After Arriving in Egypt: A Guide to Getting from the Airport to Your Hotel and Around the City
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Everything you need to know about airport transfers and getting around the city during your trip to Egypt! Your guide to Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh, and Hurghada on Gezpoint.
With its mysterious pyramids, thousands of years of history, and the enchanting atmosphere of the Nile River, Egypt is a unique destination that every traveler dreams of visiting. However, the vibrant, bustling, and sometimes chaotic atmosphere you encounter from the moment your plane touches down can be confusing for unprepared tourists. From haggling over taxi fares to local scams, you may encounter all kinds of situations on your way from the airport to your hotel.
That’s exactly why, as the travel experts at Gezpoint, we’ve prepared this comprehensive Egypt Transportation Guide to help you feel comfortable and safe from the very first moments of your trip.
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1. Arriving at Egyptian Airports: First Steps
The most frequently used gateways for trips to Egypt are Cairo International Airport (CAI), Sharm El Sheikh (SSH), and Hurghada (HRG) airports. Here are a few key steps to keep in mind before and after passport control:
Visa on Arrival and Fee: Visa procedures for Turkish citizens may change from time to time. If you are eligible for a visa on arrival, buy your visa stamp in cash (preferably in US dollars or euros) at the bank counters and attach it to your passport. Getting a SIM Card: You’ll find stands for local operators such as Vodafone, Orange, and WE in the airport arrivals hall. Getting a local SIM with a data plan before heading into the city can be a lifesaver, especially for using maps and ride-hailing apps. Cash (Egyptian Pounds - EGP): Cash is king in Egypt. Get a small amount of Egyptian pounds from ATMs or currency exchange offices at the airport. Be sure to carry coins and small bills.
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2. Getting from the Airport to Your Hotel
Cairo International Airport (CAI)
Cairo Airport is about 20 km from the city center and 40 km from the Giza Pyramids area. Given Cairo’s heavy traffic, the journey can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Uber and Careem: These are the most reliable and comfortable ways to get around in Egypt, with fares confirmed in advance. You can request a ride from the designated pick-up points outside the terminal. This helps avoid unexpected fare increases. Official Airport Taxis: White taxis line up outside the terminal. Getting the meter turned on is almost impossible, so be sure to haggle firmly before getting in and confirm that the price is the total fare, including luggage. Pre-Booked Private Transfer: Especially if this is your first trip to Egypt, a private transfer with a driver waiting to meet you by name is the most hassle-free option.
Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada Airports
In the Red Sea’s vacation paradises, the airports are quite close to the hotel areas (10-25 minutes). Most resorts offer free or low-cost shuttle transfers. If your hotel doesn’t provide a transfer, you can easily get there by haggling with taxis outside the airport or using Careem.
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3. Getting Around Egyptian Cities
Traveling around Egyptian cities is an authentic adventure in itself. Here are some options to consider:
Getting Around with Uber and Careem
In major cities such as Cairo and Alexandria, Uber and Careem, the popular Middle Eastern app, are by far the most comfortable options. They eliminate language barriers and tipping disputes that can arise with taxi drivers. Prices are very affordable compared with Turkish and European standards.
Cairo Metro
Africa’s first metro network, the Cairo Metro is a great alternative, especially for avoiding heavy traffic during the morning and evening rush hours. Tickets are extremely cheap. Trains have dedicated carriages for women (marked with special signs); women travelers can use these if they wish.
White Taxis
If you’re hailing a taxi on the street, choose the relatively newer white taxis instead of the old black-and-white ones. As soon as you get in, remember to say \"Turn on the meter\". If the driver won’t turn it on, say you’ll get out or agree on a fixed fare before setting off.
Nile Taxi
In Cairo, you can take a Nile Taxi to enjoy scenic views of the Nile and reach Maadi, Zamalek, or Downtown without getting stuck in traffic.
Tuk-tuks and Minibuses
Tuk-tuks are common in the city’s narrow streets and residential neighborhoods. They can be fun and practical for short distances. Minibuses are very cheap, but their routes can be confusing, so they’re not recommended for tourists.
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4. Lifesaving Tips for Getting Around Egypt
Be Prepared for Tipping (Baksheesh) Culture: Everyone who handles your luggage, gives you directions, or drives your taxi will expect a tip, however small. Always keep small bills of 5, 10, and 20 EGP on hand. Pay Attention to Traffic: Pedestrian crossings aren’t widely observed in Egypt. The safest way to cross the street is to follow behind locals and proceed carefully. Haggle: When negotiating with taxi drivers and private drivers, offer at least 30-40% less than the first price quoted. Have Your Address Written in Arabic: Some local drivers may not speak English or be able to read the Latin alphabet. Save your hotel’s name and address, as well as the names and locations of places you plan to visit, on your phone in Arabic.
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Explore Egypt with Gezpoint Without the Transportation Stress!
If you’d rather not deal with taxi haggling, transfer delays, and traffic stress instead of focusing on Egypt’s historic treasures, leave your itinerary to the professionals.
Gezpoint Egypt Tours takes care of every detail for you, from VIP airport meet-and-greets and city transfers in luxury, air-conditioned vehicles to expert Turkish-speaking guides and carefully selected hotels. To marvel in the shadow of the pyramids, take a dreamlike Nile River cruise, and relax in the clear waters of Sharm El Sheikh, browse Gezpoint Egypt Tours and book your place now!