Cairo Layover Guide (CAI)

What are you looking for in CAI?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is one of the busiest and largest airports in Cairo, Egypt. The airport is located in Heliopolis, to the northeast of Cairo around 15 km (8 mi) from the business area of the city. It was first opened in 1963. Cairo city is famous for containing the well-known Giza Pyramids Complex that holds one of the Seven Wonders of the world, the Great Pyramid of King Khufu. Also, the city is rich in beauty and also in historic finery and tends to be a city that travelers love.

Can you leave Cairo Airport (CAI) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
It's possible to leave the airport during the layover. Also, visa is not required if you stay for up to 48 hours. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Cairo Organized Tours

Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Saqqara & Memphis Tour

Visit the pyramids of Giza while going to the land of thriving history. Marvel the captivating pyramids of Sakkara and Memphis. Embark on this interesting tour to visit the ancient wonders that includes Great Sphinx, the Pyramids, and Valley Temple followed by lunch and some shipping. In the end, experience the glory and excellence of the greatest civilization on Earth. » book this tour

Tour the Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Citadel & Old Cairo

Explore the popular historical landmarks of Cairo while learning and discovering the glory of Ancient civilization of Egypt. You can enjoy a comfortable journey on an air-conditioned vehicle. Stroll through the many exhibits which display more than 50,000 artifacts from Ancient Egypt. Learn about the history and evolution of Egyptian civilization, as well as their customs and traditions. Then visit the famous Citadel of Saladin, also known as the Citadel of Cairo. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has a storied history dating back nearly 850 years. » book this tour

Historical Alexandria Tour

A visit to Cairo will consider complete if you do not visit the Alexandria city and walk along the Egyptian pathways. Explore the Roman theater of Kom El-Deka and the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the Roman triclinium, and the Pompey’s Pillar with a full-day tour from Cairo. You can also admire the architectural excellence of the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa with exploring the Pompey’s Pillar while enjoying the artifacts and sculptures. » book this tour

Cairo Things to do / Sightseeing

Salah Al-Din Al-Ayoubi Castle

Discover the beauty of the Egyptian Desert and marvel the alluring Wadi El Rayan waterfalls. Also, witness the majestic Mudawara Mountains. After that, you can enjoy a jampacked package that includes dune bashing, sandboarding, and a delightful camel ride on a full-day tour from Cairo.

Time required: 10 hours.

Airport to here: 46 minutes via taxi and 2 hours 17 minutes via public transport.

Bahariya Oasis

The camp at the Bahariya Oasis can be a great thing to do while your visit to Cairo. This amazing place will show you the most valuable treasure troves of Egypt. You can enjoy your time there by visiting the Bahariya Oasis, the Black Desert, Crystal Mountain, White Desert National Park, and the Mummies Museum. Also, you can feel the ambiance of the White Desert National Park Museum with an overnight stay at Al Haiz.

Time required: 1 to 2 days.

Airport to here: 4 hours and minutes via private transport.

Red Sea Jet Ski Ride

While in Egypt a visit to the Red Sea is a must. Where you can discover the beauty of the Red Sea on an excursion to Ain Sokhna Beach. Swim, sunbathe, enjoy lunch, and try an exhilarating Jet Ski ride. In addition, Relax in a beachfront room (if add-on selected), splash in the waves, and enjoy lunch and savory snacks while admiring the panoramic beauty.

Time required: 10 hours.

Airport to here: 35 minutes via taxi and 2 hours 12 minutes via public transport.

Egyptian Museum

To understand more about the great civilization of Egypt. Visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and see the treasures of young King Tutankhamun. Receive an in-depth overview of the different eras of ancient Egyptian history. Your guide will show you the city from a different perspective.

Time required: 10 hours.

Airport to here: 1 hour and 40 minutes via public transport.

Sharm El-Sheikh: Petra Temple

While your layover at the Cairo airport. An amazing thing to do is to tour the ancient city of Petra on a day tour from Sharm El Sheikh. During this, you can discover the treasury of Al Khazneh, the Roman Theater, and the graves in the King Wall. After Witnessing the wonders of Petra Temple, enjoy a delicious lunch after your explorations.

Time required: 22 hours.

Airport to here: 5 hours via private transport.

Hurghada: Pyramids and National Museum

Explore the ancient Egyptian history by visiting the Pyramids and Great Sphinx in the Giza Plateau. Also, you can discover the new National Museum of Egyptian Civilizations during your visit to Hurghada. Marvel at the mysterious Sphinx, a statue of a Pharaoh’s head with a lion’s body. And explore the Pyramids built more than 4.500 years ago.

Time required: 18 hours.

Airport to here: 4 hours 41 minutes via private transport.

Khan El Khalili Bazaar

Explore Cairo while your visit to Khan El Khalili, one of the most famous and oldest bazaars in the Middle East. Then head to Old Cairo, where you will see the Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, Church of St. Barbara, and Church of Abu Serga. While browsing the bazaar you can stop off at the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue.

Time required: 5 hours.

Airport to here: 25 minutes via taxi and 1 hour and 23 minutes via public transport.

Salah Al-Din Al-Ayoubi Castle

Visiting one of the amazing landmarks in Cairo is visiting the Citadel of Saladin. It was built by Salah-ad-Din and then developed by the coming Egyptian rulers. It is located on a promontory of the Mokattam hills near the center of Cairo and commands a strategic position overlooking the city and dominating its skyline.

Time required: 4 hours.

Airport to here: 27 minutes via taxi and 1 hour 28 minutes via public transport.

Things to Do in Cairo Airport (CAI)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Airport lounges are available at the terminal 1, 2, and 3. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There are several hotels available near the airport. » view all or book an airport hotel online

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones at the Cairo airport.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: There is free WiFi available at the Cairo Airport.

SIM Card: Vodafone and Orange SIM Cards are available to buy in various shops at the Cairo Airport. » buy a global sim card for Cairo, Egypt that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxis are readily available. You can choose between the metered taxis or black/white, make sure to negotiate the price before getting in.

Train: Mini metro train service is connected with the airport available at the terminal 1,2, and 3/ (more info).

Bus: There is no dedicated bus service available at the airport.

Shuttle: Some hotels provide shuttle service.

Car rentals: Car rental companies are available in all terminals which include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt. » view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: There are several parking lots available at the airport.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There is no facility of Luggage storage & Lockers at the Cairo Airport. » book a luggage storage or locker at Cairo Airport (CAI) online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Cairo Airport (CAI) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks