Car Rental at Cairo International Airport

Airport travel guide

Sprawling, hectic, and home to more than 20 million people, Cairo can be an overwhelming place to visit. But if you know where to look, it can also be a truly rewarding destination — some of the city’s draws include not just the proximity to pyramids, but also its history, architecture, and cuisine. With that in mind, these are six of the most interesting attractions in the Egyptian capital:

• Coptic Cairo. The direct descendants of the Ancient Egyptians, the Copts are an ethnoreligious group that makes up about 10% of Egypt’s population. So-called Coptic Cairo, which is part of the city’s Old Town, is one of the most atmospheric parts of the city. Many of the landmarks, such as the Hanging Church and the Church and Monastery of St. George, are related to Christianity — the Copts adopted it not long after its appearance in the Middle East. Others include the Babylon Fortress (built under the orders of the Roman emperor Trajan) and the Coptic Museum.
• Khan el-Khalili. Khan el-Khalili is a bustling and historic bazaar located in the heart of Cairo. This centuries-old market is famous for its winding, labyrinthine streets where visitors can shop for a wide variety of goods, including jewelry, spices, textiles and traditional Egyptian crafts, making it a must-visit destination for tourists seeking an authentic shopping experience.
• National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Also located in Cairo’s Old Town, NMEC is one of the most interesting museums in the country dedicated to the fascinating ancient history of Egypt (the other one, the Grand Egyptian Museum, is moving from Cairo to nearby Giza in 2022). The museum is made up of chronological sections and also has special exhibitions like the Gallery of Royal Mummies. Visit the official website to learn more.
• Medieval Cairo. Also known as Islamic Cairo, this is another distinct and fascinating part of the city. Strongly shaped by Fatimid and Ottoman influences, two civilizations that both ruled the city for centuries, the area is known for landmarks like the Qalawun Complex, the Al-Azhar Mosque (home to the oldest university in the world), and many other impressive houses of prayer.
• Tahrir Square. Known as Midan Tahrir in Arabic, and also as the Liberation Square, Tahrir is the beating heart of Cairo and a place of great political and symbolic importance. Notably for tourists, it is also the location of several notable landmarks such as the Arab League Building, while many others are just a stone’s throw away.
• Giza Necropolis. The Giza Necropolis is an iconic archaeological site located on the outskirts of Cairo. It is home to the world-famous pyramids, including the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the enigmatic Sphinx, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Top international routes

• Jeddah
• Riyadh
• Luxor
• Aswan
• Kuwait City
• Sharm el-Sheikh
• Hurghada
• Medina
• Dubai
• Amman

Main airlines

EgyptAir, Nile Air, Air Cairo, AlMasria Universal Airlines, Iraqi Airways, Tunis Air, Lufthansa Airlines, Air France, and Saudia

Terminals

The four terminals are T1 or Old Airport, T2 or New Airport, T3, and the seasonal flights terminal (ST). You can easily move between them using either a free shuttle bus or an automated people mover system.

Location

Cairo Airport is about 20 km (12.4 mi) northeast of the city center. Kobri Al Matar, El-Orouba, Salah Salem Street, and 6th of October Bridge are the main roads connecting the airport to the city.

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from $30 per day
• Medium cars - from $31 per day
• Large cars - from $32 per day
• SUVs - from $43 per day
• Premium cars - from $219 per day
• Vans - from $178 per day

Car rental desks

Most are in the arrivals halls of each terminal. The exact location of your car rental provider's desk will be listed on your Confirmation Voucher.

Services and facilities

You’ll find bars, coffee shops, and Egyptian restaurants, as well as many shops, including gift shops, bookstores, and duty-free outlets. Most shops are located in the departures areas of T1 and T3. You’ll also find ATMs, banks, currency exchanges, an on-site hotel, a first aid station, two pharmacies, and a lost and found service. There are two left luggage storage facilities. Cairo Airport is partially equipped for passengers with reduced mobility, and special assistance can be requested, but make sure to contact your airline in advance if you’d like this service. You can find more information on the airport's official website.

Nearest gas station

Mobil gas station, located at El-Nasr Road, Sheraton Al Matar, Qesm an Nuzhah, can be reached in about eight minutes and is open 24/7. There are many other gas stations near Cairo Airport and on the way to the city.