Every year from June to September, Salalah in Oman transforms into a lush, green paradise during the Khareef season. This cool and misty climate, filled with waterfalls and scenic mountains, provides a refreshing escape from the intense summer heat of the UAE. For many residents of the UAE, one of the best ways to enjoy this seasonal beauty is by taking a bus from Dubai to Salalah. This article explores why the bus option is growing in popularity, what travellers can expect, and the details of available packages and services.
Why Choose the Bus for Your Khareef Trip?
Traveling by bus to Salalah offers a scenic, affordable, and hassle-free way to experience the Khareef season. With peak tourism between June and September, flight prices to Salalah often spike, making bus tours a budget-friendly alternative. These overland packages frequently bundle transportation, accommodation, and guided tours, offering excellent value for money.
Abdus Samad Hussain Siddiqui, co-founder of the Oman-based tour operator Beautiful Salalah Tours , shared with Gulf News, “One of the most affordable ways to enjoy Khareef during the summer break is to catch a bus from Dubai to Salalah.” He highlighted the growing demand from UAE residents for all-inclusive travel options. “We offer a full bus package that includes tours, hotel stays, and transfers within Salalah. Some other companies only provide transportation between Dubai and Salalah.”
Siddiqui added that just two weeks ago, his company had a group of around 80 people across two buses who opted for the full package, and he expects similar group sizes every two weeks.
What Does a Salalah Bus Tour Package Include?
One of the most sought-after packages this year comes from Beautiful Salalah Tours. Siddiqui told Gulf News, “We offer a full package that includes round-trip bus travel, hotel stays, local transfers, and guided sightseeing. It’s ideal for those who don’t want the hassle of planning every detail.”
The full tour lasts four days and three nights, with several departure dates available this summer, including July 10, July 24, August 7, and August 21. Buses depart from Gold Souq Metro Station in Dubai at 2 pm, embarking on an overnight journey to Salalah.
According to Siddiqui, “The bus is air-conditioned and it is an overnight journey. We make a total of three stops, one at the border and the other two in Oman for rest and meals.”
Travellers stay at a comfortable three-star hotel with breakfast included and are guided throughout the trip by an English-speaking Omani tour guide.
The itinerary covers Salalah’s most iconic natural and cultural sites, such as:
Wadi Darbat Al Mughsail Beach The blowholes at Marneef Cave Ittin Mountains Prophet Ayyub’s Tomb Titam Canyons Taqa Castle Frankincense Farm
“You get a round-trip luxury bus ticket, a two-night hotel stay, and two guided group sightseeing tours, West and East Salalah, all included,” Siddiqui explained.
Pricing and Additional Details
The all-inclusive bus tour package is priced at:
Meals such as lunch and dinner, visa fees, or border charges (if applicable) may be extra but will be communicated to travellers in advance.
Direct Bus Options Without Tours
For those who prefer to arrange their accommodation and tours independently, there are direct international bus services from Dubai to Salalah that provide transportation only.
Al Khanjry, a private bus operator, announced scheduled services starting July 5. Their Dubai office is in Deira, near the Dnata Travel office. These buses are air-conditioned, offer free Wi-Fi, and follow a scenic route to southern Oman.
Ticket prices for Al Khanjry’s service are Dh350($95 USD)for a round-trip and Dh200 ($54 USD) for a one-way.
Initially, buses will operate on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays during the first week, with plans to move to daily service soon after.
Visa Requirements and Travel Documents
Most UAE residents can obtain a visa on arrival when entering Oman by land, though this depends on nationality and visa status. Tour operators typically assist with the eVisa process or documentation if prior approval is needed.
Travellers should carry:
A passport valid for at least six months A UAE residence visa or Emirates ID, valid for at least three months
Why Choose the Bus for Your Khareef Trip?
Traveling by bus to Salalah offers a scenic, affordable, and hassle-free way to experience the Khareef season. With peak tourism between June and September, flight prices to Salalah often spike, making bus tours a budget-friendly alternative. These overland packages frequently bundle transportation, accommodation, and guided tours, offering excellent value for money.
Abdus Samad Hussain Siddiqui, co-founder of the Oman-based tour operator Beautiful Salalah Tours , shared with Gulf News, “One of the most affordable ways to enjoy Khareef during the summer break is to catch a bus from Dubai to Salalah.” He highlighted the growing demand from UAE residents for all-inclusive travel options. “We offer a full bus package that includes tours, hotel stays, and transfers within Salalah. Some other companies only provide transportation between Dubai and Salalah.”
Siddiqui added that just two weeks ago, his company had a group of around 80 people across two buses who opted for the full package, and he expects similar group sizes every two weeks.
What Does a Salalah Bus Tour Package Include?
One of the most sought-after packages this year comes from Beautiful Salalah Tours. Siddiqui told Gulf News, “We offer a full package that includes round-trip bus travel, hotel stays, local transfers, and guided sightseeing. It’s ideal for those who don’t want the hassle of planning every detail.”
The full tour lasts four days and three nights, with several departure dates available this summer, including July 10, July 24, August 7, and August 21. Buses depart from Gold Souq Metro Station in Dubai at 2 pm, embarking on an overnight journey to Salalah.
According to Siddiqui, “The bus is air-conditioned and it is an overnight journey. We make a total of three stops, one at the border and the other two in Oman for rest and meals.”
Travellers stay at a comfortable three-star hotel with breakfast included and are guided throughout the trip by an English-speaking Omani tour guide.
The itinerary covers Salalah’s most iconic natural and cultural sites, such as:
“You get a round-trip luxury bus ticket, a two-night hotel stay, and two guided group sightseeing tours, West and East Salalah, all included,” Siddiqui explained.
Pricing and Additional Details
The all-inclusive bus tour package is priced at:
- Dh1,400($380 USD) per person
- Single occupancy supplement: Dh350 ($95 USD)
- Children under 2: Free
- Children aged 2 to 9 years: 50% discount
- Ages 10 and above: Full adult rate
Meals such as lunch and dinner, visa fees, or border charges (if applicable) may be extra but will be communicated to travellers in advance.
Direct Bus Options Without Tours
For those who prefer to arrange their accommodation and tours independently, there are direct international bus services from Dubai to Salalah that provide transportation only.
Al Khanjry, a private bus operator, announced scheduled services starting July 5. Their Dubai office is in Deira, near the Dnata Travel office. These buses are air-conditioned, offer free Wi-Fi, and follow a scenic route to southern Oman.
Ticket prices for Al Khanjry’s service are Dh350($95 USD)for a round-trip and Dh200 ($54 USD) for a one-way.
Initially, buses will operate on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays during the first week, with plans to move to daily service soon after.
Visa Requirements and Travel Documents
Most UAE residents can obtain a visa on arrival when entering Oman by land, though this depends on nationality and visa status. Tour operators typically assist with the eVisa process or documentation if prior approval is needed.
Travellers should carry:
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