This post is full of tips about transportation in Cairo. The chaotic vibe of the city is very present also in the traffic. So, if you’re traveling to Egypt and still don’t know how to get around the city, don’t miss any of these tips. Especially how to leave and arrive at Cairo’s airport.
How to get to and from the airport in Cairo:
Cairo International Airport is the main international airport of Cairo. As well as the largest airport in Egypt. Most of the flights coming from other countries will arrive at this airport. With the exception of some European and Middle Eastern flights that arrive directly at the seaside in Egypt, such as Sharm El Sheik and Hurghada’s airport.
Located 22 km from the city center, it can take from 30 minutes to more than an hour to reach it by car. This is because the traffic in the city is very intense. That’s why we recommend always leaving early to catch your flight, especially if it’s during the day.
The terminals are all connected but can be quite a walk to move from one to another. So make sure you warn your driver which terminal you will depart from. The best way to get there, as well as to leave the airport, is to get a private car.
Taking a taxi can be quite tricky as they will try to negotiate a fixed price for the trip. And be aware, because Egyptians can negotiate for hours, and most probably you will still pay more than calling a car by an App. In Egypt Uber works well, but there is also Careem. This local App can have cheaper rates most of the time.
Ways of Transport in Cairo:
Buses
Regular line buses are extremely precarious. Poorly signposted, dirty, and without air conditioning. However, they are extremely cheap. I recommend using it only if you speak Arabic or are in the company of an Egyptian. However, more recently some lines called Smart Bus were implemented.
Smart Bus lines cost around 15 EGP a trip and the ticket can be purchased directly from the driver. The buses are new and air-conditioned. Identifying them is quite easy compared to other buses that circulate. In addition, they have a sign indicating the destination. I recommend downloading Google Maps to check the routes in real time.
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Subway
Cairo’s metro connects some of the city’s main points. It’s very efficient and easy to use. I recommend it for the low cost, in addition to avoiding traffic. However, some very tourist spots do not have lines nearby. For example, in Giza, the stations are very far from the pyramids complex.
To walk around the center and the historic part of the city, some of the main metro stations are Sadat, which connects two lines and has an exit to Tahrir Square. The Mubarak station is close to Cairo’s train station and the Mar Girgis, which leads to the Coptic area of Cairo, close to several churches.
Microbus
A very common transport on the streets of Cairo is the minibusses. These vans are privately operated by the drivers, but the price is almost standard across all of them. Despite being heavily used by Egyptians, I don’t recommend using them unless you’re accompanied by a local.
A safer option, but also economical, is to use the vans operated by Uber and Swvl. Both companies have applications in which they sell tickets according to the distance to be traveled. In the app, you can follow the route, check the address where the van will pick you up, and the closest stop to your destination. Payment is made directly in the app.
Taxi
Taxis are available in any city in Egypt. However, be careful as many drivers don’t turn on the meter and charge what they want for the ride (especially if you look like a foreigner). In places like the airport, many taxi drivers charge a fixed price as we mentioned.
I recommend using apps like Uber instead of taxis. The price is nearly always lower than the taxi, and you can follow the route. There is also the local version of Uber, the Careem app. Sometimes with cheaper prices than the competitor.
Car rental
Although renting a car is considered useful for those who are going to travel to several distant areas in a city, I do not recommend it in Cairo. That’s because traffic is intense throughout the day and drivers don’t usually respect rules. Most don’t give a signal and dangerously cut the roads.
For pedestrians in Cairo, traffic can also be challenging. Look for crossings with traffic lights and always be on the watch for all sides of the road. Another tip is to always cross the streets with groups. Guards often end up helping tourists stuck on roads.
Got other questions? Check our FAQ below for more information.
FAQ Transportation in Cairo
There are several companies that rent cars in Cairo. Companies like Sixt and Enterprise are some of the ones that operate there. However, be prepared to face the chaotic traffic of the city. Never rent without insurance.
Despite the lack of a quality public transport system, Cairo has a metro that covers several points in the city center. Some apps like Swvl offer shared transport in vans. They are a good option while moving to distant locations.
Yes. Metro lines in Cairo cover most of the older areas of the city. However, some tourist attractions such as the pyramids do not have a metro station nearby.
To use the metro in Cairo, just go to the nearest station. They are signposted and, when you go down to the basement, you will find the ticket office. It’s necessary to inform your destination as the price is calculated according to the number of stations you will ride.
Some apps can make getting around Cairo easier. For example Uber and Careem (the Egyptian version of the former). For more economical trips, it’s possible to schedule shared rides through the Swvl and Uber bus applications.
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