Cairo International Airport (CAI) to Cairo
There is no metro to Cairo Airport yet, so most visitors use Uber or Careem, a pre-booked transfer or an airport taxi. The trip to Downtown takes about 30–60 minutes and to Giza about 60–90 minutes, depending heavily on traffic.
Best for most people: Ride-hailing or pre-booked transfer. Uber and Careem show the price in advance and avoid negotiating, while a transfer adds a driver waiting in Arrivals.
All the options
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ride-hailing Uber or Careem from the designated pick-up areas at the terminal | about 30–60 min to Downtown, 60–90 min to Giza | often about 250–500 EGP to Downtown, more to Giza (varies with demand) | 24 h | Check the pick-up point in the app carefully; it may be in a car park rather than at the kerb. | |
| taxi Official airport limousine or taxi desks in Arrivals with fixed prices | about 30–60 min to Downtown | fixed price, higher than ride-hailing; confirm before paying | 24 h | Use the official desks inside the terminal rather than accepting offers from people approaching you in the arrivals hall. | |
| bus Public buses and minibuses towards the city run from near the terminals | often over an hour | varies | very cheap, in cash | mainly daytime; check locally | Routes and signs are mostly in Arabic and buses get crowded; hard to use for first-time visitors with luggage. |
| private transfer Pre-booked transfer or hotel pick-up meeting you in Arrivals | depends on traffic | fixed price agreed in advance | any flight time | Recommended for late-night arrivals or hotels near the Pyramids. |
*Approximate 2026 prices and times. Services change: check the operator before you fly, especially for late arrivals.
Sort it before you land
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Other airports
- Sphinx International Airport (SPX), west of Giza, handles a small number of flights and is closer to the Pyramids
Tips
- Get a local SIM or eSIM at the airport so ride-hailing apps work as soon as you land.
- Decline offers from people approaching you in the arrivals hall and use the official desks or apps.
- Traffic is unpredictable; evening rush hour can double journey times.
- Carry small Egyptian pound notes for tips and luggage help.
- Check which terminal you land at (1, 2 or 3); pick-up points differ.
Common questions
How much is a taxi from Cairo Airport to Downtown?
Prices change with inflation. Uber or Careem typically cost a few hundred Egyptian pounds to Downtown, roughly 250–500 EGP, more to Giza. Official airport limousine desks charge a fixed, higher price. Always agree on or check the fare before you set off, and use the desks inside the terminal rather than touts.
Is there a metro from Cairo Airport?
Not at the moment. A metro link to the airport has been planned, but there is no metro station at the terminals today. Most visitors use Uber, Careem, an official taxi or a pre-booked transfer. Public buses exist but are difficult with luggage.
How long does it take from Cairo Airport to the Pyramids?
Allow about 60–90 minutes to Giza, and more at rush hour, because the route crosses the whole city. Some travellers staying near the Pyramids look at flights into Sphinx International Airport, which is closer but has few flights. Leave extra time for your return flight.
Can I use Uber at Cairo Airport?
Yes. Uber and Careem both operate at Cairo Airport and are popular with visitors because the price is shown in advance. You need mobile data, so buy a SIM or eSIM on arrival. Check the pick-up point in the app, as it may be in a car park.
Compiled by TonyPlan from airport and transport-operator information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.