How to Get Around Egypt: Metro, Taxi and City Transport

The answer to how to get around within Egypt varies by city: Cairo uses metro, buses and taxis, Sharm El Sheikh uses minibuses and taxis, while Hurghada lacks developed public transport, making taxi or car rental the practical solution. This page brings together metro hours, ticket fares and taxi recommendations.

In brief

• Transport varies by city: metro in Cairo, minibus in Sharm El Sheikh, taxi or car rental in Hurghada.
• The Cairo metro runs from 05:00–01:00 outside Ramadan; fares range between 10–20 EGP depending on the number of stations.
• The metro doesn't cover all the city's tourist areas; plan for taxis where it doesn't reach.
• It's recommended to agree on the fare with the driver before getting into a taxi.
• Buses depart from Cairo Airport to the city every 30 minutes, taking about 45 minutes.

The core rule: transport varies by city

There isn't a single urban transport system in Egypt. Which vehicle you'll use is determined by which city you're staying in.

• Cairo: metro, buses and taxis are all used together.
• Sharm El Sheikh: urban transport is provided by minibuses and taxis.
• Hurghada: the public transport system isn't very developed. The practical ways to get from the airport to the city are taxi or car rental.

When planning your route, first determine which city you'll stay in, then the points you'll visit. Cairo has a metro, but its route doesn't cover all the city's tourist areas; so you need to think of metro and taxi together.

Intercity travel isn't the subject of this article. You can find the route between Cairo, Luxor and Aswan in the Egypt places to visit guide. For entry requirements, see the visa information on the Egypt country page.

Cairo metro: hours and fares

Cairo has a metro, but it doesn't reach every tourist spot. Check before setting out whether your destination is close to a metro line.

Operating hours

The metro operates between 05:00–01:00 outside Ramadan. During Ramadan it runs until 02:00 at night. If you'll be returning late in the evening, factor in the last service time.

Ticket fares

The fare is determined by the number of stations you travel. According to the Egyptian Ministry of Transportation's announcement dated March 28, 2026:

• Up to 9 stations: 10 EGP (previously 8 EGP)
• Up to 16 stations: 12 EGP (previously 10 EGP)
• Up to 23 stations: 15 EGP, unchanged
• 23–39 stations: 20 EGP, unchanged

Fares may be updated again; verify the current fare at the station. Determining your destination station and how many stops you'll travel before boarding makes it easier to find the correct fare. Downloading the line map to your phone in advance is useful when you don't have an internet connection.

Taxis, buses and the airport exit in Cairo

Taxis and buses come into play in areas the metro doesn't reach. In Cairo, urban transport is provided by metro, buses and taxis.

Taxi

According to Pegasus, it's recommended to discuss the taxi fare with the driver before the trip in Cairo. State your pickup point and destination clearly, and set off only after agreeing on the fare. This reduces potential disputes upon arrival.

Bus

City buses are part of Cairo's public transport network. If you want to use them, find out from your hotel which line reaches your destination.

From the airport to the city

Buses depart every 30 minutes around the clock from the stops at the terminal exit of Cairo Airport, reaching the city in about 45 minutes. If you'll be landing late at night, this frequency makes your planning easier. If you've chosen an organized program, check the transfer conditions on the tour page; for example, see the Egypt & Cairo Tour Route in the Shadow of the Pyramids page.

Urban transport in Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada

Transport is set up differently in these two major coastal resort cities compared to Cairo.

Sharm El Sheikh

Urban transport is provided by minibuses and taxis. If you'll use a taxi, apply the same recommendation given for Cairo and agree on the fare with the driver before boarding. Ask reception how to reach the places you'll go, such as your hotel, the beach and the bazaar.

Hurghada

The public transport system isn't very developed. The practical ways to get from the airport to the city are taxi or car rental. If you're considering car rental, request the license and insurance conditions in writing from the rental company. If you choose a taxi, again agree on the fare before the trip.

If you want to see both cities on the same itinerary, check out the Cairo, Sharm and Alexandria tour departing from Ankara or browse all Egypt tours.

Common mistakes

Most urban transport problems stem from small oversights. The items in this list are based only on verified rules.

• Assuming the metro goes everywhere. The route doesn't cover all the city's tourist areas. Plan according to the line map.
• Getting into a taxi without discussing the fare. It's recommended to agree on the fare with the driver beforehand.
• Forgetting the metro hours. Outside Ramadan, the metro doesn't operate after 01:00. Consider another method for a late-night return.
• Relying on the old tariff. In March 2026, fares for up to 9 and 16 stations were increased. Don't budget based on old information.
• Expecting public transport in Hurghada. The system isn't developed; plan ahead for a taxi, car rental or transfer.

For current conditions regarding airport exit and transfers, request written information from your hotel or tour operator; official announcements always take priority.

Step by step: how to get around within Egypt

1. Determine the city and hotel. In Cairo, choose your hotel's location based on the places you'll visit. In coastal cities, ask about the hotel's transfer option.
2. Choose the route from the airport to the city. In Cairo, buses depart every 30 minutes from the stops at the terminal exit, reaching the city in about 45 minutes. Taxi or hotel transfer are also options. In Hurghada, taxi or car rental stand out.
3. Plan your daily route. Check whether the points you'll visit are close to a metro line. If the metro doesn't reach there, choose a taxi.
4. Calculate the fare if you'll use the metro. A tariff of 10, 12, 15 or 20 EGP applies depending on the number of stations.
5. Discuss the fare before boarding a taxi. Clarify the destination and fare with the driver.
6. Check the return time. Factor in the last service time for the metro.
7. Choose an organized tour if needed. If you want transport included as part of the program, check the departure dates of Cairo tours such as the Discounted Egypt & Cairo Tour in the Shadow of the Pyramids.

Checklist before departure

Complete the preparations that make transport easier before you set off.

• Check your visa status: for Turkish citizens, the visa is obtained on arrival in Egypt. The e-visa fee is 25 USD, 30 USD at the gate; the permitted stay is 30 days. For details, see the Egypt country page.
• Note which vehicle is used in the city you'll be staying in: metro, bus and taxi in Cairo; minibus and taxi in Sharm El Sheikh; taxi or car rental in Hurghada.
• In Cairo, determine the metro station closest to your hotel and the places you'll visit.
• Record the metro hours: 05:00–01:00 outside Ramadan, until 02:00 at night during Ramadan.
• Decide in advance on bus, transfer or taxi for the airport exit.
• Download an offline map and the metro line map to your phone.
• Check the online check-in guide for pre-flight procedures.
• If you're planning a short holiday, see the October 29 holiday route suggestions.

Once this list is complete, uncertainty about transport upon arrival is greatly reduced.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Cairo metro go to tourist areas?

Cairo has a metro, but its route doesn't cover all the city's tourist areas. Check in advance whether your destination is on the line map. Where the metro doesn't reach, a taxi is needed.

What time does the Cairo metro operate?

Outside Ramadan, the metro operates between 05:00–01:00. During Ramadan it runs until 02:00 at night. If you'll be returning late at night, calculate the last service time in advance.

How much is a Cairo metro ticket?

The fare varies by number of stations: up to 9 stations 10 EGP, up to 16 stations 12 EGP, up to 23 stations 15 EGP, 23–39 stations 20 EGP. Verify the current tariff at the station.

Should you discuss the fare before getting into a taxi in Egypt?

According to Pegasus, it's recommended to discuss the taxi fare with the driver beforehand in Cairo. Clarify the destination and fare before the trip. This is a recommendation, not an official rule.

How do you get from Cairo Airport to the city?

Buses depart every 30 minutes around the clock from the stops at the terminal exit, reaching the city in about 45 minutes. Taxi or hotel transfer are also options. Learn about transfer conditions from your hotel or tour operator.

Is there public transport in Hurghada?

The public transport system in Hurghada isn't very developed. The practical ways to get from the airport to the city are taxi or car rental. Ask about your hotel's transfer option in advance.

How do you get around within Sharm El Sheikh?

Urban transport in Sharm El Sheikh is provided by minibuses and taxis. If you'll use a taxi, discuss the fare before boarding. You can find out how to reach your destinations from the hotel reception.

Sources

• Cairo City Transportation — flypgs.com
• Cairo Travel Guide — flypgs.com
• News - Cairo Portal — cairo.gov.eg
• Egypt Travel Guide — flypgs.com
• Sharm El Sheikh City Transportation — flypgs.com