Getting Around Cairo
Cairo offers multiple transportation options, though traffic congestion is severe, especially during rush hours (8-10am, 4-7pm). Plan extra travel time accordingly.
From the Airport:
- Cairo International Airport (CAI): Located 22 km northeast of downtown. Options include airport taxis (200-300 EGP to downtown), Uber/Careem (150-250 EGP), or hotel shuttles. Avoid unlicensed taxi drivers soliciting inside terminals.
Metro System:
The Cairo Metro is the fastest, cheapest, and most reliable way to navigate Cairo. Three operating lines connect major districts:
- Line 1 (Red): Runs north-south including Helwan to El-Marg, passing through Sadat Station (Tahrir Square/Egyptian Museum)
- Line 2 (Yellow): Runs through Giza and connects to downtown
- Line 3 (Green): Connects Cairo International Airport to city center
- Tickets: Very cheap (5-7 EGP per ride). Purchase at station booths. Trains run 5:30am-midnight (later on weekends).
- Women-only cars: First two cars of every train are reserved for women. Men may receive fines for entering.
- Note: Metro doesn't reach Giza Pyramids directly; use taxi/Uber for pyramid visits.
Taxis & Ride-Sharing:
- Uber and Careem: Most recommended for tourists. Reliable, cashless payment, no haggling. Widely available throughout Cairo. Download apps before arrival.
- White taxis: Metered taxis with air conditioning. Ensure driver uses meter or agree on price before departure.
- Black & white taxis: Older, often no meter. Always negotiate price before entering.
- Typical fares: Downtown to Giza Pyramids: 80-150 EGP by Uber; Downtown to Islamic Cairo: 30-60 EGP
Buses:
Public buses are very cheap but crowded, hot, and difficult for non-Arabic speakers to navigate. Not recommended for tourists.
Private Drivers & Tours:
Hiring private drivers or joining organized tours is comfortable and efficient, especially for visiting multiple sites or day trips. Expect 400-800 EGP per day for private drivers. Hotels can arrange reliable drivers.
Walking:
Walking is excellent for exploring specific neighborhoods (Islamic Cairo, Zamalek, Downtown) but impractical for longer distances due to heat, traffic, and distances between major sites. Always stay alert when crossing streets; traffic rules are loosely followed.