Cairo International Airport Guide (CAI): Terminals, Transfers & Wi-Fi

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is Egypt's largest gateway and where most international travelers arrive. It has three terminals connected by a free shuttle bus. Terminal 2 handles most European carriers, Terminal 3 is EgyptAir and Star Alliance, and Terminal 1 handles regional flights.

Arrival process

If you need a visa on arrival, buy a $30 USD visa sticker at a bank kiosk before immigration. Immigration lines can be long — allow 45–60 minutes. Baggage claim is straightforward; luggage trolleys are free.

Getting online at CAI

The airport offers 60 minutes of free Wi-Fi (register with an email). It's slow and unreliable. The best option is to arrive with an Egypt eSIM already installed — you're online the moment you touch down, before you even reach immigration.

Getting to central Cairo

• Uber and Careem — safest option for tourists; ~250–400 EGP to central Cairo.
• Airport taxi — official white taxis with meters; ~350–500 EGP.
• Hotel car — pre-booked, most expensive, usually $30+.
• Bus 356 — cheapest at ~30 EGP but slow and complex with luggage.

Traveler tips

• ATMs are available in every terminal — use one from a major Egyptian bank (CIB, QNB, HSBC).
• The airport is 30–45 minutes from central Cairo without traffic; allow 90 minutes in rush hour.
• Duty-free shops accept USD, EUR and EGP.