Driving around Oman in a rental car is a fantastic way to explore the sultanate. The country’s stunning landscape ranges from the jagged Jebel Akhdar mountain range in the north to the pristine beaches of Sur in the south and the golden dunes of Wahiba Sands in the interior. Oman is one of the safest and easiest countries to drive around in the Middle East, and many travelers choose to rent a car to make the most of their road trip. When you are deciding which rental car to choose in Oman, you need to think about whether an automatic or manual transmission is best for you. Your decision will largely impact your experience, as an automatic car is more comfortable and safe for those who don’t know how to drive a stick. Renting a manual car might be a better option if you have experience and will be traveling around the more remote parts of the country.
Renting a car in Oman is very different from renting a car in Dubai. Long-term car rental in Dubai has many benefits that are not found in Oman. One of the most important differences is that in Dubai, you can rent a car with an automatic transmission, while in Oman you cannot. This is because the majority of cars in Oman are manual. This makes it difficult for those who are not familiar with driving a manual car to rent one in Oman. This can be especially challenging if you are new to Oman, as it can take some time to get used to the way that people drive here. However, this does not mean that it is impossible to rent an automatic car in Oman; it just takes some extra effort. In this article, we will go over the pros and cons of renting an automatic versus a manual car in Oman, as well as give you some tips on how to make your decision.
Renting an Automatic Car in Oman
Pros:
Easy to drive, even for those who have never driven in Oman before.
Best for city traffic, like in Muscat or Salalah
Great for long distance driving with less fatigue.
Cons:
Higher rental rates than a manual car.
Fuel efficiency is slightly lower in some terrains compared to a manual transmission.
Automatic cars are less common in Oman, especially in the more remote locations and budget categories.
Renting a Manual Car in Oman
Pros:
Cheaper to rent, particularly for budget or economy categories.
Better control on steep terrain or off-road conditions (ie, wadis, mountains)
Fuel-efficient in some cases, especially on uphills and mountainous drives.
Cons:
Gear shifting and clutch control can be unforgiving for the untrained driver.
Manual transmissions may cause driver fatigue on long drives or in traffic.
Manual cars are limited to those with confidence left-shifting, as Oman drives on the right side of the road.
Things to Consider When Renting a Car in Oman
- Driving Experience & Comfort Level
Driving a manual car, or stick-shift, requires gear-shifting and clutch control. An automatic, on the other hand, is easy to drive and lets the driver focus on navigation and enjoying the views. If you don’t feel confident in your ability to handle a manual car, or are not used to the left-shifting and gear changing in Oman, we suggest you opt for an automatic car. You’ll have an easier time driving, find more comfort in your car, and avoid distraction and driver fatigue on long stretches or in traffic.
That said, if you are a seasoned manual driver and looking to save on car rental costs, you can certainly consider driving a manual car in Oman. Manual cars are also better for control in steep or unpaved terrain, so if your itinerary includes lots of mountain roads and off-road driving, a manual can be a wise choice.
- Travel Itinerary & Terrain
The terrain in Oman is quite varied, and your planned route should be another big factor in deciding what car to rent.
Rent an Automatic if You Plan to Drive Primarily in:
Major cities and towns (Muscat, Salalah, Sohar, etc.)
Coastal roads, like Muscat to Sur
Highways/Expressways
Tourist-focused routes that are well-paved and have few elevation changes.
Opt for a Manual (and perhaps 4WD) If You Will Be Driving:
Jebel Akhdar/Jebel Shams/mountains
Rural wadis or off-road areas
Deserts, including Wahiba Sands or Empty Quarter
Gravel roads or unpaved terrain where gear control is necessary
- Group Size & Vehicle Type
Larger families and groups may require larger SUVs or minivans with automatic transmission to reduce driver fatigue over long hours and ensure a smooth ride for passengers.
Solo or two travelers on a budget may opt for more economical compact manual cars—assuming they are confident in their shifting skills.
- Rental Costs & Budget
As you may know, manual cars are typically cheaper to rent in Oman, but the price difference is becoming negligible, especially in the low season and if you have flexible dates. The main thing to be aware of is that manual economy cars will be lower in daily rates and offer better mileage.
Automatic mid-size cars or SUVs will cost more upfront but will offer more comfort and accessibility for all passengers.
Factor in other costs, such as insurance, fuel, and mileage limits when deciding on your rental vehicle. Travelers coming from long-term car rental Dubai should know that Oman offers excellent value for money, especially if you choose a manual car.
- Availability & Booking Tips
Automatic cars are in high demand and may be limited in some locations and seasons (peak season: October to March). To ensure a smooth booking and pickup process, we recommend:
Book as early as possible if you need a specific model or size.
Requesting your preferred transmission type explicitly—don’t assume an automatic will be available by default.
Confirm with the rental company in advance and before arrival. Ensure the correct type is noted in your reservation.
Driving in Oman with Automatics
Automatics are great for driving around cities or on long highway stretches in Oman. You’ll also find it much simpler when going up and down the winding mountain roads, although it is important that you get a vehicle with sufficient engine power, as smaller automatic cars can struggle on the steeper climbs.
Tip: Use the low-gear mode (“L” or “2”) when driving down steep slopes to avoid overheating your brakes.
Driving in Oman with Manuals
Manual cars offer good control on the steep inclines or unpaved roads you may encounter while driving in Oman. If you’re tackling any mountain routes, it will be important to shift to lower gears to maintain traction and engine performance.
Tip: Practice your hill-start technique if you are going to be driving in Oman’s mountainous areas, as some rental cars may not have hill assist or clutch protection features.
Safety Considerations
No matter which transmission type you choose, Oman is a very safe country to self-drive. The roads are well maintained, road signage is bilingual (Arabic/English), and fuel is very cheap.
Safety tips to keep in mind:
Always wear seatbelts.
Use headlights at dusk and dawn. Visibility can drop quickly in Oman’s mountain valleys and wadis.
Be on the lookout for livestock crossing the road in rural areas.
Do not attempt off-roading without a 4WD vehicle.
Environmental Conditions & Transmission Choice
As you know, Oman’s weather can be extreme, especially during summer months when daytime temperatures regularly surpass 45°C (113°F). Automatics will be less physically strenuous for the driver in this kind of weather, particularly in congested urban traffic.
Manual cars may offer better handling on soft sand or mud, but this also depends on having off-road tires and an experienced driver. For desert driving, a manual 4WD with high ground clearance is recommended.
Families & First-Time Visitors
If you have kids or senior travelers in your group, an automatic is almost always the better choice. Less driver stress means a smoother experience for everyone in the car. In fact, many families that have used long-term car rental Dubai services in the past will opt for automatic SUVs or MPVs for their convenience and ease of driving in unfamiliar territory.
Manuals may be more appealing to experienced road trippers or couples looking for an engaging drive, but only if they are comfortable with the gear system.
Conclusion
Renting an automatic or manual car in Oman depends on your personal driving experience, comfort level, and travel plans. An automatic is easier to drive and offers less driver fatigue, while manuals are more cost-effective and give you better control on certain terrain.
Whichever you choose, Oman is one of the safest and easiest countries to drive around in the Middle East. With a rental car, you can make the most of Oman’s stunning scenery and road trip opportunities, whether cruising down the coast or exploring ancient forts in Nizwa or mountain trails in Al Hajar. Travelers coming from Dubai will notice some differences in Oman car rental services (especially in remote areas), but you can expect similar if not better, quality from any of our featured car rental companies.
Now that you’ve considered all of these factors, it’s time to make your choice and start planning your epic road trip through Oman. Happy travels!
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