Flights from Muscat to Salalah
Understanding Oman's Geography
One interesting fact many travelers don’t realize is that Oman isn’t one continuous territory. The Musandam Peninsula in the north is actually separated from the main part of Oman by the United Arab Emirates. And interestingly, the southern region where Salalah is located (Dhofar) is somewhat separated from northern Oman where Muscat is located, with a strip of Yemen’s territory between them in places along the border.
This unique geography makes flying between these cities particularly convenient!
Flying from Muscat to Salalah
Flight Duration and Airports
The flight from Muscat to Salalah takes only about 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it by far the quickest way to travel between these cities.
Muscat is served by Muscat International Airport (MCT), which despite what some visitors might think, is not small at all! It’s a modern, well-equipped facility that opened its new terminal in 2018 and handles millions of passengers annually.
Your destination, Salalah International Airport (SLL), is the second-largest airport in Oman and the main gateway to the beautiful Dhofar region.
Direct Flight Options
Several airlines offer direct flights between Muscat and Salalah:
1] Salam Air - The Budget-Friendly Option
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Price (Omani Rial) | Book now |
|---|---|---|---|
|
10:00
|
11:40
|
28 |
|
|
15:30
|
17:10
|
28 |
|
|
18:00
|
19:40
|
28 |
2] Egypt Air
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Price (Omani Rial) | Book now |
|---|---|---|---|
|
08:45
|
10:15
|
49 |
|
3] Turkish Airlines
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Price (Omani Rial) | Book now |
|---|---|---|---|
|
08:45
|
10:15
|
49 |
|
|
14:35
|
16:15
|
49 |
|
|
19:50
|
21:30
|
49 |
4] Gulf Air
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Price (Omani Rial) | Book now |
|---|---|---|---|
|
08:45
|
10:15
|
50 |
|
|
14:35
|
16:15
|
50 |
|
|
19:50
|
21:30
|
50
|
5] Kuwait Airways
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Price (Omani Rial) | Book now |
|---|---|---|---|
|
08:45
|
10:15
|
50 |
|
|
14:35 |
16:15
|
50 |
|
|
19:50
|
21:30
|
50 |
6] Oman Air - The National Carrier
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Price (Omani Rial) | Book now |
|---|---|---|---|
|
08:45
|
10:15
|
55 |
|
|
12:30
|
14:10
|
55 |
|
|
14:35
|
16:15
|
55 |
|
|
17:40
|
19:20
|
55 |
|
|
19:50
|
21:30
|
55 |
One-Stop Flight Options
If you prefer breaking up your journey or sometimes find better deals, consider these one-stop options:
1] Air Arabia (via Sharjah)
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Price (Omani Rial) | Book now |
|---|---|---|---|
|
10:00
|
18:00
|
103 |
|
|
19:50
|
18:00
|
104
|
2] flyDubai (via Dubai)
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Price (Omani Rial) | Book now |
|---|---|---|---|
|
00:50
|
17:55
|
109
|
|
|
09:10
|
17:55
|
109
|
|
|
13:10
|
17:55
|
109 |
|
|
20:45
|
17:55
|
141
|
3] Emirates (via Dubai)
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Price (Omani Rial) | Book now |
|---|---|---|---|
|
04:40
|
17:55
|
141 |
For international visitors wondering, while TUI doesn’t currently operate direct flights to Oman, you can reach the country through their partner airlines and connections.
Alternative Ways to Travel
By Bus
If you’re not in a hurry and want to experience the landscape, buses operate between Muscat and Salalah. The journey takes approximately 12-13 hours. I’ve done this trip once, and while long, it offers amazing views of Oman’s diverse terrain.
Tickets cost around 12-15 Omani Rial one-way, making it much more economical than flying. The buses are comfortable with air conditioning, but I recommend bringing snacks and entertainment for the journey.
When paying for bus travel in Oman, you’ll typically use cash (Omani Rial) directly at the counter. Some services now accept credit cards, but having cash on hand is always the safest option.
By Car
For the adventurous traveler, driving between Muscat and Salalah is an epic road trip spanning about 1,000 kilometers. The journey takes around 10-12 hours depending on stops.
I recommend breaking this trip into two days with an overnight stay somewhere in the middle. The roads are generally excellent, but some stretches can be remote.
Economybookings.com and Localrent.com offer competitive rates on rental cars in Oman with a wide range of vehicles suitable for this journey.
Planning Your Trip
Best Time to Visit Salalah
Salalah has a unique climate compared to the rest of Oman. During the Khareef (monsoon) season from June to September, the region transforms into a lush green paradise unlike anywhere else in the Arabian Peninsula. This is peak tourism season for domestic visitors.
If you prefer quieter times with pleasant weather, consider October to April.
Border Proximity
For those curious about regional geography, Salalah is located approximately 170 kilometers from Yemen by road, making it quite close to the border. This proximity has influenced the region’s unique culture and traditions.
Essential Travel Services
Airport Transfers: Book hassle-free transfers with Welcome Pickups or Kiwitaxi to start your trip smoothly.
Accommodation: Find great hotel deals in both cities through Hotellook.
Explore: Book guided tours in Salalah, including visits to the famous Wadi Darbat and pristine beaches, through Wegotrip.
Luggage Solutions: If you plan to explore before checking in, store your luggage safely with Radical Storage.
Travel Protection
I always recommend protecting your trip with comprehensive travel insurance. Visitorscoverage offers excellent plans that cover flight delays, cancellations, and medical emergencies.
If you experience flight disruptions, Compensair can help you claim compensation for eligible delays or cancellations
Conclusion
Whether you choose the quick 1.5-hour flight or the scenic bus journey, traveling between Muscat and Salalah gives you the opportunity to experience two very different faces of Oman. The contrast between the bustling capital and the tropical paradise of the south makes for an unforgettable Omani adventure.