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
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Assiut International Airport (ATZ) serves as a primary aviation gateway for Middle Egypt and the historic Nile Valley. The airport features a modern, single passenger terminal that has been renovated to accommodate over a million passengers annually. It manages a significant volume of domestic flights to Cairo and regional international services primarily connecting to Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, serving as a critical link for both tourists and expatriate workers.
Inside the terminal, travelers can access a variety of essential amenities designed for comfort and efficiency. There are several cafes and snack bars offering traditional Egyptian refreshments, alongside small retail kiosks for travel goods and souvenirs. The facility provides comfortable waiting lounges, a dedicated mother and child room, and a medical unit for first aid. The airport is fully accessible, featuring specialized restrooms and ramps for passengers with reduced mobility.
Operational efficiency is a priority at ATZ, with its compact layout allowing for fast completion of security and immigration formalities compared to larger hubs. The airfield infrastructure includes a single 9,843-foot asphalt runway suitable for narrow-body commercial jets and regional turboprops. Despite its location approximately 25 kilometers from the city center, the terminal provides a streamlined and professional environment for guests transitioning to the diverse cultural monuments and agricultural centers of the Assiut Governorate.
๐ Connection Tips
Assiut International Airport (ATZ) is the essential arrival point for those exploring the cultural treasures of Middle Egypt. For travelers, 'connecting' at ATZ is an exceptionally straightforward experience because all domestic and international operations are consolidated within a single, integrated terminal. If you are arriving on a domestic flight from Cairo and connecting to a regional flight to the Gulf, you can move between the arrivals and departures halls on the ground floor in minutes. It is recommended to allow at least 2 hours for an international-to-domestic connection to account for potential queues.\n\nGround transportation to central Assiut is well-developed but requires some planning. The airport is located approximately 25 to 40 kilometers from the city center, a journey that typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. Taxis are available outside the terminal, and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem are also reliable options. For budget-conscious travelers, local microbuses pass near the airfield, though these are better suited for experienced travelers with minimal luggage. It is highly recommended to negotiate your taxi fare in advance or pre-book a private transfer through your hotel.\n\nTravelers should be aware that the terminal provides basic amenities but lacks extensive international duty-free malls or ATMs. It is vital to carry sufficient Egyptian Pounds (EGP) in cash for taxi fares and small purchases, as credit card acceptance is primarily limited to larger retailers. Free Wi-Fi is available in some areas, but reliability can be inconsistent. If you have an extended layover, the nearby city of Assiut offers a variety of traditional restaurants and historic sites just a short drive away. For missed connections, the Egyptair and Air Cairo service desks are centrally located in the departures lobby to provide assistance.
โ Back to Cairo International Airport