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 Hertz.

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 5 per hour.

Website

www.cairo-airport.com

Internet

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.