Kuwait

Asia > 🇰🇼 Kuwait

The city by city Car or no Car advice for Kuwait can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Kuwait;  is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).

🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Kuwait?

These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.

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💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Kuwait?

These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.

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🏙️ Main Cities in Kuwait

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Kuwait — Car or No Car?

Kuwait may not be the first place that springs to mind when planning a Middle Eastern getaway—yet, for curious travellers, it offers a surprisingly bold mix of coastline, culture, and modernity. With its compact size and well-developed motorway network, it’s also one of the Gulf’s most car-friendly destinations. But should you rent a car when visiting Kuwait? Let’s unpack the options to help you decide. 🚗🌍

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🛣️ Getting Your Bearings in Kuwait

Kuwait is small by regional standards. Its total land area is just under 18,000 sq km (similar to Wales), and most key attractions are within easy reach of the capital, Kuwait City. Public transport exists, but it’s limited mostly to buses and taxis—there’s no metro or intercity rail network.

Therefore, the question becomes less “Can I get around without a car?” and more “Do I want the freedom of one?” Let’s explore.

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🚘 Why Renting a Car in Kuwait Often Makes Sense

1. Fast, Modern Roads

Kuwait’s highways are in good condition, and drivers enjoy smooth, straightforward access between major locations, especially along Highway 40, Highway 80, and the famous King Fahd Motorway. Road signs are bilingual (Arabic and English), making it relatively easy for visitors to navigate.

2. Attractions Are Spread Out

Although Kuwait City offers a concentration of museums, malls, and seafront promenades, many of Kuwait’s intriguing sites lie beyond the urban core:

• 🚤 Failaka Island — an ancient Greek settlement and former military base (requires a ferry).

• 🔭 Al Abraq Desert for stargazing and wildlife.

• 🕌 Al Jahra — gateway to Al-Doha nature reserve and Saad Al Abdullah Heritage Village.

• 🏖️ Beach clubs along the Arabian Gulf Road.

A car makes it easier to fit more into your day—especially if you’re travelling during the cooler months when outdoor exploration is at its best.

3. Taxis Can Be Pricey

Ride-hailing apps like Careem do operate in Kuwait, but costs add up if you’re taking multiple day trips or staying outside central neighbourhoods. A rental car often proves better value for mid- to long-stays.

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🚫 When You Might Skip Renting a Car

Renting a car isn’t always essential—especially if your trip is focused on the capital.

1. Staying Just in Kuwait City

Kuwait City is pedestrian-friendly in key districts like the Souq Sharq area, Salmiya seafront, and Kuwait Towers district. Taxis and buses are plentiful in these areas, and many modern malls are linked by pedestrian underpasses and walkways.

2. You Prefer Guided Tours

If you’d rather delve into history or ecology with a knowledgeable guide, several Kuwaiti tour operators offer day trips to places like Failaka Island, desert forts, or oil-industry heritage sites.

3. You’re Visiting Short-Term

If you’re in Kuwait for a brief stopover or business trip, your hotel may provide car service or shuttle options—especially in the new financial districts or near Kuwait International Airport (KWI).

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🚏 Public Transport + Taxi Combo

Kuwait’s bus network is widespread but can feel daunting for newcomers. The main provider, Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC), runs routes that cover the city and nearby areas, but services aren’t always frequent, and schedules aren’t widely published in English. Still, combining buses with taxis or Careem rides can work if you’re budget-conscious and don’t mind waiting during off-peak hours.

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✨ Best Places to Visit — With and Without a Car

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Kuwait City Metro Project

Kuwait City has long planned an ambitious metro network—officially known as the Kuwait Metropolitan Rapid Transit System—to ease traffic and support urban growth. The proposal includes around 160 km of lines and nearly 70 stations. However, despite detailed master plans and early stages of development being announced, the project has faced repeated delays due to financial, administrative, and logistical challenges.

As a result, no metro is currently operational, and travellers should be aware that public transport in Kuwait City remains road-based for now.

⚠️ Driving in Kuwait — What to Know

• 🕒 Peak traffic: Expect heavy congestion in the mornings (07:00–09:00) and early evenings (16:00–18:00).

• 🌞 Heat factor: During the summer months (June–September), temperatures can exceed 45°C. Keep your car stocked with water and park in the shade where possible.

• 🛂 Licensing: Most visitors can drive with a valid licence from their home country for short stays. For longer visits, check if you need an International Driving Permit.

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💡 Top Tip

Plan your car hire to suit your schedule. For example, spend the first two days car-free in Kuwait City, then pick up a rental for 2–3 days of deeper exploration into Failaka, Al Abraq, and the Khiran coast.

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🧭 Final Verdict — Car or No Car in Kuwait?