Airports
Cairo International Airport Guide (CAI): Terminals, Transfers & Wi-Fi
The tourist's guide to landing at Cairo International Airport (CAI) — transfers, terminals, connectivity and money.
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
The Egyptian Tourism Authority's 23 July 2026 announcement describes a digital visa-on-arrival pilot at Cairo Airport arrival terminals from 1 August 2026, using an online portal, mobile app or self-service machines. It reports US$36 total: the US$30 visa fee plus a US$6 issuing fee. Each QR code is valid for 48 hours from issuance, not a requirement to obtain it 48 hours before landing. The announcement says paper stickers run alongside the pilot and other airports follow in stages; it does not confirm nationwide completion. Check participating-airport availability, nationality eligibility and current requirements at visa2egypt.gov.eg or with an Egyptian consulate before travel. Separately, the Civil Aviation Ministry announced replacement of paper arrival/departure cards with digital processing in January 2026; we have not confirmed completed nationwide implementation. Follow your airline's and airport's instructions and carry US-dollar cash as a fallback for a bank-counter visa.
Getting online at CAI
The airport offers limited free Wi-Fi, with a short registration step. It is slow and not always reliable. 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 — the fare is shown in the app before you accept the ride.
- inDrive — you propose a fare and drivers accept or counter-offer; airport fees and tolls are paid separately by the passenger.
- Airport taxi — official white taxis; agree the fare or confirm the meter before you set off.
- Hotel car — pre-booked, the most expensive option, but the easiest with luggage or family.
- Bus 356 — the cheapest way into the city, but slow and awkward 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.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there free Wi-Fi at Cairo Airport?
- Yes, a limited free allowance after a short registration, but it is slow. An Egypt eSIM is much more reliable.
- How much is a taxi from Cairo Airport to downtown?
- It varies with traffic, time of day and fuel prices. Use an app that quotes the fare up front, or agree the price with the driver before you leave the terminal.
- Can I buy an eSIM at Cairo Airport?
- You can buy physical SIMs at kiosks, but pre-installing an eSIM before you fly avoids the queue.
Connectivity note: an Egypt eSIM gives you data over Egypt's major mobile networks — Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt and e& Egypt (Etisalat) — with availability varying by location and plan. Compare Egypt eSIM plans
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