Alright, let’s be real—sometimes your wallet needs a break before you do. If a getaway to Muscat is calling your name (without your bank account screaming in protest), then friend, you’re gonna love what we’ve got for you: the UAE-Oman bus route, a daily ride that’s part budget travel, part adventure, and all vibes.
No need for a car, a chauffeur, or a travel loan. Just hop on a comfy red Mwasalat bus from Abu Dhabi or Sharjah and let the desert road lead you to the sea-soaked charm of Oman. Yes, you’ll be swapping city skyscrapers for Muscat’s rugged coastlines and souks—all for the price of a nice dinner out.
Abu Dhabi to Muscat: Route 202 – The OG Roadtrip Vibe
Resurrected in October 2023, this route is your golden ticket from the UAE capital to Oman’s jewel city. The ride? Scenic. The price? Dh109.70. The bragging rights? Priceless.
- Pick-up Points:
- Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (Zone 1, Rashid Bin Saeed Street)
- Al Ain Central Bus Station (Al Wifadah Street)
- Timings:
- Departure: 11:45 AM
- Arrival: 9:50 PM
- Journey Duration: 10 hours (snack break included, obviously)
- Cost:
- One-way: OMR 11.5 (Dh109.70)
- Round trip: OMR 22 (Dh209.82)
That’s a full day of Instagram stories, highway playlists, and possibly befriending your seatmate—all en route to a whole new country.
Sharjah to Muscat: Route 203 – The New Kid on the Border Block
Launched with flair in February 2024, this one’s perfect if you’re repping the north side of the UAE. It’s faster, cheaper, and still super scenic.
- Pick-up Points:
- Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah
- Kalba Fort (because why not start with a view?)
- Drop-off Stops in Muscat:
- Muscat Airport (yes, door-to-door if you time it right)
- Al Mabelah Footbridge, Al Khoudh Bridge, Azaiba, and the grand Burj Sahwa Station
- Timings:
- Departures: 6:30 AM & 4:00 PM (from both cities)
- Cost:
- One-way: OMR 10 (Dh95)
- Round trip: OMR 19 (Dh180.50)
- Duration: 8 chill hours of desert views and anticipation
Luggage Limits: Pack Like a Pro
Standard fare includes:
- 23kg of check-in baggage
- 7kg hand carry
Overpacked again? (Same.) You can tack on:
- Extra 10kg for OMR 2 (Dh19.08)
- Extra 25kg for OMR 5 (Dh47.71)
No judgment—we all need “just one more outfit.”
Booking 101: As Easy as 1, 2, Passport!
Here’s how you lock in your seat:
- Go to www.mwasalat.om.
- Select route (Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, or Al Ain), dates, passengers.
- Fill in the deets (email, phone, name, passport stuff).
- Upload ID + Oman visa if you’re not GCC.
- Hit Book Now, pay online, and voilà—you’re international!
Border Bits: Visa & Docs
- GCC Nationals: Just a national ID.
- UAE Residents (non-GCC): Emirates ID + Oman visa.
- Get your visa online at evisa.rop.gov.om or grab one at the Khatmat Mleiha border.
Hot tip: Don’t forget snacks, headphones, and your power bank—because nobody wants to cross a border with 2% battery.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely.
It’s like teleportation for under Dh100. Whether you’re in it for the culture, coastline, or curry (seriously, Omani food hits different), this cross-border ride is a major win.
So, buckle up, grab a seat by the window, and let Mwasalat take you on a budget-friendly journey from desert to destination.
