Getting around Kuwait City

Public transport

The main bus station is near the intersection of Al-Hilali and Abdullah al-Mubarak Streets in the Safat district of Kuwait City. On printed timetables the station is referred to as 'Mirqab bus station'.

Buses are operated by Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC) (tel: +965 2232 8501; www.kptc.com.kw) and run from approximately 0500 to 2200. Route maps are available on the ground floor of the KPTC building at the main bus station. Buses are usually only used by local workers.

A new light rail system, using driverless trains, is expected to come into operation in 2020.

Taxis

Most visitors get around by taxi, most of which offer flat-rate city tours. Ask the hotel to recommend a safe driver or take your chances by hailing a cab from the kerb. The following taxis services have been recommended by a Kuwait government agency: British Taxi (tel: +965 2391 2282), Mishwar Taxi (tel: +965 2572 9727) and Middle East Taxi (tel: +965 2572 6644).

Driving

Driving in Kuwait City is an alarming exercise with fellow-road users determined on pushing less aggressive drivers off the road. Unless you have a death wish, it's better avoided.

Car hire

Car hire firms operating in Kuwait City include Avis (tel: +965 2474 5528; www.avis.com) and Europcar (tel: +965 2473 5626; www.europcar.com), both of which have offices at the airport and in the city. Drivers must be at least 21 years of age.