Cairo Airport Guide

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.

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.

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

Airport Hotels

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

• Le Meridien Cairo Airport – Connected to Terminal 3 by a pedestrian bridge. » Check Rates

Hotels near Cairo Airport

• Novotel Cairo Airport – Free 24-hour airport shuttle bus upon request. Day rooms are available. » Check Rates
• Le Passage Cairo – No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
• Radisson Blu Hotel Cairo Heliopolis – Airport shuttle is available upon request. » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Cairo Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

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.

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.

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

• 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