The airport is in Seeb, about 32 km west of Muscat's traditional center (Muttrah/Ruwi). The highway drive passes through modern Muscat suburbs.

About Muscat City Center (Ruwi/Muttrah)

Ruwi and Muttrah form the historic commercial core of Muscat, offering a stark and beautiful contrast to the modern diplomatic quarter of the capital. Muttrah Souq, one of the oldest marketplaces in the Arab world, winds through a labyrinth of narrow lanes beneath a wooden-beamed roof, with vendors selling frankincense, myrrh, Omani halwa (a saffron-rose confection), silver khanjar daggers, and colorful textiles.

The Muttrah Corniche, a sweeping waterfront promenade flanked by whitewashed buildings against a backdrop of barren mountains, is one of the most photographed streetscapes in the Gulf. The corniche connects the fish market (a striking modern building in the shape of a dhow sail) to the Muttrah Fort and provides views of traditional dhow boats in the harbor.

Ruwi, immediately inland, serves as Muscat's commercial hub with the Ruwi High Street shopping district, the Central Business District, and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque — one of the most beautiful mosques in the world, featuring the world's second-largest hand-woven carpet (measuring 70x60 meters) and a Swarovski crystal chandelier weighing 8 tonnes. The mosque welcomes non-Muslim visitors during morning visiting hours (Saturday-Thursday, 8:00-11:00 AM).

Nearby Landmarks

Muttrah Souq Muttrah Corniche Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Muttrah Fish Market

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $18-30 (OMR 7-12)
Time 25-40 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $15-25 (OMR 6-10)
Time 25-40 min

Arrivals Ground Floor

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Mwasalat bus Route 1 from airport bus stop to Ruwi Bus Station

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $18-30 (OMR 7-12) 25-40 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $15-25 (OMR 6-10) 25-40 min Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Oman has no public transit system; taxis and ride-hailing are the primary options. Mwasalat (Oman's bus company) operates limited city bus routes until evening. Taxis are available at the airport 24 hours with metered fares. OTaxi (Oman's official ride-hailing app) and Careem operate in Muscat. Late-night fares from the airport to the city center are OMR 8-12 ($21-31). Muscat is generally quiet after 11:00 PM.

Luggage Tips

Taxis and ride-hailing vehicles easily accommodate luggage. Muttrah Souq's narrow lanes are not practical with rolling suitcases — leave bags at your hotel. The corniche promenade is flat and luggage-friendly if you need to walk with bags. Hotels in the Ruwi and Muttrah area range from budget to mid-range, with most offering luggage storage. The fish market area has no luggage storage.

Accessibility

Muscat International Airport is modern and fully accessible. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators. The Muttrah Corniche is flat and accessible along its length. However, Muttrah Souq has narrow, uneven passages that present challenges for wheelchair users. Most modern hotels in Muscat have accessible rooms. The Muttrah fish market has ground-floor access.