You know how we always talk about wanting to explore new places without breaking the bank? Well, we’ve got some exciting news for you! Imagine being able to hop on a bus in Dubai and roll straight into Muscat. Cool, right?
There is a bus service operated by a private transportation company in agreement with the Government of the Sultanate of Oman, which takes travelers from Dubai to Muscat and vice versa for a very economical price.
Of course, there are a lot of flights available from UAE to Oman. But let’s be real. Who would want to spend AED 1000 on average per person on the tickets when you can travel for as low as AED 100?
Also, the journey by road from Dubai to Oman is quite scenic. Nothing beats the adventure of cruising from Dubai to Oman by bus and crossing that UAE-Oman land border at Hatta. In this article, we will provide all the details about the Al Khanjyr Bus Service which operates from Dubai to Muscat through Hatta-Oman Border.
We’ll cover the only bus company making this trip possible, how to hop on that bus, the ins and outs of booking your ticket, what you can expect to shell out for the journey, the exact route the bus takes between Dubai and Muscat, and, of course, the lowdown on crossing the border from Dubai to Oman and back.
So get ready as we are going to spill the beans on the Dubai to Muscat bus service, and trust us, you won’t want to miss a single detail!
The Discontinued Bus Service for Dubai to Muscat Route (Mwasalat)
Before getting into the details, here is some important information that we believe you should be aware of. Back in the day, there used to be a bus service between Dubai and Muscat operated by Mwasalat (formerly ONTC), Oman’s National Transport Company, in collaboration with the Road and Traffic Authority (RTA) Dubai. It was pretty convenient for travelers looking to hop between the two cities.
But here’s the scoop – Since Covid-19 they’ve pulled the plug on that service, and it’s not on their radar to fire it back up anytime soon. So, if anyone suggests catching the Dubai Muscat Mwasalat bus or the Dubai Muscat RTA bus, just know it’s a thing of the past.
A Quick Look into the Al Khanjry Bus Service from Dubai to Muscat
The Dubai to Muscat bus service is like a road trip but without the hassle of driving or shelling out for a plane ticket. You get to kick back, relax, and soak in the sights along the way.
Tickets? They won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Plus, you’ve got options for stops along the route, so you can plan your journey just the way you like it. And don’t worry about timing – they’ve got schedules that suit early birds and night owls alike.
The only bus company operating on the Dubai to Muscat route is Al Khanjry Transport, and they’re based in Oman. Their buses are pretty decent. Think modern, comfy, and easy on the wallet – a triple win! Plus, they’ve got free WiFi onboard…but here’s the catch – it’s only available once you’ve crossed over into Oman. So, get ready to disconnect for a bit until you arrive in Muscat.
Oh, and a little heads up about crossing the border into Muscat – if you’re a resident of one of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, all you need is your national identity card. Easy peasy. But if you’re from elsewhere, make sure you’ve got your visa sorted out beforehand.
Al Khanjyr Transport Contact Information:
If you need to get in touch with the Dubai to Muscat bus service, you can call them up on +968 9255 0199 or send WhatsApp text at the same number. The number is managed in Muscat, so you’ll be speaking directly with someone who’s on the ground there.
Now, when it comes to their responsiveness, it’s a bit hit or miss. Sometimes you’ll get a reply, sometimes you won’t – it all depends on who’s got the phone on the other end.
Getting to the Bus Station:
Al Khanjry Transport office is located on Al Khaibaisi Street, between Al Ittihad Road and Abu Baker Al Siddiue Road in Deira, Dubai. You can search on Google to get the exact location.
If you intend to travel by bus to reach the office, know that there are three bus stops near the transport office i.e. Port Saeed 1, Ministry of Environment 2, and Al Bakhit Centre.
If you choose to travel by Metro, then the nearest stops are Al Rigga Metro Station and City Centre Deira Metro Station 1. Remember that all public transport in Dubai requires passengers to have an NOL card. It’s an electronic card used for ticketing and can be topped up online. Cash is not accepted on buses and metro.
Besides this, there are a lot of options if you prefer to travel by taxi. You can hire DTC cabs, Careem, or Uber. Careem seems to be more economical than Uber, especially for short rides. You can choose what seems suitable for you.
Booking the Tickets for Dubai to Muscat Bus Service
Online booking? Nope, not an option. Also, booking by phone is not possible. You’ll have to go old school and buy your ticket in person at one of their offices.
But don’t fret – you should be able to locate the office quite easily. Use Google Maps and search for “Al Khanjry Transport, Dubai” if you’re in Dubai or “Al-Khanjry Transport, Muscat” if you’re in Muscat. Their offices should pop right up, making it super easy to swing by and grab your ticket.
Now coming to the tickets, the process is a bit more personalized. When you buy your ticket, they’ll ask for your passport, and your name, nationality, and passport number will be printed right there on the ticket.
It’s all about making sure everything’s legit and matching up with your travel documents. So, make sure you’ve got your passport handy when you’re purchasing your ticket – they’ll need it to get all your info sorted out.
Once that’s done, you’ll have your customized ticket in hand, ready to roll on the journey.
Ticket Cost
For a one-way ticket from Dubai to Muscat, you’re looking at around AED 100, which is roughly $27 per person. This sounds very affordable as compared to traveling by car or by air.
Bus Timings
Now, when can you catch Dubai to Muscat bus service? Well, it’s pretty convenient – they’ve got departures every day at 7 am, 3 pm, and 9 pm sharp from the office of Al Khanjry Transport in Dubai. So, whether you’re an early riser or prefer to travel later in the day, they’ve got you covered!
Total Travel Time and Distance
The distance between Dubai and Muscat is a bit over 400 kilometers, which means you’re looking at around six hours on the road including the border crossing. But sometimes it takes around 7 hours to complete the whole trip. But with the right company or a good playlist, it’ll fly by in no time.
Why the extra time, you ask? Well, it’s all about the number of passengers. The more folks on the bus, the slower things tend to move at the border crossing. So, just keep that in mind when you’re planning your travel time.
If you’re planning to catch the bus from Dubai to Muscat, you’re in luck! The Al Khanjry Transport office offers multiple departure times throughout the day, giving you plenty of flexibility for your travel plans. You can choose from scheduled departure times at 07:00 am, 3:00 pm, and 9:00 pm – talk about options!
Now, to make sure you’re all set for your journey, it’s crucial to arrive at the Al Khanjry Transport office at least one hour before your scheduled departure time. This gives you ample time for “ticket validation,” which is just checking in at the office to confirm that you’ve got the right ticket for your trip. During this process, they’ll mark your ticket, and the bus driver will later inspect it before you board the bus.
Dubai to Muscat Bus Route
The journey kicks off from Deira in Dubai and heads straight for Ruwi in Muscat, making a total of 15 stops along the way. But here’s the thing – if no one’s got a ticket for a particular stop, the bus will just breeze on by. So, keep that in mind as you plan your journey.
Some of the notable stops on this route include Deira, Sohar, Rusayl, and Ruwi, which are key destinations along the journey. And let’s not forget about those scheduled breaks at the Hatta border and the Khairanth Al Hajari Coffee Shop – perfect for stretching your legs and grabbing a quick cup of tea/coffee/juice.
Before reaching Sohar, there are three stops along the way. Then, between Sohar and Rusayl, you’ll hit seven intermediate stops, including the iconic Burj Al Sahwa Clock Tower.
Once the bus departs Rusayl, it’s onward to Ruwi, passing through various areas in Muscat like Azaiba/Athaiba, Gubra, and Al-Khuwair/Khuwayr.
What to Expect at Hatta-Oman Border:
Once you reach the Hatta border by bus from Dubai, here’s what you can expect:
First things first, you’ll need to hop off the bus and get ready to pay the UAE exit fee. It’s a standard procedure for anyone crossing the border.
Now, here’s the good news – the process is usually pretty quick and painless. In about 15 minutes or so, you’ll have paid the exit fee and received your exit stamp, allowing you to bid farewell to the UAE and continue on your journey to Muscat.
As for the exit fee itself, it’s around AED 35, which is approximately 10 USD. And the best part? You can pay it either in cash or by card, so you’ve got options.
Visa Formalities
Navigating visa options at the Hatta border can feel a bit like diving into a maze, but here’s what you need to know:
- First off, the Hatta border is one of the gateways between Oman and the United Arab Emirates, offering various visa options depending on your nationality and circumstances.
- Visas on arrival are up for grabs for UAE residents and those who flew into Dubai International Airport. For a shorter stay, a 10-day visa is also available for 5 Omani rials/AED 47.71, or around $13.
- When it comes to paying for your visa, it’s card only. They don’t accept cash, so make sure you’ve got your card handy when it’s time to settle the bill.
So, whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a longer stay, the Hatta border has got you covered with multiple visa options. Just be prepared to navigate the process with a bit of flexibility and patience!
Requirements to Board the Bus
If you’re a resident or a tourist from the UAE planning to travel on the bus from Dubai to Muscat, here are the requirements you need to keep in mind:
For UAE Residents:
UAE residents traveling from Dubai to Muscat by bus must carry:
- A valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
- Valid Emirates ID (with at least 6 months validity)
- UAE residents can obtain a visa on arrival at the Hatta-Oman border. The cost of a visa per person is AED 50 which can be paid by card only.
To get more information on Oman visas for UAE Residents, click here.
For UAE tourists holding a single-entry visit visa:
- You’ll need to get an Oman visit visa before you embark on your trip.
- To return to the UAE, you’ll have to apply for a visa while you’re in Oman, and make sure to get it before you head back.
For UAE tourists with multiple-entry visit visas:
- It’s essential to obtain an Oman visa before you set off on your journey.
- If you’re planning to make multiple trips to Oman, you can do so with a multiple-entry visa. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months to enter Oman.
Final Word:
So, next time you’re itching for an affordable getaway, remember this golden nugget of information. Dubai to Muscat by bus – it’s the adventure you never knew you needed.
You now have all the deets you need to make that bus trip a breeze. Safe travels, and don’t forget to snap some pics along the way!Top of Form
If you love traveling by bus. Here is an interesting article on public bus services from Dubai to other Emirates.