How to Get to Kuwait Airport by Bus

How to Get to Kuwait Airport by Bus: Complete Guide 2025

Getting to Kuwait International Airport (KWI) by bus is cheaper than a taxi, more reliable than Uber during peak hours, and surprisingly comfortable if you know which routes to take. This guide covers everything you need to know.

---

🚀 Quick Answer

Best Options:

• Citybus X-Routes (X1, X2, X3, X4, X5) — Premium 24/7 express service with luggage space, A/C, WiFi
• KPTC Routes (13, 99, 501) — Budget-friendly but slower with multiple stops

Cost: 250 fils (KPTC) to 1.000 KWD (Citybus Express) Frequency: X-routes every 30-60 minutes | KPTC routes every 45-90 minutes

💡 Pro Tip: If you have luggage and an early/late flight, the X1, X2, or X3 express buses are worth the extra cost for 24-hour service and dedicated luggage racks.

---

🚌 Option 1: Citybus Airport Express (X-Routes)

Why Choose Express Buses?

✅ 24/7 operation — No need to worry about late-night or early-morning flights
✅ Luggage-friendly — Dedicated storage areas (no fighting for space)
✅ Premium amenities — A/C, WiFi, USB charging, comfortable seats
✅ Fewer stops — Direct routes save 20-30 minutes vs. regular buses
✅ Tourist-friendly — Drivers usually speak English

All Express Routes to Airport

Fares & Payment

• Standard Fare: 1.000 KWD (1 Dinar) per trip
• Payment Methods:
  • Cash to driver (exact change recommended)
  • Citybus app (mobile ticket)
  • Airport counter (Terminal 1 & 4)

⚠️ Important: Drivers may not have change for 5 KWD or 10 KWD notes. Carry 1 KWD notes or use the app.

Where to Board at the Airport

Arrivals Level (Ground Floor):

• Exit through the main doors
• Look for signs: "Airport Taxis & Buses"
• X-route buses park at designated bays (usually Bay 3-7)
• Check the LED display board on the bus front for route number

Departures Level:

• Not recommended — go downstairs to Arrivals for bus pickup

---

🚍 Option 2: KPTC Standard Buses (Budget Option)

Why Choose KPTC?

✅ Super cheap — Only 250-300 fils (quarter of Citybus cost)
✅ Accessible — More routes covering residential areas
✅ Frequent in daytime — Good for non-urgent travel

❌ No 24-hour service — Last buses around 11:45 PM
❌ Limited luggage space — Not ideal with large suitcases
❌ More stops — Journey takes 45-90 minutes depending on traffic

KPTC Routes to Airport

Route 13: Mirqab ↔ Airport

Best for: Downtown Kuwait City, Shuwaikh, Khaitan
Key Stops:

• Mirqab Bus Station (start/end point)
• Shuwaikh Industrial
• Khaitan Cooperative
• Kuwait International Airport

Timings: 4:30 AM - 11:45 PM Frequency: Every 45-60 minutes Fare: 250 fils Journey Time: ~60 minutes

---

Route 99: Subhan/Civil ID Office ↔ Airport

Best for: Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, Abbasiya, South Surra
Key Stops:

• Civil ID Office (South Surra)
• Subhan
• Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh
• Abbasiya
• Kuwait International Airport

Timings: 5:00 AM - 11:30 PM Frequency: Every 60-75 minutes Fare: 300 fils Journey Time: ~75 minutes

---

Route 501: Raqa'i/Farwaniya ↔ Airport

Best for: Farwaniya residents
Key Stops:

• Raqa'i
• Farwaniya (multiple stops)
• Kuwait International Airport

Timings: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM Frequency: Every 60-90 minutes Fare: 250 fils Journey Time: ~55 minutes

---

📊 Quick Comparison: Citybus vs. KPTC

---

🎒 Traveling with Luggage? Read This

Citybus Express (X-Routes)

✅ Large suitcases welcome

• Overhead racks for carry-ons
• Under-bus cargo storage for checked bags
• No extra luggage fee
• Maximum: 2 large bags + 1 carry-on per person

KPTC Standard Buses

⚠️ Not ideal for large luggage

• No dedicated luggage storage
• You must hold bags on your lap or at your feet
• Can be difficult during crowded hours
• Other passengers may complain

💡 Real Talk: If you have more than a backpack, pay the extra 750 fils for Citybus. The comfort and peace of mind are worth it, especially in Kuwait's heat.

---

🕐 Best Times to Catch Airport Buses

Recommended Arrival Buffer

Peak Traffic Warning

🚨 Avoid 7:00-9:30 AM and 4:30-7:00 PM if possible — These are Kuwait's nightmare traffic hours. What should be a 35-minute X2 trip can become 75 minutes.

---

💰 How to Pay for Your Bus Ticket

Method 1: Cash (Most Common)

What You Need:

• Small bills (1 KWD notes ideal)
• Coins (500 fils, 250 fils, 100 fils)

How it Works:

1. Board through the front door
2. Tell driver your destination: "Airport, please"
3. Pay exact fare or get change
4. Take your ticket/receipt
5. Find a seat (luggage first if applicable)

⚠️ Driver Change Warning: Many drivers don't carry change for 5 KWD or 10 KWD notes, especially early in their shift. Don't assume they can break large bills.

Method 2: Citybus Mobile App

Advantages:

• No cash needed
• Book seats in advance (X-routes)
• See live bus locations
• Digital ticket = no lost paper

How to Use:

1. Download "Citybus Kuwait" app (iOS/Android)
2. Create account with mobile number
3. Add payment method (KNET/Credit Card)
4. Select route + time
5. Show QR code to driver

App Availability: X-routes only (not available for KPTC)

Method 3: Airport Counter

Location: Terminal 1 Arrivals Hall, next to tourism information
Hours: 24/7
Payment: Cash or card accepted
Use Case: Just landed and need a ticket

---

🗺️ Step-by-Step: From Airport to Your Destination

If You Just Landed

Step 1: Clear immigration and collect baggage

Step 2: Exit to Arrivals Hall (Ground Floor)

Step 3: Look for yellow signs: "Public Transport / Buses"

Step 4: Exit the terminal building

• You'll see a designated bus/taxi area
• X-route buses park at marked bays (3-7)
• LED signs on buses show route numbers

Step 5: Identify your bus

• Check the route number on the front LED display
• X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 = Citybus Express
• 13, 99, 501 = KPTC Standard

Step 6: Board and pay

• Front door only
• Pay driver or show mobile ticket
• Store luggage in designated area

Step 7: Notify driver

• Tell driver your stop if unsure: "Please tell me when we reach Salmiya"
• Most express drivers speak basic English

---

🌡️ Surviving Kuwait Heat While Waiting

Let's be honest: Kuwait in summer can hit 50°C (122°F). Here's how to cope while waiting for your airport bus.

At the Airport

✅ Wait inside — Bus bays are visible from inside the arrival hall
✅ Ask ground staff — They can tell you when the next X-route is coming
✅ Track on app — Citybus app shows live locations

At Regular Stops

⚠️ Most bus stops lack air-conditioned shelters

Survival Tips:

• Wear light, breathable clothing
• Carry water (airport sells, but pricey)
• Stand in available shade
• Use the Citybus app to time your arrival perfectly
• If waiting >15 minutes in July/August, consider a coffee shop nearby

💡 Pro Tip: The X3 stop near Sheraton Hotel is inside a covered shopping area with A/C. Similarly, X4 at Avenues Mall = full climate control.

---

🆘 Troubleshooting Common Issues

"The bus didn't show up"

Possible Reasons:

• Traffic delays (common during rush hour)
• Broke down (rare but happens)
• You're at the wrong stop

What to Do:

1. Check Citybus app for delays
2. Wait for next scheduled bus (usually 30-60 min)
3. Ask locals waiting — they often know
4. Consider Route 13 KPTC as backup if desperate

---

"Driver doesn't have change for 5 KWD"

Solution:

• Ask fellow passengers to break your bill
• Many are helpful, especially expats
• Alternatively, step off and find nearest co-op/shop to get change
• Use this as a lesson: always carry small bills

---

"I have 3 large suitcases"

Reality Check:

• Citybus X-routes can handle this (barely)
• KPTC buses absolutely cannot
• If traveling with family + lots of luggage, consider:
  • Splitting into 2 trips
  • Hiring a taxi (10-12 KWD from Salmiya to airport)
  • Using Careem/Uber/CityLink

---

"My flight is at 11 PM — will buses still run?"

Citybus X-Routes: ✅ Yes, 24/7
KPTC Routes: ❌ No, last bus ~11:45 PM

For late departures:

• Board X2 or X1 — guaranteed service
• Avoid KPTC unless your flight is before 9 PM (build in buffer)

---

🌍 Alternative: CityLink Shuttle Service

Not quite a bus, not quite a taxi — CityLink is a demand-responsive shared shuttle that's worth knowing about.

How It Works:

• Download "CityLink Kuwait" app
• Request a ride to airport
• System pools passengers going the same direction
• Van picks you up at/near your location

Cost: ~2-3 KWD (between bus and taxi)
Pros: Door-to-door, luggage-friendly, faster than bus
Cons: Not always available, surge pricing during peak times

Best For: Travelers with moderate luggage who want convenience without taxi prices

---

📱 Useful Apps & Resources

---

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a bus from Airport to Fahaheel?

Yes! Take X1 directly. Runs 24/7, costs 1 KWD, takes ~45 minutes.

Which bus goes to Avenues Mall from the airport?

X4 stops directly at Avenues Mall. Journey time: ~35 minutes.

Is there a bus from airport to Salmiya?

Yes, X2 is your direct route. Very popular with tourists. Runs 24/7.

How early should I arrive at the airport?

• Domestic flights: 90 minutes before
• International flights: 3 hours before (Kuwait airport can have long queues)
• Factor in bus journey time + waiting time

Can I pay with credit card on the bus?

Not on the bus itself, but you can:

• Buy ticket via Citybus app (card payment)
• Pay at airport counter (card accepted)
• Cash still most common method

Do buses have WiFi?

• Citybus X-routes: Yes, free WiFi
• KPTC buses: No WiFi

What if I miss the last KPTC bus?

• Switch to Citybus X-route (24/7)
• Take a taxi (10-15 KWD depending on distance)
• Use Careem/Uber (similar to taxi pricing)

---

🎯 Final Recommendations

For Tourists with Luggage

Take: X1, X2, or X3 Why: 24/7 service, luggage space, WiFi, English-speaking drivers Cost: 1 KWD (totally worth it)

For Budget-Conscious Residents

Take: Route 13, Route 99, or Route 501 Why: Only 250-300 fils Best Time: Daytime travel with minimal luggage

For Late Night/Early Morning Flights

Take: Any Citybus X-route Why: Literally the only bus option running 24/7 Tip: Book on app to guarantee seat

For Families with Kids

Take: X2 or X4 Why: Comfortable, A/C, fewer stops = less restless kids Bonus: X4 stops at Avenues Mall (distraction opportunity)

---

📍 Related Guides

• How to Get to Avenues Mall by Bus
• Complete Guide to Kuwait Bus Passes
• X1 Route: Complete Timetable & Stops
• X2 Route: Salmiya Airport Express
• All Airport Routes Comparison

---

Last Updated: December 2025
Found an error or outdated timing? Help us improve → Contact Us

Safe travels! 🛫