How to Get to Salalah. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Major Airports & Airlines

Salalah International Airport SLL

This is the main airport serving the Dhofar region. It is a modern facility that handles both domestic and international flights.

Airlines

Oman Air: The national carrier, with frequent direct flights to Muscat (MCT).
SalamAir: Oman's budget airline, also operating flights to Muscat and regional destinations.
Other Airlines: During peak season (Khareef), international and regional airlines often operate direct charter or seasonal flights.

Flight Options & Pricing

Most travelers from abroad connect through Muscat or a major GCC hub like Dubai or Doha.

Connections & Seasons

Frequent direct flights from Muscat (MCT) are the most common (approx. 1.5 hours).
Direct flights often become available from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Riyadh during the Khareef season.
Flight prices to Salalah rise considerably during the Khareef season (mid-June to mid-September).

Airport Facilities

Salalah International Airport has duty-free shops, cafes, restaurants, car rental desks, currency exchange, ATMs, prayer rooms, and VIP lounges.

SIM Cards On Arrival

Counters for Omantel and Ooredoo are in the arrivals hall, enabling you to get local SIMS upon arrival.

Airport Transfers

Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal (approx. OMR 7-10 to central Salalah). Many hotels offer pre-arranged airport transfers. Car rental desks are also on-site.

Find Your Flight & Visa

Flight Deals

Discover flight deals with Dollar Flight Club.
Compare prices on Skyscanner for your best option.
AirHelp may assist with compensation for delayed/canceled flights.
Direct flight availability from major global hubs is less common, often seasonal.

Visa Assistance

For a consumer visa application service, visit IVisa.
VisaHQ offers direct visa and passport services.
EVisa fees are paid online during the application process.
Eligibility for various visa types relies on your nationality.

Land Transportation Overview

Long-Distance Buses

Mwasalat, Oman's national bus line, operates comfortable, air-conditioned long-distance buses between Muscat and Salalah (approx. 12-14 hours, OMR 8-10).

Self-Driving in Oman

Oman has an excellent network of well-maintained highways. Sultan Qaboos Highway is the main artery from Muscat to Salalah. Fuel is inexpensive.

Road Conditions

Roads are generally in excellent condition. In Dhofar, mountain roads can be winding and steep. During Khareef, roads may be wet and visibility reduced by mist and fog, calling for slower speeds.

Driving & Safety

Driving Requirements

A valid national driving license from your home country, along with an International Driving Permit (IDP), is usually needed for non-residents to rent and drive a vehicle. Minimum age for rental is typically 21 or 23.

Essentials

Valid national driving license & IDP.
Major credit card.
A GPS device or smartphone with a reliable navigation app.

Road Safety in Oman

Oman has strict traffic laws. Speed limits are enforced. Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited and carries severe penalties.

Safety Measures

Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
Be aware of camels and other livestock on rural roads, especially at dawn, dusk, and night.
Avoid off-roading unless experienced and driving a suitable 4x4 vehicle.

Sea/River Arrivals

While Salalah is a coastal city, sea travel options for tourists are limited.

Cruise & Ferry

Salalah Port is a growing destination for international cruise ships.
Cruise passengers typically disembark for day excursions.
There are no regular passenger ferry services connecting Salalah to other destinations.

Other Transport Modes

Oman has no navigable rivers, so river transportation is not applicable. Motorcycle and scooter rentals are less prevalent in Salalah and not widely advertised.

Limited Options

No established public bicycle systems exist. Some hotels may offer bicycles.
Specialized vehicles like tuk-tuks or jeepneys are not applicable in Salalah.
The border with Yemen, west of Dhofar, is highly unstable and not open for tourist crossings.

Departure Information

Currently, no specific exit fees or taxes are levied directly on departing passengers at SLL.
Arrive at SLL at least 2-3 hours before international flights, 1.5-2 hours for domestic.
Standard airport security checks apply; present passport and boarding pass at immigration.

SLL offers duty-free shopping, cafes, prayer rooms, and comfortable seating in the departure lounge.
The Mwasalat bus station provides basic facilities for long-distance departures.
Any departure taxes are usually included in the airfare when purchasing your ticket.

Getting Around Salalah

Public Bus Services

Salalah does not have a metro or tram system. Mwasalat, Oman's national bus company, operates a limited local bus service within Salalah city.

Routes & Fares

Local bus services mainly connect the city center, residential areas, and some commercial spots.
Fares are typically paid in cash directly to the bus driver. Fares are low, usually less than 1 OMR per trip.
Buses generally operate during daylight hours, with reduced service on Fridays.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis are a convenient way to get around Salalah, especially for tourists without a rental car.

Hailing & Apps

Licensed taxis are often identifiable by their orange plus white colors. Hailing on the street or at stands.
Oman Taxi / OTaxi is a regional ride-hailing app available in Salalah.
Negotiation is common and expected; agree on the fare before starting, as meters are rare.

Licensed Taxis

They run as private or shared taxis. Find them at designated taxi stands (airport, hotels, shopping centers).

Ride-Sharing Apps

Oman Taxi offers set prices. Careem may have limited service. Confirm driver and vehicle details match the app.

Fare Negotiation

Typical fares: OMR 2-5 city ride, OMR 7-10 airport to city. Half-day tours negotiated OMR 25-40. Cash payment preferred.

Rental Options

Car Rental Procedures

You need a valid national driving license from your home country, an International Driving Permit (IDP), your passport, and a major credit card. The minimum age for rental is typically 21 or 23.

Booking & Companies

It is good to book your car in advance, especially during the peak Khareef season.
Major international companies (Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz) and local Omani companies operate in Salalah.
Rental desks are available at the airport and in large hotels. Consider DiscoverCars.com.

Driving & Parking

Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Speed limits are enforced (typically 120 km/h on highways, lower in urban areas).

Road & Regulations

Roads are generally in excellent condition. In Dhofar, mountain roads can be winding and steep.
Generally, ample and free parking is available at most attractions, hotels, and shopping centers.
During Khareef, roads can become wet and slithery due to mist and drizzle, calling for careful driving.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Salalah City Center, areas around Al Husn Souq, and Sultan Qaboos Mosque are relatively walkable.

Cycling Infrastructure

Salalah has a small number of dedicated cycle paths. Cycling on main roads can be challenging due to traffic volume and swiftness.

No-Go Zones

Major highways are not suitable for walking or cycling. Remote desert areas should not be explored on foot or bicycle without proper support.

Getting Around Tip

For exploring Dhofar's natural and archaeological sites, renting a 4x4 vehicle is a practical choice. It gives you the freedom to reach more remote areas safely.

How to Get to Salalah