โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
80
minutes
International โ Domestic
80
minutes
International โ International
95
minutes
Interline Connections
125
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Cairo International Airport operates three main terminals connected by shuttle buses and people movers. Terminal 3 is the largest and most modern facility, handling the majority of international traffic including EgyptAir and most foreign carriers. Terminal 2 serves some regional and charter flights, while Terminal 1 primarily handles domestic and limited international services. Inter-terminal transfers require exiting to landside and using shuttle buses, which can take 15-30 minutes including wait times.
Terminal 3 spans multiple levels with check-in on the ground floor and departures on the upper level. Security screening is centralized after check-in, with separate checkpoints for domestic and international flights. Wait times can vary significantly, ranging from 15 minutes during off-peak hours to 45 minutes or more during busy periods, particularly for international departures. The terminal features extensive duty-free shopping and multiple dining options once airside.
Walking distances within Terminal 3 are considerable โ gates can be up to 15-20 minutes from security, especially for the furthest international departure gates. Moving walkways help along some corridors, but passengers should budget adequate time. Immigration for international arrivals and departures is handled through dedicated checkpoints, with separate lines for Egyptian nationals, EU/GCC citizens, and other foreign nationals. Visa on arrival services are available for eligible nationalities.
Terminal facilities include EgyptAir lounges (Al Dhabi and Al Farsha), multiple restaurants serving Middle Eastern and international cuisine, coffee shops, and extensive duty-free shopping. The Pearl Lounge and Le Meridien Airport Hotel provide premium services for travelers. Currency exchange and ATM services are available in all terminals. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport, though connection quality may vary.
Accessibility features include wheelchair assistance upon request, accessible restrooms, and elevator access between levels. Family facilities include baby changing rooms and prayer rooms (separate for men and women) located throughout the terminals. Ground transportation options include official airport taxis, ride-sharing services, and the Airport Shuttle Bus to various Cairo destinations.
๐ Connection Tips
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is a massive and complex aviation hub serving as the primary gateway to Egypt and a critical transit point for Africa and the Middle East. Navigating connections here requires a clear understanding of the three main terminals. Terminal 3 is the exclusive hub for EgyptAir and its Star Alliance partners, while the recently renovated Terminal 2 serves major international carriers like Emirates, Air France, and Qatar Airways. Terminal 1, located approximately 1.5 kilometers away, primarily handles regional and low-cost flights.
For inter-terminal connections, the free MiniMetro (automated people mover) is the most efficient option, linking Terminal 1 with the central station serving Terminals 2 and 3. Alternatively, a free 24/7 shuttle bus circulates between all terminals every 30 minutes. If you are transiting between international flights on a through-ticket, follow the 'Connecting Flights' signs to the transfer desk; you will typically undergo a security re-check but won't need to clear immigration. However, if your connection involves a terminal change (e.g., from T1 to T3), ensure you have at least a two-hour buffer.
If you must clear immigration for a layover or a separate ticket connection, most tourists can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA). Crucially, you must visit one of the bank kiosks in the arrivals hall *before* joining the passport control queue. The visa sticker costs $25 USD and must be paid in cash (USD is preferred). Once you have the sticker, place it in your passport and proceed to immigration. After clearing customs, you will find several kiosks for local SIM cards (Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat) and 24/7 ATMs. For transportation to downtown Cairo, Uber and Careem are highly recommended for reliable, fixed pricing, as negotiating with unofficial taxi drivers in the arrival hall can be difficult for first-time visitors.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Abu Simbel Airport (ABS) is a compact, specialized regional airport located in Egypt, serving as the primary air gateway for tourists visiting the world-renowned Abu Simbel temples. The airport operates a single terminal building, designed for efficient processing of tour groups and individual travelers drawn to this iconic historical site. Its layout is straightforward and intuitive, ensuring quick navigation from arrival to the exit, and from check-in to the departure gate.
The terminal, though small, provides essential amenities for a comfortable travel experience. It features a waiting lounge with seating, a basic medical point, and several souvenir shops where travelers can purchase local crafts and gifts. A small cafรฉ or refreshment area offers drinks and light snacks. While not equipped with extensive dining facilities or duty-free complexes found in larger international airports, it caters to the immediate needs of its tourist clientele.
Security procedures at ABS are in line with national regulations for regional tourist airports. Passengers undergo standard screening protocols for both carry-on and checked baggage, along with personal checks. The airport is known for its efficiency, with quick processes for luggage retrieval and security, leading to minimal wait times. As ABS primarily handles domestic tourist flights, international immigration or customs facilities are not on-site; these functions are processed at larger international airports in Egypt.
๐ Connection Tips
Abu Simbel Airport (ABS) primarily facilitates domestic travel within Egypt, with its flight schedules often synchronized with the visits to the Abu Simbel temples. Direct flights are typically available to Aswan International Airport (ASW) and Cairo International Airport (CAI), operated by carriers such as EgyptAir and Air Cairo. These routes are crucial for connecting tourists from other parts of Egypt or from international arrivals to the temple complex.\n\nFor travelers connecting to ABS, particularly those arriving from international destinations, the typical itinerary involves flying into a major Egyptian international airport like Cairo (CAI) or Luxor (LXR), and then taking a connecting domestic flight to Aswan (ASW), from where most flights to Abu Simbel originate. It is highly recommended to book these flights as a single itinerary if possible to ensure baggage transfers and rebooking assistance in case of delays.\n\nGround transportation from Abu Simbel Airport is well-organized, primarily catering to tour groups. Taxis and hotel transfers are the most popular and convenient ways to reach the nearby temples and town. EgyptAir often provides a complimentary bus service between the airport and the temple complex for its passengers. Given the airport's specialized tourist role, most travel arrangements, including transfers, are often part of pre-booked tour packages.
โ Back to Cairo International Airport