Cairo Metro Guide: Lines, Tickets & Tourist Tips

The Cairo Metro is the fastest way to move around Egypt's capital, especially during rush hour when road traffic is at a standstill. It's clean, safe, tourist-friendly and one of the cheapest metros in the world.

The three lines

• Line 1 (Red) — El Marg to Helwan, passing through Sadat (Tahrir Square).
• Line 2 (Yellow) — Shubra to Mounib, crossing to Giza and useful for Cairo University.
• Line 3 (Green) — runs from Adly Mansour through central Cairo and Zamalek. It does not provide direct access to the Pyramids; plan a separate onward journey.

Fares & tickets

The Cairo Governorate ticket table checked on 25 October 2026 lists public fares of 10 EGP for up to 9 stations, 12 EGP for 10–16 stations, 15 EGP for 17–23 stations and 20 EGP for 24–39 stations. Confirm current fares before travel. Buy a ticket at the station and keep it until you exit.

Women-only carriages

The first two carriages on every train are reserved for women. Men may travel there only if accompanied by a female relative. Solo female travelers often find this a comfortable option during rush hour.

Useful tourist stations

• Sadat (Line 1) — Tahrir Square, Egyptian Museum.
• Attaba (Line 1 & 3) — Islamic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili.
• Opera (Line 2) — Cairo Opera House and Zamalek.
• Cairo University (Line 2) — for buses to the Pyramids.

Etiquette

Let passengers exit before boarding. Don't eat inside carriages. Photography is discouraged. Use the eSIM data on your phone to navigate — Google Maps has full Cairo Metro coverage.