Kuwait International Airport (KWI)

The only commercial airport in Kuwait, Kuwait International Airport is located south of the state capital Kuwait City. Browse our Kuwait International Airport guide for information on how to get there, where to stay, and the facilities available within the terminal.

Kuwait International Airport is located 16km (10 miles) south of Kuwait City.

A major extension to the existing facility (including a second terminal) is due to be completed in 2014.

The Airport Road, which leads to the airport, is well-signposted from Kuwait City.

Bus: Buses to Kuwait City (route 501) depart from outside Arrivals. The journey time is about 30 minutes, and the fare KD0.25.

Taxi: Taxis (tel: 431 9829) are readily available; the taxi desk is located in Arrivals on the ground floor. The fare to the city centre is around KD5-6. It is recommended to agree this in advance with the driver.

Short- and long-term parking, with a capacity of around 2,500 vehicles, is available. Among the options is a multistorey car park immediately adjacent to the Commercial Centre, and a car park located on street level next to Arrivals. Passengers can reach the departures hall using escalators, travelators and lifts from the ground to the first floor of the terminal building. A long-term car park is situated a short distance away from the terminal building. Valet parking is also available.

Airport information desks are located in Arrivals (tel: 180 ext. 1523) on the ground floor of the terminal building, in Departures (tel: 180 ext. 1522), and in the transit area.

There are two duty-free shops at the airport, as well as a wide range of shops in the Commercial Centre.

Lifts take passengers from the ground floor to the first floor. Wheelchairs are available on request; passengers requiring special assistance should inform their airline prior to travel. Reserved car parking is available for disabled passengers.

Public telephones are located at various locations. Internet access is also available.

An online identification of lost property items is accessible via the airport’s website.

There are restaurants and cafés, after security in the food court, as well as in the Commercial Centre next to the arrivals hall.

There is one hotel at Kuwait International Airport, but this is for the use of transit passengers only. Another option is located nearby, but most hotels are in the city. Some of these offer shuttle services to the airport. Our Kuwait International Airport guide includes the following hotels:

The Safir Airport Hotel is located within the airport's restricted zone, next to the east part of the runway; it can be reached by courtesy bus, but can only be used by transit passengers. Under Kuwaiti air transport law, passengers facing a wait of more than eight hours for a connecting flight are entitled to free rooms at the hotel, courtesy of the airline.

Housing a spa, meeting space and a fitness centre, the Crowne Plaza Kuwait City is a short ride from the airport via the hotel's complimentary shuttle bus service. Among the hotel’s many dining options are Lebanese, Italian, Japanese and steak restaurants, as well as eateries serving local delicacies.

The opulent Sheraton Kuwait Hotel & Towers is located in Kuwait City's business district. As well as a range of on-site dining options, from English afternoon tea to Lebanese cuisine, there are various business services and a health club. The hotel shares its outdoor pool with the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, which is located nearby.

Boasting its own private beaches, Hilton Kuwait City is 30 minutes from Kuwait International Airport, which it is connected to by a free shuttle bus service. Hotel facilities include extensive on-site dining options, two swimming pools, a fitness centre and a spa.