Kuwait

Getting around

Boat

Kuwait Public Transport Company Ferries(KPTC; 571 3544; www.q8boatc.com) goes to Failaka Island from Kuwait City. Nuzha Touristic Enterprises (575 5825; www.nuzhatours.com) run half- and whole-day boat trips.

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Bus & tram

Bus

Kuwait has a cheap and extensive local bus system but it’s designed for the convenience of local residents rather than for visiting tourists. The routes therefore don’t often coincide with the places of tourist interest. Nonetheless, if a 10-minute walk either side of the bus stop isn’t a problem, pick up a bus timetable from the main bus station in the city centre.

Most bus routes are operated by Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC; 880 001; www.kptc.com.kw), which has air-conditioned and comfortable vehicles. Intercity trips cost between 150 fils and 250 fils. Route 101 runs from the main bus station in the city centre to Al-Ahmadi and Fahaheel. Route 103 goes to Al-Jahra. The Citibus (882 211) alternative follows KPTC routes but doesn’t always go the full nine yards; a route map can be obtained from the bus – by which time it may be too late! Both services are used primarily by lower-income workers travelling to their place of work.

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Car & motorcycle

If you have an International Driving Permit (IDP), or a license and residence permit from another Gulf country, driving in Kuwait is possible, without any further paperwork, for the duration of your visa.

Hire

Expect costs of between KD10 (for a Toyota Corolla) to KD30 (for a Toyota Prado) per day for car hire. This rate usually includes unlimited kilometres and full insurance. Those driving on an IDP are required to pay an additional KD10.500 for a one-month period to cover insurance. Al-Mulla (243 7333; travel@almulla.com.kw) is one of the better local agencies, with desks at the airport and in many of the city hotels.

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