Airports in Egypt
Cairo International Airport (CAI)
Overview
The biggest airport in Egypt, Cairo International Airport is the main gateway to the wonders of the ancient pharaohs, serving more than 16 million passengers each year. The airport is located 14 miles (22km) outside of Cairo, and is accessible by bus or taxi.
The facilities at Cairo International Airport are good, especially in the brand-new 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 14 miles (22km) from Cairo.
Getting to the city
There are taxis outside the main arrivals hall; the journey to central Cairo takes around 45 minutes. An 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.
Luxor International Airport (LXR)
Location
The airport is situated four miles (6km) east of Luxor city.
Getting to the city
The best way to the city is by taxi (journey time 15min), but there is also a regular bus service available, although it is generally very crowded.
Time
Local time is GMT +2.
El Nouzha Airport (ALY)
Location
El Nouzha Airport is located in Alexandria, 4.3 miles (7 km) south-east of the city centre.
Getting to the city
Taxis are available outside the terminal building and fares should be negotiated before entering the taxi. Drivers often prefer to be paid in US Dollars, Euros or British Pounds.
Time
GMT+2
Hurghada Airport (HRG)
Overview
Hurghada International Airport is one of the main gateways (along with Sharm El-Sheikh) to Egypt's popular Red Sea resorts. Located three miles (5km) from El Dahar in central Hurghada, the airport handles about seven million passengers each year.
The airport's single terminal has recently expanded to add a number of duty-free stores and restaurants and a second runway. The facility is much larger and more modern, contrasting sharply with the cramped chaos of the old terminal.
Location
Hurghada Airport is located 3 miles (5km) south of the city of Hurghada El Dahar.
Getting to the city
Taxis are available outside the terminal building but rates should be negotiated before entering the taxi. Drivers often prefer to be paid in US Dollars, Euros or British Pounds. The journey time to Hurghada El Dahar (Downtown) is approximately 20 minutes. You can also find transfers from the airport to town by minivan or bus; minibuses are available outside the airport, leaving once full.
Time
GMT+2
Contacts
Tel: +20 65 344 2592.
Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport (SSH)
Overview
Sharm el-Sheikh Airport is an airport well known by many holidaymakers from across Europe. The airport, also known as Ophira Airport, is the gateway to Egypt's popular Sharm el-Sheikh and Dahab resorts.
A number of charter companies and low-cost carriers offer cheap flights to Sharm el-Sheikh. The small airport handles over seven million passengers each year and although there are often complaints about dirty facilities and luggage theft, it is still Egypt's second busiest airport.
Location
Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport is located 11 miles (18km) north-east of Sharm el Sheikh centre, near Ras Nasrani.
Getting to the city
Regular taxis and tourist taxis, which are known to charge almost double that of regular ones, can be found at the taxi rank outside the arrivals area. Blue and White taxis are the only ones allowed to go into the town centre of Naama Bay. Minibuses also operate to Sharm el Sheikh and leave once full. The journey to Sharm el-Sheikh centre is approximately 20 minutes.
Time
GMT+2
Contacts
Tel: 069 362 3353.
Cairo International Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.
Become our Egypt Travel Expert
We are looking for contributors for our Egypt travel guide. If you are a local, a regular traveller to Egypt or a travel professional with time to contribute and answer occasional forum questions, please contact us.
Egypt Highlights
Egypt Highlights can organise Nile cruises, city breaks to Cairo and the pyramids, private guides and full 15-day tours of the country.
ADVERTISEMENT
iExplore
iExplore designs made-to-order, privately-guided adventure tours to Egypt and over 200 other world wonders. Come Back Different!
ADVERTISEMENT
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel, one of the world's leading suppliers of small group adventures focused on getting off the beaten track, interacting with the locals and having real life experiences throughout Egypt.
ADVERTISEMENT




