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Local time Kuwait City

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Travel to Kuwait City

Flying to Kuwait City

British Airways and Kuwait Airways operate direct flights to Kuwait International Airport from the UK. Kuwait Airways also offers direct flights from the USA. The cheapest flights are often available during the hot summer months (between May and September).

Flight times

From London - 6 hours 15 minutes; New York - 12 hours; Los Angeles - 18 hours 30 minutes (including stopover); Toronto - 15 hours 30 minutes (including stopover); Sydney - 18 hours 15 minutes (including stopover).

Travel by road

Kuwait has borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia, neither of which are currently open for casual tourism. For those who have a visa for Saudi Arabia, it is possible to use the Al-Nuwaisib crossing (for Damman) and Al-Salmy crossing (for Riyadh).

The road system in Kuwait is generally good but the standard of driving is very poor and road traffic accidents are a major problem. Traffic drives on the right, seat belts are compulsory and the minimum driving age is 18. An International Driving Permit, or a licence and resident permit from another Gulf country, is required.

Speed limits are 45kph (28mph) in residential areas, 60kph (37mph) on main roads in urban areas, 80-100kph (50-62mph) on ring roads, and 120kph (75mph) on expressways and outer roads.

Emergency breakdown services

Road Traffic Police (tel: 101).

Routes

The main routes into Kuwait City are Highway 70 from the west (from Saudi Arabia), Highway 40 from the south (from Saudi Arabia) and Highway 80 from the north (from Iraq).

Coaches

Kuwait Public Transport Company (tel: +965 2232 8501; www.kptc.com.kw) operates long-distance buses between Kuwait City and other destinations within Kuwait and the Gulf region. The main bus station is near the intersection of Al-Hilali and Abdullah al-Mubarak Streets in the Safat district.

Time to city

From Riyadh - 6 hours 30 minutes; Bahrain - 5 hours 15 minutes.

Travel by Rail

Services

Kuwait has no rail track, although there are proposals to build a rail network connecting other countries in the Gulf, and a metro system is under construction within Kuwait City.

Travel by boat

Shuwaikh Port is Kuwait's main commercial port. 

Ferry operators

The Combined Shipping Company (tel: +965 2483 0130; www.cscq8.com) operates passenger ferries from Kuwait's Shuwaikh Port to the Iranian ports of Khoramshar and Bushehr. 

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Le Méridien Kuwait

With views of the Arabic Gulf as well as the iconic Kuwait Towers, this hotel has a flavour of the French Riviera about it, including rococo furniture and brass-rimmed mirrors. Rooms are sleek and modern, with huge luxury bathrooms, and the service is excellent. The onsite restaurant is decent and free Wi-Fi is available throughout.

Luxury Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa

With the utmost luxury in mind, this beautifully refurbished 5-star hotel feels like an Arabian palace. Its spa has hydrotherapy baths, plus drift and salt rooms, while palm trees line the swimming pool. Other perks include yoga, pilates and reiki classes, its seven stylish restaurants and its private beach.

Marina Hotel

For this price, don't expect the Ritz. Overlooking Mutrah fish market, this is a simple, harbourside hotel offering great views of Muscat's famous corniche. It's basic, and its basement bar can be a little noisy, but its location is within walking distance of Mutrah Souk, making it convenient for sightseeing.

Ghani Palace Hotel

It could do with a bit of a facelift, but the Ghani Palace is one of the few hotels in the city where you don't have to check the address to remember you're in the Middle East. The quirky Arabian-style hotel sports Syrian furniture, Moroccan lanterns and local stucco, plus local-style hospitality to match.

Sheraton Kuwait Hotel and Towers

Jutting out of the commercial centre, this iconic Sheraton is a steal for those on a moderate budget. With 5-stars on its chest, guests can expect everything from king-sized beds and fast Wi-Fi to five fine restaurants and an English tea lounge. Mixing Arabic lavishness with European furniture, it also has a health club and a swimming pool.

Kuwait Continental Hotel

As the trophies behind reception testify, this no-frills hotel on a busy intersection is a favourite with regional sports teams. The refurbished rooms and bathrooms have an Arabian flourish with gilt-edged décor and furnishings that come as a pleasant surprise after the rather casual foyer. It also has a swimming pool and health club.