Taxis in Cairo
Using a taxi service in Cairo, Egypt, is a great way to escape the heat while still exploring this exotic metropolis. Cairo taxi services are abundat and very affordable although it helps to keep your wits about you when taking one from the street.
In 2009, the government decided to revamp the older black taxis that the city was known for and introduced the white ones you see on the street today. These newer taxis can be recognized by their black bland and taxi roof sign and can seat up to 4 passengers.
While Cairo taxi prices are meant to be calculated by a taximeter, when you’re hailing one from the street or taking one from a taxi rank, you may find this isn’t always the case and your negotiating skills will need to be put to use. Otherwise, you can phone one directly or use an app to arrange a pick-up.
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How much does a taxi cost?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAIRO AIRPORT TO THE FORTRESS OF BABYLON | 5.30 € | 5.30 € | 17 min |
| CAIRO AIRPORT TO DOWNTOWN | 2.90 € | 2.90 € | 30 MIN |
| CAIRO AIRPORT TO GIZA | 3.90 € | 3.90 € | 40 MIN |
| CAIRO AIRPORT TO THE PYRAMIDS | 5.80 € | 5.80 € | 60 MIN |
| TAHIR SQUARE TO RAMSES RAILWAY STATION | 0.50 € | 0.50 € | 8 MIN |
| RAMSES RAILWAY TO THE AIRPORT | 2.90 € | 2.90 € | 30 MIN |
| TORGOMAN BUS STATION TO ZAMALEK AREA | 1 € | 1 € | 10 MIN |
| MAADI TO KHAN EL-KHALILI | 2.90 € | 2.90 € | 30 MIN |
How much does a taxi cost in Cairo?
Cairo taxi prices are some of the cheapest in the world, making them an affordable way to get around the city. Cairo taxi rates are regulated and set by the local government and they are binding for all taxis and transfer companies within the urban driving area and may not be exceeded or undercut. This is ensured by officially calibrated taximeters installed in each taxi.
Base fare (including the first km): €0.15 (EGP 7)
Price per km: €0.06 (EGP 3)
Waiting time per hour (for speeds under 10 km/hr): €0.35 (EGP 17)
There is only one tariff price so whether you’re traveling during the day, at night or on the weekend, you’ll always be charged the same rate. However, you may have to cover the airport surcharge fee and any road tolls.
With all that being said, taxi drivers tend to find any excuse not to use the taximeter so in those instances, you’ll need to be prepared to haggle for a fair price to get to your destination. For reference, a 10-minute ride downtown should cost between €0.95 and €1.90 (EGP 50-100).
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How to get a Taxi in Cairo
The streets of Cairo are filled with taxis so you’ll never have trouble grabbing a ride. Like most cities around the world, a taxi is available to pick up passengers when the rooftop ‘Taxi’ light is lit up; simply wave your arm for one to pull over. Keep in mind that while the old black taxis are still in circulation it is best to stick with the newer white taxis.
It’s also common for taxi drivers to hover around the entrance of Cairo’s five-star hotels. However, these taxis are known to sometimes charge double, or even triple the normal price so it’s better to walk a bit further from the hotel and stand by a busy street where prices tend to be more reasonable. Alternatively, you can pick up a taxi from designated taxi ranks situated all over the city and at popular locations such as Ramses Railway Station, Tahir Square and the Egyptian Museum.
How to get a taxi from Cairo Airport
Prepare to be bombarded with offers from taxi drivers in the Arrivals Hall when you land. While we recommend taking a taxi from the ranks outside Arrivals, the taxi system at Cairo Airport is loosely governed and it is quite common for people to accept these rides, just be sure to negotiate and agree on the fare before leaving the terminal.
That being said, there should be a line of official white metered taxis waiting outside the Arrival Hall at each terminal. Inside the terminal, you’ll also find transport desks offering to book fixed-fare taxi rides (limousines) with the option of 4 different services (A to D) with options C and D being the closest to a regular taxi service. Whether you choose to take a metered taxi, negotiate your fare or take one of the ‘limousine’ services, a fair price from Cairo Airport to the city center is around €2.90 (EGP 150) and for the one-hour ride to the Pyramids of Giza, €5.80 (EGP 300) is a reasonable price.
How to get a taxi from Ramses Railway Station
Similar to the airport, taking a taxi from the train station may be a little overwhelming since it is highly likely you will be approached by people offering their taxi services, in addition to porters offering to carry your luggage. You can either accept an offer and negotiate a price or head to the metered taxi stand outside the station complex near the main road. Sometimes taxis wait for passengers in the adjoining station car park too.
How to get a taxi from the Egyptian Museum/Tahir Square
Considered one of the most interesting museums in the world with an incredible collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, you’ll want to make sure your journey to and from here is seamless. Thankfully, the busiest and most famous square in Cairo, Tahir Square is just a few minutes walk from the museum so finding a taxi is easy. If there aren’t any taxis waiting outside the Museum complex, try walking along the main road to the square where there should be plenty of taxis waiting.
How to get a taxi from Cairo Gateway (Torgoman) Bus Station
Torgoman bus station is a popular arrival hub for travelers coming from Siwa. You’ll find taxis stationed outside the terminal in the main car park or along Entrance Road. From here to the tourist area of Zamalek you’ll pay around €1 (EGB 50).
How to get a taxi from Maadi
Aside from Zamalek, Maadi is also a favorite area amongst tourists thanks to the modern restaurants and malls. The easiest spot to catch a taxi from here into the city is from one of the taxi stands near the Maadi Grand Mall. Taxis park up outside the main exit points so you won’t have trouble finding one. To get to the city or the famous Khan el-Khalili market, you’ll pay between €1 to €2.90 (EGP 50-150).
Most popular taxi apps in Cairo
Taxi apps are becoming increasingly popular in Cairo as a way to avoid taxi drivers overcharging. Unfortunately, this has caused some tension between taxi and ride-hailing services, although both options are still safe to use.
If you have a WiFi connection and prefer to know the cost of your fare upfront or simply aren’t comfortable negotiating one, Uber and Careem are commonly used across the city by both locals and tourists. Note that there currently isn’t a regular taxi Cairo app.
Similarly, Welcome Pickups offers a reliable taxi service in Cairo, to and from the airport with comfortable vehicles at a fixed rate with no extra charges. You can book online or through the Welcome Pickups app.
Useful taxi numbers in Cairo
An alternative to taking a taxi from the street or booking one through an app is to phone one directly or have your hotel arrange one on your behalf, which is more common practice. Although Cairo taxi numbers aren’t readily available, London Cab Egypt provides a reliable service: London Cab Egypt: +20 (200) 312 782.
Benefits of booking a Cairo taxi in advance
Sometimes having to negotiate your fare and worrying about being overcharged can be exhausting, especially when paired with the hot and humid weather and an unfamiliar culture. If you want guaranteed rates and an English-speaking driver waiting for you on arrival, book a Cairo Airport taxi in advance with Welcome Pickups. Our hospitality and expertise will make your trip a memorable and pleasant experience that will stay with you for years to come.
Cairo taxi tips
- Make sure you have some Egyptian pounds on you to pay for your fare with cash since this is still the most popular payment method for a taxi in Cairo.
- Always check that the taximeter is in use before beginning your ride.
- Occasionally, to make some extra money, taxi drivers pick up multiple passengers, although this isn't standard practice. This will usually result in a more roundabout journey and a higher fare.
- Before getting inside, name your specific destination and discuss the price, as this will ensure that the driver doesn't spend the entire trip haggling for a higher fare.
- Taxi vehicles aren't always in great condition and many don't have air-conditioning, or refuse to turn it on. For a comfortable ride in a modern vehicle, we suggest booking your private transfer with Welcome.
- Egyptian taxi drivers honk their horns quite excessively but don't worry, it's perfectly normal.
- If you're not traveling very far and are up for an adventure, tuk-tuks are also a popular way to get around the city and are the best option for avoiding traffic jams. Be sure to agree on a price upfront before accepting a ride.
- Unfortunately, it is quite common for taxi drivers in Cairo to not use the meter in an attempt to overcharge tourists. The only way to avoid this is by using a private transfer service instead.
- It's best to only use the newer white taxis since the old black ones are rarely well maintained.
- Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (08:00-09:00 and 17:00-19:00) because traffic can be very chaotic and your ride will take considerably longer.
- A little extra cash goes a long way in Cairo so if your driver has been friendly and fair, consider rounding up the fare or paying a couple of extra Egyptian pounds.
Wheelchair accessible taxis in Cairo
Ordinary taxis in Egypt don’t typically have ramps or spaces for wheelchair users, however, if you have a foldable wheelchair it can be placed in the trunk. Nevertheless, people with mobility difficulties could benefit from London Cab Egypt which provides Cairo taxi services customized for people with disabilities.
Safety and complaints for Cairo taxis
A word of caution when moving around the city of Cairo, some people have reported taxis with suspiciously fast-running meters, or drivers who claim the meter is broken or take ridiculously long routes to reach your destination in order to overcharge. In such cases, simply stop the car and mention contacting the police to make a complaint, this usually clears the issue up. In general, though, the majority of Cairo drivers are legitimate, polite and won’t give you any trouble.