Taxis in Oman: What is the taxi system like in Oman?
- Damian Brzeski
- Sep 6
- 10 min read
Orange and white classics versus modern, app-powered cars – this is what the streets of Oman look like today. But that's just the beginning.
In the coming months, the traditional price negotiation system will become a thing of the past, and every trip will be priced digitally. What does this mean for tourists?
On the one hand, transparency and safety, on the other – price traps, especially at the airport. This guide reveals the secrets of Omani taxis, suggests which apps are worth installing, and how to navigate them for a comfortable and wallet-friendly journey.
What does an Omani taxi look like?
Before you board your first taxi in Oman, it's worth learning how to recognize one. The appearance of the vehicles isn't just a matter of aesthetics—it's a true story of the transformation taking place across the entire transportation sector.
A classic of the genre: the orange and white taxi
The traditional and still most recognizable taxi in Oman is the one with the characteristic orange and white livery .
These vehicles are a ubiquitous sight across the country, from the bustling capital, Muscat, to tiny mountain villages like Misfat Al Abriyeen. Typically, individual components, such as fenders and bumpers, are orange against a white body.
Historically, these taxis operated on a negotiated fare system, without taxi meters , which was quite a challenge for tourists unfamiliar with local rates.
These colors represent the "old guard" of Omani transport—a decentralized system of independent drivers. Understanding this visual cue is the first step to understanding the service you're dealing with.
Official markings and corporate branding
Official taxis generally have a taxi sign on their roof , often with Arabic lettering. While the orange and white color scheme is standard for street taxis, other colors and logos also appear, especially for specialized services.
Interestingly, as part of the fleet modernization proposal, it was suggested that airport taxis be painted turquoise, a nod to Oman Air. The presence of the official logo and markings distinguishes licensed vehicles from privately owned ones.
Corporate fleets
Increasingly, especially in Muscat, you'll see newer, clearly marked taxis alongside traditional taxis, owned by companies like Mwasalat and Marhaba . These companies were the first to introduce meter- based services and secured exclusive rights to serve airports and major hotels.
This created a clear distinction between independent drivers and new, corporate players in the market.
In short, the Omani taxi landscape is a fascinating, living chronicle of change. The coexistence of classic orange-and-white cars with elegant, company-owned vehicles is a visual symbol of the transformation from an informal, negotiated system to a regulated, digital industry.
If you recognize this, you will immediately be able to assess the type of service, pricing model, and level of regulation just by looking at the car.
Digital revolution in Omani taxis
What's happening in Oman now isn't evolution, but a true, top-down revolution. The government has decided to take matters into its own hands and transition the entire taxi sector into the digital age.
The goal is to create a modern Oman taxi service . Understanding these changes is crucial for every traveler.
The Ministry of Transport, the main player
The main body responsible for this modernization is the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) . It issues licenses, establishes regulations, and strives to improve the quality of services using modern technologies.
Mandatory registration in applications: Modernization under duress
The Ministry has issued a groundbreaking regulation requiring ALL street taxis , including the traditional orange-and-white ones, to register and operate through licensed mobile apps . The deadline for this transition is April 2025 .
The goal is clear: ensuring that every taxi is equipped with a virtual taximeter running within the app. This will eliminate discretionary, negotiated fees and significantly increase transparency.
To facilitate this, the Ministry has issued licenses to eight local companies offering such apps. This is an absolutely crucial change in the market, signaling the end of the traditional, unregulated model.
What are the official requirements for drivers and vehicles in Oman?
As part of the new regulations, MTCIT has also introduced strict criteria for taxi drivers :
Drivers: Must have held a driver's license for at least three years, be between 21 and 60 years old, and if employed elsewhere, earn no more than OMR 600 per month. The goal is for everyone to be perceived as a very professional driver .
Vehicles: There is a strict age limit – up to 7 years for airport and hotel taxis and up to 10 years for others.
The above rules are intended to professionalize the profession and ensure that the fleet is modern and safe.
Aber App: Government Transport Aggregator
MTCIT also announced the launch of a government app called "Aber" (which means "passerby" in Arabic).
It is intended to act as an aggregator of all licensed taxi apps , giving users access to various app services from one place.
What does all this mean for you as a traveler?
The app ecosystem in Oman is stable and government-supported, but it's also a closed, local market . The government deliberately protects local companies from global competition, which ensures standardization but limits the choices you might be accustomed to in other parts of the world.
How much does a taxi ride cost in Oman?
Let's get down to specifics – money. Understanding how prices are formed and what rules govern taxi fares in Oman will help you avoid unnecessary stress and overpaying.
Traditional taximeter-based system: How to read fares?
The official, regulated fare structure for metered taxis (i.e., app-based and company-owned) is simple. It consists of an initial fee and a per-kilometer rate.
Initial charge (door slam): approx. 1.5 OMR
Rate per kilometer: 150 Baisa (0.150 OMR)
Minimum fee: often 1.5 OMR
Waiting time: additional fee
This system is the basis for all in-app services and provides a transparent alternative to negotiation.
The Art of Negotiation: How to Avoid Getting Scammed
Traditional orange and white taxis often still run without a taximeter , forcing you to negotiate the price before starting your journey .
Unfortunately, tourists are often perceived as cash cows, and negotiated taxi fares can be highly inflated.
Haggling can be difficult, and drivers are reluctant to budge on the price. This practice is a major source of frustration for travelers, and it's one the government is trying to eliminate by making app use mandatory.
Airport Fares: A Premium for Convenience
Be prepared for the fact that taking a taxi from the official airport rank is significantly more expensive. Official airport taxis (operated by Mwasalat and Marhaba) have a monopoly on picking up passengers directly from the terminal as part of the Airport Pick-up Service .
Initial fee from airport: starts from approx. 5-5.5 OMR .
Example cost: A 15-minute ride from the airport can cost up to 11 OMR. Transportation to and from the airport from the city center will therefore be a significant expense.
Importantly, apps like OTAXI generally cannot pick up passengers from official stops, although they will take you to the airport without any problems.
Estimated fares for popular routes in Oman
The table below will help you understand the real costs of travel in Muscat.
Route | Official Airport Taxi (OMR) | Application (e.g. OTAXI) (OMR) | Negotiated Street Taxi (OMR) |
MCT Airport to Muttrah/Centrum | 10 - 15 | 6 - 8 | 5 - 10 (caught outside the airport) |
MCT Airport to Grand Mosque | ~5 | 3 - 5 | 5 |
MCT Airport to Qurum | ~8 | 5 - 7 | No data available |
Royal Opera House to MCT Airport | No data available | 4 - 5 | 7 |
Muscat to Nizwa (one way) | ~42 | No data available | Highly negotiable |
The Digital Revolution in Action: Oman's Taxi-Hailing Apps
Now that you know that the future of transportation in Oman lies in apps, it's time to take a closer look. Which ones are worth installing before your trip to ensure excellent service ?
Do Uber and Bolt operate in Oman?
Let's start by correcting a common misconception: despite conflicting information online, Uber and Lyft are not officially or reliably available in Oman .
The market is dominated by local and regional apps like OmanTaxi ( OTAXI ), which have received official government licenses. So don't waste time trying to run apps you're familiar with from Europe or the US.
Dominant Local Players: Who to Choose?
Here are the most important apps to keep an eye on:
OTAXI: This is the first and one of the largest players in the market, often considered the preferred service . It operates in many regions, not just Muscat, and offers various classes of service (from Economy to Business class ), including the pioneering "OFemale" service with female drivers for female passengers .
Tasleem Taxi: Another popular choice, offering both ridesharing and delivery services . Known for competitive prices on short journeys.
Marhaba: One of the established companies that has successfully transitioned to a digital model. You'll often see their vehicles at airports and hotels.
Other licensed apps: The government has licensed a total of eight companies, so you might also come across names like Hala or Taxi Muscat .
How does it work? Functionality and security
All of these apps work in a familiar way. You set your pickup and destination, receive a pre-paid price , and the live tracking feature lets you see the driver's arrival on a map and track your ride . The app shows you driver details (name, rating, car model).
Payments can be made in cash or by card , which gives you flexible payment options .
Most importantly, it is much safer than hailing a taxi anonymously on the street, and companies emphasize their Safety & Trust policy .
Some apps even offer unique features, like the Favorite Captain feature .
Comparison of the main application features
Characteristic | OTAXI | Tasleem Taxi | Elyk Taxi | Marhaba / Mwasalat |
Main Goal | General passenger transportation | Trips and parcel delivery | Different levels of service | Transportation from airports and hotels |
Payment Options | Cash and card | Cash and card | Cash and card | Taximeter, card/cash |
Women Drivers Option | Yes ( "OFemale" ) | NO | Yes ( "Lady Taxi" ) | NO |
Key Differentiator | The largest network, a service only for women | Integrated delivery service | Multiple levels (VIP, Van) | Official supplier at airports |
Area of Operation | Muscat and other regions | Mainly Muscat | The entire Sultanate | Mainly Muscat |
What alternative means of transport are available?
While taxis are convenient, Oman also offers other transportation options. It's worth knowing them to tailor your travel plan and budget.
Mwasalat Bus Network: The Economical Choice
The government-owned Mwasalat bus company operates a network of modern, air-conditioned buses. The network is most extensive in Muscat, but also connects major cities like Salalah and Sur.
Ticket prices are very low (usually 300-500 baisa for city routes). This is a great, budget-friendly option, but keep in mind that buses don't go everywhere.
Car Rental: The Key to Freedom and Exploration
This is an option that 's highly recommended for most tourists . Renting a car is the best way to explore Oman independently. The road network is modern and well-maintained.
Driving license: In most cases, a standard Polish driving license will suffice.
Cost: Depends on the vehicle class. You can rent a Comfort class vehicle or a luxurious Luxury SUV , such as a Toyota Fortuner . For larger groups, minibuses are available, such as a Toyota Hiace , Ford Transit , Mercedes Sprinter , or even a Toyota Coaster .
What to watch out for: Local driving habits, numerous speed cameras, and... camels on the road!
Informal transport: Shared taxis and "Baisa Bus"
There is also a parallel, informal transportation system used primarily by locals and foreign workers. These include shared taxis (often the same orange and white cars) and minibuses ( Minibus ), commonly known as "Baisa Buses."
They operate on fixed routes, picking up and dropping off passengers along the way. This is the cheapest form of transportation (prices range from 100-200 baisa), but requires knowledge of the routes and local customs.
Other travel tips: Payments, etiquette and safety
Finally , let's gather in one place all the practical tips that will make your ride in Oman easier and more enjoyable.
Taxi Payments in Oman: Cash or Card?
Even though Oman is modernizing, cash remains essential , especially in traditional taxis, small shops and buses.
Apps like OTAXI and Tasleem offer flexible in-app card payment options , though some cards (e.g., Revolut) have issues. It's best to have both cash and a card on hand.
Cultural Nuances: Should You Tip?
Tipping, or "baksheesh," is optional but always appreciated. In taxis, it's common practice to round up the bill to the nearest whole amount. In restaurants, 10-15% is standard, unless a service charge has already been added.
Safety, especially for women traveling solo
Oman is considered one of the safest countries in the world , including for women traveling alone. Nevertheless, it's worth taking standard precautions to ensure every journey is clean and comfortable .
Key recommendation: For your own peace of mind and safety, single women are strongly advised to use licensed apps instead of hailing taxis off the street. The app always lets you know who the driver is .
Special features: Use options like "OFemale" on OTAXI or "Lady Taxi" on Elyk Taxi to request a ride with a female driver.
Etiquette: When riding with a male driver, women should sit in the back seat.
Tracking: Apps allow you to share your route with loved ones, which is a huge advantage.
How to effectively negotiate the price of a taxi ride?
If you must use a taxi without a taximeter, remember a few rules:
Always agree on a price BEFORE getting in the car. This is absolutely crucial.
Check the price in the app: Use OTAXI to see the approximate cost of your trip. You can show it to the driver as a starting point for negotiations.
Airport strategy: To avoid exorbitant fees, you can walk a short distance from the terminal to the main road and then use an app to hail a taxi or a regular fare. The savings can be significant.
What does transport look like in different regions?
The transportation landscape in Oman varies significantly by region. Here's a quick summary.
Muscat: The capital has the most developed infrastructure. All major apps are available here, and the Mwasalat bus network is the most useful. With Taxi Muscat , you're sure to find transportation at any time.
Salalah: Public transport is much less developed here. Taxis and chartered tours are the mainstay. Fortunately, apps like OTAXI have expanded their services.
Nizwa and Sur: In these historic cities, the best option is a rental car. Local taxis exist, but they are difficult to find, and app coverage is limited.
Comparison of transport options
Means of Transport | Best for... | Cost | Convenience | Flexibility |
Taxi from the App | City travel, airport access | Mediocre | High | Mean |
Car Rental | Intercity travel, sightseeing | Tall | Mean | High |
Mwasalat bus | Budget travel between cities | Short | Low | Low |
Taxi from the Street | Short journeys (with good negotiations) | Variable | Mean | Mean |
Shared Taxi | Extreme budget travel | Very low | Low | Low |
A few words in conclusion
The Omani taxi sector is in the midst of a state-imposed digital transformation.
As a traveler, the most sensible strategy is to use licensed apps like OTAXI or Tasleem . They offer the perfect balance of price transparency, security, and convenience.
For comprehensive sightseeing outside the main urban centres, renting a car remains the absolute best choice .
The future of transportation in Oman lies in further centralization and innovation. The launch of the government-owned app "Aber" will further integrate the market. Testing of electric vehicles and the use of taxis for deliveries is already underway.
The evolution of the ordinary taxi is, in fact, a reflection of the broader ambitions of the entire nation – the drive to digitalize, diversify the economy and strengthen its image as a modern and hospitable country.
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