Transport costs from Cairo Airport vary significantly depending on the method you choose, the time of day, and how well you negotiate. Here is a realistic breakdown.
To Downtown Cairo / Tahrir Square (20 km)
- Metered taxi: 200-400 EGP ($4-8 USD). The wide range reflects the reality that meters sometimes run differently, and some drivers add unofficial airport surcharges.
- Uber/Careem: 150-300 EGP ($3-6 USD). The app shows the price upfront. Surge pricing during peak hours can push this higher.
- Pre-booked transfer: $15-25 USD. Fixed price, no surprises.
- Airport bus: 10-25 EGP (under $1 USD). Cheapest option but slow and impractical with luggage.
To Giza / Pyramids area (35 km)
- Metered taxi: 350-500 EGP ($7-10 USD).
- Uber/Careem: 250-400 EGP ($5-8 USD).
- Pre-booked transfer: $20-35 USD.
To New Cairo / 5th Settlement (15 km)
- Metered taxi: 150-250 EGP ($3-5 USD).
- Uber/Careem: 100-200 EGP ($2-4 USD).
- Pre-booked transfer: $12-20 USD.
To Alexandria (220 km)
Some travelers head directly to Alexandria from Cairo Airport. This is a 2.5 to 3.5 hour drive.
- Taxi: Not practical for this distance. Most drivers will refuse or quote very high prices.
- Pre-booked transfer: $80-120 USD. The most practical option for a direct journey.
- Bus from Cairo: Take a taxi to the Turgoman bus station, then a GoBus or SuperJet bus to Alexandria for around 200-350 EGP total.
What affects the price
Traffic is the biggest variable. A metered taxi in gridlock will cost more because the meter keeps running. Fixed-price options (transfers and ride-hailing apps) are not affected by traffic.
Time of day matters for ride-hailing surge pricing and for taxi driver negotiations. Early morning and late night tend to have higher quoted prices from taxi drivers.
Tolls on the ring road may apply and are sometimes added to the fare. This is legitimate - the toll is about 10-20 EGP.
Tips for keeping costs reasonable
If taking a taxi, insist on the meter. If the driver refuses, walk to the next car in the queue. There are always more taxis.
If using Uber or Careem, check both apps - prices differ and one is often cheaper than the other for the same route.
If booking a transfer, the price difference between a sedan and a minivan is usually only $5-10 USD. If you have any doubt about luggage fitting, upgrade to the larger vehicle.