Getting There & Away: Giza Pyramids

Air Travel

Cairo International Airport CAI

CAI is the main international gateway to Egypt, located approximately 45 km (28 miles) from the Giza Pyramids complex. It is a large airport with modern facilities.

Airlines & Terminals

EgyptAir is the national carrier. Major international airlines connect CAI to global hubs.
CAI has four terminals (T1, T2, T3, Seasonal). T2 and T3 handle most international flights.
A free shuttle bus connects all terminals frequently.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

CAI offers a range of services for travelers. Various transfer options take you to your accommodation.

Services & Transport

Services include ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free, cafes, restaurants, and local SIM card kiosks.
Taxis are available (negotiate fare for white taxis). Uber and Careem are reliable and generally cheaper.
Many hotels offer pre-arranged airport transfers for convenience. Public buses are not recommended for first-time visitors.

Seasonal Flight Availability

High Season (Oct-Apr) has higher demand and prices. Book well in advance. Low Season (Jun-Aug) offers lower prices, but fewer direct flights.

Flight Deals

Services like Dollar Flight Club can alert you to low fares. Skyscanner aids in comparing flight options across airlines.

Airport Location

CAI is approximately 22 km (14 miles) northeast of downtown Cairo. It is your main point of entry to Cairo.

Land Transportation

Train & Bus Connections

Egyptian National Railways (ENR) connects Cairo (Ramses Station) to Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan.
Overnight sleeper trains by Wagons-Lits operate to Luxor and Aswan.
Major bus companies (Go Bus, Blue Bus, Super Jet) offer comfortable, air-conditioned intercity services.
Egypt shares land borders with Sudan, Libya, and Israel/Palestine. The Taba Border Crossing connects Egypt with Eilat, Israel.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Self-driving in Cairo/Giza is not recommended due to congested, chaotic traffic and aggressive driving styles.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) with your home license is needed if you drive.
Major highways are generally paved but may have potholes. City roads are often congested and poorly maintained.
Night driving can be hazardous due to poor lighting and unmarked obstacles.

Car Rental Options

Major Companies

Car rental services are available at Cairo Airport and city locations through major international companies like Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Budget. DiscoverCars.com can help find deals.

Requirements

A valid IDP, your home country's driving license, passport, and a credit card are necessary. The minimum age for rental typically ranges from 21-25.

Recommendation

Self-driving in Cairo and Giza is generally not advised for tourists. A private car with a driver offers a less stressful way to explore.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Sea and river travel in Egypt mainly involves leisure cruises rather than international transportation directly to Cairo. Port Said and Alexandria are major Mediterranean ports.

Ports & Procedures

Port Said and Alexandria occasionally serve international cruise ships. Sokhna Port on the Red Sea also receives cruises.
Egypt does not have regular international passenger ferry services.
Immigration procedures at seaports are similar to airport procedures, with passport control and visa checks.

River Transportation

The Nile River offers various experiences, though not direct transportation to Cairo for international arrivals.

Nile Cruises & Feluccas

Multi-day Nile cruises operate between Luxor and Aswan, not directly in Cairo or Giza for transportation.
Short Felucca (traditional sailboat) rides are available on the Nile in Cairo for leisure.
Motorboats are also available for short rides on the Nile.

Connections to Land

From seaports, taxis or pre-arranged transfers connect you to nearby cities or your accommodation.

Weather Impact

Weather conditions, specifically strong winds, can affect felucca schedules and comfort.

Cruise Itineraries

Check specific cruise itineraries for port calls and excursion options.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Recommendations for Departure

Arrive at CAI at least 3 hours before international flights, especially during peak travel times.
Security checks can be thorough, and check-in queues can be long.
Have your passport, boarding pass (printed or mobile), and other travel documents readily accessible.

Airport Facilities

CAI offers various facilities for departing travelers, enhancing your wait time.

Amenities for Departing Travelers

Duty-free shops for last-minute purchases.
Restaurants and cafes for dining options.
Airport lounges for relaxation before your flight.

Currency & Fees

Exit Fees

No specific exit fees for departing passengers at Cairo International Airport are typically levied separately. These costs are usually included in your airfare.

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange services are available at the airport for converting any remaining Egyptian Pounds.

Last-Minute Purchases

Duty-free shops and other retail outlets provide opportunities for final souvenir or gift purchases.

Departure Checklist

Confirm your flight status and terminal. Ensure all valuables are secured and hand luggage meets airline requirements. Account for potential traffic delays on the way to the airport.

Getting There & Away