How to Get from Cairo Airport to Cairo City
All Transport Options — Updated 2026 · Cairo International Airport (CAI)
Quick Comparison
| Option | Cost (EGP) | Cost (USD) | Journey Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uber / Careem | EGP 200–400 | ~$4–8 | 30–60 min |
| Metered Taxi | EGP 150–350 | ~$3–7 | 30–60 min |
| CTA Airport Bus | EGP 5–10 | ~$0.10–0.20 | 45–90 min |
| Metro + taxi feeder | EGP 10–50 | ~$0.20–1 | 50–75 min |
| Private Transfer | USD 15–30 | ~$15–30 | 30–50 min |
Cairo Metro (via Heliopolis)
Cairo does not have a direct metro link to the airport, but the Metro Line 3 station at El-Nozha (Heliopolis) is approximately 15 minutes by taxi from the terminal. From there, the metro runs into central Cairo in 30–45 minutes and is a very affordable option.
- Take a short taxi to El-Nozha Metro Station (Line 3). Fare: EGP 30–60 (~$0.60–1.20).
- Purchase a metro token or card. Single journey fare is EGP 8–10 (~$0.16–0.20).
- Ride toward Adly Mansour or transfer at Attaba for Line 1 (to Tahrir Square, Giza, or Shubra).
- Total combined journey: approximately 50–75 minutes, EGP 40–70 (~$0.80–1.40).
Note: A direct metro extension to the airport has been proposed but is not operational as of 2026. The El-Nozha taxi-plus-metro combination remains the most affordable city-centre option.
Taxi, Uber & Careem
Ride-hailing apps and taxis are the most convenient door-to-door options from Cairo Airport. Uber and Careem (the regional equivalent) both operate reliably from the airport.
- Uber / Careem — Book via app before exiting arrivals. Fares are EGP 200–400 (~$4–8) to central Cairo (Tahrir, Zamalek, Downtown), with journey times of 30–60 minutes. Both apps show fixed prices upfront.
- Metered taxi — Official taxis are available outside arrivals. Negotiate the fare before entering or insist on the meter. Expect EGP 150–350 (~$3–7) to central Cairo. Tip: agree on a price in writing if language is a barrier.
- Private transfer (pre-booked) — Highly recommended for late-night arrivals. USD 15–30 for a meet-and-greet transfer provides peace of mind and avoids negotiating after a long flight. Many hotels offer this service.
CTA Airport Bus
The Cairo Transport Authority (CTA) operates public bus routes from the airport at an extremely low cost. These buses are a local commuter service and are best suited for budget travellers comfortable navigating Cairo's public transport network.
- Bus 356: Airport → Tahrir Square, EGP 5–10 (~$0.10–0.20), 60–90 min
- Bus 948: Airport → Ramses (central Cairo), EGP 5–10, 60–90 min
CTA buses are extremely affordable but crowded and slow. Not recommended for tourists with large luggage or first-time visitors to Cairo. Service frequency can be irregular outside peak hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest way from Cairo airport at night?
A pre-booked private transfer (USD 15–30) is the safest and most hassle-free option at night. Uber and Careem are also reliable alternatives. Avoid negotiating with unlicensed taxi drivers at night.
Is there a metro from Cairo airport?
Not directly. The nearest metro station is El-Nozha on Line 3, about 15 minutes by taxi from the airport. From there, the metro connects to Tahrir Square and other central areas in 30–45 minutes.
How long does it take from Cairo airport to Downtown Cairo?
By Uber or Careem, expect 30–60 minutes to Downtown Cairo (Tahrir Square). Journey times can extend to 90 minutes during morning and afternoon rush hours.
Do taxis at Cairo airport use meters?
Many do not. Always negotiate a price before entering or confirm the meter will be used. Uber and Careem are more transparent as they show the fare upfront in the app.
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