Khasab to Sohar Bus – Mwasalat Shuttle Service
The official Mwasalat shuttle bus connects Khasab, Musandam to Sohar via Bukha — running daily, with a special visa-free service every Wednesday for passengers without a UAE entry visa. Operated under the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and the Musandam Governorate.
Official Notice – Mwasalat Shuttle Bus Service
Mwasalat Shuttle Bus Service (Khasab – Bukha – Sohar) for Category 2 passengers without United Arab Emirates entry visas. This service provides a direct, Oman-internal bus route connecting the Musandam Peninsula to the Al Batinah region — no UAE transit, no border crossing, no visa hassle.
Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Daily — Visa-free on Wednesdays
Khasab → Bakhah → Sohar
OMR 6
OMR 10
Category 2 – No UAE Visa
Booking Rule: Tickets must be booked via Mwasalat sales outlets or online at mwasalat.om no later than one week prior to travel, with payment required at the time of booking.
Official Mwasalat Timetable & Service Notices
Official images published by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and the Musandam Governorate. For the latest schedule, always verify on mwasalat.om.
Official Notice — Service Details & Fares
Service Points & Ticketing Locations
Timetable — Musandam to Sohar (Effective 17 June 2026)
Timetable — Sohar to Musandam (Effective 17 June 2026)
Mwasalat Service Points & Boarding Locations
Purchase your tickets and board the bus from any of these three official Mwasalat service points in Musandam. All routes terminate at Mwasalat Bus Station in Sohar.
Mwasalat Office, Khasab
Main Mwasalat booking office in Khasab town centre.
Al Nakheel, Bukha
Boarding and ticketing point in the coastal town of Bukha.
Dhahab Port – Customer Service Office
Mwasalat ticketing desk at Dhahab Port for passengers in the eastern Musandam area.
Bus Timetable – Musandam to Sohar
From Musandam Governorate (Khasab) to Sohar
Effective from 17 June 2026
The Mwasalat bus runs daily. The visa-free service (no UAE visa required) operates on Wednesdays. The approved timetable includes up to 4 trips per service day. Check mwasalat.om for the full weekly schedule.
| Trip | Khasab Hospital (Departure) | Al Nakheel, Bukha | Sohar (Arrival) | Duration | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trip 1 | 07:00 AM | 08:00 AM | 11:30 AM | 4h 30m | Active |
| Trip 2 | 09:00 AM | 10:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 2h 00m | Planned |
| Trip 3 | 01:30 PM | 02:30 PM | 05:00 PM | 3h 30m | Planned |
| Trip 4 | 03:30 PM | 04:30 PM | 07:00 PM | 3h 30m | Planned |
Times are approximate. Actual arrival may vary based on road and traffic conditions.
Bus Timetable – Sohar to Musandam
From Sohar (Mwasalat Bus Station) to Musandam Governorate (Khasab)
Effective from 17 June 2026 — Visa-free on Wednesdays
| Trip | Sohar (Departure) | Bakhah | Al Nakheel | Khasab Hospital (Arrival) | Duration | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trip 1 | 07:30 AM | 09:00 AM | 10:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 3h 30m | Active |
| Trip 2 | 09:30 AM | 11:00 AM | 12:00 PM | 01:00 PM | 3h 30m | Planned |
| Trip 3 | 01:30 PM | 03:00 PM | 04:00 PM | 05:00 PM | 3h 30m | Planned |
| Trip 4 | 03:30 PM | 05:00 PM | 06:00 PM | 07:00 PM | 3h 30m | Planned |
Times are approximate. Actual arrival may vary based on road and traffic conditions.
About the Mwasalat Khasab – Bukha – Sohar Shuttle Bus
The Mwasalat shuttle bus service is a new government-backed intercity bus route connecting the Musandam Peninsula to the Al Batinah coast of Oman. Launched on 17 June 2026 under the authority of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and the Musandam Governorate, this service addresses a long-standing transportation gap for passengers who do not hold a United Arab Emirates entry visa.
Why This Service Was Introduced
For years, the only bus connection between Khasab and mainland Oman required transit through the UAE — passing through the Tibat and Hatta/Al Ain borders. This meant passengers needed a valid UAE transit or tourist visa to board the bus, leaving many travellers — particularly those from certain nationalities who face stricter UAE visa requirements — without a viable ground transport option. The Mwasalat shuttle bus solves this problem by operating entirely within Omani territory.
The Route: Khasab – Bukha – Sohar
The bus route follows the Omani coastal road from Khasab in Musandam, through Bukha (also spelled Bakhah), and onward to Sohar in the Al Batinah region. The entire journey stays within Oman — no international borders, no immigration checkpoints, no visa requirements. The route covers approximately 300 km of scenic Omani coastline and mountain roads, passing through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Arabian Peninsula.
Boarding Points & Ticket Offices
The service operates from three official Mwasalat service points in Musandam: the Mwasalat Office in Khasab (the main booking office in Khasab town centre), Al Nakheel in Bukha (a coastal boarding point in the western Musandam town), and the Dhahab Port Customer Service Office (a ticketing desk for passengers in the eastern Musandam area near the UAE border). All routes terminate at Mwasalat Bus Station in Sohar, which is a major transport hub in the Al Batinah region with connections to other Omani cities.
Schedule & Frequency
The Mwasalat bus runs daily on the Khasab – Bukha – Sohar route. On Wednesdays, the service is visa-free — passengers without a UAE entry visa can travel without any visa requirements. The approved timetable includes up to 4 trips in each direction per service day — check mwasalat.om for the full weekly schedule. Journey times range from approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
Fares & Payment
The fare structure is simple and fixed: OMR 6 for a one-way trip and OMR 10 for a round trip. There are no dynamic pricing, peak/off-peak variations, or hidden charges. Payment must be made at the time of booking. Tickets can be booked online at mwasalat.om or in person at Mwasalat sales outlets.
Who Should Use This Service?
This service is designed for Category 2 passengers — travellers of nationalities who do not hold a UAE entry visa. If you have a valid UAE visa, alternative routes may be available. But if you cannot obtain a UAE visa, or prefer not to go through the UAE immigration process, the Mwasalat shuttle is the official, government-backed bus option for you. It is also ideal for budget-conscious travellers, as the OMR 6 one-way fare is significantly cheaper than alternative transport options.
Route Stops & What to Expect
Khasab Hospital – Departure Point
The main departure point is located near Khasab Hospital in the centre of Khasab town. This is the primary Mwasalat booking office in Musandam where you can purchase tickets and board the bus. Khasab is the capital of the Musandam Governorate, a picturesque port town surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains and crystal-clear waters. If you are staying in Khasab, the hospital area is easily accessible by taxi or on foot from most hotels and guesthouses.
Tip: Arrive at least 15–20 minutes before departure. The bus will not wait for late passengers.
Al Nakheel, Bukha – Intermediate Stop
Bukha (also spelled Bakhah) is a small coastal town located between Khasab and Sohar along the Omani coast. The Al Nakheel boarding point serves passengers from the Bukha area and nearby villages. Bukha is known for its beautiful beaches, date palm groves, and the historic Bukha Fort. This stop allows passengers from western Musandam to board the bus without travelling all the way to Khasab. The stop is also a drop-off point for passengers travelling from Sohar to Bukha.
Note: If you are boarding from Bukha, confirm your trip with Mwasalat as not all trips may stop here.
Sohar – Mwasalat Bus Station (Arrival)
Sohar is the capital of the Al Batinah North Governorate and one of the largest cities in Oman. The Mwasalat Bus Station in Sohar is a major transport hub with connections to Muscat, Nizwa, and other Omani cities. From Sohar, you can continue your journey to Muscat by Mwasalat intercity bus (approximately 2–3 hours), hire a private car, or use local transport. Sohar itself is a historic city with a beautiful corniche, the Sohar Fort (now a museum), and a vibrant souq.
Tip: If your final destination is Muscat, you can catch a connecting Mwasalat bus from Sohar Bus Station. Check schedules at mwasalat.om.
Why Take the Mwasalat Bus?
No UAE Visa Needed
The biggest advantage — the entire route stays within Oman. No UAE transit visa, no border crossing, no immigration queues. Simply board in Khasab and arrive in Sohar without any passport complications.
Affordable Fares
At OMR 6 one-way, this is one of the cheapest ways to travel between Musandam and mainland Oman. A round trip costs just OMR 10. Compared to private taxis or car rentals, the bus offers significant savings.
Government-Backed Service
Operated by Mwasalat under the Ministry of Transport and Musandam Governorate. This is an official, regulated public transport service — not a private operator. You can trust the safety, reliability, and consistency of the service.
Scenic Coastal Route
The Khasab–Bukha–Sohar road is one of the most scenic drives in Oman, winding along the coast with views of the Arabian Gulf, rocky cliffs, and mountain passes. Sit back and enjoy the journey through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Gulf region.
Things to Know Before You Travel
Book 1 Week in Advance
Mwasalat requires tickets to be booked at least 7 days before travel. Walk-in bookings on the day of travel are not accepted.
Payment at Booking
You must pay for your ticket at the time of booking. No pay-on-boarding option is available. Cash and local payment methods accepted.
Arrive Early
Be at the boarding point at least 15–20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The bus departs on time and will not wait for late passengers.
Valid ID Required
Carry a valid passport or Omani ID card. You may be asked to present identification when boarding the bus.
Luggage Allowance
Standard luggage is accepted. For oversized or extra baggage, confirm with Mwasalat at the time of booking. Keep valuables in your carry-on bag.
Book Online or In Person
Tickets can be booked online at mwasalat.om or in person at Mwasalat sales outlets. Book at least one week in advance.
Visa-Free on Wednesdays
The bus runs daily, but the visa-free service for passengers without a UAE entry visa operates on Wednesdays. Plan accordingly.
Connecting to Muscat
From Sohar, you can catch a Mwasalat intercity bus to Muscat (2–3 hours). Plan your connection time at Sohar Bus Station accordingly.
About the Towns on This Route
Khasab
The capital of Musandam Governorate, Khasab is a stunning coastal town nestled between dramatic limestone mountains and the Arabian Gulf. Known as the "Norway of Arabia" for its fjord-like khors, Khasab is the gateway to Musandam's dhow cruises, dolphin watching, and island hopping. The town features a 17th-century Portuguese fort, a traditional souq, and spectacular mountain scenery.
Population: ~36,000 | Key landmark: Khasab Fort
Bukha
A small, tranquil coastal town on the western shores of Musandam, Bukha is known for its pristine beaches, date palm plantations, and the historic Bukha Fort overlooking the sea. The town serves as a stopover point between Khasab and Sohar and is a quieter alternative to the busier Khasab. Bukha's coastline offers excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities.
Key landmark: Bukha Fort | Known for: Beaches & date farms
Sohar
One of the oldest cities in Oman and the capital of Al Batinah North Governorate, Sohar is a major port city with a rich maritime history. The city features the impressive Sohar Fort (now a national museum), a vibrant corniche, the Sohar Souq, and the massive Sohar Aluminium smelter. From Sohar, you can connect to Muscat, Nizwa, and other Omani cities by bus.
Population: ~300,000+ | Key landmark: Sohar Fort
Mwasalat Bus vs Other Travel Options
| Feature | Mwasalat Bus | Private Taxi | Rental Car |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE Visa Required? | No | Yes (via UAE route) | Yes (via UAE route) |
| Cost (One-Way) | OMR 6 | OMR 80–150+ | OMR 20–40/day + fuel |
| Journey Time | 3.5–4.5 hours | 3–4 hours (via UAE) | 3–4 hours (via UAE) |
| Book in Advance | 1 week minimum | Can book anytime | Can book anytime |
| Availability | Daily (visa-free Wed) | Any day | Any day |
| Comfort | Standard coach | Private vehicle | Own vehicle |
How to Book Mwasalat Bus Tickets
Book Online or In Person
Book your ticket online at mwasalat.om or visit any Mwasalat sales outlet in Khasab, Bukha, or Dhahab Port.
Book at Least 1 Week Prior
Tickets must be booked no later than 7 days before your travel date. Select your trip and direction.
Pay & Confirm
Payment is required at the time of booking. OMR 6 one-way or OMR 10 round trip. Keep your ticket safe.
Need Custom Transport in Musandam?
Looking for a private car, bus, or any other transportation in Musandam? Jazar Musandam Travels can arrange it for you — airport transfers, hotel pickups, city tours, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this bus require a UAE visa?
No. The Mwasalat shuttle bus runs entirely within Oman on the Khasab – Bukha – Sohar route. No UAE visa, passport stamp, or border crossing is required. This is the key advantage for passengers who do not hold a UAE entry visa.
How often does the bus run?
The Mwasalat bus runs daily on the Khasab – Bukha – Sohar route. On Wednesdays, the service is visa-free — meaning passengers without a UAE entry visa can travel without any visa requirements. On other days, passengers may need to arrange appropriate travel documents. Check mwasalat.om or call 1551 for the full weekly schedule.
How much does a ticket cost?
OMR 6 for a one-way trip, or OMR 10 for a round trip. Payment is required at the time of booking through Mwasalat sales outlets. There are no dynamic pricing or peak/off-peak variations — the fare is fixed.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets can be booked online at mwasalat.om or in person at Mwasalat sales outlets — the Mwasalat Office in Khasab, Al Nakheel in Bukha, or the Dhahab Port Customer Service Office. Tickets must be booked no later than one week (7 days) prior to your travel date. Payment is required at the time of booking.
What are the boarding points?
There are three boarding/service points: (1) Mwasalat Office in Khasab — the main booking and boarding office, (2) Al Nakheel in Bukha — a coastal boarding point, and (3) Dhahab Port Customer Service Office — a ticketing desk for passengers in the eastern Musandam area. All routes terminate at Mwasalat Bus Station in Sohar.
Who is this service for?
This service is specifically designed for Category 2 passengers — passengers of nationalities not holding a United Arab Emirates (UAE) entry visa. If you have a valid UAE visa, you may use alternative routes. If you do not have a UAE visa, this Mwasalat shuttle via Bukha–Sohar is the official bus option for you.
What is the difference between this and the old Khasab–Muscat bus?
The old Khasab–Muscat bus route passed through the UAE (Tibat and Hatta borders), which required a valid UAE transit or tourist visa. The new Mwasalat shuttle bus (launching 17 June 2026) runs entirely within Oman via Khasab – Bukha – Sohar and does not require any UAE visa.
What is the exact route of the bus?
From Musandam to Sohar: Khasab Hospital → Al Nakheel (Bukha) → Sohar (Mwasalat Bus Station). From Sohar to Musandam: Mwasalat Bus Station, Sohar → Bakhah → Al Nakheel → Khasab Hospital. The entire route stays within Omani territory.
How long does the journey take?
The journey from Khasab Hospital to Sohar takes approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on the specific trip and road conditions. Return trips from Sohar to Khasab take approximately 3.5 hours.
What is the Mwasalat contact number?
You can reach Mwasalat by calling 1551 (local Oman number). You can also visit the official Mwasalat website at mwasalat.om for the latest schedules and route information.
Can I book tickets online?
Yes, you can book tickets online at mwasalat.om. You can also purchase tickets in person at Mwasalat sales outlets — the Mwasalat Office in Khasab, Al Nakheel in Bukha, or the Dhahab Port Customer Service Office. Tickets must be booked no later than one week before your travel date.
Where can I verify the official schedule?
You can cross-check the timetable on the official Mwasalat website at mwasalat.om. The full approved timetable with all trips is published there. You can also contact Mwasalat directly on 1551 for the latest updates.
Can I bring luggage on the bus?
Yes, passengers are generally allowed to bring standard luggage on the bus. For oversized or excess baggage, it is recommended to confirm with Mwasalat at the time of booking. The bus service is designed for intercity travel and accommodates typical passenger luggage.
Is there food or restrooms on the bus?
The bus makes scheduled stops during the journey where passengers can purchase food and use restroom facilities. Bring water and snacks for the journey, especially if you are taking the longer Trip 1 (4.5 hours).
Can I travel with children?
Yes, children are welcome on the bus. Children under a certain age may travel free or at a reduced fare — confirm with Mwasalat at the time of booking. It is recommended to carry the child's passport or birth certificate for identification.
What happens if the bus is delayed?
Minor delays can occur due to road conditions or traffic. The bus follows the approved timetable, but arrival times may vary. It is recommended to avoid scheduling tight connections after arrival in Sohar.
Can I cancel or change my ticket?
Contact Mwasalat via their website at mwasalat.om, call 1551, or visit a Mwasalat sales outlet to inquire about cancellation or change policies. Since tickets are booked well in advance, plan carefully before booking.