Cairo International Airport
Also known as: Cairo Airport, CAI Airport.
Private transfer from CAISee pricesSee pricesAbout Cairo International Airport
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the main airport for Cairo, Egypt's capital, and the busiest airport in the country, handling about 30.9 million passengers in 2025. It stands in Heliopolis, about 22 km (14 miles) northeast of downtown Cairo, and the drive into the center usually takes 25 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
EgyptAir has its hub here, with flights across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia and nonstop routes to New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles and Toronto. Gulf airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad and Saudia, European airlines such as Lufthansa, British Airways and Turkish Airlines, and Egyptian carriers Air Cairo and Nile Air add many more routes, including domestic flights to Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.
The airport has three passenger terminals. Terminal 3, the largest, is joined to Terminal 2, while Terminal 1 is a separate building; an automated people mover and free buses link them, and a Seasonal Flights Terminal handles pilgrim flights.
From the airport, most travelers head to hotels in downtown Cairo, Zamalek and along the Nile, to Giza for the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, or to the newer districts of Heliopolis, New Cairo and the New Administrative Capital to the east.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
Cairo Airport Company
- Passengers per year
About 30.9 million in 2025
- Runways
Three
- Terminals
Terminals 1, 2 and 3, plus a Seasonal Flights Terminal
- Main airline
EgyptAir (hub, Terminal 3)
Arrival tips for Cairo International Airport
Check your arrival terminal before anyone comes to meet you: EgyptAir and its Star Alliance partners arrive at Terminal 3, many other international airlines at Terminal 2, and Egyptian private, low-cost and charter flights mostly at Terminal 1, a separate building.
Most visitors need a visa. If you don't have an e-visa, buy a visa on arrival at the bank counters in the arrivals hall before passport control, then join the immigration line. Lines can be long when several flights land together. After passport control, collect your bags and pass through customs into the arrivals hall.
Banks, currency exchange and SIM card kiosks for the Egyptian mobile networks are in the arrivals areas of Terminals 1 and 3. Official taxis, ride-hailing pickup zones and the free shuttle bus to the airport bus station are outside each terminal. Pre-booked drivers usually meet you at the arrivals exit with a name sign, and people offering rides inside the terminal are best politely declined.
Egypt uses the Egyptian pound and is on Eastern European Time (UTC+2), with daylight saving time (UTC+3) from late April to late October.
Ground transportation
A taxi, ride-hailing car or pre-booked transfer is the practical way into the city; the Metro does not reach the airport.
Compare providers for your exact address
Enter your hotel to see the price and every provider serving it.
Book a transfer from CAITaxi from Cairo airport
Official taxis wait at the ranks outside arrivals at each terminal. White taxis run on a meter; agree the fare first if the meter is not used.
Uber and Careem
Both ride-hailing apps operate at the airport, with signposted pickup zones outside arrivals. The fare shows in the app before you confirm.
Public buses from the airport bus station
A free shuttle links the terminals with the airport bus station, where city buses leave for Tahrir Square, Abbassia and other parts of Cairo. They are slow and crowded with luggage.
Car rental
International rental companies, including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt, have desks at the airport. Cairo traffic is heavy and driving takes confidence.
Private transfer
A pre-booked car meets you at the arrivals exit, useful for families, late arrivals and longer trips to Giza, New Cairo or Alexandria.
Moving between terminals
- 1
Walkway between Terminals 2 and 3
Terminals 2 and 3 are joined by a bridge, so you can walk between them; allow about 15 minutes.
- 2
Automated people mover
A free driverless train links Terminal 1, the multi-story parking garage, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 on the landside, running frequently through the day.
- 3
Free shuttle bus
Free airport buses run between the terminals and the airport bus station from stops outside each terminal.
Terminals
Terminal assignments at Cairo change from time to time, so check the terminal on your ticket or with your airline before you fly.
Terminal 1
The oldest terminal, a separate building from Terminals 2 and 3. Used mainly by Egyptian private airlines such as Air Cairo and Nile Air, low-cost and Arab regional carriers, and charter flights.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Air Arabia, Air Cairo, flynas, Nile Air
Terminal 2
Rebuilt and reopened in 2016 and joined to Terminal 3 by a bridge. Used by many international airlines outside Star Alliance, including Gulf and European carriers.
Airlines commonly assigned here: British Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways, Royal Jordanian
Terminal 3
The largest terminal, opened in 2009. EgyptAir's hub for international and domestic flights, shared with its Star Alliance partners.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Aegean Airlines, Austrian Airlines, EgyptAir, Lufthansa, Swiss, Turkish Airlines
Seasonal Flights Terminal
A separate terminal opened in 2011 and used mainly for Hajj and Umrah pilgrim flights. Your airline tells you if your flight uses it.
Airlines and destinations
Facilities
Visa on arrival counters
Bank counters selling visas on arrival are in the arrivals areas, before passport control.
Currency exchange
Exchange bureaus operate in the terminals, including 24-hour counters in arrivals at Terminal 1 and bank branches in arrivals and departures at Terminal 3.
Banks and ATMs
Bank branches and ATMs are in Terminals 1 and 3.
SIM cards
Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat and WE kiosks are just after customs at Terminal 3, and Vodafone and Orange at Terminal 1.
Pharmacy
Pharmacies are in the departure areas of Terminals 1 and 3.
Medical center
A 24-hour medical center operates in Terminal 3.
Prayer rooms
Prayer rooms are available in the terminals.
Left luggage
Left-luggage services are available at the airport, including in the Terminal 1 arrivals area.
Car rental desks
Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt have rental desks at the airport.
Airport hotel
Le Méridien Cairo Airport stands in front of Terminal 3 and is linked to it by a skyway with a moving walkway.
Airport lounges
EgyptAir lounges, Terminal 3
EgyptAir runs several lounges in Terminal 3, including Almeisan, Gienah and Alioth, for EgyptAir and Star Alliance business and first class passengers and Star Alliance Gold members.
Emirates Lounge, Terminal 2
Opened in 2018 on the upper level of Terminal 2, for Emirates first and business class passengers and eligible Skywards members.
Accessibility and passenger assistance
Requesting assistance
Request wheelchair or other assistance through your airline when you book, and confirm it at least 48 hours before you fly.
Reduced mobility
Wheelchairs are available on request, the terminals have adapted toilets, and dedicated parking spaces are close to the terminals.
Parking
Multi-story parking garage
Opened in 2011 beside Terminal 2 and linked to all three terminals by the automated people mover.
Terminal parking lots
Short- and long-term parking lots stand directly outside the terminals.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Cairo airport from downtown Cairo?
Cairo International Airport is in Heliopolis, about 22 km (14 miles) northeast of downtown Cairo and Tahrir Square. The drive usually takes 25 to 45 minutes, and longer at rush hour. Taxis, Uber and Careem, public buses from the airport bus station and pre-booked cars all run into the city; the Metro does not reach the airport.
How far is Cairo airport from the Pyramids of Giza?
The Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum are on the far west side of Greater Cairo, about 40 km by road from the airport. The drive usually takes about an hour, and longer in heavy traffic, because the route crosses the city or follows the Ring Road. A taxi, ride-hailing car or pre-booked transfer is the practical way there with luggage.
Which terminal does EgyptAir use at Cairo airport?
EgyptAir uses Terminal 3 for most international and domestic flights, together with its Star Alliance partners such as Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian and Turkish Airlines. Terminal 3 is joined to Terminal 2 by a bridge. Assignments change from time to time, so check the terminal shown on your ticket or in the EgyptAir app before you fly.
Which airlines use Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Cairo airport?
Terminal 1 is used mainly by Egyptian private airlines such as Air Cairo and Nile Air, low-cost and regional Arab carriers and charter flights. Terminal 2 handles many international airlines outside Star Alliance, including Emirates, Etihad, British Airways, Gulf Air and Kuwait Airways. Because assignments change, confirm your terminal with your airline before traveling.
How do I get between terminals at Cairo airport?
Terminals 2 and 3 are joined by a bridge, so you can walk between them in about 15 minutes. Terminal 1 is a separate building: a free automated people mover links it with the multi-story parking garage and Terminals 2 and 3, and free shuttle buses also run between the terminals. Allow extra time if you need to change terminals.
Can I get a visa on arrival at Cairo airport?
Yes. Many nationalities, including US, UK, Canadian, Australian and EU citizens, can buy a single-entry tourist visa on arrival at the bank counters before passport control, paid in US dollars cash. You can also apply in advance for an e-visa at visa2egypt.gov.eg, the official portal. Your passport should be valid for six months after arrival.
Is there a Metro from Cairo airport?
No. The Cairo Metro does not reach the airport yet; a branch of Line 3 to the airport has been planned without a firm opening date. Most travelers take a taxi, an Uber or Careem car, or a pre-booked transfer into the city. Public buses run from the airport bus station, which a free shuttle links with the terminals.
Is Cairo airport the same as Sphinx International Airport?
No. Sphinx International Airport (SPX) is a separate, smaller airport on the Cairo–Alexandria desert road west of Giza, used mainly by low-cost and Gulf airlines. Cairo International Airport (CAI) is in Heliopolis, northeast of the city, and handles most flights to Cairo. Check the airport code on your ticket, because the two are on opposite sides of the city.
Where do I find a taxi at Cairo airport?
Official taxis wait at the ranks outside arrivals at each terminal, around the clock. White taxis are meant to use a meter; if the driver does not switch it on, agree the fare before you get in. Uber and Careem also operate at the airport, with signposted pickup zones outside arrivals, and show the fare before you confirm.
Are there lounges at Cairo airport?
Yes. EgyptAir runs several lounges in Terminal 3, including Almeisan, Gienah and Alioth, for EgyptAir and Star Alliance business and first class passengers and Star Alliance Gold members. Emirates has its own lounge in Terminal 2 for its first and business class passengers. Access rules depend on your airline, ticket and status.
Is there a hotel at Cairo airport?
Yes. Le Méridien Cairo Airport stands in front of Terminal 3 and is linked to the terminal by a skyway with a moving walkway, so you can walk there without leaving the airport. Other hotels, such as the Novotel Cairo Airport, are a short taxi ride away in the airport area and Heliopolis.
Can I buy a SIM card at Cairo airport?
Yes. Kiosks for the Egyptian mobile networks are just after customs in the arrivals areas. At Terminal 3 you find Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat and WE, and at Terminal 1 Vodafone and Orange. Bring your passport, which is needed to register a SIM card in Egypt, and buy a data package before leaving the terminal.
What time zone is Cairo airport in?
Cairo is on Eastern European Time, UTC+2. Egypt observes daylight saving time from late April to late October, when clocks move to UTC+3; in 2026 it runs from 24 April to 29 October. Check your flight times in local time, especially if you land close to the date the clocks change.