The cheapest way from Cairo International Airport (CAI) into central Cairo is the CTA public bus, Route 400, to the Abdel Moneim Riad terminus right by Tahrir Square: about 13 EGP (roughly $0.25) paid in cash to the driver, taking 60–90 minutes depending on traffic. Take the free 'Airport Shuttle Bus' from Terminals 2 or 3 to the Terminal 1 bus station first, or pay about 25 EGP for the faster, air-conditioned Route 356 express (around 40 minutes) if you'd rather skip some traffic. Skip the touts in the arrivals hall who offer 'help' or a taxi at an inflated price — book Uber/Careem or take a metered official white taxi instead.
How to find it
- AIRPORTCairo International Airport
- 01From arrivals at Terminal 2 or 3, follow the 'Airport Shuttle Bus' signs outside and board the free inter-terminal shuttle to Terminal 1's bus station; it runs around the clock, roughly every 10–25 minutes. If you land at Terminal 1, the bus station is a short walk from arrivals.
- 02At the bus station, find the Public Transport Authority (CTA) stand and ask for 'Route 400' or say 'Abdel Moneim Riad' — bus numbers are often shown only in Arabic numerals (٤٠٠), so it helps to ask staff or other passengers.
- 03Board bus 400 — an older, non-air-conditioned bus that stops at every stop — and pay about 13 EGP cash to the driver as you get on. Buses run roughly every 20–60 minutes between about 05:00 and 23:00.
- 04Ride around 60–90 minutes, depending on traffic, past Al Demerdash and Ramses Station to the Abdel Moneim Riad bus terminus, right next to Tahrir Square and Downtown Cairo.
- CITY CENTRECairo
Ticket
CTA public bus ticket, Route 400, to Abdel Moneim Riad
Where to buy: From the driver or conductor as you board at the airport bus station (Mahattet Utubis El-Matar) outside Terminal 1; take the free 'Airport Shuttle Bus' there from Terminals 2 or 3.
How to pay: Cash only — pay the driver directly in small EGP notes when you board; no ticket machine, app, or reservation.
All ways to downtown, compared
| Option | Price | Time | Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| BusCheapest route | EGP 13.00 | 1 h 15 min | CTA public bus ticket, Route 400, to Abdel Moneim Riad |
| Bus | EGP 25.00 | 40 min | CTA air-conditioned express bus ticket, Route 356, to Tahrir Square |
Frequently asked
- What is the cheapest way from Cairo Airport to Tahrir Square?
- The CTA public bus, Route 400, from the Terminal 1 bus station to the Abdel Moneim Riad terminus right by Tahrir Square — about 13 EGP paid in cash to the driver, taking 60–90 minutes depending on traffic.
- Does the Cairo Metro go to the airport?
- Not yet — Cairo Metro Line 3's extension to the airport is still under construction with no confirmed opening date as of mid-2026, so the bus, taxi, or rideshare are currently the only ways to reach the terminals.
- How do I get from the terminal to the airport bus station?
- Follow the 'Airport Shuttle Bus' signs outside arrivals and take the free shuttle to the Terminal 1 bus station; if you land at Terminal 1, the station is a short walk from arrivals.
- Is there a faster bus than Route 400?
- Yes — Route 356 is a modern, air-conditioned express bus to Tahrir Square for about 25 EGP, taking around 35–45 minutes versus 60–90 minutes for the cheaper Route 400.
- Are Cairo airport taxis safe?
- Avoid unlicensed touts in the arrivals hall who quote inflated flat fares; use a metered official white taxi or book Uber/Careem for a fixed, trackable price instead.
- What is the best way from CAI to downtown Cairo?
- For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest one: CTA bus Route 400 to Abdel Moneim Riad by Tahrir Square in the city centre — about 13 EGP, taking 60–90 minutes depending on traffic.
Last verified: . Prices and timetables change — confirm at the official transport source.