Getting Around

The most efficient and reliable public transport in Cairo is the Metro, which has the added advantage of being very cheap. The route connects Helwan in the south of the city to the north. There is also a subway line between Giza and Shubra. The first two carriages are reserved for women only.

The streets of Cairo are well supplied with taxis, which may have fare meters but are unlikely to use them. Fares vary and should be negotiated up front and are usually shared. Taxis from hotels tend to cost double that of hailed taxis.

The bus and minibus services operating in the city are considered risky for tourists because of overcrowding and the potential for pick pocketing. Buses also require at least a working knowledge of Arabic to navigate.

Walking is a fairly good option for taking in the atmosphere of Cairo, but be warned, streets are not marked and maps are not much help, so it is easy to lose direction. Driving in Cairo is not for the faint-hearted as few road rules are adhered to, traffic is heavy at all times, and streets are poorly signposted.

Airports

Cairo International

The airport is situated 13.7 miles (22km) from central Cairo.

Cairo International (CAI)

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.

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.

www.cairo-airport.com