Egypt Transportation
Terminal 3 at Cairo International Airport; credit Alensha/Wiki Commons
Airport
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the second-largest airport for international flights to Africa. The breadth of airlines serving it from North America, Europe, and Asia includes: Air Arabia, Egypt Air, Sudan Airways, Air France, British Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, Swiss, Turkish Airlines, and Royal Jordanian.
CAI Airport has modern terminals: International Hall 1, Departure Hall 3, and Hall 4, the latter of which is mainly for non-commercial and private aircraft. Another terminal is designed to accommodate up to 1200 passengers per hour and is used to ease congestion during the Islamic pilgrimage season.
Terminals are spaced apart with a bus shuttling between them every hour and a mini metro every 10 minutes. However, if you are in a hurry, you can always take a taxi.
Persons allowed access to airport lounges are: First Class and Business Class passengers of contracted airlines and Priority Pass, Lounge Club, lounge key, Lounge Pass, Diners Club, and Dragon Pass cardholders. They also accept passengers with cash at the reception counter or online pre-payment (For non-Egyptian passengers).
When visiting Egypt for up to 30 days, get a visa in advance by holding a passport that is valid for six months from the arrival date in Egypt and paying a small visa fee. The visa can be obtained from any approved bank kiosk within the airport terminals, and the fee can only be paid in cash. Credit cards are not allowed.
Though the US dollar, British pound, and Euros are accepted in major hotels and stores, change some money on arrival at the airport for use on your first day for things like taxis; otherwise, book an Uber. International ATMs, banks, and bureau de change at the airport operate 24/7. Here is a CAI Airport walk-around video of its interior.
Tours & Experiences
Nile Cruises
There are many choices to cruise the Nile River. If your budget can afford it, take a 5 or 6-day luxury cruise on the Nile from Cairo to Luxor or Luxor to Aswan.
By cruising at only 6 mph (10 kph), you can see every detail of this timeless area on a Sudan steamship. Whether you book a cabin or a luxury suite, this Bucket List item features immaculate comfort and service.
Cruise the Nile River on a small Felucca boat from Luxor or Cairo; (c) Soul Of America
If traveling on a whim or a tight budget, ride a felucca boat across the Nile River. Most people do because the brief ride is so affordable. For tourists, it also gives them a glance at local lifestyles.
Rapid Transit
Cairo Metro stations are modern, and trains are air-conditioned. The Metro features 4 lines with 2 more lines opening this decade. Fortunately for tourists, the lines stop at many popular destinations, including Giza.
Cairo Metro Station platform; credit Omar Adel/Wiki Commons
Metro Rail trains can be crowded in the morning and evening hours. The Metro Rail system offers WiFi. Stations are secured with over 3000 cameras and a Metro police force that enables women commuters to feel safe at all times. There are informative displays about trains and stations.
Metro Trains run frequently from CAI Airport on the Red Line. The Red Line runs from 5 am to midnight Saturday to Wednesday; 5 am-1 am Thursday, and 10 am-1 am on Friday. When riding, respect personal space, give way to other people, and allow passengers to get off the train before you get on.
Only consider public buses if traveling with an Egyptian friend. Let an experienced Egyptian driver worry about chaotic traffic without striped lanes.