Rent a Car in Oman: All Travel Tips
In the spring of 2025, we took a 12-day road trip through western Oman with a rental car. It is best to rent your own car in Oman, so you can fully explore the country! Here, we share everything we learned about driving in Oman and renting a car to help you plan your own adventure.
Do You Need to Rent a Car in Oman?
In our opinion, renting a car in Oman is essential. Without one, you’ll rely on taxis, expensive tours, or group trips. Even in Muscat, visiting multiple attractions in one day without your own transport can be a challenge. We recommend picking up a rental car at the airport and using it throughout your stay.
Should You Rent a 4×4 Car in Oman?
That depends on your plans. During our trip, the price of a 4-wheel-drive vehicle was nearly double that of a standard car. We chose a regular 2WD, and it was more than sufficient. Most major roads are well-paved and easy to navigate. All stops on our 12-day itinerary were accessible with a normal car, except the Balcony Walk, which we’ll cover below. We don’t think a 4×4 is worth the extra cost, unless you plan to go deep off-road or into remote mountain regions.
Visiting Wahiba Sands
Most places can be reached without a 4×4, but there are exceptions. If you want to explore Wahiba Sands in Oman on your own, you will need to rent a 4×4 car. Keep in mind that many rental agreements limit driving on unpaved roads, even with an SUV, so be sure to read the fine print. We opted to visit Wahiba Sands with a local guide, which we found to be a great solution.
Driving to the Balcony Walk
Another exception is the Balcony Walk in the Jabal Shams mountains. This scenic hike starts at an elevation of about 1800 meters. The access road includes a steep climb, and during our visit, a 10-kilometer stretch was unpaved. We managed it with our regular rental car, but this may not be suitable for everyone. Check out our detailed Balcony Walk guide for more insights.
Other Tips Driving in Oman
Every country has its own written and unwritten driving rules, and Oman is no different. Here are a few things that stood out to us. This way you’ll be prepared when you rent a car in Oman!
Speed Bumps
Speed bumps are everywhere, in cities and even on provincial roads. They can be sharp and unmarked, making them hard to see. Take it slow and stay alert at all times. Hitting one at speed could cause serious damage to your rental car.
Travel Time Planning
Even in spring and autumn, daytime temperatures can hit 40°C. We planned our drives during the hottest part of the day, usually between 10 am and 2 pm, and scheduled outdoor activities for the cooler hours. Oman doesn’t observe daylight saving time, so afternoons cool off a bit starting around 2 pm, while mornings heat up quickly after 9 am.
Choose a White Car when you Rent in Oman
Most tourist sites offer little to no shaded parking. If possible, rent a white car: it reflects the sun better and stays cooler. We didn’t think about it in advance but were glad we ended up with a white Toyota Yaris. Most rental cars in Oman are light-colored for a reason.
Traffic Safety in Oman
Speed cameras are common on highways and in cities, so most drivers stick to the limits. However, tailgating can be an issue, especially on backroads. It’s not aggressive, but locals tend to drive very close behind. We usually let them pass by pulling slightly onto the shoulder. Drivers are generally courteous and often yield even when they don’t have to. However, blinkers are rarely used, and some cars drive without lights after dark. So stay alert, especially with those unmarked speed bumps.
Also check out our Google Maps guide Oman with all the places you can visit with a normal rental car in Oman!
