Cairo International Airport Terminal Guide
CAI · Cairo · EG — Gates, facilities and insider tips.
Terminal Information
Cairo International Airport has three terminal buildings. Terminal 1 (the oldest) handles EgyptAir and some regional carriers. Terminal 2 handles most international carriers and some European routes. Terminal 3 is the newest and largest terminal, handling additional international flights.
Gates & Boarding
T1: gates on a single pier (older layout). T2: gates on two piers. T3: gates T1–T30 on a modern Y-shaped pier. Terminals are not connected airside — separate taxi/bus required.
Gate information can change. Always check the live departure boards on arrival at the airport.
Facilities & Services
Basic retail and dining in all terminals. Cairo Metro does not yet reach the airport — line extension under construction. Taxi from the official Uber/authorised taxi rank to Cairo city centre ~EGP 300–500 depending on destination. Negotiated taxis outside are common but less regulated.
Insider Tips
Cairo airport can be chaotic at peak times — arrive 3 hours early for international flights. Use only the authorised taxi booths inside the terminal. Terminal 3 is the most modern and comfortable. Check-in queues for EgyptAir can be very long — use online check-in where possible.
- →International flights: arrive at least 2 hours before departure (3 hours peak season)
- →Domestic flights: 60–90 minutes before departure is usually sufficient
- →Check your airline's website for specific baggage rules and check-in deadlines
- →Use the airport's official website for live flight status and real-time gate information
More Tools for Cairo International Airport
Frequently Asked Questions
How many terminals does Cairo International Airport have?
Cairo International Airport has three terminal buildings. Terminal 1 (the oldest) handles EgyptAir and some regional carriers. Terminal 2 handles most international carriers and some European routes. Terminal 3 is the newest and largest terminal, handling additional international flights.
What facilities are available at Cairo International Airport?
Basic retail and dining in all terminals. Cairo Metro does not yet reach the airport — line extension under construction. Taxi from the official Uber/authorised taxi rank to Cairo city centre ~EGP 300–500 depending on destination. Negotiated taxis outside are common but less regulated.
How do I get from Cairo International Airport to the city centre?
From Cairo International Airport, you can reach the city by taxi, private transfer, bus or rail depending on the destination. See our ground transport guide for detailed options and estimated costs.
How early should I arrive at Cairo International Airport?
For international flights from Cairo International Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. During peak summer season (July–August), arrive 2.5–3 hours early. Domestic flights typically require 60–90 minutes.