During my recent stay in Muscat, I needed a reliable car for about a week. Like most travelers, I started by looking for the cheapest car rental options in Muscat. A quick search online returned dozens of companies promising unbeatable prices. But as I soon discovered, not all that glitters is gold.
The Catch Behind the “Cheap” Deals
The first company I tried had a small fleet of economy cars starting at OMR 7–8 per day, which sounded great. But once I arrived, the car I was offered had visible dents, high mileage, and only third-party insurance – something that made me a little uncomfortable, especially since I planned to do some longer drives around northern Oman.
I tried another company that also advertised affordable car rentals in Muscat, and while their vehicle was in slightly better shape, they only accepted cash, didn’t offer any options for cross-border travel, and charged a huge deposit.
After a couple of disappointing experiences, I decided to look for a company that might cost just a little more but offered real value and peace of mind.
What I Found Instead
Eventually, I came across a local company based near Al Mouj, not far from the airport. They didn’t just offer cars at OMR 8 per day, but also included comprehensive insurance, flexible payment methods (cash, card, transfer – whatever worked best), and a surprising option: the ability to take the car into the UAE with the proper paperwork.
Even more impressive was their attitude toward small issues. I asked what would happen if I got a minor scratch or bump, and their reply was refreshingly honest – they were flexible and understanding about minor damage, which instantly made me feel more at ease.
Their vehicles were clean, well-maintained, and modern – nothing like the tired, overused cars I’d seen elsewhere. I booked an Elantra for five days and had zero issues the whole time.
One of the best experiences I had was with a local company called Cruza, which offered both affordability and reliability — a rare combination in Muscat’s car rental scene.
A Final Word of Advice
If you’re visiting Oman and planning to rent a car in Muscat, don’t just go for the absolute cheapest deal. Ask about the insurance coverage, vehicle condition, payment methods, and whether you’re allowed to travel outside Oman if needed.
From my experience, there are still affordable car rental companies in Muscat that offer both low prices and high standards – you just need to find the right one.
