Can I tap with a foreign bank card?

Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.

Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.

CAIEgyptTPL: fare-hacker-playbook

Cairo International Airport

Cairo, Egypt

Drop-off

Downtown Cairo (Tahrir Square / Abdel Moneim Riad)

Pin before customs

Fastest

Cairo Airport Travel shuttle bus

bus · 30m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: Cairo Airport Travel shuttle bus
Headway: 30
Backup: Public bus to Abdel Moneim Riad / Tahrir (airport bus terminal services) · 15-30m

Note

Official Cairo Airport Travel shuttle buses run about every 30 minutes from Cairo International Airport terminals to central districts including Downtown Cairo, Zamalek, Maadi, Giza and others; buy tickets at Cairo Airport Travel counters in the arrivals halls. This is a semi-express coach-style service and usually faster and more comfortable than regular city buses, but frequency and routes can vary by time of day.

Budget focus

Cairo: Fare Hacker Playbook

Ways to shave costs without blowing your schedule. Targets queries likecairo airport busandcai to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Cheapest viable route

Brief

Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.

Service: Public bus to Abdel Moneim Riad / Tahrir (airport bus terminal services)
Mode: bus
Freq: 15-30m
Note: A free airport shuttle connects all terminals to the Cairo Airport Bus Terminal, where frequent public buses run to major hubs such as Tahrir Square and Abdel Moneim Riad in Downtown Cairo. Services generally operate from early morning until late evening, taking around 45–75 minutes depending on traffic, and are the cheapest way into central Cairo.

Passes and bundles

Brief

Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.

When to splurge

Brief

Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.

Service: Cairo Airport Travel shuttle bus
Mode: bus
Freq: 30m
Note: Official Cairo Airport Travel shuttle buses run about every 30 minutes from Cairo International Airport terminals to central districts including Downtown Cairo, Zamalek, Maadi, Giza and others; buy tickets at Cairo Airport Travel counters in the arrivals halls. This is a semi-express coach-style service and usually faster and more comfortable than regular city buses, but frequency and routes can vary by time of day.

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FAQs

01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?: Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?: Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.