Muscat to Khasab by road and ferry — the 2026 guide
Muscat to Khasab is a 500 km drive (9–10 hours) or a 5–6 hour ferry from Shinas. There is no direct border crossing — both cities are in Oman. Flights are available on Oman Air, twice weekly.
Distance
500 km (road) or 200 nautical miles (ferry)
Time
9–10 hours one-way by road; 5–6 hours by ferry
From
OMR 8 (ferry) or OMR 60 (flights)
Route overview
The Muscat–Khasab route is the only Oman-internal trip in our guide — no border crossing, no visa. You have three options: drive (9–10 hours), ferry from Shinas (5–6 hours), or fly (1.5 hours, twice weekly). Most visitors fly or take the ferry; the drive is too long for most schedules.
The drive goes north from Muscat on the inland route through Nizwa and the Hajar Mountains, then west on the coastal road to Shinas, then north on the E18 to the Al Dara border. The drive is scenic but long — plan for an overnight stop in Nizwa or Sohar.
The ferry is the most popular option. The National Ferry Company runs a twice-weekly service from Shinas to Khasab (and back). The crossing is 5–6 hours, the ferry is comfortable, and the cost is about 8 OMR (76 AED) per person one-way. The ferry schedule is published quarterly and changes with the season.
Step-by-step
Option 1 — Fly (1.5 hours, OMR 60)
Oman Air flies Muscat–Khasab twice a week, usually Monday and Thursday. The flight is 1.5 hours, the cost is about 60 OMR one-way. The Khasab airport is 10 minutes from the dhow port.
Option 2 — Ferry (5–6 hours, 8 OMR)
The National Ferry Company runs a twice-weekly service from Shinas (200 km north of Muscat) to Khasab. The crossing is 5–6 hours; the cost is about 8 OMR per person. The ferry has a snack bar, AC, and a sun deck.
Option 3 — Drive (9–10 hours, free)
Drive north from Muscat to Nizwa (2 hours), then west to the coast at Sohar (2 hours), then north to Shinas (1.5 hours), then north on the E18 to the Al Dara border (1 hour) and on to Khasab (1.5 hours). Total drive: 9–10 hours. Plan for an overnight stop.
Border procedure
No border crossing — both cities are in Oman
Operator tip
The ferry from Shinas is the way to go if you have a half-day. The morning departure arrives in Khasab at lunchtime; you can be on a dhow by 14:00.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way?
Fly — 1.5 hours, twice a week on Oman Air.
What is the cheapest way?
Drive — free. The ferry is 8 OMR, the flight is 60 OMR.
What is the most popular way?
The ferry. It is the right balance of cost, time and experience.
Do I need a visa?
No — both Muscat and Khasab are in Oman. You do not cross any border.