Kuwait Transport

Air
The national airline, Kuwait Airways operates daily non-stop flights to Kuwait from major cities throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and America. The country is home to one international airport which services many worldwide flights every day. The airport also acts as a hub for many journeys to and from Asia.

Kuwait International Airport (KWI) can be found 16kms south of Kuwait City. Facilities in this single terminal airport are extensive and include airport information desks, two banks, a communications centre, two restaurants and three cafés. There are duty-free shops and a gift shop. You will also find a nursery, several prayer rooms and a medical centre. Business lounges are available on the first floor and offer fax and internet facilities along with complementary refreshments.

All major car hire firms including: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty are represented and are located in Arrivals. Taxis are available for hire and a limousine service is also available. Buses, with a journey time to Kuwait City of approximately 30 minutes, depart every 45 minutes from outside Arrivals.

There is limited car parking at the airport for both short-term and long-term parking. The car park can be found a short walk from the terminal. Spaces should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.

Car
We advise against travelling on all roads that link with Iraq, the Syrian Arab Republic and Jordan. It is also advised that you check with your embassy before travelling to Lebanon. It is recommended that you take public transport due to the unstable political nature of the Middle East. The main land route into Saudi Arabia is: Beirut to Damascus, then Amman to Kuwait, which follows the Trans-Arabian Pipeline through Saudi Arabia.

Bus
There are bus services between Kuwait City and Cairo via Aqaba in Jordan. Buses also operate to Damman in Saudi Arabia.

Sea
The country’s main port can be found in Kuwait City. More than 30 shipping lines call here regularly and most of the sea traffic is commercial.

Bus
Kuwait Transport Company operates a service nationwide which is both reliable and inexpensive. Routes travel across the country, with services stopping in a number of towns and cities.

Car
Kuwait has an excellent network of roads between cities. However, driving can be dangerous as many drivers don’t follow the rules of the road, and as such, it is vital that you stay alert at all times. It is possible to hire a car, although you must produce an International Driving Permit. You will then be granted a temporary local licence that is valid for one month. Insurance must be arranged with the Gulf Insurance Company or the Kuwait Insurance Company.

Taxi
Taxis are all metered and are recognisable by their red licence plates. They can be hired by the day, although if you are hiring for longer than one hour, fares should be agreed in advance. Share-taxis are available for those travelling in the same direction. These taxis are cheaper and can be caught from the side of the road. It is however recommended that you book a taxi in advance by telephone from a reputable taxi company. Tipping is not expected.

Sea
Dhows and other small craft can be hired for trips to the offshore islands.