BUSES

There are two companies in Kuwait that run public buses. Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC) and City Bus, operating around 50 routes. Both are cheap and cheerful, but KPTC buses are cheaper and some aren't air-conditioned which can make it extremely unpleasant in summer (and not very cheerful at all)! City Buses are slightly more expensive with prices around 150 - 250 fils for most trips. Travel on KPTC buses range from as little as 50 - 150 fils. Seasonal tickets are available from main bus stations where you can also pick up route maps.KPTC also operate international bus services to several cities in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. They also organise special Omrah tours to Mecca. Remember that front seats in all of KPTC's buses are reserved for women.

 Also, read about some personal insight on the Kuwait Bus systems!

TAXIS

If you want to take a taxi in Kuwait, you have three options, (sadly you won't find any like the black cab in the picture):

1. Walk out and hail a passing cab from the road. You can tell if it's a taxi by the orange number plate. Most have their company name written on the side too. According to Kuwaiti law, all taxis must have a meter, however, the law does not enforce them to use it. You must insist that they do. If they don't, get out straight away and wait for another one that will (there are usually plenty of taxis passing by). Many of the drivers speak little English, so know exactly where you're going and learn the Arabic for left, right, straight on, ie. the basic directions. It's very useful. I remember one time I was with a friend in a taxi driven by a guy who spoke no English at all. Trying to give him directions in Arabic was a nightmare as between the two of us, I could only remember the Arabic for straight  and my friend could only remember the Arabic for right. We actually needed to take several lefts and as a result spent half an hour going round and round in circles. A nightmare!! To ensure this doesn't happen to you, take a look at our Speak Kuwaiti page. Some drivers will try it on and attempt to rip you off. Stick to your guns and be tough if you feel this is happening. Generally the drivers are friendly and helpful. If you're female always make sure you get in the back. Another point to bear in mind is that some of the taxis you pick up from the roadside might stop and pick up other passengers, although this has never happened to me and I've been taking taxis in Kuwait for years! If you do share your ride, make sure the fare is cheaper. You don't want to pay over the odds for being squashed in the back with 5 Egyptian construction workers who've just finished a 12 hour shift in the height of summer!
2. Phone a taxi company and get them to pick you up. Find a taxi company that is trust-worthy, reliable and speaks your language. Make sure you phone about 20-30 minutes in advance. These call taxis are radio controlled and the price is determined by the operator. Obviously the farther you have to go, the more expensive it is.
3. One-eight's. These are the white pick-up trucks you see around the place, beeping loudly at people. They are not my favoured method of transportation although they tend to be cheaper than the taxis. They also pick up other passengers en route and the driver usually won't speak much English. As a woman, I wouldn't get in one on my own as it's difficult to tell if they are legitimate vehicles or just some random guy trying to pick you up. However, if you're short of cash, then they are still a viable option.

BOATS

KPTC not only provides bus services, the company also offer ferry services to Failaka Island every day (depending on weather). Departure is from Ras Salmiya (near Showbiz on Belajat Street) and a return ticket costs 2.5 KD per person. If you want to take your car with you, then it costs 25KD. Schedules vary so check with KPTC on 574 2664. The ferry is slow (it can take up to  2-3 hrs to get there) and the ferries themselves tend to be old, dirty and slightly smelly 

You can also get to Failaka by taking a trip with the Safir Hotel on Umm Al Kheir or Bint Al Kheir. It leaves at 10.00 am and returns to Kuwait at 5.00pm, the cost is 10 KD but that inlcudes a buffet lunch at the Heritage Village on Failaka. Bint Al Kheir is much faster, taking a mere hour to get to/from Failaka. The boats leave from Marina Mall, opposite Starbucks on the sea side. Telephone 2530000 for more details.

If you want to go by boat to Iran or Bahrain from Kuwait, it's not a problem. Scheduled ferries to and from Iran are handled by the Kuwait-Iran Shipping Company (tel: 241 0498, fax: 2429508). The ferries go three times a week from Shuwaikh Port in Kuwait to Bushehr in Iran. A one-way ticket costs 37KD. High speed boats also go from Shuwaikh Port to Manama in Bahrain and a ticket costs 45 KD. You can also pop into a travel agent to find out more information about travelling to and from Kuwait by boat.