Istanbul to Cairo (IST–CAI) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Turkish passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Egypt for tourism purposes. The visa is single-entry, valid for 30 days, and costs $25 paid at the visa counter before immigration in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP accepted). Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry. An e-visa is also available through visa2egypt.gov.eg, processed within 3 to 5 working days, costing $25 for single entry or $60 for multiple entry.

At Cairo International Airport (CAI), buy the visa sticker at one of the bank counters before passport control, then proceed to the immigration desk. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on queue length. For stays beyond 30 days, extend your visa at the Mugamma building in Tahrir Square, Cairo, or at a passport office in other governorates. The extension costs about EGP 700 (roughly TRY 770).

Direct flights from Istanbul (IST) to Cairo run about 2 hours 30 minutes on Turkish Airlines and EgyptAir. Istanbul to Hurghada (HRG) and Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH) run about 2 hours 45 minutes, with seasonal service expanding during summer. Egypt uses the Egyptian pound (EGP), trading at roughly 1.1 EGP per TRY 1. ATMs are common in cities and resort areas. Card payments work at hotels, malls, and tourist restaurants. Uber and Careem operate in Cairo, Alexandria, and Hurghada.

Istanbul Metro M11 Gayrettepe–İstanbul Havalimanı line connects the airport to the broader metro network; from Gayrettepe (Mecidiyeköy/Levent area) the journey is about 35 minutes (₺60–70 with Istanbulkart). The line runs roughly 5am to midnight.Havaist express buses serve Taksim, Kadıköy, and other major hubs (₺50–80, 45–90 minutes depending on traffic). Taxis use a meter; expect ₺400–600 from Taksim or Sultanahmet. The airport is 35km northwest of the city; traffic on the O-7 motorway can be severe during peak hours.

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.