When visitors arrive in Kuwait, the first thing they need to know is how to get around. There are a number of public transport options in Kuwait, most of which are relatively cheap and easy to use.
Many visitors to Kuwait may prefer to hire a car and drive. However, driving in a foreign country is never easy and driving in Kuwait has a reputation for being a little chaotic. With this in mind, travelers may wish to opt for public transport instead.
Read on to learn about the different forms of Kuwaiti public transport, how they work, and the advantages they offer.
Are There Trains in Kuwait?
Kuwait does not currently have a railway system. With no trains, Kuwait residents and visitors alike must rely on buses and taxi.
There are plans to build both a railway and rapid transit (metro) system in the near future connecting Kuwait City with the surrounding towns along the coast.
Buses in Kuwait
Buses in Kuwait are modern, efficient, and cheap. The majority are also air-conditioned, which is important in such a hot country.
There are 2 major public bus companies in Kuwait, both owned by the state:
- Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC)
- City Bus
Both companies have transport networks running throughout the country, with most routes focused around the capital, Kuwait City. Buses are frequent, with waiting times on most routes being between 1 and 15 minutes.
KPTC runs the most buses in Kuwait, with around 400 buses serving over 30 routes. Frequent travelers from main bus stations are able to buy season tickets.
KPTC also runs international bus services to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, and Egypt, which is ideal for travelers visiting more than one of these countries.
City Bus is Kuwait’s other leading bus company and tends to offer more luxurious transport. Its modern, air-conditioned buses are fitted with entertainment amenities and are connected with wireless tracking & communication systems.
Etiquette on Kuwaiti Public Buses
Buses in Kuwait are generally comfortable, modern, and easy to use. According to local custom, the seats at the front of the bus are reserved for women. Men who sit at the front may find themselves in an embarrassing situation.
Kuwait, like many of its neighboring countries, is a predominantly Muslim country. However, unlike many of its neighbors, it is fairly liberal in many regards, ranking among the Middle East’s freest countries in civil liberties and political rights. Women are not required by law to cover up in public.
However, by western standards, there exists a conservative attitude towards modesty and revealing clothes could cause offense or bring unwanted attention outside of the hotel or resort areas. On public buses, it is advisable to dress conservatively. Men are also expected to wear a shirt and pants in public.
Traveling by Taxi in Kuwait
Taxis in Kuwait are widespread and generally reasonably-priced to hire. They can be recognized by their yellow license plate and can be either flagged down on the street or booked in advance.
How Much Is a Taxi in Kuwait?
It is advisable to agree on a fee with the driver before setting off. This is because despite the fact that most taxis are fitted with meters, they are rarely used and Kuwaiti taxi drivers have been known to charge several times the standard fare to unsuspecting tourists.
The standard fare is usually around KWD0.500 (US$1.65) for the first 5 minutes and KWD0.100 (US$0.33) per minute after that.
Is Uber Available in Kuwait
Uber has not launched in Kuwait. However, Careem, a similar rideshare company from Dubai, is widely used in the country. Many users see it as a convenient alternative to a taxi and can be booked by downloading an app.
Ferries in Kuwait
Sea travel is popular in Kuwait due to its coastline on the Persian Gulf and the fact that most of its major settlements are ports.
There are ferries from Kuwait City to nearby Failaka Island for visitors who want a change of pace from the metropolitan bustle of the capital.
International ferries sail from ports such as Kuwait City and Ash Shuwaykh to Iran, Bahrain, and other Gulf states. This makes boat one of the forms of public transport that allows people to arrive in and leave Kuwait, along with international bus routes and air travel.
Flying to Kuwait Airport
Kuwait only has one airport for passenger flights. Kuwait International Airport offers many flights to other destinations in the Middle-East as well as Europe, Africa, North America, and other parts of Asia.
Before landing in Kuwait, travelers must have the appropriate documents to enter the country. Citizens of all countries apart from the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE) can obtain a online visa prior to their visit.
Depending on the purpose of the visit, there are different types of Kuwait visa. Be sure of the type you need before applying for a Kuwait eVisa.
