Cairo International
Cairo International Airport (CAI)
Overview
The biggest airport in Egypt and one of the biggest in Africa, Cairo International Airport is the main gateway to the wonders of the ancient pharaohs, with the capacity to serve about 30 million passengers per year.
The facilities at Cairo International Airport are good, especially in Terminal 3, which boasts more than 5,000 square feet of retail space and a food court. The terminals are spread out over two miles (3km) apart, so passengers should allow time for the shuttle ride when transferring.
Cairo is also a busy air traffic hub, with many flights between the east and west connecting in the city. For this reason flights to Cairo airport are available from many cities in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia.
Location
The airport is situated 13.7 miles (22km) from central Cairo.
Getting to the city
There are taxis outside the main arrivals hall; the journey to central Cairo takes around 45 minutes. The Airport Shuttle bus is a convenient way to get from the airport to downtown Cairo and along the Pyramids Road in Giza. Public buses and air-conditioned coaches also leave regularly from Terminal 1.
Time
Local time is GMT + 2.
Contacts
Tel: +(202) 2265 5000.
Car rental
Car hire companies at the airport include Avis, Budget, Europcar and Sixt.
Airport Taxis
Taxis may have fare meters but are unlikely to use them. Fares vary and should be negotiated up front. Cairo taxis are black and white.
Transfer between terminals
The three terminals are about two miles (3km) apart and are linked by a free shuttle, which departs about every half an hour.
Facilities
Facilities include a restaurant and several cafeterias, banks and ATMs, a bureau de change, pharmacies, an internet café in Terminal 1, five-star lounges for business and first class passengers, smoking rooms (Terminal 1), tourist information desks and travel agencies. Duty-free shopping is also available.
Parking
Parking is available adjacent to Terminal 1, at a rate of EGP 20 for the first three hours.
Website
www.cairo-airport.comInternet
There is wifi, however the signal is often unreliable.
Business Lounges
The business centre in Cairo International Airport is located in Terminal 1, and offers computer and fax services. Conference facilities are available in the Novotel Cairo Airport Hotel.
Cairo International Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.