If you’re a backpacker and looking for a budget-friendly mode of transportation, I have some good news for you. Buses serve passengers at Cairo Airport. If taxis are too expensive for you and you haven’t rented a car, you can reach the city center by bus.
When I come to Egypt, I prefer to use taxis. If I’ve planned a long vacation, I rent a car online. I’ve only taken the bus from the city center once. But I’ve researched the Cairo Airport buses for you.
Cairo Airport Buses: Complete Guide
There are regular city buses and shuttles from Cairo International Airport. The Cairo Airport Bus Terminal is located outside Terminal 1. There are signs in the Arrivals Hall indicating the bus stop. If you land at Terminal 2 or 3, you must first take the free airport shuttle to Terminal 1. However, some shuttles pick up passengers from Terminals 2 and 3.
There is a direct bus from Cairo Airport to Ramses Station. Buses depart from the airport every hour. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.
Bus 400
This bus departs from Cairo Airport. Bus 400 first stops at central transportation points such as metro stations and railway terminals. Its final stop is the Abd Al Moneim Riad stop in the city center. This stop is very close to the Nile River and the city center. This bus also stops at Al Demerdash Metro Station, Rameses Train Station, and Abd Al Moneim Riad Bus Terminal. Bus 400 operates daily from 05:00 to 23:00. The journey takes approximately 1 hour. You can buy your ticket directly from the driver. Tickets can only be purchased with cash EGP. You can board this bus from the bus stop at Terminal 1. However, the journey on this bus is long. Luggage space on public transport buses is quite limited. If you have a lot of luggage, I recommend taking a taxi.
Bus 356
Bus 356 goes to the city center. This bus uses the same route as Bus 400. Only this bus has fewer stops. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes. Bus 356 operates between 07:00 and 23:00. These buses are air-conditioned, making the journey a bit more comfortable. Bus 356 from Cairo Airport to the city center is the fastest available. However, if you have a lot of luggage, you should be careful about finding space. You can buy your ticket from the driver. Don’t forget to have Egyptian pounds with you for payment. You can board this bus from the bus stop at Terminal 1.
Cairo City Center to the Pyramids
There are buses that go directly from the Tahrir area to Giza. Bus 355 and Bus 357 depart from the stop behind the Egyptian Museum, near Abdel Moneim Riad. You can board the bus at this stop and go to Giza. These two buses depart from Cairo city center and travel along the Al-Haram, Al-Giza road. There is a stop near the Pyramids. This stop is within walking distance of the Pyramids area. Travel time varies depending on traffic and the time of day. The bus journey between the city center and Giza takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. Traffic in Cairo is very heavy in the morning and evening hours. I recommend planning your trip with traffic in mind.
Some buses only have Arabic writing on them. Before boarding, ask the driver where the bus is going. There is no special area for luggage on buses. You should place your luggage at your feet. Drivers do not speak English. When you approach Giza, remind the driver, “Pyramids Al-Haram.”
Alternatively, you can reach Giza from the city center by Metro. Get off at the Giza station and take a taxi from there to the Pyramids area. Cairo is a crowded city. Keep an eye on your valuables on buses. I don’t recommend taking the bus late at night.
Buses in Cairo: What You Need to Know
Traveling by bus in Cairo can be a great way to experience the local culture. However, buses are not very comfortable for tourists. Most buses do not have air conditioning. Some buses may be air-conditioned and more modern, but these are few and far between. Traveling by bus is particularly stifling during the summer months.
Buses are less comfortable than taxis. You may have to stand during the journey. Also, buses here are crowded at all hours of the day. If you have a lot of luggage, I don’t recommend taking the bus. There is no separate area for luggage on buses.
Drivers usually don’t speak English. Write the name of your destination in Egyptian Arabic on a piece of paper. Be careful of pickpocketing on buses. Keep your bags in front of you at all times.