When moving to a new country, you might be unfamiliar with all the different ways you can get around. In Kuwait, people commonly use their own private cars to move from one place to another. However, there are other options for those who aren't planning to buy or rent a car right away.
Public transportation in Kuwait
Kuwait's public transportation consists of buses and taxis. As mentioned, most people prefer using their own private cars, so you'll find that public transportation isn't widely used. However, there are a number of initiatives aiming at encouraging people to use public transportation more in order to combat the extreme traffic Kuwait's roads are facing.
Buses
In terms of buses, there are currently 2 main companies providing fleets in Kuwait, and . Both providers have an extensive fleet of buses (KPTC has 400, while Citybus has 500—80 of which are eco-friendly) and both have routes which will take you all around the city.
People tend to favour Citybus as their buses are more modern, provide air-conditioning and are fully equipped with entertainment facilities. This does come with a cost, as Citybus' fares are slightly higher than KPTC.
Bus fares on KPTC buses start at just 250 fils, and there are many subscriptions on offer. For example, you can purchase a pass with unlimited access to all routes for 31 days for only 10 KWD or 91 days for only 25 KWD.
Children under the age of 10 are able to ride for free on KPTC buses, and students can also get a free ride if they present their student ID upon entering the bus.
When it comes to Citybus, the fare averages at 300 fils, but several passes are available for those who regularly commute by bus:
- Daily Pass - Unlimited travel - 1 KWD
- Weekly Pass - Unlimited travel - 4 KWD
- Monthly Pass - Unlimited travel on 1 Route - 11 KWD
- Monthly Pass - Unlimited travel on all routes - 15 KWD
- 3-Month Pass - Unlimited travel - 40 KWD
These passes can be purchased through the Citybus Kuwait app, available on both the and .
Commuting by bus in Kuwait is fairly easy, but there are some challenges you should keep in mind when planning your trip. Kuwait's roads have a very serious traffic issue, which means that bus rides can be delayed, and travel times can be longer. This is important to consider, especially during peak hours, in order to properly plan your commute. It's also a good idea to locate your closest bus stop ahead of time in order to factor in the time you will need to get there.
Taxis
You'll find no shortage of taxis throughout the country, and they can easily be hailed on the street.
If you do choose to commute by taxi, it's important to agree on the fare before starting the ride, as they do not use meters. Generally, the starting fare for taxis is around 1 KWD for each km but can be slightly higher if you're taking a taxi between 10 pm and 6 am.
For your safety, it's very important to check and see that the car has an official government-issued taxi plate before you enter any vehicle.
You can also call one of the registered taxi offices and book your car in advance. There are currently 61 registered taxi companies to choose from. You can find a list of these, along with their phone numbers, on the .
Uber and Careem in Kuwait
If you're keen on using public transportation but still won't be investing in a car, you can use the or apps.
These apps are a lot more convenient, as you can easily book or schedule a ride through your phone. You can also add your destination (and not have to struggle to describe where you're going), and you'll have an idea of the fare before confirming the booking. Payments can be made through a credit card connected to the app, making the trip hassle-free.
Kuwait Metro Project
The Kuwait Metro project was highly anticipated and aimed to establish a comprehensive rail network across the country. Unfortunately, the project was canceled in 2023 due to a lack of funds.
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