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Cairo Airport Guide

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Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Cairo Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

I asked security to wake me up at 7am (I was tired!) and they actually did. – Jasminexxx

CAI Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Cairo International Airport.

What to Expect

Cairo Airport (Code: CAI) has three passenger terminals (T1, T2 and T3) and a seasonal Hajj terminal. An automated people mover links Terminal 1 with Terminals 2 and 3, the AirMall and multi-storey car park, while an airbridge connects Terminals 2 and 3. Passengers must pass through Terminal 1 for initial baggage screening, which can cause line-ups and chaos outside the entranceway. There are a variety of dining and shops both airside and landside in all terminals. Duty-free shopping can also be found in all terminals. While most of the airport has been renovated or is new, travellers have reported that some bathrooms are in poor condition and lack adequate supplies. Therefore, we suggest you bring your own toilet paper! Things to do at Cairo Airport are limited. WiFi is available, but foreign travellers may be unable to connect without a local SIM card. The airport contains lounges that offer fee-paid access to economy-class passengers. The airport has lounges that offer fee-paid access to economy-class passengers.

cairo airport guide
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer / November 2023)

Sleeping in Cairo Airport

Travellers tend to mention Terminal 3’s Level 3 (landside) and Zone H as having plenty of lightly padded benches that can provide comfortable sleeping. For greater security, solo travellers should try to sleep near other travellers. There is a 350-room hotel connected to Terminal 3 by a covered bridge and numerous other hotels within easy shuttle distance. See Airport Hotels in the guide below for more details.

Good to Know

  • Passengers are not allowed to pass into secure areas of the terminals earlier than three hours before departure. If you arrive early, passing through security early is impossible. You must remain in the public area of the airport.
  • In Terminal 1, all baggage is screened before entering the terminal. This can result in chaos with a lot of pushing and shoving in a small area before you even get inside the terminal.
  • Have your passports and documents handy, as they will be checked frequently.
  • Be wary of aggressive porters or self-alleged “airport employees” who promise to expedite you to the “first-class line” for a fee. They will ask for your passport and appear to hold it hostage until you pay them for their services.

Read some traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Cairo Airport Guide.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.   

Airport Hours

Cairo International Airport operates 24 hours, with landside and airside access in Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Security checkpoints generally remain open overnight for international departures and arrivals. Some domestic areas may be quieter or partially inactive during the early-morning hours (roughly 1:00 AM – 4:00 AM).

Overnight stays beyond security require a valid boarding pass.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no official sleeping areas, quiet rooms, or designated rest zones.

That said, travellers report a few informal spots where resting is more tolerable late at night:

  • Terminal 1, landside near Arrivals Hall 1 – benches available, but noisy
  • Terminal 2, airside near Gate F3 – less foot traffic after midnight
  • Terminal 3, airside near Gate E5 – padded seating; generally quieter overnight

Conditions can change quickly depending on flight activity and security patrols. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

Cots are not offered to stranded travellers at Cairo Airport. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in Cairo Airport sounds like a nightmare, there is a hotel connected to the terminal and several nearby options:

More Hotels Near Cairo Airport

Looking for more options? Browse the complete list of hotels near Cairo Airport on Expedia.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or using a lounge membership program.

Terminal 1

CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS – Location: Terminal 1. Airside,1st and 2nd Floors. Hours: open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.

First Class Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, 1st & 2nd Floors. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs • First and Business Class passengers on select airlines.

Terminal 2

CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS – Location: Terminal 2. Airside, 1st Floor. Hours: open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.

Ahlein Emerald Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, 1st Floor. International and in-transit flights only. Hours: open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: Yes (private suites/day beds). Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.

Ahlein Premium Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, 2nd Floor. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: Yes. Lounge Access: Pay at the door  • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.

Pearl Assist Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, 1st Floor. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.

Terminal 3

Ahlein Premium Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Concourse G, Level 3. Hours: Open 24 hours.  Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door  • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.

CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, 1st Floor. International flights only. Hours: open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.

First & Business Class Lounge (CAC Lounge) – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, 3rd Floor, Departures Hall, Zone E. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs • First and Business Class passengers on select airlines.

Gienah Lounge (EgyptAir) – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, 3rd Floor, G Gates. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: First and Business Class passengers on EgyptAir • EgyptAir Star Alliance Gold members travelling on EgyptAir or Star Alliance flights • Star Alliance Gold members travelling on same-day Star Alliance international flights.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. No walk-in or pay-at-the-door access. For more information, check the airline’s website.

Terminal 1

No lounges are available.

Terminal 2
Aifurson Lounge (Saudia) – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, 2nd Floor, Building B. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: First and Business Class passengers on Saudia • Saudia Al Fursan Gold and Silver members travelling on Saudia • SkyTeam Elite Plus members travelling on same-day SkyTeam international flights.

Emirates Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside. Hours: Open 3 hours before Emirates flight departures. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: First and Business Class passengers on Emirates • Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members travelling on Emirates • oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members travelling on Emirates.

Terminal 3

Alitoth Lounge (EgyptAir) – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Departure Level, F Gates. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: First and Business Class passengers on EgyptAir • EgyptAir Star Alliance Gold members travelling on EgyptAir or Star Alliance flights • Star Alliance Gold members travelling on same-day Star Alliance international flights.

Almeisan Lounge (EgyptAir) – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Departure Level, behind Gate F10. Hours: open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: First and Business Class passengers on EgyptAir • EgyptAir Star Alliance Gold members travelling on EgyptAir or Star Alliance flights • Star Alliance Gold members travelling on same-day Star Alliance international flights.

Eltier Lounge (EgyptAir) – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, 4th Floor, F Gates. Hours: 3:00 AM – 12:00 AM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: First and Business Class passengers on EgyptAir • EgyptAir Star Alliance Gold members travelling on EgyptAir or Star Alliance flights • Star Alliance Gold members travelling on same-day Star Alliance international flights.

 

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or using a lounge membership program.

Terminal 1

CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, International Departures, Level 2. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.

Terminal 2

CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, International Departures, Level 1. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.

Ahlein Emerald Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, International Departures, Level 1, above Immigration. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes (fee applies). Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (quiet area). Sleep Facilities: Yes (VIP and suite rooms available for an additional fee). Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.

Ahlein Premium Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, International Departures, after Security, before the Duty Free Shops. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes (fee applies). Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (quiet area). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.

Terminal 3

Ahlein Premium Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, International Departures, Level 3, near the G Gates. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.

CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS – Terminal 3E – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, International Departures, Zone E, Level 3. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (quiet area). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.

CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS – Terminal 3F – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, International Departures, Level 1, above the F Gates. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: Yes (fee applies). Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (quiet area). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.

Seasonal Terminal

CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS – Terminal 3S – Location: Seasonal Terminal (Terminal 3S), Airside, International Departures, Ground Floor. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. No walk-in or pay-at-the-door access. For more information, check the airline’s website.

Terminal 2

Al Fursan Lounge (Saudia) – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, International Departures. Hours: Open according to Saudia flight schedules. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Eligible First and Business Class passengers on Saudia • Eligible AlFursan members • Eligible SkyTeam Elite Plus members.

Emirates Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, International Departures. Hours: Opens approximately 3 hours before Emirates flight departures. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Eligible First and Business Class passengers on Emirates • Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members travelling on Emirates.

Terminal 3

Alioth Lounge (EgyptAir) – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, International Departures, F Gates, Level 3. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Eligible First and Business Class passengers on EgyptAir • Eligible EgyptAir Plus members • Star Alliance Gold members travelling on eligible same-day Star Alliance flights.

Almeisan Lounge (EgyptAir) – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, International Departures, F Gates, Departure Level, near Gate F10. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Eligible First and Business Class passengers on EgyptAir • Eligible EgyptAir Plus members • Star Alliance Gold members travelling on eligible same-day Star Alliance flights.

Gienah Lounge (EgyptAir) – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, International Departures, G Gates, Level 3. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Eligible First and Business Class passengers on EgyptAir • Eligible EgyptAir Plus members • Star Alliance Gold members travelling on eligible same-day Star Alliance flights.

Elteir Lounge (EgyptAir) – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Domestic Departures, F Gates, Level 4. Hours: 3:00 AM – 11:59 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Eligible First and Business Class passengers on EgyptAir • Eligible EgyptAir Plus members • Star Alliance Gold members travelling on eligible same-day Star Alliance flights.

Seasonal Terminal

Loloa Lounge (EgyptAir) – Location: Seasonal Terminal, Airside, Departures. Hours: Open 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Eligible EgyptAir passengers departing from the Seasonal Terminal.

Drinking Water

Free water refill stations are available airside. Landside, drinking water is typically limited to bottled water sold at shops and kiosks (prices vary).

Food & Drinks

Food outlets operate in all terminals and in the Airmall, but 24-hour food & drink options cannot be confirmed. If you know, click here to update this guide. Travellers arriving late at night should plan accordingly.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage is available:

  • Terminal 1 – landside, Level 1, near Arrivals
  • Terminal 3 – landside, Level 1

Service operates 24 hours. Typical fees are approximately EGP 50–100 per item, per day, depending on size.

Mobile Charging

Free charging stations are available airside. Landside, charging is limited to standard power outlets, which are often in use. Travellers should bring a power adapter and consider a backup battery.

Showers

There are no public showers. Showers are available only through select airport lounges:
  • Terminal 2 – Ahlein Premium Lounge (airside; paid entry; shower included)
  • Terminal 3 – EgyptAir Gienah Lounge (airside; paid entry; shower included)
  • Terminal 3 – First Class Lounge (airside, near Gate E5; paid entry; shower included)

Access fees vary by lounge. See the Airport Lounges section for more information.

WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available via the “CAI Free WiFi” network. Registration requires receiving an SMS verification code.

A reader tells us, “The guide mentions you need a local SIM card to access the airport wifi. You don’t, you just need to write the phone number in the Egyptian format. E.G. a UK number starting 079 would be written as 004479 rather than the standard 4479 used in Europe. Add in 00 at the start and you can receive the confirmation text and access the airport wifi.” (April 2025)

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available throughout the terminals, both landside and airside. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limits before travelling internationally.
Baggage Trolleys – Luggage trolleys are available to help you get around the terminal. Fees may apply.
Business Center – A business centre offering services such as photocopying, faxing, and computer access is available in Terminal 3, Arrivals.
Children’s Play Area – Children’s play areas are available in both international and domestic departure areas.
Currency Exchange – Full-service banks and currency exchange counters operate throughout the terminals. Hours vary.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shops and a variety of retail stores are available landside and airside across all terminals. Shop hours vary.
Luggage Wrapping – Luggage wrapping services are available in the check-in areas to help protect bags during travel. Hours and pricing vary.
Medical Services – A First Aid station provides urgent and emergency medical assistance. Airport staff can help direct you if needed. Service is available 24 hours.
Pharmacy – Several pharmacies operate in the terminals, offering basic medications and travel essentials. Locations vary by terminal.
SIM Cards – SIM cards are sold in the arrivals baggage halls. Travellers report availability from major local mobile providers. Availability and pricing may change.
Smoking – Designated smoking rooms are available airside in Terminal 3. Access and hours may vary.
Travel Agencies – Travel agencies are available in Arrivals areas to assist with hotel bookings, local transportation, and onward travel planning.

Airlines
Cairo Airport is served by the following airlines: Aegean Airlines • Air Arabia • Air Cairo • Air France • Air Go • Air Leisure • Alexandria • Almasria Universal • AMC • Aviator • Austrian Airlines • Badr Airlines • British Airways • Cairo Aviation • China Airlines • Egyptair • Emirates • Eritrean Airways • Ethiopian Airlines • Etihad Airways • Fly Egypt • Flynas • Fly Baghdad • Gulf Air • Jordan Aviation • ITA Airways • Iraqi Airways • Jazeera • Kuwait Airways • LOT • Lufthansa • Meridiana Fly • Middle East Airlines • National Air • Nesma Air • Nile Air • Oman Air • Privilege Style • Petroleum Air Services • Royal Air Maroc • Royal Jordanian • Royal Wings • Russian Airlines • Saudia Air • Smart • Sudan Airways • Swiss • Syrian Air • Tarco Air • Transavia • Tunis Air • Turkish Airlines • Ukraine International • Yemenia Airways.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Buses

The airport is served by CTA City buses, which provide connections to the city, as well as buses that connect you to farther locations (services provided by companies such as West Delta, Upper Egypt, East Delta, and Super Jet). Ask for assistance at the airport. All buses depart from the parking area of Terminal 1.

Car Rentals

The following car rental companies have offices on-site (in all terminals): Avis • Budget • Europcar • Sixt.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Inter-Terminal Transportation

All terminals, the Airmall and Car Park, are connected via a free train. The automatic people mover transfers passengers and the general public around the airport grounds in approximately 5 minutes.

Ride Sharing

Uber operates throughout Egypt. A ride from the airport to the Old Cairo or New Cairo City costs 180LE to 190 LE.

Shuttle Buses

The airport is served by shuttle buses, taking passengers quickly and comfortably to various destinations. At the time of the 2019 update, sample fares (one way, one adult) include Downtown 35 LE, Alharam – El Maadi 45 LE, or Heliopolis 25 LE. Buses depart every half an hour. Go to the shuttle bus customer service counter (arrivals area of Terminals 1 and 2) for assistance.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available. The airport suggests you use the white or yellow taxi services as they are metered. If you choose to take the older, black/white taxis, be sure to negotiate your price before getting in.

Last updated: 2026-01-14

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.

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