How to Reach Nizwa - Best Ways to Get to Nizwa during a Trip to Oman

As one of Oman's historical cities, Nizwa is a heritage hub that's on every holidaymaker's bucket list. Considered a must-visit hotspot for culture buffs touring the country, Nizwa is situated nearly 149 km away from the bustling capital, Muscat. Whether one is planning on flying into the city or visiting the heritage hub from another corner of the country or the Middle East, here are the most convenient ways to reach Nizwa using public and private transport options.  

Flying to Nizwa 

Tourists hailing from various cities in the Middle East and elsewhere in the world will find that there are no direct international flights travelling to Nizwa. Although this charming city in Oman's northern reaches has its own domestic airport, no international carriers serve the heritage hotspot. This means that those who wish to tour Nizwa must fly into Oman's capital Muscat and then find alternative transport to the historic city. Located 148km away from Muscat, there are a number of domestic flights that one can board to reach one's final destination, failing which, visitors can use buses, taxis or a rental car to drive the 148 km to Nizwa from Muscat.  

Bus Transfer 

The most affordable method accessible to those based in Muscat is hopping on a long-distance bus to the city to Nizwa. The ONTC bus is available daily and departs from the nation's capital twice a day. Those who wish to arrive at Nizwa Fort before noon can buy tickets for the ONTC bus departing at 8.30 am. Others can use the later bus, which departs Muscat at 2.30 pm to head to the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar or any of the other Nizwa hotels of their choice. Those who are relying on public bus services to reach Nizwa should book tickets in advance or arrive at the correct bus station with time to spare as the A/C buses to Nizwa are crowded with not only tourists but also local commuters. 

Driving to Nizwa  

Travellers who possess an international driving pass can also drive to Nizwa for a day trip or a longer stay on their own set of wheels. The journey takes no more than two hours and is relatively unchallenging as far as directions go. Although the road conditions in Oman are not bad, tourists should not expect the highways and expressways they have grown accustomed to in Dubai or the U.A.E as the transport infrastructure in Oman hasn't quite reached international standards.  

Taxi Services 

While it may not be the most cost-effective method when it comes to travelling to Nizwa, using local taxi services can be a great option for those who are travelling with children or in a group. In addition to being able to travel to the heritage hotspot in air-conditioned comfort, visitors need not worry about directions or the conditions of the road as taxi drivers are well-equipped to handle any mishaps en route. The charges for a taxi ride to Nizwa, however, may not be within reach for budget travellers as it is exorbitant when compared to bus fares. 

Ji-Elle, Nizwa-Taxis (1), CC BY-SA 3.0 

Getting Around in Nizwa 

Once travellers get to Nizwa, they will be relieved to find that there are public bus services that are not only punctual and reliable but extremely affordable. The Baisa bus service is the main bus operator in Nizwa and it is the safest and most efficient way to go sightseeing around the city. Another advantage of the Baisa bus service is that tourists can disembark at any point of the journey without needing to remember fixed bus stops to reach famous attractions. Taxis are also easily available on the main streets of Nizwa although most of these vehicles are unmetered so tourists might fall prey to dubious drivers attempting to swindle travellers.