Egypt Transportation Guide

Cairo International Airport (CAI)

Egypt's Main International Gateway

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the busiest airport in Egypt and second-busiest in Africa, serving over 20 million passengers annually. Located 20km northeast of Cairo, it connects Egypt to the world and serves as the main hub for EgyptAir with connections to over 100 destinations across Africa, Middle East, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

International Connections

The airport offers direct flights to major cities globally including:

Europe: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Rome, Madrid, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Athens, Vienna
Middle East: Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah, Doha, Kuwait, Beirut, Amman
Asia: Bangkok, Singapore, Mumbai, Delhi, Beijing, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul
Africa: Johannesburg, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Khartoum, Casablanca
North America: New York (JFK), Washington DC, Toronto (seasonal)

Airport Facilities

Free WiFi in terminals (registration required)
Restaurants, cafes, and food courts (24-hour in T3)
Duty-free shopping (alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, electronics)
Currency exchange and ATMs
SIM card shops (Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat)
Prayer rooms in all terminals
Left luggage storage facilities

Airport Terminals

Terminal 1: Mainly domestic and some regional flights
Terminal 2: EgyptAir and Star Alliance international flights
Terminal 3: Most international flights, newest and largest
Seasonal Terminal: Charter flights during peak season

From Cairo Airport to City Center

🚇 Cairo Metro Line 3

Cost: EGP 15 (airport supplement included)
Duration: 45-60 minutes to Tahrir Square (with transfers)
Schedule: 5:00 AM - midnight daily
Stations: Terminal 3 & Terminal 2 have Metro stations
Benefits: Cheapest option, avoids traffic, air-conditioned
Note: Need to transfer at Attaba or Nasser for most destinations

🚕 Airport Taxi

Cost: EGP 150-250 to Downtown/Tahrir (negotiate before entering)
Duration: 30-60 minutes (traffic-dependent)
Types: White taxis (official) or yellow (older)
Payment: Cash only (EGP)
Tips: Agree on price first; many drivers don't use meters
Note: Be firm on price; tourist prices can be inflated

📱 Uber / Careem (Recommended)

Cost: EGP 150-200 to Downtown (fixed price shown in app)
Duration: 30-60 minutes depending on traffic
Pickup: Designated areas at terminals (follow signs)
Payment: Credit card via app or cash
Benefits: Fixed pricing, no haggling, reliable, track driver
Note: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - avoids taxi scams and negotiation

🚐 Airport Shuttle Bus

Cost: EGP 30-50 (varies by destination)
Route: Airport - Tahrir Square - Giza (stops at major hotels)
Schedule: Every 30 minutes, 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Duration: 60-90 minutes with stops
Benefits: Cheap, direct to hotel areas
Note: Can be crowded; limited luggage space

Cairo Metro - Africa's First Metro System

The Metro System

Cairo Metro, inaugurated in 1987, is the first metro system in Africa and the Arab world. It serves over 4 million passengers daily with three lines covering 77 stations across Greater Cairo. The Metro is air-conditioned, affordable, and the fastest way to navigate Cairo's notorious traffic.

Metro Lines & Key Stations

Line 1 (Red) - Helwan ↔ El Marg (44 stations, 43km):
- Key Stations: Sadat (Tahrir Square, Egyptian Museum), Nasser (Ramses Station), Ghamra
- Connects: Tahrir Square, Ramses Railway Station, Old Cairo (Mari Girgis)
Line 2 (Yellow) - Shubra El-Kheima ↔ El Mounib (20 stations, 21km):
- Key Stations: Giza (Pyramids area), Opera, Sadat (interchange), Dokki, Shubra
- Connects: Giza Pyramids area, Cairo Opera House, Downtown
Line 3 (Green) - Cairo Airport ↔ Imbaba (34 stations, 41km):
- Key Stations: Cairo Airport, Abbasiya, Attaba, Nasser (interchange)
- Connects: Cairo International Airport, Downtown connections
Transfer Stations: Sadat (Lines 1&2), Nasser (Lines 1&3), Attaba (Lines 2&3)

Operating Hours & Frequency

Daily: 5:00 AM - 12:00 midnight (every day)
Frequency: Every 3-5 minutes during peak hours, 5-10 minutes off-peak
Friday: Same hours (no holy day closure)
Ramadan: Slightly reduced service during daytime

Metro Fares (Very Affordable!)

Standard Ticket: EGP 5-7 (depending on number of stations)
Airport Trips: EGP 15 (from/to Cairo Airport - includes supplement)
Payment: Buy individual tokens at ticket windows (cash only)
No Card System: Buy new token for each journey (no rechargeable card)
Subscription Cards: Available for frequent users (residents)

Getting Around Cairo

📱 Uber / Careem (Highly Recommended)

Cost: EGP 50-150 for most Cairo trips
Benefits: Fixed pricing, no haggling, safe, tracks route
Payment: Cash or credit card via app
Coverage: Excellent in Cairo, Alexandria, other major cities
Languages: App in English, drivers speak Arabic (use map pin)
Safety: Much safer than street taxis, especially for tourists
Tips: Download both apps; Uber usually cheaper, Careem more drivers

🚕 White Taxis (Metered)

Cost: EGP 5-10 flag fall + per km (meter should be used)
Reality: Many refuse to use meter - negotiate before entering
Typical Fares: EGP 80-150 for cross-city trips
Payment: Cash only (EGP)
Tips: Agree on price first; tourist prices often 2-3x local prices
Note: Uber/Careem much easier for tourists - highly recommended

🚕 Yellow Taxis (Older)

Type: Older taxis without working meters
Cost: Must negotiate everything - EGP 50-200 depending on distance
Tips: Know rough prices first; negotiate hard
Language: Drivers speak limited/no English
Recommendation: Use Uber/Careem instead unless familiar with Cairo
Scams: Common - may take long routes or claim "no change"

🚍 Public Buses & Microbuses

Cost: EGP 2-5 (extremely cheap)
Coverage: Extensive citywide network
Reality: Crowded, no AC in many, difficult for tourists
Language: Signs and announcements in Arabic only
Payment: Cash to conductor or driver
Note: Not recommended for tourists unless adventurous
Alternative: Microbus (shared vans) - very local, not tourist-friendly

🚗 Private Driver / Tour Guide

Cost: EGP 500-1,500 per day (8 hours with car)
Benefits: Comfort, flexibility, local knowledge, no hassle
Ideal For: Visiting Pyramids, Memphis, Saqqara, day trips
Book Through: Hotel concierge or reputable tour companies
Tips: Negotiate package including entrance fees
Worth It: Especially for families or small groups

🚶 Walking in Cairo

Feasibility: Limited - distances large, traffic chaotic, heat intense
Good For: Islamic Cairo, Khan el-Khalili area, Zamalek island
Challenges: Poor sidewalks, heavy traffic, pollution, aggressive drivers
Safety: Watch for traffic; few pedestrian crossings respected
Tips: Walk in specific neighborhoods only; use transport between areas
Best Areas: Nile Corniche, Zamalek, Garden City, Islamic Cairo old streets

✈️ Domestic Flights - EgyptAir Express

Flying Within Egypt

Domestic flights are an excellent way to cover Egypt's vast distances quickly, especially for reaching Upper Egypt (Luxor, Aswan) and Red Sea resorts. EgyptAir and EgyptAir Express operate frequent domestic routes.

Major Domestic Routes

Cairo (CAI) ↔ Luxor (LXR):
- Duration: 1 hour flight
- Frequency: Multiple daily flights
- Cost: $80-150 USD one-way
- Alternative: 10-11 hour train or overnight sleeper
Cairo (CAI) ↔ Aswan (ASW):
- Duration: 1.5 hours flight
- Frequency: Daily flights
- Cost: $100-180 USD one-way
- Alternative: 12-13 hour train or overnight sleeper
Cairo (CAI) ↔ Hurghada (HRG):
- Duration: 1 hour flight
- Frequency: Daily flights
- Cost: $70-130 USD one-way
- Alternative: 5-6 hour drive
Cairo (CAI) ↔ Sharm El-Sheikh (SSH):
- Duration: 1 hour flight
- Cost: $80-150 USD one-way
- Alternative: 6-7 hour drive

Booking & Tips

Book Early: Cheaper fares 2-4 weeks in advance
Airlines: EgyptAir, Nile Air, Air Cairo
Luggage: Usually 23kg checked + 8kg carry-on included
Check-In: 2 hours before domestic flights recommended
Delays: Common - buffer time if connecting

                        Other Egyptian Airports
                        Alexandria (ALY): Mediterranean coast
Luxor (LXR): Gateway to Valley of Kings
Aswan (ASW): Upper Egypt, Abu Simbel access
Hurghada (HRG): Red Sea beaches and diving
Sharm El-Sheikh (SSH): Sinai Peninsula resorts
Marsa Alam (RMF): Southern Red Sea diving destination

                        
                        International Flights from Other Cities
                        Hurghada & Sharm: Many European charter flights (UK, Germany, Russia)
Alexandria: Limited international, mainly Middle East
Luxor: Some European charters during winter season

                    

🚂 Trains - Egyptian National Railways

Overnight Sleeper Trains (Recommended)

Operator: Watania Sleeping Trains (private, tourist-focused)

Cairo ↔ Luxor: Departs 8 PM, arrives 5 AM (10 hours)
- Cost: $80-120 USD one-way per person
- Includes: Private 2-berth cabin, dinner, breakfast
- Benefits: Saves hotel night, comfortable, scenic
Cairo ↔ Aswan: Departs 8 PM, arrives 8 AM (13 hours)
- Cost: $100-140 USD one-way per person
- Includes: Private cabin, meals, bedding
- Stops: Can get off at Luxor
Booking: Online via wataniasleepingtrains.com or tour operators
Tips: Book early (limited capacity); bring snacks/water

Regular Daytime Trains

Egyptian National Railways (ENR)

Cairo ↔ Alexandria: 2-3 hours, EGP 40-90
- Frequent service (every 1-2 hours)
- Classes: 1st class AC (recommended), 2nd class, 3rd class
Cairo ↔ Luxor/Aswan: 10-14 hours, EGP 100-200
- Not recommended for tourists (slow, uncomfortable)
- Sleeper train or flight much better options
Booking: At Ramses Station (Cairo) or online (Arabic mainly)
Classes: Always book 1st class AC for comfort

Train Tips

Sleeper trains excellent value - saves hotel + travel time
Delays common - buffer time if connecting
Bring food/snacks - limited dining car service
1st class AC recommended (2nd/3rd very basic)
Book sleeper trains 1-2 weeks in advance

Long Distance Travel in Egypt

🚌 Intercity Buses

Major Operators: Go Bus (best), Blue Bus, Super Jet, East Delta
Cairo to Alexandria: 3-3.5 hours, EGP 80-120
Cairo to Hurghada: 5-6 hours, EGP 150-250
Cairo to Sharm El-Sheikh: 6-7 hours, EGP 200-300
Booking: Online (Go Bus app) or at stations
Benefits: Affordable, frequent, air-conditioned (Go Bus)
Tips: Go Bus is most reliable and comfortable for tourists

⛵ Nile River Cruises

Route: Luxor ↔ Aswan (or reverse), 3-7 night cruises
Cost: $400-2,000 USD per person (all-inclusive)
Includes: Accommodation, meals, guided temple tours, entertainment
Stops: Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Esna Lock
Season: Year-round, best Oct-April
Benefits: Combines transport + accommodation + sightseeing
Tips: Book through reputable operators; check ship standard

🚗 Rental Cars

Cost: EGP 400-1,200 per day (depending on car type)
Requirements: International Driving Permit + home license
Minimum Age: 25 years (most companies)
Companies: Hertz, Budget, Avis, local companies
Challenges: Chaotic traffic, aggressive drivers, poor signage
Recommended: Only if experienced with challenging driving
Tips: Comprehensive insurance essential; avoid driving in Cairo

🚐 Private Tours & Transfers

Day Tours: EGP 800-2,000 (driver + guide + car)
Multi-Day: EGP 1,500-3,000 per day (all-inclusive packages)
Airport Transfer: EGP 200-400 (pre-booked)
Benefits: Hassle-free, local knowledge, comfort
Book Through: Hotels, GetYourGuide, Memphis Tours, Egypt Tailor Made
Tips: Negotiate package deals; split costs with other travelers

🚢 Red Sea Ferries

Hurghada ↔ Sharm El-Sheikh: Fast ferry service
Duration: 1.5-2 hours across Gulf of Suez
Cost: $50-70 USD one-way
Schedule: Several times weekly (check current schedule)
Egypt ↔ Jordan: Ferry from Nuweiba to Aqaba
Duration: 1-2 hours (slow ferry) or 1 hour (fast ferry)
Cost: $70-110 USD depending on ferry type

Essential Transportation Apps & Resources

📱 Must-Have Apps

Uber: Ride-hailing (highly recommended!)
- Available in Cairo, Alexandria, other major cities
- Fixed pricing shown upfront
- Cashless or cash payment
- Track driver and share trip
Careem: Popular ride-hailing alternative
- Often more drivers than Uber
- Similar pricing and features
- Local company, well-integrated
Google Maps: Navigation and public transport
- Works well in Egypt
- Shows Cairo Metro routes
- Real-time traffic updates
- Download offline maps
Maps.me: Offline navigation
- Essential when WiFi unavailable
- Detailed city maps
- Works without internet
Go Bus: Book intercity buses
- Best bus company for tourists
- Online booking in English
- Modern, comfortable coaches

🗺️ Navigation Tips

Download offline maps before arrival
Pin your hotel location for easy return
Screenshot addresses in Arabic for taxi drivers
Save important locations offline
Use GPS coordinates for remote sites

🎫 Booking Resources

Trains: wataniasleepingtrains.com (sleeper), enr.gov.eg (regular trains)
Buses: go-bus.com (English booking available)
Flights: egyptair.com, booking.com, skyscanner.com
Nile Cruises: Book through tour operators or hotels

⚠️ Important Notes

Traffic in Cairo is extremely congested - allow extra time
Transport delays common - build buffer into schedule
Always agree on taxi price BEFORE entering
Keep small bills (EGP 5, 10, 20) for various services
Friday traffic lighter (many offices/businesses closed)

Getting to Major Attractions

🗿 Pyramids of Giza

Metro: Line 2 to Giza Station, then taxi/Uber (EGP 50-80)
Uber from Downtown: EGP 100-150 (30-45 minutes)
Organized Tour: Includes transport (recommended)
Tips: Metro + taxi/Uber cheapest; tours most convenient

🏛️ Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

Location: Next to Giza Pyramids
Metro + Uber: Line 2 to Giza, then Uber EGP 50-80
Direct Uber: EGP 120-180 from Downtown Cairo
Tour Package: Often combined with Pyramids visit
→ Pre-book GEM Tickets

🏺 Egyptian Museum (Tahrir)

Metro: Line 1 or 2 to Sadat Station (Tahrir Square)
Walk: Museum right at Tahrir Square, 5-min walk
Cost: EGP 5-7 Metro ticket
Tips: Easiest to reach by Metro; avoid taxis (traffic)

🕌 Islamic Cairo & Khan el-Khalili

Metro: Line 1 to Attaba or Bab El Shaaria
Walk: 10-15 minutes from Metro to Khan el-Khalili
Uber: Can drop at edge of bazaar area
Tips: Walking is part of experience in Islamic Cairo

🏛️ Luxor Temples & Valley of Kings

Within Luxor: Taxi, Uber/Careem, or bicycle rental
East Bank: Luxor & Karnak Temples - taxi EGP 50-100
West Bank: Valley of Kings - ferry + taxi EGP 200-400
Organized Tour: Recommended (includes all transport + guide)
Bicycle: Possible on East Bank, not recommended for West Bank

🏖️ Red Sea Resorts

Hurghada/Sharm: Hotel shuttles, taxis, resort transport
Diving Sites: Dive centers provide boat transport
Inter-Resort: Taxis negotiable, Uber available in Hurghada
Day Trips: Book through hotels or dive centers
Tips: All-inclusive resorts often include airport transfers

Essential Transportation Tips

                Pro Tips for Navigating Egypt
                Download Uber & Careem: Essential for stress-free transport - avoids haggling
Learn Cairo Metro Basics: Cheapest and fastest in Cairo
Bring Small Bills: Always have EGP 5, 10, 20 notes ready
Agree on Prices First: For taxis, boats, everything - before service starts
Book Sleeper Trains Early: Limited capacity, popular with tourists
Consider Domestic Flights: Save time on long distances (Cairo-Aswan)
Avoid Rush Hours: 7-9 AM and 3-6 PM in Cairo (nightmare traffic)
Friday is Lighter: Less traffic on Islamic holy day
Women on Metro: First and last cars are women-only (optional but less crowded)
Patience Required: Traffic jams, delays normal - build in buffer time

            

Metro Etiquette

Let passengers exit before boarding
Women-only cars (1st and last) - optional for women
Give priority seats to elderly, pregnant women, disabled
No eating or drinking allowed
Keep voices down, use headphones for music
Watch belongings (pickpockets in crowded cars)
Large luggage allowed but avoid rush hour

Taxi & Uber Tips

Always Use Uber/Careem: Saves money and stress
Street taxis: Negotiate FIRMLY before entering
Tourist prices 2-5x local prices - know rough costs
Have destination written in Arabic
Small bills essential - "no change" is common excuse
Don't accept "meter broken" - find another taxi or use Uber
Tip: Round up to nearest 10 EGP appreciated

Money-Saving Transport Tips

Cairo Metro incredibly cheap (EGP 5-7 vs EGP 50-150 taxi)
Uber always cheaper than street taxis (and safer)
Overnight trains save hotel night (EGP 1,500 vs hotel + day train)
Share private drivers/tours with other travelers
Walk in specific areas (Islamic Cairo, Luxor East Bank)
Go Bus cheaper than trains for some routes
Book flights early for domestic routes (50% savings)

Travel Between Major Egyptian Cities

Cairo ↔ Alexandria

Train: 2-3 hours, EGP 40-90 (1st class AC recommended)
Bus: 3 hours, EGP 80-120 (Go Bus comfortable)
Taxi: 2.5-3 hours, EGP 800-1,200 (negotiate)
Distance: 220km via Desert Road or Agricultural Road
Best Option: Train (frequent, comfortable, city center to city center)

Cairo ↔ Luxor

Flight: 1 hour, $80-150 USD (fastest, most comfortable)
Sleeper Train: 10 hours overnight, $80-120 USD (saves hotel)
Regular Train: 10-11 hours daytime, EGP 100-200 (not recommended)
Bus: 9-10 hours, EGP 200-300 (Go Bus)
Distance: 670km
Best Option: Flight (if budget allows) or sleeper train

Cairo ↔ Aswan

Flight: 1.5 hours, $100-180 USD
Sleeper Train: 13 hours overnight, $100-140 USD
Regular Train: 13-14 hours, EGP 150-250 (not recommended)
Distance: 880km
Best Option: Sleeper train (scenic) or flight (fast)

Luxor ↔ Aswan

Nile Cruise: 3-4 days, $400-1,500 (best experience!)
Train: 3-4 hours, EGP 50-100
Bus: 3-4 hours, EGP 80-150
Distance: 210km along Nile
Best Option: Nile cruise (combines transport + sightseeing)

Cairo ↔ Red Sea (Hurghada/Sharm)

To Hurghada:

Flight: 1 hour, $70-130 USD
Bus: 5-6 hours, EGP 150-250 (Go Bus)
Drive: 5-6 hours (450km)

To Sharm El-Sheikh:

Flight: 1 hour, $80-150 USD
Bus: 6-7 hours, EGP 200-300
Drive: 6-7 hours through Sinai (scenic)

Abu Simbel (from Aswan)

Tour Bus: 3.5 hours each way (departs 4 AM convoy)
Cost: EGP 300-600 for tour including transport + guide
Flight: 30 minutes, $120-200 USD (EgyptAir)
Distance: 280km south of Aswan
Tips: Early morning convoy required; book tour day before

Siwa Oasis (from Cairo)

Bus: 8-10 hours, EGP 200-350 (West Delta or private)
Distance: 560km west through Western Desert
Schedule: Limited buses (check schedule)
Tips: Book tour package including transport recommended