Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Kuwait's public bus system

App Usage

QHow do I find specific Kuwait bus route numbers and PDF maps?

Use the smart search to enter a bus number such as 40, 51, 66X, 77, 88, 102A, 105, 106X, 507, 602, 747, 999, X1, A1, or A4. The results page shows start and end points, live stops, and quick actions to download the Kuwait bus route map PDF or the Kuwait City bus route numbers PDF.
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QWhich routes cover PACI, Avenues Mall, Riggae, and Kuwait Airport?

Popular rides include routes 23A and 105/105A for PACI, routes 34, 40, and 360F for Avenues Mall, 40/40A/41 for Riggae, and airport express options X1, X2, X3, X4, plus City Bus A1, A2, and A4.
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QCan I look up timings between Salmiya, Fahaheel, Farwaniya, and the airport?

Yes. The app highlights Kuwait bus route salmiya to Avenues Mall, Fahaheel to Kuwait City (40/40A/105/106), Farwaniya to Salmiya (66/77), plus airport shuttles such as 999 and X routes. Use the Timings hub for latest Kuwait bus timings today, including PDF exports.
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General Information

QWho operates the public bus services in Kuwait?

Public bus services in Kuwait are managed by two main entities: the Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC) and CityBus. KPTC is a modern public transport system operated by the government. CityBus is the flagship brand of City Group Company KSCP, and it was the first privately held public transport provider in Kuwait, commencing operations on 8 March 2002. A third licensed operator is KGL (Kuwait & Gulf Link Transport Company). KPTC and CityBus generally run on the same routes.
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QWhat areas do Kuwait's bus routes cover?

The bus system operates primarily within Kuwait's metropolitan area, which accounts for approximately 5% of Kuwait's total territory. Bus services cover major residential and commercial areas in and around Kuwait City. Currently, there are 46 distinct bus routes operated by the companies. Destinations covered range widely, including Mirqab, Maliya, Sharq, Salmiya, Fahaheel, Khaitan, Jleeb, and Kuwait International Airport.
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Fares & Tickets

QHow much does a bus trip generally cost in Kuwait, and how do I pay?

A flat fare of 250 fils is applicable for trips within the city. KPTC charges a fixed rate of 0.250 KWD (approximately 0.82 USD) per ride. CityBus fares vary according to the distance traveled, typically ranging from 0.2 KWD up to 1 KWD (approximately 0.66 USD to 3.24 USD). Airport Express services provided by CityBus cost 1.00 KWD per person. Tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver upon boarding the bus. Payment is typically made by cash in Kuwaiti Dinars (KWD). Generally, there is no system in place yet for Apple Pay or credit cards on buses, although some sources mention a possible "Bus Card".
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QAre bus passes available for regular travelers?

Yes, passengers can choose from a range of ticket options, including daily, weekly, and monthly passes. CityBus provides daily, weekly, monthly single route, monthly all routes, or 3-month passes. The CityBus monthly all routes pass offers unlimited travel and costs 15 KD. A monthly single route pass from CityBus costs 11 KD. A 30-day pass for all KPTC routes also costs 11 KWD (approximately 30 USD). Passes can often be bought or renewed directly on the bus or from designated bus pass offices.
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QAre there any discounts available on Kuwait bus fares?

Yes, discounts are available for students, senior citizens, and people with disabilities.
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Routes & Destinations

QWhich bus routes serve Kuwait International Airport (KWI)?

Both KPTC and CityBus provide services to and from Kuwait International Airport. KPTC routes include buses 13, 99, and 501. Bus 13 travels to the KPTC Main Bus Station, which is located in the city centre near the Liberation Tower. CityBus Airport Express routes are available for destinations like Kuwait City and Jahra. These express services are: X1 (Fahaheel to Airport), X2 (Salmiya to Airport), X3 (Bneid Al Gar to Airport), X4 (Riggae to Airport), and X5 (Airport to Jahra).

See our complete Airport Travel Guide for detailed instructions and tips.
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QHow can I reach Al Hamra Tower & Mall using public transportation?

Al Hamra Tower & Mall is located in Sharq, Kuwait City. If traveling from Farwaniya, you can take bus route number 99 towards Kuwait City and stay on the bus until you reach the 'Sharq' stop. From there, the tower is approximately a 10-minute walk east on Al-Shuhada Street. Bus Route 16 (Maliya to Jleeb via Khaitan) also includes a stop at Al Hamra Tower.
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Schedules & Planning

QHow frequently do buses run, and is it easy to find schedules?

The frequency of bus services varies by route and time of day, but most routes run every 15 to 20 minutes during peak hours. Some commentary suggests CityBus runs frequently (every 10 minutes), while KPTC services can be rarer or less punctual. However, schedules can be erratic, and finding comprehensive information can be difficult. KPTC and KGL generally do not publish schedules or route information on their websites.
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QAre there mobile apps available for planning bus journeys?

Yes, the Citybuskw mobile application is available (only for iPhone) and is designed to provide comprehensive transit solutions, including a journey planner, real-time arrival predictions, nearest bus stop location, and ticket purchases. It includes features like ticket purchases, E-wallet top-ups (via K-Net, Apple Pay, or cards), and journey planning. However, some users have noted issues with bus availability and map accuracy in the application, suggesting that Google Maps might sometimes provide more information.
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User Experience

QWhat is the overall quality of public transportation and are there any major issues I should be aware of?

While Kuwait's bus system is affordable, it faces challenges. Customer surveys show that a high percentage of passengers complain about unreliable schedules and timing (59% dissatisfaction) and crowdedness (47% dissatisfaction). Other issues include poor quality and inconvenient location of bus stops and a lack of bus shelters. Furthermore, there is a lack of transfer tickets, often forcing users to pay a new fare when changing bus services. If travelling during the summer, travelers should be aware that temperatures can exceed 50°C (122°F), making waiting at a bus stop "unbearable". Many local residents, especially Kuwaiti nationals, often avoid public transit due to a cultural rejection and social stigma surrounding its use.
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QShould I rely solely on the public bus system for travel in Kuwait?

It is advised that while buses are cheap and efficient for moving the transit-dependent population, the public transportation system is not comparable to Western systems and can be unreliable. Given the erratic schedules and the extreme heat, many advise using alternative transport options like taxis or ride-sharing apps, such as Careem or CityLink (a mini-bus service). These alternatives are often quicker and more practical. Kuwait is a car-dominated country, and its infrastructure favors automobiles, meaning walking or waiting for buses can be difficult.
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