Cairo International Airport (CAI) Guide: Your Gateway to Egypt

Nov 27, 2025 0

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is Egypt's primary gateway and one of the busiest airports in Africa, playing a vital role in air travel across Africa. Strategically located in the northeast of Cairo, approximately 15 kilometers from downtown, the airport serves as a crucial hub for both passenger and cargo traffic in the Middle East and North Africa region. In 2023, the airport handled approximately 47 million passengers, reinforcing its status as one of the continent's busiest airports. Cairo International Airport is Egypt’s biggest airport and the home hub of national carrier Egyptair.

This Cairo Airport Guide is here to provide accurate information on the airport experience. Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, this guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport - including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

Overview of Cairo International Airport

Cairo International Airport (CAI) covers approximately 37 square kilometers, making it the largest and busiest airport in Egypt. Opened in 1963, it has grown significantly over the decades, now covering an area of about 40 square kilometers. It is the primary operational base for EgyptAir, facilitating numerous domestic and international flights daily.

Key Facts:

Location: Heliopolis, approximately 15 kilometers northeast of central Cairo
Size: Approximately 40 square kilometers
Runways: Three parallel runways, with the largest capable of handling the A380 superjumbo

Terminals at Cairo International Airport

Cairo International Airport (CAI) features five main terminals designed to accommodate a wide range of travelers. The airport features three main terminals: Terminal 1, which handles international flights, Terminal 2 for domestic and regional flights, and Terminal 3, mainly used by EgyptAir and its Star Alliance partners. Additionally, there is a Seasonal Flight Terminal, which operates during peak travel times to manage increased passenger volume.

Read also: Car Hire Cairo Airport

Terminal Breakdown:

Terminal 1: Handles most international flights and boasts modern amenities. Hall 4 is part of Terminal 1 and focuses on arriving passengers, providing immigration and customs services. The fully-upgraded terminal 1 is sometimes still known as the ‘old airport’. It is subdivided into four halls. These receive flights from several international airlines. Hall 1 is where the majority of passengers depart from Cairo, while hall 3 sees the most arrivals. Meanwhile, hall 2 is almost entirely reserved for Saudia passengers. Hall 4 is unlikely to be of use since it is reserved for flights by private jet. The ‘AirMall’ shopping area is in hall 3.
Terminal 2: Caters primarily to domestic and regional flights. European and Middle Eastern carriers use the newly renovated terminal 2. It contains the Al-Fursan Lounge for first-class Saudia passengers, as well as a duty-free shopping area.
Terminal 3: Used mainly by EgyptAir and its partners for international travel, offering extensive facilities. A bridge links terminal 2 to terminal 3.This terminal is almost twice the size of terminals 1 and 2. It is the main terminal for Egyptair and Star Alliance members, such as Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines. It has 5,000 square meters of retail space and an international food court with European, Middle Eastern, and oriental foods.
Seasonal Flight Terminal: West of terminal 3 lies the seasonal flights terminal. This is an overflow terminal for the Muslim pilgrimage to the hajj.

All the terminals have banks and ATM facilities for currency exchange of major currencies.

Cairo Airport Arrival Tips for Americans traveling to an Egypt Airport

Getting Around Cairo Airport

CAI Airport features multiple terminals, each with distinct sections and facilities. Getting around the airport is facilitated by a range of amenities and clear signage.

Inter-Terminal Transportation:

MiniMetro: The airport operates a MiniMetro automated transit system that connects Terminal 1 with Terminals 2 and 3. It also links to the airport’s multistory car park.
Moving Walkways, Escalators, and Elevators: Strategically placed to assist in smooth navigation throughout the airport premises.

Transportation to and from Cairo Airport

If you’re arriving at Cairo Airport there are a range of options for heading by road from the terminal buildings to the center of Cairo. Alternatively, there are a variety of ways of reaching the downtown area, where you’ll find many of the top hotels in Cairo.

Road Transportation Options:

Limousine Services: The first and most comfortable are the ‘limousine’ services that wait outside the terminal buildings. You don’t have to opt for the opulence of a traditional limousine, however, with four different categories of vehicles available. These include people carriers with space for up to seven passengers. Charges are fixed and dependent on the distance to your destination. However, these services differ substantially in cost. To get the best price, shop around and be prepared to haggle.
Taxis: Cairo also has a good number of taxis. By law, they must have an electronic meter to determine the fare. Drivers can avoid using these meters. You must insist on their use, or threaten to take an alternative vehicle.

Bus Transportation Options:

Using the bus network from the airport to central Cairo is probably of most interest to budget travelers since the hassle largely outweighs any savings. You will first need to get a shuttle bus from the terminal building to Cairo Airport Bus Station.

Read also: Hotels at Cairo Airport

Public Buses: From there you will need to find a bus heading in your direction, though there is very little information in any language other than Arabic. Common destinations include Tahrir Square. Keep a lookout for pickpockets at the bus station. What’s more, you should also be aware, that Cairo buses are not built with large pieces of luggage in mind. Not only might you struggle to carry it up the steep steps, but there is little luggage space. You will have to purchase a ticket for your luggage if it’s taking up space for other passengers. In short, this option is only really recommended if you know Cairo well or are being met by a local. CTA and MM bus companies operate most public buses in the city. They run from 6.30 am until 9.30 pm.

Metro Transportation Options:

At present Cairo’s metro system has no specific airport stop. The closest is that of Heliopolis, which would then require a taxi ride or 8 8-kilometer walk through the suburbs of Cairo to the terminal buildings. The metro operates until 1-2 am each night, with hours extended during the month of Ramadan.

Essential Services and Facilities

Cairo International Airport offers a variety of services and facilities to enhance the travel experience.

ATMs/Cash Machines: Machines are available Landside and Airside in all Terminals.
Currency Exchange: Several banks and currency exchange counters provide full-service banking and currency exchange in all terminals.
Duty-Free & Shopping: Duty-free shopping is available in all 3 Terminals. In addition, a variety of retail shops are available on the landside and airside.
Food & Drinks: At the time of this update, food options are available at all terminals and in the Airmall. However, it is not known if there are any 24-hour food concessions.
Luggage Storage & Lockers: Luggage storage is available in T1 (landside, Level 1, near Arrivals) and T3 (landside, Level 1).
Medical Services: Urgent and emergency medical care is available at the airport’s First Aid station. For access, seek the assistance of an airport staff member. Hours: 24 hours.
Pharmacy: Dr.
Mobile Charging: Free mobile charging stations can be found on the airside. Landside availability is limited to spare outlets, which are often occupied. Bring an adapter.
WiFi/Internet: Free WiFi is available at Cairo Airport. Connect to the “CAI Free WiFi” network. A local mobile number is required for registration.

Airport Lounges

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or using a lounge membership program.

Terminal 1 Lounges:

CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS
First Class Lounge

Terminal 2 Lounges:

CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS
Ahlein Emerald Lounge
Ahlein Premium Lounge
Pearl Assist Lounge
Aifurson Lounge (Saudia)
Emirates Lounge

Terminal 3 Lounges:

CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS
First & Business Class Lounge (CAC Lounge)
Gienah Lounge (EgyptAir)
Alitoth Lounge (EgyptAir)
Almeisan Lounge (EgyptAir)
Eltier Lounge (EgyptAir)

Tips for a Smooth Transit

Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic ones.
Check Terminal Information: Discover the airlines and their terminals at CAI Airport to plan your route through the airport.
Prepare for Security: Understanding these details will help ensure a smooth and efficient journey through the airport.
Have Documents Ready: Have your passports and documents handy, as they will be checked frequently. Passengers arriving in Cairo will need to present their passport and any necessary visas to the immigration officer for inspection.

Additional Tips from Frequent Travelers

"For a quick bite before your flight, head to Terminal 3. The food court there has a great selection of local and international cuisine. I always grab a shawarma from the local spot. It's delicious!" - Ahmed M., Giza, March 2025
"If you're connecting through Terminal 1, give yourself extra time. The terminal is older and can get crowded, especially during peak hours." - Fatima K., Heliopolis, April 2025
"Last time I was at the airport, I used the fast track lane in Terminal 2. It saved me a ton of time. If you're eligible, it's worth it to skip the long security lines." - Samir L., Nasr City, May 2025
"For a quiet place to relax, the EgyptAir Lounge in Terminal 1 is a good choice. They make the trek much easier, especially if you're lugging around a lot of baggage." - Youssef T., Shubra, July 2025
"Don't forget to check the interactive map on your phone. It helps a lot with finding your way around, especially if you're looking for specific shops or gates." - Layla N., Zamalek, August 2025
"If you're looking to shop, Terminal 3 has the most options. From duty-free to local crafts, you can find a lot of good deals there." - Omar H., 6th of October City, February 2025