Cairo Layover
Jan 27, 2009 | Comments 0
The Cairo Airport is 13.5 miles from central Cairo, which makes it a very do-able stop for long layovers, allowing you to get out the airport and see some of the sights. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your Cairo layover, click here for useful tips.
The Cairo airport also offers plenty to do for the traveler stuck inside the airport on a layover. The airport has a host of services including hotels agents that can pre-book reservations for you, tourism agents, restaurants and cafes, banking, lounges, duty free shopping and medical services. Click here for more information on the services provided.
If you arrive at night or are looking for a place to rest, there are a number of hotels in the area for varying price points. For a comprehensive list of Cairo hotels, click here.
The Cairo airport does not currently offer a left luggage facility at the airport, but for those looking to drop off some bags, you can check into a cheap hotel (some have hourly rates, ask the agent at the airport – look at the bottom of this page for a list of hotel representative agent counters at the airport) and drop off your bags in your room.
As for transportation, you can pre-book the airport’s newly established Shuttle Bus that can take you to any of the following destinations: Heliopolis, Nasr-City, Downtown Cairo, Giza, Mohandesin, Zamalek, Maadi, and Haram (the Pyramids area). For a full price list, you can call the office at the Cairo Airport company at +2022653937. Buses depart each half hour and charges in Egyptian pounds.
You can also grab a Cairo International Airport taxi at any time (they are usually black and white, while Alexandria taxis are black and orange). You can catch a taxi outside the terminal.
There is a travel agency in the airport, named Karnak, that handles layover and can advise you on timing your layover to see the most you can in the limited period of time. Always keep in mind that it takes time for immigration, customs, security, as well as miscellaneous tasks such as transferring money. And always make sure you’re back at the airport with plenty of time before a connecting flight.
Layover Guide’s Suggestions Of Things To Do On A Cairo Layover:
Giza Pyramids and Sphinx
A lot of travelers with a brief layover try to squeeze in a visit to the pyramids and Sphinx but this is something layoverguide wouldn’t advise unless you have ample time. The pyramids are a minimum of 45 minutes to one hour each way from the airport (can often times take much more time in case you run into bad traffic). The pyramids open at 8am, and if you can manage to see them are well worth the visit! For around $20 you gain access to the areas around the pyramids. The Sphinx, which guards the Giza Plateau, is quite impressive.
Step Pyramids of Djoser at Saggara
One of the most expansive archaeological sites in Cairo, the Saggara Pyramids encompass the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the Pyramid of Unas, the Pyramid of Sekhemket, and the Mastaba of Ti. You can also visit the deep underground Persian Tombs. You can check out pictures and learn more about the history here.
Khan Al-Khalili
A place for shoppers and those who want a feel of the Cairo culture, stop by this open air market. Located in Islamic Cairo, the Khan Al-Khalili is bustling bazaar is a great place to do some shopping and take in the sights. From spices to souvenirs, this is a great place to pick up some exotic keepsakes.
The Egyptian Museum
At the Egyptian Museum you can view the treasures of King Tut’s tomb. The museum has 107 halls which houses statues, jewels, Tutankhamon treasures and mummies. There is also a photography section and a huge library. Price of admission is 20 pounds (10 for students).
The Citadel
This huge stone fortress was built in 12th century and on a clear day provides amazing views of the city and even the pyramids. The Citadel offers walking tours and is only a short walk from the Khan Al-Khalili (described above). For more information on the Citadel, click here.
Have a suggestion for a Cairo layover? Leave a comment below!
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Filed Under: Africa • layover • things to do
