Transport and Driving in Kuwait

Getting around Kuwait is relatively quick and easy since the country is fairly small. That said, public transport in Kuwait is not well-developed and consists of buses and taxis. Most residents buy or rent a car or use taxis for short trips within Kuwait City.

Driving in Kuwait

Kuwait has an extensive road network, and commuting by car is easy, as most road signs are in Arabic and English. New arrivals will also appreciate the low cost of petrol.

Most Western expats buy or rent a car for travel in Kuwait. Both used and new vehicles are widely available, and with lower prices on many vehicles, you’ll find that you might be able to afford something far more luxurious than you would back home.

One downside to driving in Kuwait is that traffic congestion can be extreme during peak times, and Kuwaiti roads have a poor safety record. You should exercise caution when driving in Kuwait; defensive driving is recommended at all times.

Traffic law enforcement is strict, with a speed limit of 75 miles per hour (120km/h) on major highways and usually 28 miles per hour (45km/h) on urban roads. This does not stop many local drivers from racing at high speeds, leading to many accidents. Cars drive on the right-hand side of the road in Kuwait.

Driving licences

It’s possible to drive in Kuwait with an international driving licence on a visit visa. Still, once foreigners receive their Civil ID card, they must get a Kuwaiti driving licence. The process for getting a local licence may vary according to your nationality and your home country’s driving licence. While many Westerners easily obtain a local licence, some expats may need to take a learner’s and driving test.

Typically, to apply for a new driving licence in Kuwait, you must have legal residence in Kuwait for more than two years, have a university degree, and earn a salary within a specific threshold. Several groups are exempt from these requirements, so we recommend checking with the Ministry of Interior if you are applying for a new driving licence.

Expats should note that their Kuwaiti driving licence also becomes invalid when their residence permit lapses or is cancelled. The licence only becomes valid again once the residence permit is renewed.

Useful links

• Kuwait Ministry of Interior – Driving Licences

Public transport in Kuwait

Kuwait’s public transport system is limited and largely consists of buses and ferries. Although there are plans to construct a metro system in Kuwait, development has been slow.

Buses

The Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC) manages most of the bus services in the country, with additional services provided by CityBus. Buses operate along set routes around Kuwait City, but schedules can be erratic and unreliable. Most bus routes run from 6am to midnight daily.

Buses are generally modern, comfortable and, importantly, air-conditioned. To access the bus system in Kuwait, you must purchase a rechargeable K-Card from KPTC. The K-Card is reloadable and allows you to pay your bus fare using an electronic payment system. The card is available at bus stations or any authorised reseller.

Ferries

Thanks to Kuwait’s coastal location, sea travel is possible. For those looking to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, ferry services and water taxis connect to offshore islands, such as Failaka Island. You can also experience sailing in a traditional Arabian dhow. For all sea travel, foreign authorities emphasise safety concerns, and we recommend ensuring that there are life jackets on board.

Useful links

• Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC)
• Ikarus United Marine Services

Taxis in Kuwait

Taxis are widely available in Kuwait, and thanks to their affordability, they are popular among the expat community. They can easily be hailed from the street, although expats should be aware that unofficial taxis operate in Kuwait and tend to overcharge unsuspecting passengers.

It’s essential that you agree on a price with the driver before beginning the journey, as some taxis in Kuwait do not have meters. Taxi fares are regulated by the government, leading to fair and reasonable fares. There is an additional charge levied on trips between 10pm and 6am.

There are also ride-hailing applications which allow commuters to request a taxi using a mobile application. This helps with the language barrier and allows you to see and agree on the fare before requesting the trip.

Useful links

• Kuwait Government Online – List of Taxi Companies
• Careem

Air travel in Kuwait

As a tiny Gulf country, domestic air travel is not an option, and there is only one major airport in Kuwait City – the Kuwait International Airport. The national carrier, Kuwait Airways, offers daily flights to regional and international destinations, while several other international operators, including British Airways, Emirates and Lufthansa, also carry passengers to and from Kuwait.

Useful links

• Kuwait International Airport