A Classic One-Week Oman Road Trip from Muscat
Scribbled by Claire ◊ 16 Mar 2025
Read on for a detailed seven-day Oman road trip itinerary starting in Muscat, suitable for a two-wheel drive car, checking out all of northern Oman’s biggest sites and cities, with add-ons, tips, recommendations and more!
Are you planning a road trip to Oman? As an adventure-lover’s paradise, this vast, empty country has captured our hearts and is one of our favourite destinations.
After nearly three months and 18,000 kilometres criss-crossing the country, we devised several Oman road trip itineraries with different types of traveller in mind. This particular one-week route from Muscat is great for first-time visitors to Oman, especially if wild camping is not your overnight preference.
The route is simple to drive and well-signed, with no difficult or rough roads. A two-wheel drive vehicle is suitable for the entire trip (there are always off-road options if you fancy it). It is well-suited for budget travellers too, as two-wheel drive vehicles in Oman are significantly more affordable than their four-wheel drive counterparts.
Within this one-week Oman road trip are some of the most famous sites, including two of the most renowned and beautiful wadis in Oman. There is also the opportunity to observe turtle-nesting, endless burnt-orange sand dunes, Muscat’s beaches, and the highest mountain in Oman, Jebel Shams.
We provide a detailed description of the route, including lodging suggestions and optional add-ons if you have extra days. There are also coordinates for any particularly noteworthy wild campsites at each place in case you’re on a budget. Remember, wild camping in Oman is always safe and free!
IN THIS GUIDE //
Classic Oman Road Trip from Muscat
THIS OMAN ROAD TRIP FROM MUSCAT
OMAN ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
– MUSCAT TO SUR
– SUR TO RAS AL JINZ
– RAS AL JINZ TO WAHIBA SANDS
– WAHIBA SANDS TO NIZWA
– AROUND NIZWA
– NIZWA/MISFAT TO JEBEL SHAMS
– JEBEL SHAMS/NIZWA TO MUSCAT
WHERE TO STAY IN MUSCAT
OMAN ROAD TRIP ITINERARY MAP
FINAL THOUGHTS – OMAN ROAD TRIP
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This Oman Road Trip From Muscat
The one-week road trip from Muscat does not require any specific vehicle or any off-roading skills. It also does not require that you wild camp at each location (although you can).
The map below shows two routes; this post relates to the red route. It is possible to combine the two and make a full two-week road trip; if you are interested check out our off road Oman itinerary (the blue route below). The mountains route requires a four-wheel drive car.
Day 1: Muscat to Sur
〈 Route: Muscat → Wadi Dayqah → Bimmah Sinkhole → Wadi Shab → Sur 〉
This day is pretty jam-packed, so get an early start if possible. Head east though Muscat and down the coast. Almost the entire of this drive is on the 17, a mostly coastal road with epic sea views one side and the east Hajar Mountains on the other.
110 kilometres
Wadi Dayqah Dam (optional)
Created in 2012, the Wadi Dayqah Dam and resulting emerald-tinted lake is a lovely stop for a picnic or to stretch your legs. The scenery and vistas are magnificent with soaring peaks on all sides reflecting off the water. There are bathroom facilities, benches and ample parking.
If you are running late, you could miss this stop as it is a little off the main route, however we recommend including it if possible. This was one of our favourite areas to explore and has one of the best wild camp sites in the whole of Oman.
58 kilometres
Bimmah Sinkhole (Hawiyat Najm Park)
This is a quick stop, right off the main highway. The azure water at the bottom is perfect for swimming and if you get there early, it will likely be empty; day trips from Muscat often arrive later in the day. The stairs are well constructed and okay for young children if you keep an eye on them. This can be a very brief stop if you don’t swim and just pop in for a photo.
The sinkhole is free to visit and is open from 8am – 8pm. There are toilet facilities, dedicated parking and picnic amenities.
Note | don’t be one of those disrespectful bikini-clad tourists I see all over Instagram and Pinterest. There are signs specifically asking people to dress modestly.
30 kilometres
Wadi Shab
A highlight of most day trips from Muscat, Wadi Shab is an adventurous, beautiful hike to some of the prettiest wadi pools in Oman. It’s a stunning 45-minute walk through ancient irrigation systems, with sheer canyon walls, ending in a swim to a cave with a waterfall. We have written an in-depth guide to the Wadi Shab hike if you are considering it.
This is one of the few attractions in Oman that you must pay to enter. A man in a boat will float you across the wadi to the trailhead and then pick you up when you are done. The cost is 1 OMR per person for a return journey, so remember to bring some cash.
Note | please dress modestly. Just because irresponsible Instagrammers walk along in their bikinis, doesn’t make it right.
Tip | if you are visiting on the weekend, consider delaying your visit until first thing the next morning. There is spare time after your night in Sur and as Wadi Shab is one of Oman’s top attractions, it will likely be quieter. The Wadi Shab walk and swim can take around three hours.
50 kilometres
Sur
Sur is a laidback, coastal town famous for handcrafted dhows (traditional Arabian wooden boats). A highlight of any visit is the shipyard where dhows are still constructed in a method almost identical to hundreds of years ago. The Sur Maritime Museum nearby is worth a visit for some historical perspective too.
There are some decent supermarkets, hotels, a fair few restaurants in Sur, as well as some nice walking routes along the seafront. You can also visit the small Bilad Sur Castle (no fee) if you have extra time. Check out our dedicated post about things to do in Sur for more.
WHERE TO STAY IN SUR
Despite its size and proximity to a plethora of famous sites, Sur isn’t exactly rammed full of luxury accommodation. There are several main ‘tourist grade’ hotels, including Sur Plaza Hotel and Sur Grand Hotel. If you are looking for a moderate, comfortable hotel with a decent breakfast, we recommend these. Sur Plaza is our choice when there’s little price difference (breakfast is great here).
Tour groups use these hotels though, so you’ll possibly see a few obnoxious tourists walking around in inappropriate clothing (seriously, every single time we’ve stayed).
Camping is also an option, if you are visiting with that in mind. We have both camped and stayed in hotels multiple times around Sur and recommend both depending on your preferences. The beaches north of Sur are pleasant, and popular with campers.
For specific wild camping locations, the prettiest options are the nearby beaches at Fins (22.876232, 59.230173; 22.882761, 59.226109) or Qalhat (anywhere along the beach area). There are wild camping opportunities all over the place in this area. If you want isolation and adventure, plus have some spare time, head up onto the mountain plateau and search for a spot.
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CAR HIRE FOR YOUR OMAN TRIP
We always rent our vehicles all over the world, including our recent trips in Thailand, Malaysia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Jordan and Morocco, with Discover Cars. They’re often the most affordable, plus they paid out immediately on an insurance claim we made when our car took some heavy damage in Sicily. We fully recommend them.
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TAKE A LOOK BELOW OR CHECK CAR RENTAL
Day 2: Sur
〈 Route: Sur → Ras Al Hadd → Ras Al Jinz 〉
Assuming you don’t pop back to hike Wadi Shab the morning, take your time because the driving distances are substantially less. This short route follows the coastline around to the east. (Today is a perfect time to hike Wadi Shab if you didn’t do it yesterday – it’s a laidback day).
Just to the east, adjacent to Sur, is the fishing village of Al-Ayjah. Here you can get some decent views of Sur from several viewpoints including the Al-Ayjah Lighthouse, Castle and watchtowers.
As you drive east, there are more beautiful coves and beaches; consider checking out Al Shiya Beach for more unreal azure waters.
50 kilometres
Ras Al Hadd and Ras Al Jinz
Between April and August, more than 20,000 turtles lay their eggs in the sands of Oman. Five of the seven species of sea turtle nest on the shores, including the endangered green turtle and critically endangered hawksbill turtle, meaning there are strict regulations along the beaches.
Oman is one of the finest places in the world to watch the turtle nesting and hatching, and the turtle sanctuary at Ras Al Jinz is the premier place in Oman to do this. One of the advantages of wildlife tourism in Oman is that you can observe the turtles in relative peace, unlike places like Costa Rica (this is often a completely mis-managed shitshow).
The best time of year to visit here is between May and September, although excursions are offered all year around. You should make a reservation if you do not stay at the reserve. The cost is 8 OMR per non-resident tourist.
The nesting tours are sometimes late at night or early morning, so do not schedule an early start the next day (or plan for a very early start, if you see what I mean).
Note | please, please do not use camera flashes or torches; do not touch the animals; do not interfere with the turtles in any way. There are pictures of people holding turtles on beaches; don’t be that guy. Hopefully this is obvious, but do not try to visit without a guide either.
WHERE TO STAY IN RAS AL JINZ
The easiest option in the area is the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, which offers rooms and eco-tents. These are expensive but adjacent to the beach where the turtle tours are; the room rate includes the cost of the nesting tour. There is also a museum and research laboratory on site.
Honestly though, the SAMA Ras Al Jinz Resort is far nicer than the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve Hotel (especially when considering the price tag – although the latter’s room rate does include the cost of a guided tour).
Access to the beach without a guide is limited between 5pm to 5am and camping is restricted in beach areas around the turtle nesting sites. Ensure you camp up on the cliffs, as far from the beach as possible to reduce the amount of light that the turtles see. I’ve seen horrendous David Attenborough footage of baby turtles following artificial light into roads and being squashed by cars.
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GOT MORE TIME IN OMAN?
Explore some wadis:
Take a look at our 13 favourite wadis
Hike Oman’s favourite Wadi Shab
Live in a fairytale at the Wadi Damm pools
Explore the quirky white pools of Wadi Abyad
or the magnificent waterfalls of Wadi Darbat
Explore more:
Feel intrepid on an Oman offroad mountains itinerary
Discover what dramatic means with this Salalah itinerary
See some offbeat spots around Sur
Explore Oman’s cultural heart in Nizwa
Prepare with our Oman driving guide
Max out your time with these Muscat day tours
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Day 3: Sur to Wahiba Sands
〈 Route: Ras Al Jinz → Wadi Bani Khalid → Wahiba Sands 〉
This is a day of contrasts. First, head back towards Sur and continue along route 23 until you reach the junction just before the tiny settlement of Romail. Here, take the turning to Wadi Bani Khalid. From the wadi, retrace your route and head towards Bidiyah, the primary gateway to the dunes playground of Wahiba Sands.
163 kilometres
Wadi Bani Khalid
This is a beautiful, family friendly Wadi on the inland side of the east Hajar mountains. It has decent facilities, a bit of adventure for adults (keep hiking behind the main pool), relaxation and beauty all in one place. This is one of the most popular day trips from Muscat, so arrive as early as possible to avoid the crowds.
Note | I sound like a broken record, but please dress appropriately. Lots of local families frequent this wadi and it’s important to be respectful.
44 kilometres
Wahiba Sands
Wahiba Sands (also known as Sharqiya Sands) is another incredibly popular trip from Muscat. The glowing orange sand dunes appear endless and looking at the area on Google Satellite, you can see why. It’s a never-ending, undulating, rust tinted sandy-ocean that covers 4800 square miles. Parallel strips of dune, 100 metres high, line up in a remarkably systematic fashion due to the wind direction, producing a place of majesty you must see to truly comprehend (sorry for the cliché phrase again).
Accessing the dunes is straightforward, but only if you are a confident driver on loose sand in a four-wheel drive vehicle. There are no permits or restrictions for entry, however it can be a tricky place to navigate. It is highly recommended that you do not drive here off the heavily used tracks unless you are part of a convoy.
The most popular place to access the dunes is Bidiyah, probably the only place in Oman where people might scam you (as per a tour guide I was talking to).
WHERE TO STAY IN WAHIBA SANDS
There are several overnight options in Wahiba Sands. The most popular is an organised desert camp; the second is a wild camping experience. If you want to drive yourself, both choices require a four-wheel drive vehicle and a moderate level of sand-driving competency.
If you choose to stay in a desert camp with a two-wheel drive car, there will be an option for you to be picked up by your chosen lodging. The meeting point is normally the tiny settlement of Al Raka, right at the edge of the dunes, adjacent to Bidiyah. You can safely leave your car there for the night (you can safely leave your car anywhere in Oman, to be honest!). The pick-up fees can be extortionate, check ahead before you book. With a four-wheel drive, the camps are reachable independently.
There are lots of desert camps in Wahiba Sands depending on what experience you want. Be aware, the costs are relatively high compared with desert camps in places like Wadi Rum in Jordan. Consequently, wild camping is a great budget alternative with a four-wheel drive, just be careful not to get your car stuck in the dunes. If this is not an option, then these are some suggested camps:
Thousand Nights Camp | this is the classic and popular choice – it’s the furthest out in the desert and offers beautiful rooms with loads of activities (ensure you book these in advance).
Sama al Wasil Desert Camp | this comes highly recommend by friends of ours. It’s pretty, they have an outdoor cinema and apparently the food was spectacular.
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Day 4: Nizwa
〈 Route: Wahiba Sands → Nizwa 〉
This Muscat road trip includes two consecutive nights in Nizwa, with a night in Jebel Shams at the end. There is so much to do in the surrounding area and Nizwa has some fantastic lodging options for anyone wanting characterful hotels. If your visit lands on a Friday, be sure to check out the morning livestock market adjacent to the souk. The structure of these three nights is flexible; you could choose to spend:
◊ all three in Nizwa and day trip all the sites from there;
◊ two in Nizwa and one in Jebel Shams, or
◊ one in Nizwa, one in Misfat al Abriyeen and one in Jebel Shams.
If you are camping, there are loads of alternative wild camping locations, the best being Jebel Shams, the Wadi Damm pools and Wadi Bani Awf. The specific details of these are mentioned on our Hajar Mountains itinerary and on our favourite campsites in Oman list.
182 kilometres
Nizwa
The old town of this conservative, culturally significant city is a delight, especially on a Friday for the morning market. The unique circular fort dominates the old town and the souq is far more friendly and less tourist-oriented than the Muscat souq on Mutrah corniche. The old town has narrow, winding streets, traditional architecture and feels very much like you’ve stepped back in time (I’m aware of how cliché that sounds). It made me think of Aladdin.
The city is also excellent for stocking up on supplies, sleeping well and having a meal out. The accommodation varies from newly built, modern hotels to beautiful heritage homes with stunning design and décor.
On the day you arrive in Nizwa, we recommend you check out the imposing Nizwa Fort (5 OMR entry), the old town and the Souq. Have a wander around the narrow streets and check out the small shops.
If you have any extra time in Nizwa today, consider visiting the Harat Al Bilad heritage site, 20 kilometres south of Nizwa. Noted as the oldest village in Oman, this intriguing abandoned site is peppered with tiny passageways and staircases, mosques and functioning wells.
Check out our full list of things to do in Nizwa for more sites and activities.
WHERE TO STAY IN NIZWA
If you’re considering a well-earned hotel, we’ve stayed in a lot of hotels in Nizwa and recommend the below:
Upper Mid-range (+$$) | IntercityHotel Nizwa – the most modern hotel in Nizwa, with clean, simple rooms and super easy parking right next to a Lulu Hypermarket and the Nizwa Grand Mall. This hotel goes up in price *a lot* last minute, so if you’re looking to book, do it early.
Mid-Range ($$) | Antique Inn – quirky heritage hotel with some serious character, adjacent to Nizwa Fort and Souq. Parking can be a little tight if you arrive late in the evening and some rooms don’t have a window – upgrade to a King Suite if you can (I think the double rooms in this hotel are a little overpriced). Breakfast is excellent and the views of Nizwa old town from the terrace are fantastic.
Lower Mid-Range (-$$) | Nizwa Inn – simple, clean and friendly hotel with nice modern rooms, ours always had nice views across the desert towards the mountains. The entrance is a little slippery, be careful! The location is fantastic, right opposite the Nizwa Grand Mall.
Misfat Al Abriyeen is another fantastic option nearby Nizwa with lots of home-style stays. This beautiful cliffside village is well-accustomed to welcoming tourists now, resulting in some decent (if pricey) heritage-type options. If you choose to stay here, we thoroughly recommend Misfah Old House, and if that is sold out (it’s very popular for good reason), then go for Al Misfah Hospitality Inn.
GOT EVEN MORE TIME IN OMAN?
Go camping:
Sleep under the stars at these amazing wild camping locations
Plan your trip with our Oman camping guide
Camp atop Oman’s highest mountain
or camp in the palest of Oman’s deserts at the Sugar Dunes
or have a totally unique adventure:
Spot the most remote beehive tombs in Oman
Wander around Oman’s most photogenic fort
Learn about livestock at the Nizwa goat market
Take a look around Oman’s most unique fortification
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Day 5: Nizwa to Misfat Al Abriyeen
〈 Route: Nizwa → Tanuf → Jabreen Castle, Bahla Fort → Al Hamra → Misfat Al Abriyeen 〉
This day can be as relaxed as you want it to be. We have listed some of Nizwa’s nearby sites of interest below, plus there is more detail in our specific post on Nizwa, so choose how much you’d like to do with your day.
40 kilometres
Tanuf Ruins
A slightly off-beat stop on this itinerary is the ruins of old Tanuf (free entry, no opening hours). This site is the remnants of a small town that was bombed by British forces in the 1950s, resulting in a network of abandoned mudbrick buildings. Search for ‘Tanuf Castle Ruins’ on Google Maps.
If you are in a four-wheel drive vehicle, check out nearby Wadi Tanuf for some fun, off-road wadi driving.
23 kilometres
Jabreen Castle And Bahla Fort
There are several captivating castles and forts in the vicinity of Nizwa, including Jabreen Castle (3.15 OMR entry) and Bahla Fort (3 OMR entry), just 9 kilometres from each other.
Jabreen Castle, built in 1675, is absolutely worth the meagre entrance fee. The intricate ramparts and internal painted ceilings of intricate Islamic calligraphy set this particular fortification apart from the rest. The views from the top are outstanding. Open daily from 9am to 4pm, 8am to 11am on Fridays.
Bahla Fort, the only UNESCO designated fortification in Oman, was built between the 12th and 15th centuries and is an exceptional instance of a fort from the medieval Islamic era. There’s not a lot of information as you wander around this site, however the architecture and grandeur make up for this. It’s possible to get a tour; you and your guide might well be the only ones there! Open daily from 9am to 4pm, apart from Friday when it is open between 8am and 11am.
23 kilometres
Al Hamra
The 400-year-old traditional mudbrick houses of Al Hamra make this town another worthy stop.
Wandering the warren of stony streets is the highlight of Al Hamra; I’ve heard it described before as being reminiscent of the old ‘wild west’. The main street of the newer part of town certainly makes me think if that.
5 kilometres
Misfah Al Abriyeen
Just 5 kilometres north of Al Hamra is the picturesque, partly abandoned village of Misfat al Abriyeen. This can’t-miss destination is a popular stop for tourists. With friendly locals, photogenic architecture and meandering walks through the fruit trees, terraced fields and falaj (irrigation) systems, it’s kind of perfect.
There is an option to stay overnight in the village of Misfat al Abriyeen (55 kilometres from Nizwa), in one of several beautiful heritage properties. If so, then finish you day here. If not, head back to Nizwa or Al Hamra for the evening.
Tip | if all the old buildings today have got you fancying a bit of countryside, then head up into the mountains to ‘Jabal Hatt Mountain View’ on Google Maps. This takes you to the end of the paved road at the pass to Wadi Bani Awf, with panoramic views of the Hajar Mountains. If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle you can venture further; do not attempt any onward journey without one. The route is 63 kilometres from Nizwa or 28 kilometres from Al Hamra, one way.
ACCOMMODATION IN MISFAH AL ABRIYEEN
There are a handful of guest houses and heritage homes in the village of Misfat Al Abriyeen. They are all pretty expensive, but the rates normally include dinner and breakfast and sometimes air conditioning.
The location is what sets these lodgings apart from the rest (and justifies the price). Staying overnight in one of the most beautiful villages in Oman, surrounded by date palms and the sounds of falaj channels flowing nearby, is evidently worth paying for. As mentioned above, these are our two highlights from the area:
Misfah Old House | this simple, traditional Omani guesthouse is the most popular choice in the village.
Al Misfah Hospitality Inn | probably the nicest place to stay in the village; this hotel has killer views, an amazingly helpful and friendly host, plus beautifully decorated rooms.
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BEST TIME OF YEAR FOR THIS OMAN ROAD TRIP
Technically, this Oman road trip can be done at any time of year if you are staying in hotels.
If you are camping, the summer will be uncomfortably warm. Choosing to do this Muscat road trip in the summer months of May to September means that it will be horrendously hot outside. Even if you stay in hotels, come prepared.
For hiking, the cooler months in Oman are best; between December and February provides the mildest weather with blue skies.
If you spend time in the mountains, be aware that they can be quite chilly in the winter months.
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Day 6: Misfat Al Abriyeen to Jebel Shams
〈 Route: Nizwa/Misfat Al Abriyeen → Jebel Shams 〉
This is the day to head into Oman’s mountains! Set your navigation to the ‘Jebel Shams Resort’ on Google Maps, which takes you up to the top of the mountain (there’s lots of different sections of Jebel Shams, most only suitable for four-wheel drive cars). The road towards the top is unpaved, but is not rough or particularly steep, so is suitable for a two-wheel drive vehicle.
On route, there is an abandoned village at the point where Google marks ‘Valley Necrosis’. Stop in the layby to get a great view. With a four-wheel drive car, it is possible to drive the jarring, uneven track through the bottom of Wadi Al Nakhr, the entrance to which starts at the abandoned village.
48/86 kilometres
Jebel Shams
Oman’s highest mountain, overlooking the breathtaking Al Nakhr Canyon, is a must on most tourist road trips. It’s a popular spot, particularly in summer when the temperatures are comparably balmy, contrasted with the sweltering heat at sea level. Staying overnight on the mountain is a common preference to catch the sunrise and sunset. After all, Jebel Shams means ‘Mountain of the Sun’ in Arabic, being the first point in Oman to see the sunrise.
There are several official particularly scenic hikes, including the famous Balcony hike which traverses the inner edge of Al Nakhr Canyon, the 1000-metre-deep gorge that drops abruptly from the rim of Jebel Shams. Also known as the Grand Canyon of Arabia or the Oman Grand Canyon, Al Nakhr is the real highlight here!
WHERE TO STAY ON JEBEL SHAMS
There are several resorts/hotels on the top of the mountain, along with a plethora of decent wild camping opportunities. We have written an in-depth guide to visiting and camping on Jebel Shams if you’re considering this option.
As with several other popular touristy areas in Oman, hotels on the mountain are reasonably expensive and not particularly good value for money. If you choose to stay overnight on Jebel Shams, we recommend the Jebel Shams Resort as it has the best location.
Tip | if you do not anticipate staying overnight on Jebel Shams and are unable to do any excessive high-elevation hiking, consider visiting Wadi Damm as well. The Wadi Damm pools are some of the most beautiful we’ve seen in Oman and get comparatively few visitors. It is 48 kilometres from the top of Jebel Shams to Wadi Damm, so if you drive up to the top of the mountain, check out the viewpoints and leave, you’ll have time to hike to the Wadi Damm pools too.
If you have an extra day available, add Wadi Damm and Al Ayn’s Beehive Tombs to the day after and then head back for a night in Nizwa.
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WHAT APP IS BEST FOR GPS AND NAVIGATION IN OMAN?
We use Google Maps for all our navigating in Oman. In conjunction with Google Satellite view, we were able to accurate route even in the most remote areas.
This Oman road trip follows main, paved roads and it would be very difficult to get lost and Google Maps is precise. There is more information about road conditions and navigation in our post on driving in Oman.
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RELATED POST | HOW MUCH DOES AN OMAN ROAD TRIP COST?
Day 7: Nizwa to Muscat
〈 Route: Nizwa → Wadi Qurai → Samail Castle → Muscat 〉
The final day is a comfortable drive back to Muscat from your choice of lodging in either Jebel Shams or Nizwa. When you arrive, there are several things to do in Muscat if you didn’t get the chance at the beginning of the itinerary. Between Nizwa and Muscat off highway 15, there are short, optional stops at Wadi Qurai (if you fancy a hike) or Samail Castle.
The prettiest part of Muscat is the Mutrah Corniche, which is like the old town. Here, a beautiful promenade runs along the seafront, lined with shops, restaurants and the famous (but touristy) souq.
Another major highlight in Muscat is the legendary Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. The grandiose white sandstone mosque has incredibly intricate Arabic architecture on display and along with the immaculate gardens, it is worthy of several hours.
As a practicing religious site, it is essential to dress appropriately and not shout or in anyway disturb people. Women must be covered, including head, ankles and wrists. Men must cover their legs and shoulders.
If this is your last full day, try to see the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque at the beginning of your trip as it is only open to visitors before 11am (and not at all on Fridays).
HOTELS AROUND MUSCAT
We recommend these hotels in Muscat (we’ve stayed in lots and lots of hotels in the capital and know them well):
Super Upper-Range ($$$$): Al Bustan Palace – outrageously beautiful scenery accompanies even more outrageously beautiful rooms. Nestled into the mountains on a stunning beach along the coast to the east of Muscat – if you can afford this one snap up a room without question. I’d live here and never leave.
Mid-Range ($$): Royal Tulip Muscat – centrally located in Al Khuwair, near malls and some of our favourite restaurants, with classy, great sized rooms and underground parking. This hotel is almost always a bargain for the price you pay.
Lower Mid-Range (-$$): Al Murooj Grand Hotel – surprisingly lovely rooms for the very reasonable price (they smelled amazing too!), easy parking, friendly staff. Good central location too.
Lower Mid-Range (-$$): Citadines Al Ghubrah Muscat – excellent little apartment rooms, perfect if you live out of the supermarket like we do! Once again, fantastically located in a quiet area just outside the busy Al Khuwair area.
Budget (+$): Swiss-Belinn Airport Muscat Oman – outside of central Muscat near the airport, but super affordable if you have a car to get around. Really decent modern rooms, easy parking and all-around pleasant stay.
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Oman Road Trip Itinerary Map
Below is a savable Google Map marking everything mentioned in this one-week road trip itinerary.
To save the map, select the star next to the title.
HAVE WE HELPED YOU PLAN YOUR MUSCAT ROAD TRIP?
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Final Thoughts: Oman Road Trip
For a first-time trip to Muscat, this road trip itinerary checks all the boxes; exotic wadis, historic villages, dunes, forts and mountains. If you have more time and want even more adventure, check out our other Oman itinerary that ventures into the Hajar mountains and Wadi Bani Awf, or consider a trip south to Salalah, home to the best beaches in the country.
We hope this one-week Oman road trip helps you plan your holiday!
Have an amazing trip.
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Thank you, Claire + Nick
Fantastic itinerary, I took plenty of notes. Thank you!
No problem, thanks so much! I’ll try and update it with all the info from our recent trip soon 🙂