Top ways to navigate Cairo, Egypt's vibrant capital

Welcome to a city that never sleeps.

In Cairo, similar to the ever-flowing River Nile, nearly 10 million people bustle through their daily lives, always on the go. Despite this relentless pace, traversing the city is surprisingly easy, although both travelers and locals contend with one common foe: traffic jams.

While driving through the city can be quite stressful, fear not: the metro is efficient, and with a little practice, you'll quickly learn the art of crossing streets—much like haggling for prices. Here’s our guide to navigating Cairo.

Combine the metro and microbus to reach the Pyramids

If you want to avoid traffic jams, hop on the Cairo Metro. The new Line 3, particularly useful for getting to the airport, has broadened Cairo's underground transit system and is becoming a popular choice for many visitors. Keep in mind that cars can get crowded—there’s a dedicated central car just for women—and during rush hours, the scene is familiar worldwide, with people vying for space.

To visit the Pyramids, don your hat and sunscreen and head south. Start at the Sadat metro station in Tahrir Square, near the Egyptian Museum. Follow the signs for Line 2 towards El Mounib, and prepare for an authentic Cairo experience. It's a six-stop ride (LE5) to Giza. For the final leg, catch a shared microbus (multiple vehicles available at the metro station, costing LE5–10, taking about 20 minutes). Be ready to wait until all seats are filled and expect to be packed in with locals and travelers carrying various items. The bus will drop you close to the Pyramids' ticket office. Ignore anyone claiming closures or reserved areas for specific groups—they're likely touts.

Once you enter the Pyramids area for a self-guided tour, skillfully dodge camel and horseback ride vendors like a soccer pro, and enjoy the stunning views solo, perhaps from the small sand hills overlooking Menkaure’s tomb. While the hike up may require more effort than a ride, travelers are often rewarded with some serene moments in front of one of the world’s ancient marvels.

Agree on a fare before getting into a taxi, or opt for an Uber

It's true, sitting in a taxi might make you yearn for the comforts of home. The golden rule: steer clear of peak hours (8–9am, 6–7pm) and always negotiate the fare beforehand to avoid surprises at the end (metered taxis are rare). With each ride, you'll refine your negotiation skills and set your own fare expectations.

As you drive through Cairo, experience the city's chaos and contrasts from the comfort of your seat, often accompanied by the timeless tunes of Umm Kulthum, the iconic Egyptian Diva. For a 30-minute trip from Downtown to the Khan Al Khalili market, plan to spend around LE100, though taxi fares can fluctuate between LE50 to LE150 at times.

Calling a driver when spending the evening at a restaurant or cafe is often the quickest way to get back to your hotel at night. In Cairo, requesting an Uber is usually fast, especially in Zamalek, where you'll typically wait less than five minutes among the numerous bars in the area. If you prefer cash payments, consider downloading Careem. A trip to Downtown Cairo will set you back about LE50–60.

Understanding numbers in Arabic can be useful for recognizing the car you've ordered. Here they are: ٠ (0), ١ (1), ٢ (2), ٣ (3), ٤ (4), ٥ (5), ٦ (6), ٧ (7), ٨ (8), ٩ (9). Generally, license plates consist of three to four numbers followed by three letters.

Tuk-tuks provide a quick and affordable transportation option

Fast (and furious), tuk-tuks have earned their place in Cairo for weaving swiftly through traffic jams. Although they often need more than just technical upkeep and are sometimes driven by surprisingly young individuals who might otherwise be in school, these noisy vehicles styled after Bangkok's are both quick and entertaining (a 10-minute ride will cost you LE5–25). If visiting the Citadel is on your must-see list in Cairo, a tuk-tuk ride will take you through some of the city's most charming neighborhoods along the way.

Biking and walking are great ways to explore Cairo's neighborhoods

Orange shared bikes are gaining popularity in Cairo, with 45 new bike stations popping up across the city. To use them, just download the Cairo Bike app (LE1 per hour). If you rent one from Tahrir, you can reach Zamalek in 10 minutes, enjoy a leisurely ride around the island (about an hour), and then head toward Midan Taalat Harb. This area is perfect for exploring on foot, offering excellent shops, restaurants, and cafes, thanks to its wide sidewalks and grand boulevards. While walking in Cairo is generally manageable, be ready for large crowds and the occasional challenge of crossing streets without traffic lights. Mimic the locals and be bold, or you might find yourself stuck indefinitely.

The citywide bus network lacks route maps

For those who enjoy traveling by bus, there's an extensive network of vintage, door-opened buses reaching nearly every corner of the city. Expect crowded rides where you may often have to stand, but these journeys offer a fantastic chance to engage with locals and experience their renowned hospitality.

Sadly, there are no route maps available. For a taste of adventure, consider taking bus number 111 from Ramses Station to the airport (a journey of about one hour). Alternatively, you can simply jump on a random bus and enjoy the ride for a few stops. Tickets (LE5–10) can be bought from the seller on board or directly from the driver.

Sail the river with a NileTaxi

Avoid Cairo's traffic and relish a scenic journey with NileTaxi—a perfect option for getting around the city while cruising along the iconic river. Convenient stops line the riverbanks, including one near the Qasr el Nil Bridge, with routes running from Zamalek to Maadi Pier in the city's south (fares range from LE50–100).

Traveling in Cairo with accessibility in mind

Travelers with disabilities may encounter obstacles in Cairo, where architectural barriers abound. There are no curb ramps, and sidewalks can hide holes or remnants from construction work. Navigating Cairo without a wheelchair-accessible taxi is nearly impossible, except for a few places like the expansive Al-Azhar Park, which offers accessible paths amid a lush green setting. In Giza, while sidewalks may not be very accessible, the main road connecting attractions is new and relatively free of congestion. Stick to that one.

While Cairo's urban planning may not be ideal for travelers with disabilities, you'll always find assistance from incredibly friendly locals. Furthermore, travel agencies provide specially designed tours and accessible excursions throughout Egypt, tailored to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. For more details, download Dinogo Planet's free Accessible Travel Online Resources.