Cairo International Airport is Egypt's main airport and with nearly 29 million passengers in 2024, one of Africa's busiest, located approximately 15 km north-east of the capital's center, hub of EgyptAir.
It is the natural entry point for the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) recently opened near Giza Plateau.
How to get to Cairo International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to CAI
Parking near Cairo International Airport
The multi-storey car park managed by the airport is located in front of the terminal.
It is video-monitored; rates are not published uniformly but are generally affordable: check the amount at the cashier.
How to get to Cairo from CAI
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Cairo: Private Transfer From/To Cairo International Airport
Cairo Airport: Private Transfer Service
Cairo Airport: Private Transfer to/from Hotel
Cairo Airport: Immigration Assistance and Private Transfer
From CAI to the most sought-after destinations
| If you want... | Choose | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Spend the least possible | Public bus to Tahrir Square or Ramses (50-75 min) | 5-15 EGP |
| Reach downtown with fixed price and no haggling | Uber or Careem (fare confirmed before the ride) | ~200-350 EGP |
| Reach the New Administrative Capital | Monorail East Nile (direct connection) | fare to be confirmed at check-in |
| Heavy baggage or night flight | Official taxi at arrivals desk (check meter is reset) | ~250-450 EGP |
Cairo → Tahrir Square and downtown
Cairo's public transport authority buses connect the airport to Tahrir Square, a hub just steps from the Egyptian Museum and the Downtown district; the journey is slower than a taxi but remains the most economical option for those not in a hurry.
Cairo → Ramses Station
For those continuing by train to Alexandria, Luxor or Aswan, some public bus routes arrive directly at Ramses Station, the city's main railway hub; alternatively a taxi or private car avoids intermediate stops.
Cairo → Giza (Pyramids and Sphinx)
There is no direct connection from the airport to the Giza plateau: the most practical solution is a taxi or private car, 45-60 minutes depending on traffic, often bookable directly at the airport to avoid the detour through downtown.
Cairo → New Administrative Capital
From 2026 the East Nile Monorail connects the airport area to the New Administrative Capital, the new seat of government and many offices east of Cairo, with a journey of about 70 minutes: a recent alternative to the long drive by road.
Car rental at Cairo International Airport
The major car rental brands have desks in the arrivals area.
Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card in your name for the security deposit; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally also required. Given often chaotic city driving, many visitors prefer a local driver over self-drive.
Hotels near Cairo International Airport
Linked to Terminal 3
A pedestrian walkway links T3 to the hotel entrance, according to the Marriott website; for the other terminals a short transfer is needed.
Best for: One-night layovers and night flights for those arriving at T3 who want a room without going out on the street.
- From T3 you walk straight to reception
- No taxi or Cairo traffic before your flight
- Only airport grounds and fast roads around: nothing to do on foot
- Reviews mention mix-ups with transfers and breakfast
Recommended hotels
Heliopolis, near the airport
The Novotel Cairo Airport is about 5 minutes from the terminals and has a free shuttle running round the clock, subject to availability and airport security checks.
Best for: Those landing with several flights who prefer a hotel a few minutes away, with a garden and pools.
- Free shuttle at every hour: no problem with night flights
- Two outdoor pools to wait for an evening flight
- The shuttle can be delayed by checks at the airport entrance
- The neighbourhood is residential: central Cairo is half an hour or more away
Downtown and the Nile
From the airport it takes about 30-45 minutes by taxi or with Uber/Careem; buses to Tahrir Square are cheaper but slow, 50-75 minutes.
Best for: Those who want the Egyptian Museum, the bazaars and the Nile riverside within walking distance or a short ride.
- Tahrir Square and the Egyptian Museum are a few minutes from the riverside
- Restaurants and cafés in the area until late in the evening
- Traffic can make the return to the airport unpredictable
- The noise of the centre can be heard even on the upper floors
Giza and the Pyramids
There are no direct links from the airport: you need a taxi or a car with driver, 45-60 minutes depending on traffic, often bookable at the airport.
Best for: Visits centred on the Pyramids and the Sphinx, with a base a few minutes from the plateau.
- With the Mena House you are inside the plateau's grounds
- The Grand Egyptian Museum is a few minutes away, according to Marriott
- It is the farthest area from the airport: 45 to 60 minutes by car
- Outside the hotel there is little choice for dinner, unless you travel by car
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
- lounges
- 10
- with Priority Pass
- 7
- open 24 hours
- 9
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminals are spacious and partly renovated in recent years, reflecting Cairo's role as a continental hub for EgyptAir. You typically walk 15-25 minutes from check-in to your gate.
During peak hours customs and security checks can take longer: for international flights, arriving at least 3 hours early is advisable.
Map of Cairo International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. How many terminals does Cairo airport have and how are they connected?
Three: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, the latter the most modern and home to EgyptAir and the Star Alliance carriers. A free shuttle transfer is needed between terminals, a useful detail to know if your return flight departs from a different building than the one you arrived at.
Q. Do you need a visa for Egypt?
Yes, but for most nationalities it can be easily obtained online (e-visa, 25 USD for a single entry) or in cash on arrival at the airport (30 USD as of March 2026, up from the previous 25 USD).
Q. Is Cairo safe for tourists?
Yes, the areas frequented by visitors (Giza, Downtown, Zamalek) are generally safe and well patrolled, with the usual precautions against petty theft in crowded markets.
Q. Is it better to stay downtown or near the Pyramids?
It depends on your priority: downtown (Downtown, Zamalek) offers more museums and city life, Giza is convenient for those who want to focus their visit on the Pyramids plateau, with some hotels offering a direct view of the necropolis.
Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?
7 lounges, including CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS (T1), AHLEIN Emerald Lounge (T2), AHLEIN Premium Lounge (T2), CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS (T2), AHLEIN Premium Lounge (T3) and CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS (T3).
Q. Are any lounges open 24 hours?
Yes, 9, including CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS (T1), AHLEIN Emerald Lounge (T2), AHLEIN Premium Lounge (T2), CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS (T2), AHLEIN Premium Lounge (T3) and CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS (T3).
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
