Cairo International Airport
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is a major hub airport near Cairo in Egypt. This page covers the essentials — IATA + ICAO codes, location, live flight status, and hotels nearby.
Getting to + from the city
Taxi from the official prepaid counter — 250–400 EGP (~$5–8) to central Cairo, 45–90 min depending on traffic. Uber + Careem both operate, often cheaper than airport taxis. Airport shuttle bus to Downtown is the budget option (50 EGP) but slow. The Cairo Metro doesn't yet reach the airport — Line 3 extension is under construction.
Terminals
T1: domestic + some Middle East regional. T2: most international (Egyptair, Lufthansa, BA, Turkish, etc.). T3: Egyptair Star Alliance hub + partners. T1↔T2↔T3 free shuttle bus, 15–20 min each leg. Confirm terminal carefully — they're far apart.
What's actually good
Plaza Premium Lounge (T3) takes Priority Pass + serves actual Egyptian breakfast (ful + falafel). The Egyptair Premium Lounge has its own spa. Food: the airside koshary stalls are honest + cheap. SIM at Vodafone or Orange kiosks, ~150 EGP for 10 GB. Don't trust the airport Wi-Fi for anything sensitive.
Avoid
Accepting 'help' from anyone asking for your passport outside the official counters. Currency exchange at airport (rates are bad — use ATM in town). Drinking tap water. Taking a 'taxi' from someone offering rides at arrivals. Booking domestic-international connections with under 4h buffer.