Cairo International Airport

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the primary international airport serving Cairo and the main gateway to Egypt. Located approximately 15 km northeast of central Cairo, it is the busiest airport in Egypt and one of the busiest in Africa, handling over 20 million passengers annually. CAI serves as the main hub for EgyptAir and is a key connecting point between Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

The airport has three passenger terminals:

• Terminal 1: Older terminal serving various international airlines and some charter flights
• Terminal 2: EgyptAir's main hub for domestic and regional flights, Star Alliance partners
• Terminal 3: Newest terminal (opened 2009), primarily serves EgyptAir long-haul international flights and Star Alliance carriers

Terminals 2 and 3 are connected and located adjacent to each other on the southern side of the airport. Terminal 1 is on the northern side and requires ground transport to reach from T2/T3 - there is no airside connection.

Important: Some budget carriers and charter flights use Sphinx International Airport (SPX), located west of Cairo near the Pyramids. Always verify which airport your flight uses.

CAI is located approximately 15 km northeast of downtown Cairo (Tahrir Square). Travel times vary significantly with Cairo's heavy traffic:

• Downtown Cairo (Tahrir Square): 30-60 minutes
• Giza/Pyramids area: 45-90 minutes
• Heliopolis: 15-25 minutes (nearest district)
• Maadi: 35-60 minutes
• New Cairo/Fifth Settlement: 25-40 minutes

Off-peak times (late night, early morning, Friday afternoons): Closer to minimum times Rush hour (7-10am, 4-8pm weekdays): Expect significant delays

No rail or metro connection currently serves the airport. Rideshare and taxis are the primary options.

Uber and Careem (regional rideshare service) are both available and widely used at CAI. These offer the most reliable and transparent pricing.

Rideshare Pickup

Follow signs to the rideshare pickup area outside each terminal. Uber and Careem pickups are from designated zones.

Typical Rideshare Fares

Destination	Fare (approximate)	Notes
Downtown Cairo	E£150-250 (~$5-8 USD)	Traffic dependent
Giza/Pyramids	E£200-350 (~$6-11 USD)	40+ km
Heliopolis	E£80-120 (~$2.50-4 USD)	Closest district
Maadi	E£180-280 (~$6-9 USD)	Southern suburbs
New Cairo	E£120-200 (~$4-6 USD)	East of airport

Official Taxis

White airport taxis with meters operate from designated stands outside arrivals. Always insist the driver uses the meter, or agree on a fixed fare before departing.

Tips:

• Use Uber or Careem for transparent, fixed pricing
• If taking a street taxi, insist on the meter
• Avoid unlicensed taxis approaching inside the terminal
• Have your destination address in Arabic if possible
• Night rates (10pm-6am) may be 50% higher for metered taxis

Limousine Services

Pre-booked airport limousines are available through hotels and tour operators. Expect to pay E£400-800 (~$13-26 USD) to downtown Cairo. This option offers fixed pricing and air-conditioned vehicles.

Cairo International Airport has limited public transit options. The planned metro/rail connection has not yet been completed.

Airport Shuttle Bus

Cairo Transport Authority operates public buses between the airport and various city locations:

Route	Destination	Fare	Frequency	Duration
356	Abdel Moneim Riyad (Downtown)	E£10 (~$0.30 USD)	Every 30-60 min	45-75 min
948	Ramses Square	E£10	Limited service	40-60 min

Buses are basic, often crowded, and not recommended for travelers with significant luggage. Service is irregular, especially late at night.

Future Metro Connection

The Cairo Metro Line 3 extension to the airport has been under construction. Check current status before travel - when complete, this will provide affordable, traffic-free access to downtown.

Practical Recommendation

Given the limited and unreliable public transit options, rideshare (Uber/Careem) is strongly recommended for most travelers. The cost is modest by international standards and service is reliable.

CAI offers parking facilities at all terminals:

Type	Rate	Notes
Short-term	E£20/hour	First 30 min free at some lots
Daily parking	E£150/day	Open lots near terminals
Long-term	E£100/day	Remote lots with shuttle

Payment is typically cash-only. Parking facilities are basic compared to Western airports. For extended trips, consider having someone drop you off or using a pre-arranged car service.

Dining options at CAI are improving but remain limited compared to major international hubs.

Terminal 3 (Best Selection)

• Costa Coffee: Coffee, sandwiches, pastries
• Cilantro: Egyptian coffee chain, light meals
• McDonald's, KFC: Fast food options
• Duty-free food section: Snacks, drinks
• Airside restaurants: Egyptian and international cuisine, basic quality

Terminal 2

• Costa Coffee: Multiple locations
• Fast food outlets: Limited selection
• Cafeteria-style restaurants: Basic Egyptian and international food

Terminal 1

• Limited options: Basic cafeteria, coffee shops
• Duty-free snacks: Packaged food available

Food quality is generally basic and prices are marked up from city restaurants. Budget E£100-200 (~$3-6 USD) for a meal. For better dining, eat in Cairo before arriving at the airport or bring snacks.

Free WiFi is available throughout the airport:

• Network: "CAI Free WiFi" or terminal-specific networks
• Quality: Variable - adequate for basic browsing, can be slow for video
• Registration: May require phone number or basic registration

WiFi quality has improved but remains inconsistent. For reliable connectivity, purchase a local SIM card or use your mobile data plan. Premium lounge WiFi tends to be faster.

SIM cards are available at the airport, though options are limited compared to city shops.

Carriers

• Vodafone Egypt: Largest network, best coverage
• Orange Egypt: Good coverage, competitive prices
• Etisalat Egypt (e&): Third major carrier

Where to Buy

• Carrier kiosks in arrivals halls (all terminals)
• Duty-free shops: Limited selection
• City: Better prices and plan options at mall stores

Typical Plans

Carrier	Plan	Price	Includes
Vodafone	Tourist SIM	E£300-400 (~$10-13 USD)	10-15GB data, local calls
Orange	Visitor Pack	E£250-350 (~$8-11 USD)	8-12GB data
Etisalat	Prepaid	E£200-300 (~$6-10 USD)	5-10GB data

Bring your passport - registration is required. Airport prices may be higher than city shops. For better deals, purchase a SIM at a mall or carrier store in Cairo.

ATMs are located throughout all terminals:

• Arrivals halls: Multiple ATMs from Egyptian banks (CIB, National Bank of Egypt, Banque Misr, QNB)
• Departure areas: ATMs near gates
• Landside: ATMs in terminal buildings

Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP/E£)

Currency Exchange

Exchange offices are located in arrivals and departures:

• Multiple exchange bureaus: In all terminals
• Bank windows: Sometimes available

Recommendations:

• Airport exchange rates include a significant markup (5-15%)
• ATMs offer better rates (your bank's foreign transaction fee applies)
• Withdraw smaller amounts at the airport, exchange more in the city
• Major hotels and upscale establishments accept USD and EUR (poor rates)
• Credit cards accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but Egypt remains largely cash-based

Typical Costs

• 1 USD = approximately E£30 (check current rates - the Egyptian pound has fluctuated significantly)
• ATM withdrawal fees vary by bank

Duty-free shopping is available in all terminals, with the best selection in Terminal 3.

Duty-Free

• Main operator: Egypt Duty Free
• Categories: Perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco, electronics
• Egyptian specialties: Papyrus, cotton products, spices, souvenirs

Notable Items

• Egyptian cotton: World-famous quality, towels, linens, clothing
• Papyrus art: Traditional and tourist varieties
• Spices: Cumin, coriander, hibiscus (karkade)
• Perfume oils: Traditional Egyptian scents
• Alabaster and stone crafts: Egyptian-themed items
• Gold and silver jewelry: Cartouche pendants, pharaonic designs

Best Buys

• Alcohol: Significant savings for destinations where alcohol is expensive or restricted
• Cigarettes: Lower prices than most destinations
• Egyptian cotton products: Quality goods at reasonable prices
• Local handicrafts: Unique souvenirs

The duty-free area in Terminal 3 is the most modern and has the best selection. Allow 20-30 minutes for shopping.

Lounge options at CAI are limited compared to major hubs, but several options exist.

EgyptAir Lounges

• EgyptAir Business Class Lounge (Terminal 3): For EgyptAir Business Class passengers, Star Alliance Gold members
  • Hot and cold buffet, Egyptian and international options
  • Showers available
  • WiFi, newspapers
  • Basic but functional
• EgyptAir Domestic Lounge (Terminal 2): Domestic business class, Star Alliance Gold

Priority Pass Lounges

• First Class Lounge (Terminal 3): Priority Pass accepted, basic amenities, food, drinks
• Pearl Lounge (Terminal 2): Priority Pass, simple offerings

Other Options

• Ahlan Lounge (Terminal 1): Pay-per-use lounge
• First Class Lounge (Terminal 1): Limited access options

Day Passes

Walk-in access is available at some lounges:

• Pearl Lounge: ~$35-50 USD walk-in
• First Class Lounge: ~$40-60 USD depending on terminal

Lounge quality at CAI is modest by international standards. Expect basic food, drinks, seating, and WiFi. The EgyptAir lounge in Terminal 3 is the best option for Star Alliance passengers.

At the Airport

• Le Passage Cairo Airport Hotel (Terminal 3): Connected to the terminal, convenient for early flights or long layovers. Rooms from E£3000/night (~$100 USD). Day rates available.

Near the Airport (Heliopolis)

Heliopolis is the nearest district with good hotel options, 15-25 minutes from the airport:

• JW Marriott Hotel Cairo: 5-star business hotel, airport shuttle. From E£4500/night (~$150 USD).
• InterContinental Cairo Citystars: Large complex with mall attached. From E£4000/night (~$130 USD).
• Radisson Blu Hotel Cairo Heliopolis: Quality business hotel. From E£2500/night (~$80 USD).
• Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars: Mid-range reliable option. From E£2000/night (~$65 USD).
• Ibis Cairo Airport: Budget option near the airport. From E£1200/night (~$40 USD).

Budget Options

• Baron Hotel Heliopolis: Classic Cairo hotel, affordable. From E£1500/night (~$50 USD).
• Various 3-star hotels: In Heliopolis area, from E£800-1500/night (~$25-50 USD)

For long layovers, staying in Heliopolis allows easy access to the airport while being close to restaurants and amenities. Downtown Cairo hotels offer more sightseeing options but add 30-60 minutes of travel time.

Cairo and Egypt offer extraordinary history and culture. Even a short layover can include memorable experiences.

Must-See Attractions

Pyramids of Giza (~40 km from airport, 45-90 min drive):

• Great Pyramid of Khufu: Last surviving Ancient Wonder, entry E£400 (~$13 USD)
• Sphinx: Iconic limestone statue, included in plateau ticket
• Pyramid complex ticket: E£200 (~$6.50 USD) for general access
• Best times: Early morning (8am) or late afternoon for light and fewer crowds

Egyptian Museum (Downtown, 30-60 min from airport):

• Location: Tahrir Square
• Entry: E£200 (~$6.50 USD), mummy room extra E£180
• Highlights: Tutankhamun treasures, mummies, 5,000+ years of artifacts

Grand Egyptian Museum (Giza, near Pyramids):

• Status: Newly opened near the Pyramids
• Highlights: Tutankhamun collection, largest archaeological museum in the world
• Entry: E£400-600 (~$13-20 USD)

For Long Layovers (8+ hours)

With 8+ hours, a Pyramids visit is achievable:

1. Exit airport, take Uber/Careem to Giza (~60-90 min)
2. Visit Pyramids and Sphinx (2-3 hours)
3. Optional: lunch with pyramid views
4. Return to airport (~60-90 min)

Allow 2-3 hours buffer for traffic and security. Book a guide in advance for a more efficient visit.

Cairo Highlights

• Khan el-Khalili Bazaar: Historic market, souvenirs, spices, coffee shops (Islamic Cairo)
• Old Cairo (Coptic Cairo): Ancient churches, synagogue, Roman fortress
• Al-Azhar Mosque: Historic mosque and Islamic university
• Nile Corniche: Riverside walk, felucca boats at sunset
• Cairo Tower: Panoramic city views (Zamalek)

Egyptian Food Essentials

• Koshari: Egypt's national dish - pasta, rice, lentils, chickpeas, tomato sauce, fried onions
• Ful Medames: Stewed fava beans, breakfast staple
• Ta'ameya: Egyptian falafel (made with fava beans, not chickpeas)
• Shawarma: Grilled meat wraps
• Molokhia: Green soup with chicken or rabbit
• Om Ali: Egyptian bread pudding dessert
• Karkade: Hibiscus tea, served hot or cold
• Fresh juices: Mango, sugarcane, guava widely available

Recommended areas for dining:

• Zamalek: Upscale restaurants, Nile views
• Downtown: Historic cafes, local restaurants
• Heliopolis: Mix of local and international options near airport

Practical Tips

• Currency: Egyptian Pound (E£). Cash is essential for most transactions.
• Tipping (baksheesh): Expected everywhere - small tips for services, guards at sites, etc. Keep small bills handy.
• Bargaining: Expected at markets and bazaars. Start at 30-50% of asking price.
• Dress code: Modest dress recommended, especially for women. Cover shoulders and knees at mosques.
• Safety: Tourist areas are generally safe. Use registered guides and official transportation.
• Photography: Ask before photographing people. Some sites charge extra for cameras.
• Weather: Hot year-round. Summer (June-August) extremely hot (35-40C+). Winter (December-February) mild and pleasant (15-25C).
• Traffic: Cairo traffic is legendary - plan extra time for all ground transport.
• Friday: Many businesses close Friday morning for prayers. Museums typically open.

Day Trips

If you have a full day:

• Alexandria: Mediterranean city, 2.5-3 hours by car or train
• Saqqara: Step Pyramid, less crowded than Giza, 45 min from Cairo
• Memphis: Ancient capital ruins, combine with Saqqara

The Pyramids of Giza are the highlight for most visitors - they're visible from the airport approach and an unforgettable experience. Even a quick visit is worthwhile if your layover allows.