Cairo Transport

More than 15 million people live in the city of Cairo and consequently the city offers a very efficient transportation system to cater for their needs. The system consists of a comprehensive road network, a railway network and metro bus and ferry services. Cairo is at the heart of the Egyptian transportation network. The streets of Cairo are full of taxis that generally don’t use meters, even if they have one. Fares are usually negotiated upfront. While the bus and minibus services in Cairo are an excellent means of getting around for locals, they are not recommended for tourists, as pickpockets often operate on these services. You also need to be able to speak Arabic in order to navigate your route. Travelling by the local Metro system is by far the best way to travel around the city. Walking is also a good option, but streets are not named and it is easy to lose your direction.

By metro

The Metro system in Cairo is Africa's only developed metro system. It is a clean and efficient service that currently runs two lines and has a third in its advanced stages of construction. There are stations located throughout Cairo. The Metro is run by the National Authority for Tunnels and on every train, the first car is reserved strictly for women. The Metro runs from 05:30 to 24:00 every day, with services extending to 01:00 in the summer. Trains run every 5 to 6 minutes during peak times and every 8 to 10 minutes at all other times during the day.

By train

Cairo is connected to many other Egyptian cities and villages by the national rail network. Cairo's main railway station, Ramses Station, is located on Midan Ramses. Tourists are advised to always travel on trains that have guards for their own personal security.

By bus

There is a public bus system offering routes to many different locations at varying prices that are dependant on the distance to the destination and the quality of the bus. Services include standard buses, which are the cheaper alternative, and air-conditioned buses, which are more costly. Buses are usually very overcrowded and visitors have to push their way on. It is one way to truly experience life in Cairo and tickets should be purchased on-board from the conductor. 

By taxi

Taxi drivers are split into two distinct groups; those that will rip you off and those that will become invaluable as tour guides and good friends during your visit. Hailing a taxi in the street is cheaper than getting one from outside your hotel. Taxis are usually shared – if one already has a passenger inside but is going your way, you can get in as well. Passengers are expected to know the fare rather than negotiating or using the meter. This is obviously difficult for tourists who are new to the city. A hailed taxi costs half of a hotel taxi. It is possible to negotiate fares by the hour or by the day.

Tourist services

Cairo offers tourists a microbus service, which is a privately-run network of buses. These have no destinations marked on them, so you will need to hail them and check if they are going in your direction. The fare is slightly more than on a public buses, but they offer a more comfortable journey and door-to-door service.

From the airport

Local bus services operate a route from the airport to central Cairo. There are also airport bus services that depart from Terminal 1. Bus number 400 leaves every 30 minutes during the day and every hour at night. Taxis are available from the airport to take you into central Cairo. Journey time is approximately 45 minutes and taxis depart from outside Arrivals. For a more luxurious trip in the city centre, black Mercedes limousines are available for hire from Arrivals.

Cairo: Airport facilities

Information desks can be found in the Arrivals and Departures halls of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Flight information is available 24 hours by calling: +202 634 8566. Tourist police are based at the airport if assistance is required. There is a business centre in Terminal 1 which provides internet and fax services. There are numerous restaurants and bars available at the airport – the bars are open 24 hours. Wheelchairs are available on request and there are disabled persons’ toilets.