Cairo Airport Transportation  

By Andrew Lewis on 18 Sep 2023

Cairo International Airport has evolved to become the busiest airport in Egypt and one of the busiest airports in Africa. The main hub for EgyptAir and Nile Air, it reportedly transported more than 37,000 passengers daily on more than 300 domestic and international flights in 2022.

As your final destination or a layover stop, Cairo offers a great introduction to Egypt’s prized antiquities, historic and religious sites, and traditional and contemporary shopping and dining. This sprawling capital along the Nile River is bustling with traffic and activity, with Tahrir Square as its central point.

The oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East, Cairo’s Egyptian Museum holds the world’s largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities. The Citadel of Saladin, a medieval Islamic-era fortress, once was the seat of government for Egypt; nowadays, visitors can wander its grounds and see the interior of the Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque.

Neighboring Giza is where you can see the famous Pyramids of Giza. They are adjacent to the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum, which will house treasures belonging to Tutankhamun, among other ancient objects. 

But before heading into Cairo or on to another destination, you first have to get through Cairo International Airport. From the airport, travelers can reach Cairo via taxi, rideshare, car service, or bus. Currently there’s no direct metro service to the city center, but Cairo Metro is in the process of extending its green M3 Line (also known as the Third Line) to the airport.

This essential guide to Cairo International Airport covers everything you’ll need to know, from transportation and transfers to navigating the airport itself. Read on for everything you need to know to take the city by storm. 

Cairo International Airport Fast Facts

  • Name: Cairo International Airport
  • Code: CAI
  • Terminals: Four; one being a seasonal terminal operating flights to Jeddah and Medina during the Hajj. (Terminal One: domestic and regional; Terminal Two: International; Terminal Three: Domestic and International)
  • Airlines: 50+
  • Services: Business center, pharmacies, currency exchange, prayer areas, ATMs, lounges, restaurants, shopping, limousine service, labor license desk for obtaining work permit, taxi service, and car rentals.

How Long Does It Take to Get to Cairo International Airport?

Located in Heliopolis, a suburb of Cairo, Cairo International Airport (CAI) is approximately 16 miles from the city center. Depending on traffic, Cairo airport transfers can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, and if you’re taking public transit, anywhere from one to two hours. Travelers should note that Cairo can get heavy traffic, so always allow plenty of time to get to the airport prior to departure.

Getting Between Terminals

Cairo International Airport’s Terminals Two and Three are located next to each other and can be traversed via a connecting bridge. The airport’s Automated People Mover takes passengers around within the airport grounds and connects to Terminals One, Two, and Three, plus a car park and an AirMall. The service consists of two guideways that operate within five-minute intervals.

Getting to and From Cairo International Airport

There are several hassle-free options for a Cairo Airport transfer. Here are the best ways to get into the city center after a long flight.

Taxis

There are taxi stations outside of the arrivals hall of each terminal, but double-check on the type of taxi before getting in. The airport is served by white taxis that are officially recognized by the government. These specific taxis use meters, so make certain your driver activates the meter at the start of your journey.

Black-and-white taxis are also available, but note that these vehicles are older and often do not use a meter. If you opt for one of these taxis, it is important to negotiate and agree on the fare before starting the journey.

Pricing for an airport taxi ride can depend on factors including the time of day/night and how heavy are traffic levels, but the estimated fare from the airport to the city center is typically around E£150 to E£200 (Egyptian pounds; EGP). It’s advisable to have some Egyptian pounds on hand, as most taxis may not accept credit cards.

Rideshares

Uber and Careem can be used in Cairo and for Cairo International Airport pickups and drop-offs. Some Uber drivers may ask to be paid with cash, but it’s advised to stick to paying through the app. Compared to taxis, rideshare rates are generally lower; just make sure your driver sticks to the listed fare.

Cairo International Airport provides its own private transfer service known as Ahlan, which assists arriving passengers and directs them to reserved private cars.

Cairo Airport Travel, the sole official land-transportation arm of both the Cairo Airport Holding Company and the Egyptian Airports Authority, also offers scheduled airport rides.

Public Transit

Public buses depart from the bus station located in the parking area in front of Terminal One. City bus lines 111 (to the historic district of Shoubra) and 381 (towards the neighborhood of Imbaba) run to Downtown Cairo. They make a stop at Midan Ramses, a large square next to the central station of the city called Ramses Railway Station. A bus ticket from the airport to the city center can be around E£5.

Hotel Transfers

For fuss-free arrival, some hotels in Cairo may offer shuttle transfers to and from Cairo International Airport. They may charge a fee and/or require advanced booking. Hotels offering this service include:

Parking and Car Rentals

Parking at Cairo International Airport extends to Terminal One, which includes a total of 10 lots ranging from short-term parking facilities to long-term availability, and Terminal Three has even more spaces. Additionally, a multistory garage between Terminal One and Three has capacity for 3,000 cars. The automated train can be used to travel along the garage and the terminals.

Parking costs start around E£30 per hour for cars for the first three hours, followed by an additional amount for each subsequent hour, and around E£100 for a full-day.

Rental-car companies, including Budget, Sixt, Avis, and Europcar, are located at various terminals. It’s recommended to prebook as on-site rental availability may be limited.

Preparing for Your Egypt Trip

Obtaining a valid visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting a Egypt visa. Start your visa application process.

Doing your research before traveling helps you avoid issues and be prepared in case of an emergency. For more information on other aspects of travel to Egypt, including local laws, health and safety, customs and etiquette, and the types of visas available, visit our Egypt content hub.