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, the fee is US$30 for a single entry. Since August 2026 Cairo Airport issues it digitally as a QR code — from a mobile app, a self-service kiosk in the arrival hall or the official portal, up to 48 hours before you land — and the bank counter before immigration remains in use, so still carry US dollars in cash as a fallback. Egypt also moved to digital processing of passenger data during 2026, so the old paper arrival card is no longer handed out on most flights. Immigration lines can still be long — allow 45–60 minutes. Baggage claim is straightforward; luggage trolleys are free.

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.