Plan your trip
Getting here
Flying into Kuwait International Airport, airport transfers and crossing by land from Saudi Arabia.
Last reviewed: October 2026
During 2026, operations at Kuwait International Airport — including which terminals are in use and whether transit is available — have changed at short notice because of the regional situation. Always confirm your flight and terminal with your airline shortly before travelling.
By air
Kuwait International Airport (KWI) lies about 16 km south of central Kuwait City — typically a 20 to 30-minute drive. It is the base of the national carrier Kuwait Airways, founded in 1954, and of the privately owned Jazeera Airways, founded in 2005, and is served by many Gulf, regional and international airlines.
In recent years Kuwait Airways has used Terminal 4 and Jazeera Airways Terminal 5. A large new passenger terminal (Terminal 2) has been under construction, with opening dates repeatedly revised.
From the airport
- Taxis wait outside arrivals; confirm the fare or use a metered or app-booked car.
- Ride-hailing apps such as Careem and Uber operate in Kuwait (Uber launched in September 2026).
- Car-rental desks are in the arrivals halls; most companies require an International Driving Permit alongside your licence.
- Many hotels offer paid airport transfers — arrange them in advance.
By land
Kuwait has land borders with Saudi Arabia — the main crossings are Al-Nuwaiseeb on the coast road and Al-Salmi in the west — and with Iraq at Abdali. Driving in from Saudi Arabia is common for GCC residents; check visa rules, car insurance and border opening times before you set off.
Official links
- Kuwait International Airportkuwaitairport.gov.kw
- Directorate General of Civil Aviationdgca.gov.kw
- Kuwait Airwayskuwaitairways.com
- Jazeera Airwaysjazeeraairways.com