- Cairo International Airport Fast Facts
- How Long Does It Take to Get to Cairo International Airport?
- Getting Between Terminals
- Getting to and From Cairo International Airport
- Taxis
- Rideshares
- Public Transit
- Hotel Transfers
- Parking and Car Rentals
- Preparing for Your Egypt Trip
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.
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:
- Novotel Cairo Airport: free 24-hour shuttle, a five-minute ride from the terminals
- Concorde El Salam Cairo by Royal Tulip: free shuttle bus to and from the airport
- Le Méridien Cairo Airport: a pedestrian bridge provides direct access from the hotel’s entrance to Terminal Three
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.