Cairo International Airport (CAI)

Arriving international passengers pass through visa purchasing or verification, immigration control, baggage claim, and customs inspection before exiting into the public arrivals hall.

• If requiring a visa-on-arrival, purchase the official visa sticker at bank counters located immediately before immigration control using hard currency cash.
• Proceed to immigration control with your valid passport, completed arrival card, and pre-purchased visa sticker or e-Visa document.
• Collect checked luggage from the assigned carousel listed on display screens in the baggage hall.
• Clear customs inspection; all baggage is typically passed through X-ray scanners prior to entering the exit hall.
• Exit into the arrivals hall where currency exchange, mobile SIM card kiosks, and licensed transport services are available.

• Ride-hailing

  App-based rideshare

  Services such as Uber operate at CAI. Pickups are generally arranged outside the arrivals levels of Terminals 2 and 3.

  Time:

  Typically 45–90 minutes depending on Cairo traffic

  Typical cost:

  Roughly 150–300 EGP

• Taxi

  Airport limousine / Official pre-paid taxi

  Pre-paid limousine desks are situated in the arrival halls, offering fixed rates based on destination.

  Time:

  Typically 45–90 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Roughly 350–700 EGP depending on destination zone

• Bus

  Public bus (CTA)

  Cairo Transport Authority buses depart from the central bus station between terminals toward central hubs such as Abdel Moniem Riad Terminal near Tahrir Square.

  Time:

  Typically 60–100 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Roughly 10–20 EGP

• Train

  Metro connection via shuttle/taxi

  Take a short taxi or shuttle ride to Adly Mansour or El Ahram metro station to join Metro Line 3 into central Cairo.

  Time:

  Typically 60–80 minutes total

  Typical cost:

  Roughly 20–60 EGP total

Transferring between terminals requires moving landside or taking the free automated people mover.

• An automated people mover (APM) links Terminal 1, the Air Mall, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the long-term car park free of charge.
• International-to-domestic transfers require clearing immigration, collecting luggage, passing customs, and proceeding to the domestic departure area.
• Allow at least 2 to 3 hours for inter-terminal transfers due to security checks and immigration procedures.

Wireless internet is available across major terminal areas, though service quality can vary.

• Free Wi-Fi access is provided in passenger areas, often requiring SMS authentication or network login.
• Connection speeds can be inconsistent during peak operational periods.
• Local mobile SIM cards with data packages can be purchased in the arrivals hall from major national telecommunication providers.

Banking and foreign exchange facilities are plentiful before and after passport control.

• Bank branches operating before immigration control sell official visa-on-arrival stickers in major foreign currencies (such as USD or EUR).
• ATMs accepting major international cards are located in all terminal arrival halls.
• Egyptian Pounds (EGP) are necessary for local public transport, small purchases, and tipping.

A range of dining options is available landside and airside in Terminals 2 and 3.

• Options include local Egyptian quick-service outlets, international fast-food chains, and coffee shops.
• Facilities operating 24 hours are located in both the departure and arrival landside areas.
• Terminal 1 offers fewer dining choices compared to the newer Terminals 2 and 3.

Multiple airline and independent lounge facilities operate across Terminals 2 and 3.

• EgyptAir operates several exclusive lounges in Terminal 3 for premium class passengers and Star Alliance Gold members.
• Independent and pay-per-use lounges are available in Terminals 2 and 3, accessible via commercial lounge pass schemes or walk-in payment.
• Lounge amenities generally include seating, refreshments, Wi-Fi, and flight information displays.

On-site and near-airport accommodation options serve overnight transit passengers.

• The Le Méridien Cairo Airport hotel is directly connected to Terminal 3 via a covered pedestrian skybridge.
• Numerous transit and business hotels are located within a 5-to-15-minute drive from the airport perimeter.
• Hotel shuttle transfers can be arranged directly with major airport hotels prior to arrival.

Baggage assistance, lost property desks, and wrap services are available within the terminal complex.

• Baggage wrap services operate in the landside departures areas of Terminals 2 and 3.
• Porters operate near baggage carousels and terminal exits; negotiated or standard fees apply.
• Lost or damaged luggage enquiries must be directed to your operating airline's handling agent in the baggage hall before exiting.

Basic family facilities are present throughout the passenger terminals.

• Baby care rooms and nursing spaces are integrated into main restroom facilities across Terminals 2 and 3.
• Stroller access is available throughout all terminals via lifts and ramps.
• Children's play areas are limited, though some airline lounges offer dedicated family zones.

• ATMs and currency exchange
• Mobile SIM card outlets
• Pre-paid taxi desks
• Automated People Mover
• Smoking lounges
• Prayer rooms
• Medical clinics
• Duty-free shopping

Local emergency number: Police: 122 | Tourist Police: 126 | Ambulance: 123

• For medical issues within the airport, contact terminal staff or approach the medical clinic located in the main terminal buildings.
• The Tourist Police maintain desks in the arrivals areas to assist foreign visitors with security or documentation concerns.
• If you lose your passport, contact your embassy in Cairo immediately after securing a police report from the airport police office.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Cairo International Airport Official PortalOfficial airport source
• Egypt e-Visa Official PortalGovernment source
• Egyptian Customs AuthorityGovernment source
• Cairo Metro Official SiteOfficial transit source
• Egyptian Ministry of Health and PopulationGovernment source