Car Rental in Muscat, Oman: A First-Timer's Guide

Renting a car in Muscat

Oman is one of the more car-friendly Gulf destinations for tourists — well-signed highways, courteous driving norms relative to some neighboring markets, and destinations (Nizwa's fort, the Wahiba Sands, Jebel Akhdar's mountain roads) that are genuinely built for a road trip rather than a single city.

Documents you'll need

• A valid driver's license — many nationalities can drive on their home license alone for a limited period, but an International Driving Permit is the safer, universally accepted option and avoids any ambiguity at a checkpoint
• A passport for identity verification
• A credit card for the security deposit, which most agencies require rather than accepting cash

What's different about driving in Oman

• Right-hand traffic, same as most of continental Europe and the US — a smaller adjustment for many tourists than Bali's or the UK's left-hand traffic.
• Long distances between towns outside Muscat — fuel up before a mountain or desert route, since stations can be sparser than in a dense city.
• Mountain roads (notably toward Jebel Akhdar) are steep and winding; some sections are only accessible with a 4x4, which standard sedans aren't equipped for.
• Desert routes (toward Wahiba Sands) similarly call for a proper 4x4 if you're leaving paved roads — confirm with your agency which vehicle class is actually suited to your planned route.

Choosing the right vehicle for your itinerary

A city-only Muscat visit needs nothing more than a standard sedan. A trip into the mountains or desert genuinely needs 4x4 capability — booking the wrong class for your route is one of the most common (and avoidable) mistakes tourists make here.

Booking with confidence

Arrentio is building a marketplace of verified rental agencies across Oman and the wider Gulf, so you can compare real listings and confirm the right vehicle class before you travel. Browse what's coming or join the waitlist for early access.