How to get from Cairo airport to downtown Cairo, the vibrant capital of Egypt and largest city in Africa, is a treasure trove of sensory delights. This bustling metropolis is a city that will captivate your senses, from its stunning architecture to its rich cultural heritage. However, to truly experience the best of Cairo, it's essential to plan your trip carefully to avoid unnecessary expenses. With its iconic Pyramids of Giza, the majestic Sphinx, and fascinating royal mummies, Cairo is a destination that is sure to fascinate and inspire visitors. Come and discover why this city is a true paradise. How to get to Cairo Arriving in Egypt on your own without a pre-arranged transfer from the airport to your hotel can feel overwhelming. Navigating transportation in a new place is a common challenge for travelers. So, how do you get from the airport to the city the easiest way? Don’t worry—we're here to help! Egypt is home to nine airports serving its major cities, with Cairo International Airport being the largest. Located 20 kilometers northeast of Cairo, this airport is a major hub connecting the city with global capitals through Egypt Air and 61 international airlines. Once you've arrived, you'll find a range of transportation options to get you to your destination. The city's extensive network of roads and public transportation systems make it easy to get around. A convenient option is to take a bus or taxi from the airport to the city center, ensuring a smooth start to your Egyptian adventure. With our guidance, you'll be able to plan your trip with ease and arrive at your hotel feeling refreshed and ready to start your Egyptian adventure. First, understand that the airport has three terminals. Most international travelers arrive at Terminal 1 (the oldest but fully upgraded), Terminal 2 (serving EgyptAir and some European carriers like Vueling), or the modern Terminal 3 (EgyptAir's main hub). These are connected by a free automated MiniMetro shuttle, which you'll need to use if landing at T2/T3 to access certain transport options. For budget travelers, public buses offer the absolute cheapest transfer at just 10-15 EGP. Buses 111 (to downtown's Tahrir Square) and 381 (to Giza's Imbaba district) operate exclusively from Terminal 1's parking lot bus station. They run every 30-60 minutes but expect crowded conditions and about an hour's travel time. If arriving at T2 or T3, take the free shuttle to T1 first - from T2 it's a 15-minute ride, while T3 is just 2 minutes away. Avoid buses 1138 or 356 as they serve distant suburbs. Those preferring comfort should consider shuttle buses (50-80 EGP) available at all terminals. These air-conditioned services take 30-40 minutes with fewer stops than public buses. Purchase tickets at the counters in Terminal 1 or 3 Arrivals halls before boarding outside. For door-to-door convenience, Uber/Careem provide fixed-rate rides (180-300 EGP to downtown; 350-500 EGP to Giza) with English-speaking drivers. The apps work well and often prove cheaper than taxis during non-peak hours. Official airport taxis (white or yellow) cost 250-400 EGP downtown or 450-600 EGP to Giza, but you must negotiate firmly before entering as drivers often inflate prices for tourists. Key tips to remember: Always carry small EGP bills as bus drivers don't give change. Ignore anyone approaching you in Arrivals offering "special deals", these are usually scams. If using taxis, stick to the official white/yellow cabs and confirm the price before getting in. With these insights, you'll transition smoothly from the airport to begin your Egyptian adventure. By Taxi Egypt's transport options include taxis and buses. This makes it easy for tourists to explore the country. All airports in Egypt offer passengers a taxi service. Upon arriving at the airport, you'll find that each terminal has designated areas for taxi pickups, ensuring a convenient transfer to your destination. From Terminal 1 (Most International Flights): After collecting your luggage, proceed through the Arrivals Hall and head toward the main exit. As you step outside, you’ll see the official taxi rank just ahead. Only use white or yellow taxis and either agree on the fare beforehand or insist on using the meter to avoid overcharges. Path: Baggage claim → Main exit → Taxi rank about approx. 2-min walk. From Terminal 2 (European & Middle Eastern Carriers): once you’ve picked up your baggage, walk through the Arrivals Hall and exit through the main doors. The official taxi station will be directly in front of you. It’s a short and straightforward 2-minute walk. Politely decline any unofficial offers from drivers inside. Directions to reach the taxi stand: Baggage claim → Main exit → Taxi station, approximately a 2-minute walk From Terminal 3 (EgyptAir & Star Alliance): after passing through baggage claim, make your way out of the Arrivals Hall via the main exit. You’ll immediately spot the official taxi station outside—just a brief 2-minute walk from the terminal. Stick to white and yellow taxis, confirming the fare or opting for the meter before starting your ride. With these clear paths for each terminal, your journey from the airport should be seamless and straightforward. In Cairo, taxis are a white or black-and-white combination. It's advised to wait for the driver to understand your destination and agree on a price. Taxi drivers claim that a trip using the meter will cost more, that their meter is broken, and that they are already giving you a discount. Don't trust them! It is advised to avoid entering a taxi until the driver is aware of your destination and you have agreed on a price. In Egypt, almost everything is negotiated! The official website of the airport warns about unscrupulous local taxi drivers. You should not resort to the services of drivers offering their services in old black and white cars. These cars are not equipped with meters, so taxi drivers often inflate prices. New taxis boast not only more honest pricing but also built-in air conditioning. These are white and yellow cars. Those drivers whose cars are equipped with meters can persuade passengers to travel at a fixed price. For safety and peace of mind, many travelers resort to ordering a taxi in advance through special online services. In this case, the cost of the trip is known in advance, and you can pay for the order either on the website or in cash to the driver upon meeting. You will immediately find your transport, as the driver will escort you to your car. There is no need to memorize the Arabic numbers. By Uber One of the safest forms of transportation is Uber. How does Uber work in Egypt? The system is the same everywhere. First of all, you need to install the app on your phone and set up your account. You will need a valid bank card to guarantee the account. At the destination, you can pay in cash or by card. The application requires an internet connection for ordering Uber. Use a card with low foreign transaction fees to avoid extra costs. Safer than taxis due to GPS tracking and driver ratings. Please note: There will be no bargaining on fares. Some drivers may cancel airport pickups; cancel and rebook if delayed (10 EGP fee, refundable). You will have to set your destination location, and the application will show you the amount you will have to pay. You will be able to see what type of car will pick you up, the registration number, the driver's name, and his phone number. The system works well, so there will be no unpleasant surprises at the end. If you need Internet access, it is more cost-effective to purchase an Egyptian SIM card. It is also more convenient to buy and activate this SIM card at the airport. You will always have access to the Internet. Uber is easy to use, safe, and cheaper than classic taxis. By Bus If you're looking for a cheap transfer into the city center of Cairo, bus transportation is a great option. There are also public buses that run on this route, but most of the time, they are overcrowded. Taking the public bus is the cheapest but also the slowest option. It takes at least 50 to 60 minutes to reach the city center. There are two buses that provide transfers from Cairo airport to the city center. The bus number 111 goes to Shoubra, and the bus number 381 goes to Imbaba. The 111 and 381 public buses run from 7:50 to 18:50. The buses are located at the bus station at Terminal 1. If you land in Terminal 2 or 3, you will need to take the free airport shuttle bus to Terminal 1 first. The airport-to-city center bus service departs from Terminal 1. It stops at Midar Tahrir and Mohandeseen, along the Avenue of the Pyramids in Giza. When entering the bus, please pay the driver in cash only (Egyptian pounds). Buy your ticket from the driver, and make sure to have local currency for change. We recommend changing your currency at the airport to ensure you have the right amount. This transportation is best for light travelers on a tight budget. Here is a smooth transitions and clear instructions for each terminal: Terminal 1 (Most International Flights): After collecting your luggage, follow the “Exit” signs to reach the Arrivals Hall. Step outside through the main exit—you’ll find the bus station directly ahead in the parking lot, clearly marked with English signs for popular routes such as 381. You can purchase your bus ticket directly from the driver (cash only, Egyptian pounds required). Terminal 2 (European and Middle Eastern Carriers): Once you exit baggage claim, proceed to the Arrivals Hall and look for signs directing you to the free airport shuttle bus. This shuttle connects Terminal 2 to Terminal 1 and operates every 15–30 minutes, with a journey time of approximately 10 minutes. Upon arrival at Terminal 1, follow the signs to the bus station and take either route 111 or 381 to reach downtown Cairo. Terminal 3 (EgyptAir and Star Alliance Flights): After exiting baggage claim and entering the Arrivals Hall, make your way outside and locate the designated area for the free airport shuttle service to Terminal 1. The shuttle runs every 15–30 minutes and takes around 5 minutes. Once at Terminal 1, follow the signs that will guide you to the bus station and board bus 111 or 381 for transport to the city center. Shuttle buses These buses travel non-stop along a specific route. It is a cross between a bus and a taxi. On the one hand, these buses or minibuses only go to a certain stop. But the level of comfort is higher than on a public bus. They are much more comfortable than regular buses. Getting from the airport to the city by shuttle bus is faster. It is more convenient, but also more expensive. They run to the most popular areas of Cairo—Giza, Heliopolis, Nasr City, and others—every half hour. Note that hotel desks are available upon arrival for those needing accommodations. Advice: Beware of scams operating at the airport. On arriving at departures, you may be led away by someone offering to fast-track you through lines at security. This is not necessary. People also approach you and ask for your passport! Trolleys and carts are free at this airport. There is a post office in Terminal 3 for arrivals. Staff guide you from counter to bus. Avoid unofficial “helpers” offering rides. Pre-book for late-night arrivals. If you decide to rent a car, you can do this at one of the rental offices of international companies: Budget Rent a Car, Keddy, Avis, Al Wefaq Rent A Car, SixT T2 arrival hall. By Car Rental When planning your trip to Egypt, it's essential to consider a few practicalities for a smoother experience. For a smoother experience, consider booking your car rental in advance, through an online application can save you time and hassle upon arrival. This approach not only ensures availability but also allows you to compare options and secure the best rates. You can book a car through the RentalCars aggregator, with daily rental costs varying based on the class of car. Keep in mind that additional services, such as navigation systems or child seats, will increase the overall cost. As you prepare for your journey, remember that a visa is required to enter the city. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Egypt. However, for certain Egyptian resorts in the Sinai Peninsula, a visa is not necessary, provided your stay does not exceed 15 days and you remain within the Sinai region. It's advisable to obtain travel insurance for your vacation in Egypt, as hospitalization and emergency medical services can be costly. A day of hospitalization in a private unit may range widely, but these expenses can often be recovered if you have an insurance policy. In terms of safety, while tourism is generally safe, it’s wise to remain cautious. Keep valuables, original documents, and travel tickets secured in a safe place to guard against minor crimes such as pickpocketing and car theft. Respecting local traditions and customs is crucial during your visit. It’s recommended to dress modestly in public and to be mindful of your behavior, as approximately 90% of Egyptians are Muslim. Egypt can boast of a lot of very beautiful vacation destinations. Your preferences, programs, and activities are the ones that will dictate. In the end, this is the place where you will enjoy an unforgettable experience. Opt for an option that will bring you soulful joy and charge you. Whether we are talking about a holiday in one of the resorts on the Red Sea or about an experience full of history in one of the big cities of this country. Advices & Hints to enjoy your vacation in Cairo -When planning a trip to Egypt, it's advisable to begin searching for flights at least one to two months in advance to secure the best deals available. -Consider booking red-eye flights, as they are often more economical than daytime options. Additionally, traveling on weekdays rather than during holiday periods can lead to substantial savings, with prices potentially being up to 40% lower than day trips. To avoid inflated ticket prices and last-minute issues, meticulous planning is key. Book your tickets and accommodations well ahead of time. Conduct thorough research online for special promotions and secure your reservations as soon as possible. -Before departing the airport, ensure you have all essential travel documents, including your passport, ID card, and flight ticket. Having these readily available will help prevent any potential delays or complications. -In Cairo,dress comfortably and adjust to the local weather conditions. It's also important to be mindful of local customs and social traditions, as these are significant aspects of Egyptian culture. -Securing travel insurance is crucial to cover medical emergencies and evacuation in the event of health issues or accidents during your travels. Write down important emergency numbers and local medical resources to ensure access to vital information: Police: 122 Ambulance: 123 Fire Department: 180 Tourist Police: 126 Embassy Assistance: In case of emergencies, your country's embassy can provide assistance and advice. -Carry local currency and a credit card with you, as some establishments may not accept card payments. This will facilitate your transactions and ensure ease of conducting business while traveling. With our insider tips, you’ll be well-prepared for your adventure in Cairo, from the vibrant streets of downtown to the timeless wonders of the Pyramids. Get ready to explore Cairo! Enjoy your journey! FAQ: Cairo Airport Transfers How do I get to the Bus Station from Terminal 2 or 3? Take the free MiniMetro shuttle (every 15-30 min) to Terminal 1. Follow signs to the Bus Station in the parking area (approximately a 2 to 15-minute ride). What’s the cheapest way to get to downtown? Public buses 111 to Shoubra and bus line 381 towards Imbaba cost around 10 to 15 EGP. However, these buses take approximately 50 to 60 minutes and start from Terminal 1. Payments are made in cash directly to the driver. They can be quite crowded, so shuttle buses may be a more comfortable budget option. What if I land late at night? Taxis and Uber services are available 24/7. While shuttle buses operate late, their frequency may decrease after 11 PM. Public buses stop running around 7 PM, so it is advisable to opt for a taxi or a pre-booked shuttle if you are arriving late.