Getting from Cairo Airrport to the City

Though there isn’t a typical Cairo Airport to the city centre shuttle, there are several public services from Cairo Airport to the city. The two main buses tourists tend to take are the 400 and 356. The 400 has a long bus route with multiple stops ending at Abd Al Moneim Riad. This is located right by downtown Cairo, next to the Nile. 

It also passes convenient transportation hubs such as the Al Demerdash Metro Station, Rameses Train Station and Abd Al Moneim Riad Bus Station. Therefore, it’s one of the best public transportation routes you can take if you want a low-cost journey through the city. 

Running from 05:00 to 23:00 every day, this is one of the most reliable services running from the airport. 

The downside is that the 400 takes a lengthy route through Cairo, so the journey is around 50 minutes depending on the traffic conditions. However, if you’re in no rush and you’re travelling light, it could be a good option for you.

The 400 bus from Cairo Airport to the city centre is one of the cheapest ways to travel. It costs just €0.09 (EGP 5) for a bus ticket. 

You will need to buy your ticket from the driver when entering the bus, so be sure to carry the change in the local currency with you. Bus drivers don’t carry card machines but you can find an ATM in the Arrivals Hall in Terminal 1. 

Although taking the bus into the city centre is a very cheap Cairo airport transport option, it’s not the most convenient. The 400 bus takes double the travel time of a taxi. Plus, if you land after 23:00, and no buses are running, you will have to wait until the morning or choose a different mode of transportation.

The 356 bus from Cairo Airport to the city centre is the fastest service available. It follows the same route as the 400 bus (mentioned in the previous section) but has fewer stops. It takes just 35 minutes to get to downtown Cairo. 

Therefore, before you decide whether to take the 400 or the 356, we recommend checking your favourite map app to see which will get you closest to your destination. 

The 356 bus runs from 07:00 to 23:00 every day and departs every hour. Given that this bus is more comfortable and air-conditioned than the 400, it can be quite crowded during peak times. Space for luggage is also limited to bear that in mind.

The Cairo Airport to city centre bus costs €0.18 (EGP 10) per person. The 356 is more expensive because it is an express service in a more modern vehicle. You can purchase your ticket from the driver. You must have cash in Egyptian Pounds to pay for it as bus drivers do not carry card machines.

Out of all of the buses from Cairo Airport to the city centre, the 356 is the most convenient as the journey is roughly 15 minutes shorter. That said, it’s still a longer journey than taking a taxi or transfer. Plus, you may struggle with seating and luggage space during peak times.

Finally, if you’re staying in the residential area of Cairo, the 1138 bus may be a better fit. The route is 1 hour and 22 minutes long, covering 40 stops and terminating in Al Mazallaat (Shubra). It spans most of northern Cairo and passes Cairo Train Station as well as other prominent metro stops. 

You can catch the 1138 between 05:24 and 10:54 every day. This regular service departs every 30 minutes and tends to be less crowded than the other two public buses.

The 1138 costs €0.09 (EGP 5) per person. You must purchase your ticket from the bus driver as you climb on board. The only acceptable payment method is cash in Egyptian Pounds.

The 1138 bus could be the most convenient public transportation option for you if you’re staying in the residential area of downtown Cairo. It also passes several major metro stations which could get you closer to your destination. However, this is one of the longest routes to Cairo city centre as it takes almost triple the time that a taxi ride would. Moreover, the 1138 has limited space for luggage so the ride can be quite cumbersome.