Cairo International Airport Guide (CAI) – Cairo

IATA: CAI ICAO: HECA Cairo, Egypt 3 Terminals

Airport Overview

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the busiest airport in Africa and the Arab World by passenger traffic, located approximately 22 km northeast of central Cairo in the Heliopolis district. The airport handled over 21 million passengers annually before the pandemic and serves as the primary hub for EgyptAir, a member of the Star Alliance. Cairo is a crucial transit hub connecting flights from Europe and North America to sub-Saharan Africa, East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and South Asia. The airport features three passenger terminals and a significant cargo operation.

Terminals

Terminal 1: Handles a mix of domestic EgyptAir flights and some international carriers, particularly airlines from Africa and the Arab world.
Terminal 2: Primarily handles low-cost and charter carriers as well as some full-service international airlines. Connected to Terminal 1 by a covered corridor.
Terminal 3: The modern terminal completed in 2009 and the primary hub for EgyptAir's international operations. The most modern and well-equipped terminal with extensive retail and lounge facilities. All Star Alliance partners operate from T3.

💡 Terminal 3 is the main hub for EgyptAir and Star Alliance flights. Allow at least 2.5 hours for international connections at CAI, especially between different terminals. Free shuttle buses connect all three terminals.

WiFi Availability

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Cairo Airport terminals. Connect to the network "Cairo_Airport_WiFi" and register via the browser portal with your email address or phone number. Complimentary sessions are available, though speeds may be variable during peak hours. Egypt has some internet filtering in place, but VPNs generally work. Premium paid internet packages are available through kiosk services in the terminals.

Transport to City Centre

Cairo Metro (Line 3)

Cairo Metro Line 3 does not directly serve the airport, but buses connect to the nearest metro stations. Alternatively, the Airport Metro Station (Al-Nozha Station on Line 1) is accessible via taxi from the airport in 10 minutes, from where you can reach central Cairo (Tahrir Square) in approximately 35 minutes by metro. The metro fare is EGP 8–10 (approx. USD 0.15–0.20). An extension of Line 3 to the airport is planned.

Bus Services

Public buses and CTA shuttle buses operate from the airport to Cairo city centre, but routes can be complex. The journey to central Cairo takes 45–75 minutes for EGP 5–15. The airport bus stop is outside each terminal's arrivals exit.

Taxi and Rideshare

Official white metered taxis are available outside arrivals at all terminals; always insist on using the meter. Uber and Careem are available in Cairo with app-based transparent pricing. The journey to central Cairo (Tahrir Square/Downtown) takes 30–50 minutes and costs EGP 200–450 (USD 4–9) by metered taxi or app. Cairo traffic can be severe; allow extra time during rush hours.

Airport Lounges

Cairo Airport, particularly T3, offers good lounge facilities for premium passengers and Priority Pass holders.

EgyptAir Horus Lounge (T3): EgyptAir's flagship first class lounge with a la carte Egyptian dining, bar, showers, and spa. Accessible to Star Alliance Gold and Platinum members.
EgyptAir Business Class Lounge (T3): Business lounge with hot buffet featuring traditional Egyptian cuisine, comfortable seating, and prayer room.
Plaza Premium Lounge (T3): Priority Pass and DragonPass accepted; full hot and cold dining and shower facilities.
Marhaba Lounge (T1 and T2): Pay-per-use lounge accessible to all passengers regardless of airline or travel class.
Cairo Airport Premium Lounge (T3): Additional pay-per-use lounge near international departure gates with full buffet and Wi-Fi.

Hotels Near the Airport

The Heliopolis district surrounding the airport offers excellent hotel options, many within 10–20 minutes of the terminals.

Novotel Cairo Airport (on-site): Four-star hotel directly connected to Terminal 1, with 24-hour room service and an airport-view pool.
Sheraton Cairo Hotel, Towers and Casino: Approximately 15 km from the airport near the Nile in Dokki, a classic Cairo landmark.
Marriott Mena House: Iconic historic hotel approximately 25 km from the airport with a view of the Great Pyramid of Giza — possibly the world's most spectacular hotel backdrop.
Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo: Luxury five-star Nile-side hotel approximately 20 km from the airport in Garden City.
Le Meridien Cairo Airport: Approximately 2 km from T3, convenient for early departures or late arrivals with multiple dining options and a pool.

Food and Restaurants

Cairo Airport offers a blend of Egyptian local flavours and well-known international chains across all three terminals.

Felfela Restaurant (T3): Classic Egyptian restaurant chain serving ful medames, koshari, and kofta; an authentic taste of Cairo's cuisine.
Starbucks (T3, airside): Full menu available near the international departure gates, open extended hours.
McDonald's (T1 and T3): Full menu with Egypt-specific items; open during all flight operating hours.
Cinnabon (T3): Popular with both domestic and international travellers for freshly baked cinnamon rolls and coffee.
Pizza Hut (T2): Full menu served in a sit-down environment in Terminal 2's food court.
Egyptian Coffee Houses (various terminals): Traditional ahwa-style coffee stands serving strong Egyptian coffee and mint tea alongside local pastries.

Travel Tips

Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Cairo Airport (30-day single entry, USD 25). US, UK, EU, and most Western passport holders qualify; check the Egyptian e-visa portal before travel for cost savings.
Currency exchange at the airport gives reasonable rates; change sufficient Egyptian Pounds (EGP) for initial expenses as many local vendors do not accept cards.
Egypt is a conservative Muslim-majority country; dress modestly in the airport and throughout the country, especially when visiting mosques and religious sites.
The Pyramids of Giza, Egyptian Museum, and Khan el-Khalili Bazaar are all within 25–40 minutes of the airport by taxi — well worth a layover visit.
Cairo traffic is notoriously chaotic; allow ample time for road transport, especially during morning and evening rush hours.
Security at CAI is thorough; arrive at least 2.5–3 hours before international departure, especially for US and European flights.
Tipping (baksheesh) is customary in Egypt; small tips for porters, taxi drivers, and restaurant staff are expected and appreciated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from Cairo Airport to the city centre?

Taxi or Uber/Careem is the most common option: EGP 200–450 to central Cairo/Tahrir Square taking 30–50 minutes. You can also take a taxi 10 minutes to Al-Nozha Metro Station (Line 1) and then ride the metro for just EGP 8 to the city centre in 35 more minutes. Public buses are cheapest but complex to navigate.

Do I need a visa to enter Egypt at Cairo Airport?

Most Western nationalities (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia) can obtain a visa on arrival at Cairo Airport (USD 25, 30 days). Alternatively, apply for an Egyptian e-Visa online before travel for the same cost but faster arrival processing. Check Egypt's Ministry of Immigration website for your specific nationality's requirements.

Which terminal at Cairo Airport is best for EgyptAir international flights?

Terminal 3 is EgyptAir's primary hub for all international operations. All Star Alliance partner airlines also use T3. Terminals 1 and 2 handle other carriers and domestic routes. Always verify your terminal at check-in, as some charter and regional airlines may use T1 or T2.

Does Cairo Airport have Priority Pass lounges?

Yes, the Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 3 accepts Priority Pass and DragonPass memberships. The Marhaba Lounge in T1 and T2 offers pay-per-use access. EgyptAir's Horus Lounge is accessible to Star Alliance Gold/Platinum members and EgyptAir first/business class passengers.