Getting Around Cairo

The Cairo Metro

Cairo's metro is one of the few in the region, fast, inexpensive, and a genuinely useful way to skip surface traffic — particularly Line 1, which runs through Sadat station under Tahrir Square and down to Mar Girgis for Coptic Cairo. It doesn't reach Giza or Zamalek directly, so it's best combined with taxis or ride-hailing for those legs.

Uber and Careem

Both ride-hailing apps operate widely in Cairo and are the easiest option for most visitors — fares are shown upfront, payment can be cashless, and there's no need to negotiate. This is generally the recommended default for point-to-point trips, including out to Giza.

Traditional taxis

Cairo's white taxis are plentiful and cheap but typically unmetered in practice, so agree a fare before getting in, or ask your hotel for a rough expected price for the route. If a driver won't agree a price upfront, it's easiest to just find another taxi or switch to a ride-hailing app.

Hiring a private driver for the day

For days covering multiple spread-out sites — Giza plus Saqqara plus Dahshur, for example, or a day trip to Alexandria — a private driver booked for a full day through your hotel or a tour operator is often more efficient and comparably priced to stringing together several individual taxi or Uber rides, and it removes the friction of finding transport at each stop.

Frequently Asked Questions