Rustaq Fort Near Muscat, Oman

by David & Intan September 28, 2023

September 28, 2023

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 I think 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!

Contents hide

1) Best Oman Tours

2) Visiting Rustaq Fort

3) Hours & Fees

4) How To Get To Rustaq Fort

5) Best Tours In Oman

6) Where I Stayed

Best Oman Tours

First of all, if you're wanting 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, but Klook has Rustaq day tours starting from $65 USD, and Nizwa tours for similar prices. Both of these tours start from Muscat, and they'll allow you to see some of the best Omani castles, forts, and traditional markets.

We've used Klook for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they're great! Highly recommended.

Book Now: Rustaq / Nizwa Tours

Visiting Rustaq Fort

The fort has three floors, complete with a weapons room, mosque, prison, and four 20 meter (65 foot) tall towers.

It’s well worth a climb to the top of the fort! You get an amazing view in all directions.

Do bring water. The walk up to the top of the fort can be extremely hot depending on the season.

Castle turrets at Rustaq Fort in Oman

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 seem to include this in the price.

How To Get To Rustaq Fort

The fort is in Rustaq, about 130 kilometers (80 miles) from Muscat.

You can drive there yourself with a rental car, or there are prepackaged day tours to Rustaq from Muscat that include the castle as part of their itinerary.

On top the castle walls at Rustaq Fort in Oman

Main castle walls and cannons at Rustaq Fort in Oman

Best Tours In Oman

Where I Stayed

I stayed at the 2-star Mutrah Hotel in Muscat, in a private room for $38 USD per night. Oman is not the cheapest country to travel, but the room was big and clean, and the A/C was nice and cold.

The location was a big plus. There was a mini-mart right across the street, and it was near the Mutrah Souq (traditional market) and some other interesting places.

Prices may fluctuate from time to time, so just keep an eye out for a good deal.

My Muscat hotel