MUSCAT: While commuters in megacities around the world spend hours stuck in traffic, Muscat residents enjoy a rare perk: an average one-way commute of just 22.6 minutes.
According to Numbeo’s Mid-Year 2025 Traffic Index, Oman’s capital is the least congested city in the Arab world, offering smoother traffic flows and lower daily stress for drivers — though environmental challenges remain.
On average, Muscat residents spend significantly lower than neighbouring Sharjah, where commuters endure 58.3 minutes, or Lagos, Nigeria, where the daily average reaches 70 minutes.
Muscat ranks 231st globally in traffic congestion, with a Traffic Index score of 118.7, reflecting generally manageable conditions.
Muscat is followed by Damman with Traffic Index score of at 134.2, Doha 134.9, Abu Dhabi at 136.1, Manama at 140.4, Jeddah at 140, Kuwait at 155.2, Riyadh at 158.2, Dubai at 170 and Sharjah at 310.6.
The index evaluates cities based on average commute time, commuter frustration, traffic system efficiency, and emissions.
The Time Exp. Index, which estimates dissatisfaction when commutes exceed 25 minutes, aligns with the short travel times in Muscat, suggesting most residents experience minimal traffic-related stress.
Despite this relative ease on the roads, the city faces environmental challenges.
Numbeo estimates daily traffic in Muscat generates 5,865.5 units of CO2 emissions per capita, highlighting the heavy reliance on private vehicles, used by 92.2 percent of commuters.
The average distance travelled is 23.4 km, with just 0.5 minutes on foot and 22.1 minutes by car.
Compared to global megacities like Manila or Jakarta, where Traffic Index scores exceed 200, Muscat benefits from smoother flows, but experts stress that managing environmental impact remains essential for the city’s sustainable growth.
The average distance taken to commute to work or school is 23.39 km, which is covered in around 22.56 minutes. The distance of 23.39km is covered in 0.51 minutes walking and 22.05 minutes driving.
