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Always wear your seat belt: Seat belts are compulsory for drivers and passengers. Using a mobile phone while driving is also prohibited.
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Do you need a 4WD? For regular highways and the main roads connecting the destinations on our itinerary, a standard rental car may be sufficient. However, if you're planning dune bashing or driving up to mountain destinations such as Jebel Shams, check the route and your accommodation's requirements.
Our money-saving tip: You don't necessarily need to rent a 4WD for your entire Oman road trip. We opted for a pickup and drop-off service arranged by our desert camp in Wahiba Sands, which worked out really well for us. For Jebel Shams, our host offered to take us in his own car and act as our guide for an additional fee. This saved us from having to rent a 4WD ourselves.
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Be careful when driving after dark: Outside cities, roads may be poorly lit, and appear isolated. Although the country is safe, we'd avoid rushing long drives late at night.
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Plan your driving breaks: Oman has long stretches of open road between destinations. Keep water in the car, fuel up when needed.
SIM Cards and Internet in Oman
We picked up an Omantel SIM card at Muscat International Airport as soon as we landed and paid 10 OMR for 14 days validity. The network worked really well throughout our two-week Oman road trip.
Other options available in Oman include Ooredoo and Vodafone.
Money Exchange and Currency in Oman
Oman's official currency is the Omani Rial (OMR). When we landed at Muscat International Airport, we exchanged around US$30 into local currency and used our card for most of our expenses during the trip.
Our money-saving tip: If your accommodation isn't prepaid, make sure you carry enough cash to cover your stay, especially if you're staying in remote areas.
Not all stays accept card payments, and you could end up paying extra ATM withdrawal fees or foreign transaction charges if you need to withdraw cash.
Useful Apps for Travelling in Oman
Talabat was our most-used app in Oman! We used it to order everything from drinking water and snacks to meals whenever we needed something.
Best Time to Visit Oman
Oman isn't a year-round destination. Summers are extremely hot. The best time to plan an Oman road trip is between November and February, when the weather is pleasant for exploring cities, driving along the coast, camping in the desert and visiting the mountains.
One more tip: If possible, try to avoid planning your Oman road trip around Eid. During our conversations with locals, we learnt that some places may close or become difficult to access during this period. Since opening hours and access can vary, it's worth checking your planned stops and accommodation in advance if your dates overlap with Eid.
What to Pack for Oman
Oman is a conservative country, so you must dress modestly and respect the local culture.
Both men and women should keep their shoulders and knees covered in public places. If you're planning to swim, opt for modest swimwear and follow any dress guidelines at beaches, wadis and swimming spots.
Here are a few essentials we'd recommend packing for your Oman road trip:
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Lightweight, breathable clothes: Pack airy shirts, trousers, dresses and other comfortable outfits.
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A scarf : I carried this scarf for visiting mosques and other religious sites, where women needed to cover their hair.
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A light jacket: Even when the days are warm, mornings and nights can get chilly in the desert and mountains, particularly during the winter months.
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Hiking shoes: If you plan to go hiking in the mountains or for that matter even walking in Wadis, make sure to carry proper footwear.
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Sun protection: The Omani sun is intense, so don't forget sunscreen, SPF lip balm, and sunglasses. We carried these sunscreens and SPF lip balms to protect ourselves during the trip.
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Food & Snacks: As a vegetarian, I always carry some ready to eat packs, protein bars, and this during my travels.
Planning an international trip involves more than just booking flights and stays. We’ve shared our essential packing tips for international travel to help you pack smarter and avoid last-minute stress.
Food to Try During Your Oman Road Trip
We travel for food! And honestly, despite being a vegetarian, Omani food surprised me and won my heart.
One thing we loved about Oman was how dates and Omani coffee were often offered as complimentary refreshments.
During our two-week Oman road trip, we tried everything, from French bakeries and traditional Omani cuisine to Yemeni dishes, Indian and Pakistani curries, and even homemade meals prepared by our lovely host.
Some of our favorites were Omani halwa, karak tea, Omani bread, Rob Ruman shake, and frankincense ice cream. We also came across an eatery serving dosa, parathas and chole bhature and devoured it.😄
We also used Talabat to order Pizzas and snacks like Oman Chips and Pofak, in areas where delivery was available.
As a vegetarian I found options to enjoy along the way, although the variety can depend on where you're staying. In bigger cities like Muscat and Nizwa, you'll generally have more restaurants to choose from.
More Oman guides are on the way! If you'd like to follow along, subscribe to our newsletter for new travel guides and stories from our adventures.
This wraps up our 2 week Oman road trip.
What made this trip special wasn't just the landscapes, but also the people we met, the stories we heard, the homemade meals we shared. Oman felt welcoming, peaceful and full of experiences we hadn't expected.
We hope this guide helps you plan an Oman road trip of your own.
Happy Travels!
