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. 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. 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 shout 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. 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, it is cheaper to get it on an Egyptian SIM card. It is more convenient to buy this SIM card in the airport building and activate it. 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 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 bus numbers 111 and 381 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, buy your ticket from the driver and ensure to bring local currency change. Many hotels provide transfers for guests. You may be met by a representative before passing through immigration. The hotels with transfers are: Concorde El Salam Hotel, Heliopolis, Le Meridien, Hilton, Conrad, Marriott, 4 Seasons,Sonesta, Intercontinental, and Baron Hotel & Resort. 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. 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. Hotel desks are on arrival. There is a post office in Terminal 3 for 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 It is better to book a car rental in advance by submitting an online application. You can book a car through the RentalCars aggregator. Depending on the class of car, the rental cost per day will vary significantly. It starts from 15 US dollars. If you need navigation services or a child seat, the cost will increase. You need a visa to enter the city. To visit Egypt, you need a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the territory of this country. There are also some Egyptian resorts (from the Sinai Peninsula) for which a visa is not required. As long as the stay is no longer than 15 days and you don't leave the Sinai Peninsula. Travel insurance is recommended when you go on vacation in Egypt. In the case of most destinations in the world, hospitalization and emergency medical services are paid for. A day of hospitalization in a private unit can cost between 100-300 dollars. The costs of these services can be recovered if you have taken out an insurance policy. From a safety point of view, in cases of minor crimes such as pickpocketing and car theft, it is recommended that valuables, original documents, travel tickets, etc. be kept in a safe place. The local traditions and customs of the Egyptians must be respected. The outfits displayed in public are recommended to be decent, as well as the behavior. Egyptians are 90% 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 essential to start searching for flights at least a month or two in advance to secure the best deals. -Consider booking red-eye flights, which are often cheaper than daytime flights, and opt for weekday travel instead of holiday periods. This can result in significant savings, with prices potentially being 40% lower than day trips. -To avoid high air ticket prices and last-minute issues, plan ahead and book tickets and accommodations well in advance. Research online for special discounts and secure your tickets as soon as possible. -Before departing the airport, ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including your passport, ID card, and flight ticket. This will help prevent any potential issues or delays. -In Cairo, dress comfortably and adapt to the local weather conditions. Be mindful of local customs and social traditions, as these are important aspects of Egyptian culture. -In case of an emergency, Cairo Airport's first aid center provides medical assistance. Travel agencies and local tourist agents can also assist with organizing trips and developing plans. -It's crucial to purchase travel insurance to cover medical emergencies and evacuation in case of health conditions or accidents during travel. Write down emergency numbers and local medical resources to ensure you have 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 places may not accept cards. This will allow you to conduct your affairs with ease, using cash when necessary. With our insider tips, you'll be well-prepared for your adventure in Cairo, from the bustling streets of downtown to the ancient wonders of the Pyramids. Get Ready to Explore Cairo! Enjoy Your Journey!