Cairo International Airport to Cairo by Bus — Costs, Times & Tips (2026)
Getting from CAI to the city centre is cheap and surprisingly simple. Public CTA buses start from just EGP 5 (≈ $0.10) and run 24 hours a day. This guide covers every option, step-by-step boarding instructions, and tips to avoid common mistakes in 2026.
Journey time
45–75 min
From as little as
EGP 5
Runs
24/7
Destination
Tahrir Square
All Transport Options at a Glance
Prices are indicative for 2026. Exchange rate: USD 1 ≈ EGP 49.
| Option | Time | Cost (EGP) | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTA Bus 356 / 948Best value | 45–75 min | EGP 5–15 | ~$0.10–$0.30 | Cheapest option; runs 24 h; can be crowded |
| Airport Express Bus | 35–55 min | EGP 20–40 | ~$0.40–$0.80 | A/C, fewer stops; departs from T1 & T3 |
| Metro + Bus combo | 55–80 min | EGP 15–25 | ~$0.30–$0.50 | Bus to Heliopolis then metro Line 1 |
| Uber / Careem | 25–50 min | EGP 200–450 | ~$4–$9 | Door-to-door; surge pricing in rush hour |
How to Take the Bus from Cairo Airport: Step-by-Step
Follow these 5 steps to board CTA Route 356 or 948 from Terminal 1 or Terminal 3.
Exit arrivals & follow the signs
After collecting luggage and clearing customs, exit through the arrivals hall. Follow the blue 'Ground Transport' signs toward the terminal forecourt. Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 have dedicated public bus bays on the lower level, roughly a 3-minute walk from the exit doors.
Locate Bus Bay A (CTA stop)
At Terminal 3 (the main international hub), head to Bus Bay A on the right side of the forecourt. A small blue-and-white CTA sign marks the stop. For Terminal 1 arrivals, walk left out of the terminal — the bus stop is roughly 100 m ahead, beside the car hire booths.
Board Route 356 or 948
Route 356 runs to Abdel Moneim Riad terminal (downtown Cairo, near Tahrir Square) and Route 948 goes to Ramsis Square (main intercity bus hub). Both run approximately every 20–30 minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The journey to Tahrir takes 45–75 minutes depending on traffic.
Pay the driver or conductor
Fares are paid in cash to the conductor onboard. Keep small EGP notes handy — EGP 5–15 depending on your stop. The conductor will give you a paper ticket; keep it until you exit. There is no card payment on public CTA buses.
Alight at your stop
Announce your stop to the conductor if you are unsure. Abdel Moneim Riad station (Tahrir) is the last stop on Route 356 and is unmistakable — a large bus terminal in front of the Egyptian Museum. From Ramsis (Route 948) you can connect to Cairo Metro Lines 1, 2, and 3.
- Download the Careem or Uber app as a backup — airport Wi-Fi is available at both terminals.
- Rush hour in Cairo runs 8–10 am and 4–7 pm; add 20–30 min to estimates during these windows.
- Buy a local SIM card at the arrivals hall (Orange, Vodafone, or Etisalat) for real-time Google Maps navigation.
- Bus 356 passes through Heliopolis — a convenient drop-off if your hotel is in that district.
- Confirm the bus number before boarding; informal minibuses (microbuses) also stop at Bus Bay A and charge slightly less but have no fixed schedule.
Related Guides & Route Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the bus run at night from Cairo Airport?
Yes. CTA Route 356 and 948 operate 24 hours a day, including overnight. However, frequency drops to approximately every 40–60 minutes between midnight and 5 am. For very late or very early arrivals consider the Airport Express Bus or a rideshare for a quicker, more reliable journey.
How much luggage can I bring on the Cairo Airport bus?
There are no official luggage restrictions on CTA buses, but carriages can be crowded and there is no dedicated luggage rack. Most passengers keep bags on their laps or in the aisle. If you have more than one large suitcase, the Airport Express Bus — which has slightly more space — or a Uber/Careem ride is more practical.
Is it safe to take the bus alone from Cairo Airport at night?
For most travellers the public bus is considered safe during daylight hours and early evening. At night, solo travellers — especially women — may prefer the Airport Express Bus or a verified rideshare app (Uber/Careem) for greater comfort and peace of mind. Always keep valuables secured and be aware of your surroundings in busy terminals.
Planning a longer stay in Cairo?
Discover the best neighbourhoods, must-see landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza, and hidden local gems in our full Cairo destination guide.
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