Oman National Transport Company (Mwasalat) and the National Ferries Company (NFC) are launching a new land-sea route between Muscat and Khasab, starting from August 24.

The new Muscat-Shinas-Khasab route provides a unique experience through using Mwasalat buses by land, and then moving to ferries.

There will be four weekly round trips at various times.

The trip duration does not exceed the length of the current ferry journey from Muscat to Khasab, said a statement. Besides, this route will provide the flexibility to start or end the trip in other cities in the sultanate without incurring costs or additional means of transport.

There will be two trips on Muscat-Shinas-Khasab route on Sundays and Thursdays. The trip will start on these days at the same time from Muscat at 12:15 pm. The ferry will leave Shanas at 4:30 pm and arrive at Khasab at 7:30 pm. There will be two trips on Khasab-Shinas-Muscat route on Saturdays and Tuesdays. The ferry will depart on these days at the same time from Khasab at 1:00 pm and the bus will leave Shanas at 4:50 pm and arrive in Muscat at 8:20 pm.

Tickets will be available through the channels of the two companies during the coming period with a promotional offer for this service.

"The new route is an important step to facilitate access to Musandam Governorate by connecting land and sea services of the two companies," said Mehdi bin Mohammed Al-Abdoudani, CEO of National Ferries Company.

Ahmed Bin Ali Al Balushi, chief executive officer of Mwasalat said: "The new route is a continuation of the company's efforts to provide and facilitate service to its customers."  - TradeArabia News Service