Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Muscat Bus Tours: Prices, Routes & FAQs
By 🇴🇲🚌Muscat, the capital of Oman, is a city where Arabian tradition meets coastal elegance, offering visitors grand mosques, souks, museums, and dramatic clifftop forts. A Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) bus tour is a fantastic way to explore the city’s major sights — from the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque to the Mutrah Souq — especially for cruise visitors and those short on time.
Here’s your complete guide to the Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Muscat Bus Tours, including prices, routes, and helpful FAQs:
🕌 Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Muscat Bus Tours
1. Big Bus Muscat – Classic HOHO Tour
- Price:
- ~$79 USD (1-day Classic ticket)
- ~$89 USD (2-day Premium ticket)
- Route: Mutrah Souq ➔ Al Alam Palace ➔ Royal Opera House ➔ Grand Mosque ➔ Bait Al Zubair ➔ Qurum Beach
- Stops: 10 major attractions
- Map: 📍 Big Bus Muscat Map
- Best For: First-time visitors or cruise passengers
2. Big Bus + Sunset Panoramic Tour (Non-Hop-Off)
- Price: ~$35 USD
- Duration: ~1.5 hours
- Highlights: Coastal views, lit-up palaces, Corniche sunset 🌅
- Best For: Evening sightseeing & photo ops
3. Big Bus + Cruise Ship Shuttle Combo
- Price: ~$89 USD
- Includes: Port pickup/drop-off + HOHO access
- Best For: Cruise guests with limited port time 🚢
4. HOHO + Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Stop
- Price: Included in base ticket
- Tip: Visit early (~8:00–11:00 AM) — it’s only open to non-Muslims in the morning
- Best For: Architecture lovers and spiritual travelers
5. HOHO + Royal Opera House Muscat Stop
- Price: Included
- Perks: Stunning marble halls, cafés, and boutique shopping
- Best For: Culture and design enthusiasts
6. HOHO + Mutrah Corniche & Souq
- Price: Included
- Attractions: Traditional Omani marketplace + sea promenade 🛍️
- Best For: Local gifts, spices, and gold
7. HOHO + Bait Al Zubair Museum Entry Combo
- Price: ~$85 USD
- Includes: HOHO pass + entry to this private collection of Omani artifacts 🏛️
- Best For: Cultural travelers
8. HOHO + Qurum Beach Stop
- Price: Included
- Features: Public beach, palm trees, and picnic spots
- Best For: Quick beach break between attractions 🏖️
9. HOHO + Al Alam Palace & Fort Area
- Price: Included
- Highlights: Ceremonial palace + Al Jalali & Al Mirani forts (view from outside)
- Best For: Photos, royal vibes, harbor views
10. Private Muscat HOHO-Style Tour (Chauffeured SUV or Minibus)
- Price: ~$120–$250 per group
- Includes: Custom itinerary, hotel/port pickup, flexible timing
- Best For: VIPs, families, or visitors during off-season
🗺️ Key Hop-On Hop-Off Stops in Muscat
| Stop | Nearby Attractions |
|---|---|
| Mutrah Souq & Corniche | Traditional marketplace, harbor views, restaurants 🌊 |
| Al Alam Palace | Ceremonial palace, government quarter, photo ops 👑 |
| Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque | One of the world’s most beautiful modern mosques 🕌 |
| Royal Opera House Muscat | Architectural gem, concert hall, café ☕ |
| Qurum Beach | Relaxing public beach with shaded walkways 🏖 |
| Bait Al Zubair Museum | Omani heritage and private collections 🏺 |
| Ruwi / Business District | Shopping centers, local eateries 🛍️ |
❓ FAQs – Hop-On Hop-Off Muscat
✅ Is a HOHO bus worth it in Muscat?
Yes — especially for first-time visitors or those on a cruise.
Muscat is spread out, and HOHO buses offer a comfortable, air-conditioned way to see the city’s main coastal and cultural landmarks with helpful audio commentary.
🕒 How long is the full route?
- Loop duration: ~1 hour 45 minutes
- Buses every: ~30–60 minutes (depending on season & day)
📍 Where do HOHO buses start?
- Main boarding points:
- Mutrah Souq / Cruise Terminal
- Royal Opera House
- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
🗣️ Is there audio commentary?
Yes!
- Available in 6+ languages, including English, Arabic, German, French, Italian, and Spanish 🎧
📱 Are mobile tickets accepted?
Yes.
You can book online and use mobile QR codes from Big Bus, GetYourGuide, and other platforms
🕘 When do HOHO buses operate?
- Daily year-round
- First bus: ~9:00 AM
- Last full loop: ~5:00–5:30 PM
- Reduced service during Ramadan or summer
♿ Are HOHO buses wheelchair accessible?
Some buses are partially accessible — check with Big Bus if step-free access is required.
Would you like a custom Muscat HOHO itinerary — mixing grand mosques 🕌, royal palaces 👑, beach walks 🌊, and souk shopping 🛍️?
Or I can prepare a Google Map with all HOHO stops, lunch spots, and walking routes — just let me know! 🚍✨
