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Home/Cairo Travel Guide/Cairo International Airport (CAI)
Before you go

Cairo International Airport (CAI)

Egypt's main international gateway, northeast of the city center — here's what to expect on arrival and the best ways into town.

Airport codeCAI
Terminals3 (Terminal 2 mainly domestic/some int'l)
Distance to Downtown~25–45 min by car
Visae-Visa or visa on arrival for many nationalities

Terminals

Cairo International Airport has three terminals; most international flights, particularly on EgyptAir and its partner airlines, use Terminal 3, while Terminal 1 handles a mix of international carriers and Terminal 2 is used for some other routes. Check your terminal on your boarding pass or airline confirmation, since transfers between terminals take extra time.

Visa and immigration

Many nationalities can obtain an Egyptian visa on arrival at the airport for a cash fee, or arrange an e-Visa online in advance, which is generally faster on arrival. Requirements vary by nationality and do change, so confirm current rules on Egypt's official visa portal shortly before you fly — see our dedicated visa guide for more detail.

Getting into the city

Uber and Careem both operate at CAI and are a straightforward, fare-transparent option. Official airport taxis and hotel transfers are also available; if using a taxi, confirm the fare before departing rather than after. Traffic varies hugely by time of day, so budget generously — anywhere from 25 minutes to well over an hour to central Cairo.

Practical tips

Have your hotel address written in Arabic if possible, since it helps drivers and reduces confusion. If you're arriving very late or departing very early, consider a hotel near the airport for that one night rather than doing the full drive at an awkward hour — see our airport hotels guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a visa on arrival at Cairo Airport?

Many nationalities can, for a cash fee paid at the airport, though an e-Visa arranged online in advance is often faster and increasingly common. Requirements vary by nationality, so check Egypt's official visa portal before you travel.

How do I get from Cairo Airport to Downtown or Zamalek?

Uber, Careem, official airport taxis or a pre-booked hotel transfer are all straightforward options, typically taking 25 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic.

Which terminal at Cairo Airport do I need?

Most international flights use Terminal 3, but check your specific airline and booking confirmation, since Terminals 1 and 2 also handle a range of routes.