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Airport Transportation

Kuwait International Airport

Also known as: Kuwait Airport, KWI Airport, Kuwait City Airport.

KWI · OKKK · Kuwait City

Airport facts

Name
Kuwait International Airport
IATA code
KWI
ICAO code
OKKK
City
Kuwait City
Country
Kuwait
Coordinates
29.2267, 47.9800
Time zone
Asia/Kuwait
Terminals
Terminal 4 (Kuwait Airways and other international airlines) and Terminal 5 (Jazeera Airways)

About Kuwait International Airport

Kuwait International Airport (KWI) is the international airport of Kuwait, serving Kuwait City and the rest of the country from Farwaniya Governorate. It is home to Kuwait Airways, which flies to the Gulf, the Indian subcontinent, Europe and Asia, and to Jazeera Airways, which links Kuwait with cities across the Middle East, Egypt, Turkey, South Asia and Central Asia. Foreign airlines including Emirates, flydubai, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia and Air India Express also fly here.

Passenger flights use Terminal 4, the Kuwait Airways terminal that also handles other international airlines, and Terminal 5, dedicated to Jazeera Airways. A new Terminal 2 is under construction on the south side of the airport.

The airport sits about 15.5 km south of the center of Kuwait City, usually around a 20 minute drive outside busy hours. There is no rail link, so travelers reach the city by road. From the airport, most people head to hotels in Kuwait City and Sharq near Kuwait Towers, the seafront districts of Salmiya and Hawalli, the business areas around Farwaniya and Khaitan, or south along the coast toward Al Khiran.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

Passengers per year

About 15.6 million in 2023

Runways

Two parallel runways, 3,400 m and 3,500 m

Main airlines

Kuwait Airways (Terminal 4) and Jazeera Airways (Terminal 5)

Arrival tips for Kuwait International Airport

After you leave the aircraft, follow the Arrivals signs to immigration. GCC citizens enter with their ID card; many other nationalities can get a visa on arrival or must hold an e-Visa issued before travel, and your passport should be valid for at least six months. If you need help, the Hala Kuwait meet and assist service can take you through arrival formalities, including visa on arrival.

Collect your bags at baggage claim, then pass through customs, where bags are screened by X-ray. Do not carry alcohol or pork products: both are prohibited in Kuwait.

Terminal 4 and Terminal 5 each have their own arrivals area, so check which one your airline uses before someone meets you. In the arrivals hall you will find currency exchange, car rental desks and airport limousine counters. Airport taxi desks are in the arrivals hall, and Kuwait Public Transport Company buses leave from outside arrivals. Accept rides only from the official taxi rank or a driver you booked in advance.

Kuwait is on Arabia Standard Time (UTC+3) all year, the currency is the Kuwaiti dinar (KWD), and summers are extremely hot.

Ground transportation

With no rail link to the city, every way out of the airport is by road: taxis and pre-booked transfers run around the clock, while buses suit light travelers during the day.

  • Taxi from Kuwait airport

    Taxi desks are in the arrivals hall, and airport taxis charge fixed fares set by destination area. The ride to central Kuwait City usually takes around 20 minutes outside busy hours; confirm the fare for your area with the driver before you leave.

  • Airport limousine

    Airport limousine counters in the arrivals area arrange larger, more comfortable cars to any address in Kuwait. They suit travelers who want more space than a standard taxi without booking ahead.

  • KPTC bus

    Kuwait Public Transport Company buses run from the airport between about 04:30 and 23:45, on Line 13 to Khaitan and Shuwaikh, Line 99 to Farwaniya, Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh and South Surra, and Line 501 through Farwaniya. They are slow and leave little room for large suitcases.

  • Car rental

    Rental desks, including Budget in the Terminal 4 arrivals area, operate at the airport. Driving gives you freedom outside the city, but traffic around Kuwait City is heavy at rush hours.

  • Private transfer

    Pre-booked drivers meet passengers in the arrivals area after customs and drive straight to hotels and homes in Kuwait City, Salmiya, Hawalli and beyond. This suits families, groups and late-night arrivals with luggage.

Compare providers for your exact address

Enter your hotel to see the price and every provider serving it.

Book a transfer from KWI

Terminals

Terminal 4

Opened in 2018 as the Kuwait Airways terminal, with nine boarding bridges and five bus gates. It also handles other international airlines and has its own parking area connected by a bridge.

Terminal 5

Opened in 2018 and dedicated to Jazeera Airways, with its own arrival and departure areas, immigration, customs and supporting services.

Airlines and destinations

Airlines with published Kuwait schedules in 2026. Routes change often, so check with your airline before you travel.

Air Arabia T4

Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Sharjah

Air India Express T4

Kozhikode

Emirates T4

Dubai

flydubai T4

Dubai

Jazeera Airways T5

Abu Dhabi, Addis Ababa, Ahmedabad, Alexandria, Amman, Bahrain, Baku, Cairo, Colombo, Delhi, Dhaka, Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Jeddah, and more

Airline guide

Kuwait Airways T4

Amsterdam, Bangkok, Cairo, Colombo, Delhi, Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Jeddah, London (Heathrow), Mumbai, New York (JFK), Paris, Rome, and more

Airline guide

Qatar Airways T4

Doha

Facilities

  • Currency exchange

    Al Derwaza Exchange is in the Terminal 4 arrivals area on the landside, and BEC is on the Terminal 4 departures side.

  • Car rental

    Budget and Amirni Limousine Services have desks in the Terminal 4 arrivals area on the landside.

  • Airport limousine

    Airport limousine counters in the arrivals area book cars to any address in Kuwait.

  • Meet and assist

    Hala Kuwait meet and assist staff can meet arriving passengers at the gate and help with immigration, visa on arrival and baggage collection. Book ahead through the airport's hospitality services.

  • Duty free

    Kuwait Duty Free has shops on the airside for departing passengers.

  • Restaurants and cafes

    Restaurants and cafes operate in the terminals for arriving and departing passengers.

  • Medical center

    The airport has a health center for passengers who need medical help.

  • Prayer areas

    Prayer areas are provided for passengers in the terminals.

  • Luggage wrapping

    Luggage packaging services are available for departing passengers who want their bags wrapped before check-in.

  • Lost and found

    The airport runs a lost and found service; contact it through the Kuwait International Airport website.

Accessibility and passenger assistance

  • Requesting assistance

    Ask your airline for assistance when you book and confirm it before you fly, so a wheelchair or escort is ready at the aircraft door.

  • Reduced mobility

    Wheelchairs are available on request, and lifts connect the floors of the terminal buildings. Reserved parking is provided close to the terminal entrances.

  • Meet and assist

    The Hala Kuwait meet and assist service can escort arriving passengers from the gate through immigration and baggage claim; book it in advance.

Parking

Terminal 4 parking area

A dedicated parking area with about 2,450 spaces, connected to Terminal 4 by a bridge. Check current rates on the Kuwait International Airport website.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Kuwait International Airport from Kuwait City?

Kuwait International Airport is about 15.5 km south of the center of Kuwait City, in Farwaniya Governorate. The drive into the city center usually takes around 20 minutes outside busy hours, longer at weekday rush hours. Hotels in Sharq, near Kuwait Towers and in Salmiya along the coast are all reached by road, since Kuwait has no metro or rail link to the airport.

Which terminals are in use at Kuwait airport?

Passenger flights at Kuwait International Airport use Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. Terminal 4 is the home of Kuwait Airways and is also used by other international airlines, while Terminal 5 is dedicated to Jazeera Airways. Your ticket or the airline's app shows your terminal, so check it before you fly and again on the day of travel, as assignments can change.

Which terminal does Kuwait Airways use?

Kuwait Airways operates from Terminal 4 at Kuwait International Airport, for both departures and arrivals. The terminal opened in 2018 and has its own parking area connected to the building by a bridge. Other international airlines also use Terminal 4, so arriving passengers on several carriers come out into the same arrivals hall. Check your booking for any change before you travel.

Which terminal does Jazeera Airways use?

Jazeera Airways uses Terminal 5 at Kuwait International Airport. The terminal opened in 2018 and is dedicated to the airline, with its own arrival and departure areas, immigration, customs and supporting services. Jazeera flies from Kuwait to cities across the Gulf, Egypt, Turkey, the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia, with extra seasonal routes.

Which airlines fly to Kuwait International Airport?

Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways are the two home airlines at Kuwait International Airport. Foreign airlines with published Kuwait schedules in 2026 include Emirates and flydubai to Dubai, Qatar Airways to Doha, Air Arabia to Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Cairo, and Air India Express to Kozhikode. Airline schedules change often, so confirm your flight with the airline before you travel.

Do I need a visa to enter Kuwait?

It depends on your nationality. GCC citizens need no visa, while citizens of many countries can get a visa on arrival by air or apply online for an e-Visa through the Ministry of Interior's Kuwait Visa portal before flying. Foreign residents of GCC countries can get a tourist visa on arrival. Your passport should be valid for at least six months.

Can I bring alcohol into Kuwait?

No. Alcohol, pork products, controlled substances and pornographic material may not be brought into or used in Kuwait, and travelers found with them can face arrest and prosecution. Do not pack alcohol in checked or carry-on bags, including duty-free purchases made on the way. Customs officers in the arrivals hall screen bags with X-ray equipment.

How do I get a taxi at Kuwait airport?

Airport taxi desks are in the arrivals hall after customs, and fares are fixed by destination area, from the nearby districts to Kuwait City, Salmiya and the far south of the country. Ask the driver to confirm the fare for your area before you set off. Airport limousine counters in arrivals offer larger cars for the same trips.

Is there a bus from Kuwait airport to the city?

Yes. Kuwait Public Transport Company buses run from the airport between about 04:30 and 23:45. Line 13 goes along Airport Road to Khaitan and Shuwaikh, Line 99 serves Farwaniya, Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh and South Surra, and Line 501 runs through Farwaniya, Al Omariya and Al Rabiya. Buses are inexpensive but slower, and space for large suitcases is limited.

Is there parking at Kuwait International Airport?

Yes. Terminal 4 has a dedicated parking area with about 2,450 spaces, connected to the terminal by a bridge, which suits travelers flying with Kuwait Airways and other Terminal 4 airlines. Check parking rates and any changes on the airport's website before you leave your car, especially for a long stay.

Can I rent a car at Kuwait airport?

Yes. Car rental desks operate at Kuwait International Airport, including Budget in the Terminal 4 arrivals area on the landside. International and local rental companies serve the airport, so you can book ahead and collect your car after customs. You need a valid driving license accepted in Kuwait, and you should check your rental company's rules before you travel.

Where can I change money at Kuwait airport?

Currency exchange counters operate at Kuwait International Airport, including Al Derwaza Exchange in the Terminal 4 arrivals area and BEC on the Terminal 4 departures side. Kuwait uses the Kuwaiti dinar (KWD), divided into 1,000 fils. Having some dinars on arrival helps with small purchases, although cards are widely accepted in the city.

What time zone is Kuwait in?

Kuwait is on Arabia Standard Time, UTC+3, all year, with no daylight saving time. The weekend in Kuwait is Friday and Saturday, and many government offices and banks close on those days. Traffic patterns differ on weekends too, so allow for that when you plan a pickup or a drive to the airport.

Is a new terminal being built at Kuwait airport?

Yes. A new Terminal 2, designed by Foster + Partners, is under construction at Kuwait International Airport. The triangular building is planned with 28 gates, about 4,500 more parking spaces and an airside hotel, with new road access from the Seventh Ring Road to the south. Check the airport's website for its opening date before you travel.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

Book a transfer from KWI