Istanbul to Cairo (IST–CAI) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
No flights match your filters.
No scheduled airline flights on this route — it's flown by charter / private operators (). No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
Most recently operated nonstop flights — the month shown is when each was last scheduled. Most destinations remain reachable with a connection.
No discontinued nonstop flights on record for this route.
IST–CAI is served by 3 airlines with nonstop service. Turkish Airlines, Egyptair and Air Cairo lead the route. The flight covers 786 miles in approximately 2h 20m. Beyond nonstop, 1-stop connecting options are also available.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TK Turkish Airlines Also: JU, LO | 55 | 32N, 32Q, 333, 33X, 359, 738, 73J | 2h15-2h29 | – | Star Alliance | JU, LO |
| MS Egyptair Also: ET, SQ | 45 | 32N, 333, 33X, 738, 73H, 789, 7M8 | 2h05-2h25 | – | Star Alliance | ET, SQ |
| SM Air Cairo | 7 | 320 | 2h05 | – | – | – |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
Other ways to reach Cairo from Istanbul
| Metric | IST→CAI | SAW→CAI |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from IST | – | 40 mi |
| Nonstop airlines | 3 | 6 |
| Weekly flights | 149 | 30 |
| Flight time | 2h 20m | 2h 5m |
Travel Essentials
IST: +03 · CAI: EEST
When it's 6:00 PM in Istanbul, it's 6:00 PM in Cairo.
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.
IST–CAI Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from IST to CAI
İstanbul Airport (IST) and Cairo International Airport (CAI) are connected by nonstop service from Turkish Airlines, Egyptair and Air Cairo. With 149 weekly departures, this is a heavily served route.
IST to CAI Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from IST to CAI is about 2 hours 20 minutes gate to gate. The route covers a distance of 786 miles (1,264 km). There are approximately 149 weekly flights outbound and 143 return, totaling 292 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
1-stop connecting options are also available, commonly via Athens Eleftherios Venizelos, Beirut Rafic Hariri and Antalya. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs. Nearby alternative airports include Pendik, Istanbul (SAW).