Haikou (Meilan) to Cairo (HAK–CAI) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Chinese passport holders need a visa to enter Egypt. You can apply for an eVisa through visa2egypt.gov.eg before departure. The single-entry 30-day tourist visa costs USD 25. Processing typically takes 5 to 7 business days. A visa on arrival at Egyptian airports is also available for the same fee, paid in cash at the bank counter before immigration.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Bring a hotel booking confirmation, return ticket, and proof of funds. The eVisa is the faster option since it avoids the queue at the airport bank counter.

Haikou Metro Line 1 connects Meilan International Airport to the city centre in 30–40 minutes for CNY 6–10. The metro runs from roughly 06:30 to 22:30. Airport shuttle buses depart from the central bus station (CNY 15–20). The airport is located about 25 km east of downtown Haikou.DiDi and taxis from the city centre cost CNY 50–90 depending on traffic. Driving via the Haikou Ring Expressway takes 25–40 minutes. Parking is available in the terminal complex.

Uber and Careem are the easiest exit. Order from the app inside the terminal and meet the driver at the designated pickup zone outside arrivals. Expect EGP 100-200 to downtown (Tahrir Square, Zamalek, Garden City) and 45-60 minutes in normal traffic. Prices are dynamic, highest between 22:00-02:00 and 06:00-11:00. Yellow metered taxis queue at the rank; drivers will quote EGP 400-500 but the metered fare is EGP 150-300.

CTA public buses 356 and 400 run to central Cairo (EGP 5) but are infrequent and packed. Airport shuttle buses serve major hotels for EGP 25-50. Metro Line 3 does not yet reach the airport; the extension is planned but not operational. Rental car offices are in Terminal 3 arrivals. Traffic in Cairo is aggressive by any standard, so first-time visitors may prefer ride-hail over self-driving.

Cairo is desert. Rain totals about 25mm for the entire year, almost all of it falling in December and January. Summers (May-October) are hot and dry with highs of 34-38 degrees C and relentless sunshine. July and August are the peak, though low humidity makes shade feel meaningful. Winters (December-February) are mild and sunny at 14-20 degrees C during the day, dropping to 8-10 degrees C at night.

The Khamsin wind arrives in spring (March-May), carrying Saharan sand and pushing temperatures above 40 degrees C for several days at a stretch. Visibility drops and sand gets into everything. Autumn (October-November) is warm and settled, making it the most pleasant travel window along with winter. Pack sunscreen and light clothing for summer. Winter evenings need a light jacket. Bring a scarf or face covering if visiting during Khamsin season.