Cairo Airport to Khan el-Khalili at a glance
Cairo International Airport, code CAI, lies in El Nozha in the Cairo Governorate. Khan el-Khalili is in the old city, in the Al-Hussein quarter. The simplest way to connect the two is a road transfer: a taxi, a ride-hailing car or a pre-arranged pickup. The metro is part of the picture, but it does not run to the terminal.
Cars are the standard answer after a long flight, and a booked pickup gives you a price before you land. If you also want a guide for your first evening, the Cairo tours to Khan el-Khalili and Islamic Cairo show what is on offer. Journey times and fares change with traffic and demand, so none of the numbers on this page is a fixed price for your ride.
Our pick: a layover tour from the airport
For a long layover: it collects you at Cairo airport and brings you back, and it adds an hour in the bazaar.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Cairo tours and evening walks
Guided walks through the bazaar and Islamic Cairo, evening tours and day trips, with live prices and availability.
Taxi and transfer from Cairo Airport (CAI)
Three kinds of road transport serve the airport.
White taxis with a meter
These taxis run on a taxi meter. Check that the meter is on before you set off, and agree on the route if you are unsure.
Older taxis without a meter
The price is agreed with the driver before the ride. Settle the amount and the destination, here "Khan el-Khalili" or the Al-Hussein quarter, before you get in.
Limousine categories
These cars have prices that depend on the destination. Ask for the full price to the old city before you accept.
Cars and rates vary by day, so confirm the price at the counter or through the booking. There is no fixed fare from the airport to the bazaar, and the travel time depends on traffic.
Uber and other ride-hailing at CAI
Uber offers pickups at Cairo International Airport. After you request the ride, follow the meeting-point instructions in the app, because the exact spot can change. The price depends on the route, the duration, the ride type you choose and the demand at that moment. Cairo Uber is a handy option when you have mobile data. Ride-hailing helps you compare with a taxi quote, but it does not give a flat bazaar price.
Tell the driver your destination clearly. A pin on the Al-Hussein quarter next to Khan el-Khalili is more useful than a hotel name alone, and the driver may not be able to stop at the lane you want, so expect a short walk at the end.
Cairo metro and bus: what is and is not a direct link
The short answer: do not plan a metro ride from the arrivals hall.
| Option | What to know | What to plan |
|---|---|---|
| Metro | Stations near the old city, among them Bab El Shaariya and Attaba; fares EGP 10 to 20 by number of stations, 2026 | No terminal station, so add a road leg to the nearest station |
| Bus | The bus station is in front of Terminal 1 | Check lines, timetables and fares on site |
| Taxi, ride-hailing, pickup | All three serve CAI | Agree the full price and the destination |
Metro fares in 2026 are EGP 10 up to 9 stations, EGP 12 up to 16, EGP 15 up to 23 and EGP 20 up to 39 stations. Those are metro tickets, not a complete airport fare. The walk from a station to your destination in the old city is not fixed, so allow extra time. For most arrivals, especially at night or with luggage, a taxi, ride-hailing car or pre-arranged pickup is the practical choice.
Egypt visa at Cairo Airport
Rules depend on your passport. Prices as of 2026.
Do you need a visa?
German citizens, for example, need a visa, and the passport must be valid for at least 6 months on entry. Check the rules for your own nationality before you fly.
The QR procedure at CAI
As of 2026, visa on arrival at CAI costs USD 30 plus a USD 6 processing fee if you pay in advance with the QR procedure, or USD 36 in cash at the bank counter. There are also self-service machines that take cards. Delays are possible, so keep a buffer before any onward plan.
Paying at the counter
Check the amount shown before you pay and keep small USD notes ready.
eVisa
Egypt runs an eVisa portal. As of 2026 the fees are shown as USD 25 for a single entry and USD 60 for multiple entries, and the final amount shows when you apply. An eVisa is not the same as the QR procedure on arrival.
Sinai-only stamp
The Sinai-only entry covers a limited list of Sinai destinations and does not cover a Cairo trip. If you continue beyond those places you need a visa.
Heading on to Luxor or Aswan after Cairo? There is a separate guide on getting to Luxor.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pages for the first days in Cairo.
Cairo Airport to Khan el-Khalili: frequently asked questions
Is there a metro from Cairo Airport to Khan el-Khalili?
No. The network has stations near the old city, but there is no station at the CAI terminal, so plan a road leg first.
How much is a taxi from Cairo Airport to the bazaar?
There is no flat fare. White taxis use a meter, older taxis agree a price in advance, and limousines price by destination. Settle the full amount before the ride.
Does Uber work at Cairo Airport?
Yes, Uber offers pickup at CAI. Follow the meeting point shown in the app after you request the ride.
How do I get an Egypt visa at the airport?
As of 2026, visa on arrival at CAI costs USD 30 plus a USD 6 processing fee if you pay in advance with the QR procedure, or USD 36 in cash at the bank counter. An eVisa is a separate route through the government portal.
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
German citizens, for example, need a visa, and the passport must be valid for at least 6 months on entry. Check the rules for your own nationality before you fly.