Muscat to Salalah Desert Highway
Oman
In short: Muscat to Salalah Desert Highway is a about 1,080 km desert road trip in Oman, typically driven over 4 days, best in Oct–May; khareef Jun–Sep with caution. Highlights: Muscat, Nizwa, Hayma.
A realistic four-day version of Oman’s classic north-to-south drive: Muscat to Nizwa, Nizwa to Hayma, Hayma via Shisr and Thumrayt, then a full Salalah and Dhofar day.
Make this route yours
Set your dates, pace, and taste, and RoadAtlas AI rebuilds this trip day by day with real, verified places.
Included with Traveler and Explorer plans.
Plan this trip
Third-party planning links may be affiliate links. RoadAtlas stays independent, and you should verify details with the provider.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Muscat → Nizwa (about 160 km; 2 hr)
Muscat departure · Nizwa Fort and Souq · Bin Ateeq – Nizwa
Day 2Nizwa → Adam → Hayma (about 380 km; 4–5 hr)
Highway 31 desert transfer · Vehicle range check · Preconfirmed Hayma lodging dinner
Day 3Hayma → Shisr → Thumrayt → Salalah (about 520 km with detour; 6–7 hr)
Shisr archaeological detour · Dhofar descent · Packed road lunch
Day 4Salalah and Dhofar (local loop)
Al Baleed and Frankincense Museum · Al Haffa Souq · Al Manara at Hawana Salalah
Stops along the route
Things to Do
Where to Eat
Nearby and similar drives
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Muscat to Salalah Desert Highway drive?
The Muscat to Salalah Desert Highway covers about 1,080 km from start to finish.
How long does the Muscat to Salalah Desert Highway take to drive?
Most travellers spend 4 days on the Muscat to Salalah Desert Highway, depending on stops and pace.
When is the best time to drive the Muscat to Salalah Desert Highway?
The recommended season for the Muscat to Salalah Desert Highway is Oct–May; khareef Jun–Sep with caution.
Where does the Muscat to Salalah Desert Highway start and end?
The Muscat to Salalah Desert Highway runs from Muscat to Salalah.
What are the main stops on the Muscat to Salalah Desert Highway?
The Muscat to Salalah Desert Highway passes through Muscat, Nizwa, Hayma.
How difficult is the Muscat to Salalah Desert Highway to drive?
The Muscat to Salalah Desert Highway is rated moderate and is best handled with any vehicle.
Can I drive the Muscat to Salalah Desert Highway in a regular car?
Yes — the Muscat to Salalah Desert Highway is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.
How many fuel stops are needed on the Muscat to Salalah Desert Highway?
Plan around 1 refuels (or about 3 EV charges) along the Muscat to Salalah Desert Highway, based on its about 1,080 km length.
Is the Muscat to Salalah Desert Highway safe to drive?
As of July 13, 2026, the U.S. State Department advises reconsidering travel to Oman (Level 3; advisory issued June 27, 2026), with the Yemen-border area at Level 4. Check current advice immediately before travel. The dry-season drive from October to May is simplest; khareef can make Dhofar green but also brings fog, wet roads and crowds. Carry water, refill before each long Highway 31 sector, avoid night driving and never treat Hayma or Shisr as implied fuel stops without checking range.
What scenic tier is the Muscat to Salalah Desert Highway?
The Muscat to Salalah Desert Highway is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.