Cairo International Airport
مطار القاهرة الدولي
Cairo, Egypt · Since 1945
Last updated:
About CAI
The busiest airport in Egypt and a major hub for EgyptAir.
Terminals
Terminal 1
Older terminal handling some domestic and international flights. Currently being renovated with improved facilities and services.
Terminal 2
Handles EgyptAir domestic flights and some international carriers. Features shops, restaurants, and currency exchange.
Terminal 3
Newest and largest terminal, opened 2009. EgyptAir's main international hub. Features modern duty-free shops, lounges, and the best dining options.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at CAI
EgyptAir
Terminal 3 Hub
Nile Air
Terminal 2
Aegean Airlines
Aeroflot
Air Algerie
Air Arabia
Air Cairo
Air China
Showing 8 of 55 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Taxi
EGP 200-400 (~$4-$8)
30-60 minutes to city center
Public Transport
EGP 10-20 (~$0.20-$0.40)
45-75 minutes to city center
Parking at CAI
Terminal 3 Covered Parking
Terminal 2 Parking
Terminal 1 Parking
Long Stay Parking
Airport Lounges
First Class Lounge Terminal 3
Terminal 3
Premium First Class lounge with Egyptian fine dining, spa treatments, private sleeping rooms, and dedicated boarding. EgyptAir First Class passengers.
EgyptAir Star Alliance Lounge
Terminal 3
EgyptAir's premium lounge in Terminal 3 with Egyptian and international cuisine, bar, shower suites, and sleeping area. Star Alliance Gold access.
Premier Lounge Terminal 3
Terminal 3
Independent lounge with Egyptian mezze, hot dishes, and shower facilities. Priority Pass accepted. Open 24 hours.
Business Lounge Terminal 2
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 lounge with Middle Eastern food, beverages, and Wi-Fi. Open to various card programs and walk-in guests.
CIP Lounge Terminal 1
Terminal 1
Basic lounge in Terminal 1 with snacks, beverages, and seating. Good for escaping the crowded terminal.
Where to Stay
Connected Hotels
Le Passage Cairo Hotel & Casino
Inside Terminal 3, connected via walkway
Only hotel directly connected to the airport. Luxury rooms, casino, multiple restaurants, and pool. Perfect for transit passengers.
Nearby Hotels
Holiday Inn Cairo Airport
85 Airport Road, Heliopolis
Reliable mid-range option with restaurant, pool, and airport shuttle. Clean and comfortable for overnight transit.
Novotel Cairo Airport
Airport Road, 2 km from terminal
Modern hotel near the airport with pool, gym, restaurant, and free airport shuttle. Good value for transit stays.
Hilton Cairo Heliopolis Waterfall
Heliopolis, 3 km from airport
Luxury hotel with stunning waterfall feature, pool complex, spa, and multiple restaurants. Free airport shuttle available.
Intercontinental Citystars Cairo
Citystars complex, 5 km from airport
Connected to one of the Middle East's largest shopping malls. Pool, spa, and numerous dining options.
Food & Dining
Gad
Egyptian/Shawarma
Terminal 1 (Landside)
Popular Egyptian chain serving shawarma, liver sandwiches, and Egyptian breakfast. Very affordable and authentic.
24 hours
Tabasco
Egyptian/Fast Food
Terminal 2 (Airside)
Egyptian fast food chain with shawarma, kofta, grilled chicken, and traditional Egyptian street food. Quick and authentic.
24 hours
Felfela
Egyptian
Terminal 3 (Airside)
Famous Cairo restaurant serving authentic Egyptian cuisine: koshari, ful medames, falafel, and molokhia. A true taste of Egypt.
24 hours
Costa Coffee
Coffee/Cafe
Terminal 3 (Airside)
Popular coffee chain with espresso drinks, pastries, and sandwiches. Multiple locations throughout Terminal 3.
24 hours
Sbarro
Italian/Pizza
Terminal 3 (Airside)
Familiar pizza chain with slices, pasta, and salads. Reliable option for families and familiar food seekers.
06:00-23:00
Cilantro
Coffee/Cafe
Terminal 3 (Landside)
Egyptian coffee chain with quality espresso, fresh juices, pastries, and light sandwiches. Popular local alternative to international chains.
05:00-23:00
Car Rental
Hertz Egypt
Terminal 3 arrivals, car rental counters
International brand. Cairo driving is extremely challenging. Consider hiring a driver instead. International permit required.
Europcar Egypt
Terminal 3 arrivals, car rental counters
Counter at arrivals. Egyptian driving can be chaotic. GPS essential. Be prepared for creative traffic rules.
Budget Egypt
Terminal 3 arrivals
Budget option. Strongly recommend hiring a car with driver for Cairo. Self-driving not recommended for first-time visitors.
Avis Egypt
Terminal 3 arrivals
Available at airport. Consider renting only for highway trips outside Cairo (Alexandria, Red Sea resorts).
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Airport Duty-Free Shopping
Terminal 3 has good duty-free shopping with Egyptian cotton products, papyrus art, essential oils, and traditional souvenirs.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Nile River Felucca Ride
Take a traditional felucca sailboat ride on the Nile at sunset. A peaceful escape from Cairo's chaos with views of the city skyline.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Explore Cairo's most famous medieval bazaar. Shop for spices, perfumes, gold, brass, and traditional crafts in a labyrinth of narrow alleys.
Coptic Cairo Walking Tour
Visit ancient Coptic churches, the Hanging Church, and the Coptic Museum in one of Cairo's oldest neighborhoods.
Grand Egyptian Museum
The new Grand Egyptian Museum near the Pyramids houses Tutankhamun's treasures and over 100,000 artifacts spanning 5,000 years of Egyptian history.
Great Pyramids of Giza
Visit the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. See the Great Pyramid, Sphinx, and panoramic desert views. Hire a taxi for a round trip from the airport.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (30 minutes free)
- Power Outlets: Type C, Type F (European standard)
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: EGP 50-100 per day (~$1-$2)
- Showers: Free in lounges
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
Money & Currency
- Currency: EGP (Egyptian Pound)
Smoking Areas
Designated smoking rooms in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Outdoor areas at all terminals.
Facilities & Contact
Official Website
Phone
+20 2-2265-5000
Traveler Reviews
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Compare with Nearby Airports
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