Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world, a vast metropolis spread along both banks of the Nile. For travellers it is the gateway to the Pyramids of Giza, the treasures of Egyptian civilisation and a thousand years of Islamic architecture, as well as the starting point for Nile cruises and trips to Luxor, Aswan and the Red Sea. Booking a flight to Cairo usually means landing at Cairo International Airport, Egypt's busiest and best connected hub.

About Cairo International Airport

Location

Cairo International Airport lies on the north-eastern side of the city, next to the district of Heliopolis. Downtown Cairo and the Nile are to the south-west, while the Pyramids of Giza sit on the far western edge of the metropolis, so allow for a longer drive if you are staying near the plateau. Cairo also has a second, smaller airport in the west, Sphinx International Airport, which is closer to Giza but has far fewer routes.

Terminals

The airport has three main passenger terminals, known as Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, with shuttle services linking them. Different airlines and alliances use different buildings, so confirm your terminal on your e-ticket before you set off. Immigration queues can be long at busy times, and many passport holders need to sort out their entry documents before joining them.

Getting to and from the airport

Taxis, ride-hailing apps and pre-booked private transfers are the most common ways into the city. Airport buses also run towards central Cairo, and many hotels arrange pick-ups. Cairo traffic is famously heavy, especially in the evening rush, so give yourself a generous margin when you head back to the airport for a departure.

Direct and connecting flights to Cairo

From Singapore, most journeys to Cairo connect once, typically through a Gulf, Middle Eastern or European hub. Use the Direct filter on the search results to check whether a non-stop option exists on your dates, and compare one-stop itineraries by total journey time and layover length.

For almost every international trip, Cairo International is the airport to choose because it has the widest range of routes and onward domestic connections to Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh. Sphinx Airport may suit a small number of travellers flying on specific routes who are staying in west Cairo, but check what it offers before you book.

When to fly to Cairo

Cairo has a hot desert climate with very little rain. Summers are long and scorching, which makes sightseeing at the open-air sites tiring in the middle of the day. The most comfortable months are from autumn through spring, when days are warm and evenings are cool. Winter nights can be surprisingly chilly, so pack a light jacket.

For Singapore travellers, fares tend to rise in the June and December school holidays and around Chinese New Year, and the cooler months are Egypt's main tourist season. During Ramadan, opening hours at restaurants and some sites change, and the evenings become lively with iftar meals. Look at the fare chart on this page to compare months before you commit to dates.

Popular places to visit in Cairo

Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx

The last surviving wonder of the ancient world stands on a desert plateau at the city's western edge. Go early to beat the heat and the crowds, and consider a camel or horse ride around the plateau for classic views of all three pyramids.

Grand Egyptian Museum

Beside the Giza plateau, this huge modern museum brings together an extraordinary collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts, with galleries devoted to the treasures of Tutankhamun. Plan at least half a day.

Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square

The historic pink-walled museum downtown still holds a remarkable collection of statues, sarcophagi and everyday objects from the pharaonic era, displayed in grand old halls.

Islamic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili

The medieval heart of the city is packed with mosques, madrasas and minarets. The Khan el-Khalili bazaar, with its lanterns, spices and copper workshops, is perfect for an evening stroll and mint tea.

Citadel of Saladin and Coptic Cairo

The hilltop Citadel, crowned by the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, offers wide views over the city. In Coptic Cairo, old churches and the Hanging Church reveal the city's Christian heritage.

Where to stay in Cairo

Downtown and the area around Tahrir Square put you close to the Egyptian Museum and the Nile corniche. Zamalek, on an island in the river, is leafy and calm, with cafés, galleries and embassies. Garden City has elegant streets between downtown and the Nile. Staying in Giza gives you pyramid views and quick access to the Grand Egyptian Museum, while Heliopolis and New Cairo are practical for short stays near Cairo International Airport.

Food to try in Cairo

Koshari

Egypt's national comfort food layers rice, lentils, macaroni and chickpeas under a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. Specialist koshari shops serve it fast and hot.

Ful medames

Slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with cumin, lemon and olive oil are the classic Cairo breakfast, scooped up with warm baladi bread.

Ta'ameya

The Egyptian take on falafel is made with fava beans instead of chickpeas, giving it a green, herby centre. It is best eaten fresh in a sandwich with tahini and salad.

Molokhia

A silky green soup made from jute leaves, garlic and coriander, usually served with rice and chicken or rabbit.

Om Ali

A warm bread pudding baked with milk, nuts, raisins and coconut, and a favourite dessert across Egypt.

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