No trip to Oman would be complete without a visit to the 13th-century Al Rustaq Fort. This is one of the largest and most well-known forts in the country, and it’s also one of the most impressive looking. This travel guide will explain how to get there and everything you need to know before you go!
Best Oman Tours
If you’re looking to explore Oman with a tour guide/driver and private car, my top recommendation would be Klook. Oman is not the cheapest country to travel, however, Klook offers Rustaq day tours starting from $65 USD, as well as Nizwa tours for similar prices. Both of these tours start from Muscat, allowing you to see some of the best Omani castles, forts, and traditional markets. We’ve used Klook for numerous tours and activities around the world, and they are highly recommended.
Visiting Rustaq Fort
Rustaq Fort features three floors, complete with a weapons room, mosque, prison, and four 20-meter (65-foot) tall towers. Moreover, a climb to the top of the fort offers amazing views in all directions. It is advisable to bring water, as the walk up can be extremely hot depending on the season.
Hours & Fees
- Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
- Hours (Friday): 8 AM – 11 AM
- Entrance Fee: 0.5 OMR*
*There’s an entry fee of 0.5 Omani Rials ($1.30 USD), but most tours often include this in the price.
How To Get To Rustaq Fort
Rustaq Fort is located in Rustaq, approximately 130 kilometers (80 miles) from Muscat. Visitors can either drive there themselves with a rental car, or opt for prepackaged day tours to Rustaq that include the castle as part of their itinerary.
Where I Stayed
I stayed at the 2-star Mutrah Hotel in Muscat, in a private room for $38 USD per night. While Oman is not the cheapest country to travel, the room was spacious and clean, and the air conditioning was very comfortable. The hotel’s location was also a significant advantage; a mini-mart was conveniently located right across the street, and it was in proximity to the Mutrah Souq (traditional market) and other interesting places. Prices may fluctuate from time to time, so it is wise to keep an eye on deals.
