A long layover in Sohar is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Sohar Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 75 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of OHS:
- Can you legally enter Oman? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 75-minute journey each way by Airport Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the OMR. ATMs near the arrivals area typically offer better rates than the exchange counters.
Getting from OHS to Sohar
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Taxi | ~75 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~95 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Airport Taxi is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Quick budget math for your Sohar layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$19 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$39 |
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Luggage Storage at OHS
Specific locker facilities at OHS aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Sohar itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
What to See and Do in Sohar
Two recommendations for your time in Sohar:
Start with Sohar Fort. History buffs will appreciate this, and it doesn’t take long to explore the grounds. Then, if time allows, make your way to Sohar Corniche and Waterfront. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside OHS, you can spend time at Sohar Airport Passenger Lounge or try Sohar Airport Duty-Free. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Eat
For food in Sohar, local travelers recommend Turkish House Restaurant Sohar. If you have time for a second stop, Al Bustan Restaurant is another popular pick.
Back at OHS, Sohar Airport Cafe is the go-to. Sohar Airport Snack Bar rounds out your in-terminal options.
Resting at the Airport
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, OHS has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Staying Connected
WiFi at OHS should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Oman and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Sohar genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.