The airport is about 22 km from central Cairo; Metro Line 3 connects to downtown in about 35 minutes; Uber is reliable.
Things to do at Cairo International Airport (CAI)
Cairo International AirportCAI
At the airport
Things to do in Cairo International Airport
Cairo is one of the world's great historic cities, home to the Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx — the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, just 20 km from the city center. The Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square holds Tutankhamun's treasure and the Royal Mummy Room; the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza, the world's largest archaeological museum, opened in full in 2023 and houses the complete Tutankhamun collection. The medieval Islamic quarter around Khan el-Khalili bazaar and Al-Azhar Mosque gives Cairo its sensory, layered intensity.
Insider intel
Top Tips for Cairo International Airport
- The Giza Pyramids are about 35 km from the airport (1 hour in normal traffic) — buy official tickets only at the designated ticket booths, never from touts.
- The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near the Pyramids is now the preferred choice over the old Egyptian Museum — its Tutankhamun galleries alone require 2–3 hours.
Lounge directory
Browse lounges at CAI
5 Sanctifly partner lounges at Cairo International Airport. Each is bookable with points.
100 points per guestCAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS
At Cairo International Airport (CAI) in Cairo, Egypt, the CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS is located in Terminal 1 on the airside, making it a convenient airport lounge option once you’ve completed the main departure formalities. After you pass passport control and the security check, you’ll be in the airside area where the lounge can be accessed from two different entry points. Entrances are available on both Level 1 and Level 2, so you can choose whichever level you’re already on as you continue your travel through the terminal. If you need to move between floors, take the stairs or escalator, then follow the airport signage directing you to the “First Class Lounge,” which will lead you to the CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS. This clear layout helps travelers quickly find the lounge and settle in before their flight from Cairo International Airport.Book Now
100 points per guestAhlein Emerald Lounge
At Cairo International Airport (CAI) in Cairo, Egypt, the Ahlein Emerald Lounge is located in Terminal 2 on the airside, making it a convenient airport lounge option once you’ve cleared the main formalities. After you pass passport control and complete the security check, continue into the airside departures area and look for the escalator or elevator. Take it up to Level 1, then proceed forward—Ahlein Emerald Lounge will be on your right. This straightforward location is ideal for travel through Cairo International Airport, especially if you want to settle in quickly after border and security procedures before heading to your gate.Book Now
100 points per guestAhlein Premium Lounge
At Cairo International Airport (CAI) in Cairo, Egypt, the Ahlein Premium Lounge is located airside in Terminal 2, making it a convenient airport lounge option for travelers who have already completed departure formalities. After you pass passport control and security control, continue forward and turn right just before the duty free shops. You’ll see an “Ahlein Premium Lounge” sign displayed at the reception desk, clearly marking the entrance and welcoming visitors. Because the lounge is airside, be sure to allow enough time to clear security first, then follow the signs toward the duty free area in Terminal 2 to find the lounge quickly and continue your travel in comfort.Book Now
100 points per guestCAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS
At Cairo International Airport (CAI) in Cairo, Egypt, the CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS is conveniently located in Terminal 2 on the airside, making it an easy stop once you’ve cleared the main formalities. After completing passport control and the security check, continue forward and take the first right. You’ll find this airport lounge positioned before the free duty shopping area, so you can relax or refresh before browsing the shops or heading onward to your gate. This straightforward location is ideal for travel through Cairo International Airport, especially if you want to settle in quickly after clearing controls in Terminal 2.Book Now
100 points per guestCAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS
At Cairo International Airport (CAI) in Cairo, Egypt, the CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS is conveniently located in Terminal 3 on the airside, making it an easy stop once you’ve cleared the main formalities. After you complete passport control and pass through the security check, continue into the departures area and look to your right—the airport lounge entrance is located there. Because it’s situated airside, you’ll need to access it after security, so it’s best to plan your visit once check-in and document checks are finished. This straightforward location is ideal for travelers who want a quick, stress-free way to find the lounge in Terminal 3 before their flight from Cairo International Airport.Book Now
Purchase a Sanctifly membership via our website or app.
Unlock airport-specific digital content and reserve VIP lounges using the points included with your plan.
Select the tier that fits your travel habits; higher tiers include more points.
When you book a lounge, you'll receive a unique access code in the app and by email—show this at the lounge to gain access.
You can buy extra points at any time, and rates improve with higher-tier plans.
Membership unlocks airport-specific digital content and the ability to book VIP lounges using points.
Each tier
Liftoff ($25/year)
Explorer ($97/year)
Jetsetter ($220/year)
Trailblazer ($399/year)
provides a different annual points allowance (except Liftoff, which doesn't include points) that refreshes when your subscription renews. You can use your points to reserve lounge access and purchase additional points through the app if you need more.
Higher tiers not only come with more points but also reduce the per-point price when buying extra.
Points are the currency you use in the Liftoff app to book VIP lounge visits. Most plans — Liftoff, Explorer, Jetsetter and Trailblazer — include a points allowance that is deposited into your account whenever your subscription renews. Liftoff does not include points. You spend points to reserve lounges and you can top up your balance at any time through the app. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.
Additional points can be purchased directly in the Sanctifly app from your mobile. All plans allow you to buy more points whenever you need them, and the per-point price decreases on higher-tier plans. Purchased points are added to your account immediately and are non-refundable. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.