Kuwait Airport is located in the Farwaniya district and is the country’s only international airport. This airport is approximately 15 km from the city center. Getting to the airport from anywhere in the city is quite easy. Approximately 17 million passengers use this airport every year.
When you first set foot in Kuwait, you may feel like you are in a modern oasis rising in the middle of the desert. Looking down from the top of the Kuwait Towers, the symbol of the city, you can see the deep blue waters of the Persian Gulf. Walking along Arabian Gulf Street, which stretches along the coast at sunset, is one of the rituals of this city. The gentle breeze and palm silhouettes make you feel good. The narrow streets of Souq Al-Mubarakiya, the scent of spices, and the old shops take you on a little journey through time. You can take a short boat trip to Failaka Island and wander among the ancient ruins. When evening comes, you can sample local cuisine at luxury restaurants and modest local eateries. Kuwait is a warm and discoverable Gulf destination where modernity and tradition intertwine.
It takes 20-25 minutes to get to the city center from Kuwait Airport. You can take buses to the city center from the bus stops in front of Terminal 1. Buses at the airport operate 24 hours a day. Taxi stands are also located right in front of the terminal. You can find a taxi at this airport regardless of your flight time. The journey to the city center by taxi takes 20-25 minutes.
Interactive Kuwait Airport Map
Kuwait Airport Terminal
There are three terminals at Kuwait Airport.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 is the main terminal of the airport. This terminal is used for international flights. Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and other international airlines operate their flights from this terminal. The lower level is arrivals and the upper level is departures. This terminal has many duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, and stores. The Airport Mall is adjacent to Terminal 1.
Terminal 4
Terminal 4 is used exclusively by Kuwait Airways. There is a free shuttle between Terminal 1 and Terminal 4.
Terminal 5
Terminal 5 hosts flights operated solely by Jazeera Airways. Terminal 5 is adjacent to the main terminal. You can walk to Terminal 1 from this terminal.
Signs in all terminals are in both English and Arabic. All terminals have Wi-Fi, ATMs, and currency exchange offices. I have good news for those who want to get a local SIM card. There are offices for the telecommunications companies Ooredoo, Zain, and STC on the arrivals level of the main terminal.
Kuwait Airport Car Rental
Exploring the Gulf countries by car is a unique pleasure. After picking up your rental car, you can comfortably drive on Kuwait’s wide highways. After leaving the airport, you can reach the Kuwait Towers in 20 minutes. You can enjoy a wonderful driving experience in the middle of the sea via the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Bridge. Traveling by car gives you the freedom to discover hidden cafes in the middle of the desert and magnificent spots such as Al Shaheed Park.
At Kuwait Airport, car rental companies operate inside the terminal. Terminal 1 has offices for Rekab, National, Dollar, and Hertz. Terminal 4 has an office for Budget.
Some companies are open 24 hours a day. You can complete your car rental transactions online before your trip. This way, you can rent your car at a more affordable price and choose the type of vehicle you want.
Kuwait Airport VIP Lounge
There are VIP Lounge areas in the terminals at Kuwait Airport.
The Pearl Lounge is located near gates 19-20 in Terminal 1. This VIP Lounge is open 24 hours a day. You can access the lounge area with a membership program or by paying at the door. This lounge area has comfortable seats, children’s play areas, shower facilities, charging stations, smoking rooms, and food and beverage service.
Dasman Lounge is located near gates 21-22 in Terminal 1. It is open 24 hours a day. Only Priority Pass and certain credit card holders can use this lounge area.
Terminal 4 has the Al Mubarakiya Lounge. The Al Mubarakiya Lounge is open 24 hours a day. Only Kuwait Airways premium class passengers and Oasis Club members can access this lounge area.
Hotels in Kuwait Airport
If you have a long layover and an early morning flight, you can stay at the Safir Airport Hotel. Safir Airport Hotel is located inside Kuwait Airport. To reach the hotel, you must go to the transit counter inside the airport and use the hotel shuttle. Safir Hotel has 175 air-conditioned rooms and the Darwaza Restaurant, which is open 24 hours a day. The hotel offers single rooms, double rooms, and executive suites.
Holiday Inn Kuwait Al Thuraya City by IHG is only 3 km from Kuwait Airport. You can reach the hotel from the airport in 5 minutes with the hotel’s free shuttle service. This hotel is only 5 minutes away from Grand Avenue Mall and 360 Mall. The hotel has 336 rooms and suites. The hotel has a swimming pool, children’s pool, spa and fitness center, meeting room, and business centers.
Grand Hyatt Kuwait is approximately 3 km from Kuwait Airport. The hotel has a spa, sauna, fitness center, indoor swimming pool, and meeting rooms. The hotel offers a free airport shuttle service. The hotel’s restaurants serve delicious dishes from Turkish, Asian, European, and international cuisines.
Crowne Plaza Kuwait Al Thuraya City is only 4 km from Kuwait Airport. The hotel offers a free airport shuttle service. You can reach the hotel from the airport in just 5 minutes. There are 8 different restaurants, including Ribeye Steak House, Japanese Sakura Restaurant, and Lebanese Ayam Zaman Restaurant.
Kuwait Airport Location
Kuwait Airport Address: Ghazali St, Kuwait.
Kuwait Airport IATA: KWI.
Kuwait Airport ICAO: OKKK.
Satellite view of Kuwait Airport. Click to enlarge
Kuwait Airport destination map (March 2026). Click to enlarge