New York to Cairo (JFK–CAI) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
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No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
JFK–CAI is served by 2 airlines with nonstop service. Egyptair and Emirates lead the route. The flight covers 5,603 miles in approximately 10h 15m. Beyond nonstop, 48 hubs offer 1-stop connections.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Egyptair | 7 | 773 | 10h15 | Star Alliance | – | |
| EK Emirates | 1 | – | 11h38 | – | – |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
On-Time Performance
Other ways to reach Cairo from New York
| Metric | JFK→CAI | EWR→CAI |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from JFK | – | 21 mi |
| Nonstop airlines | 2 | 1 |
| Weekly flights | 8 | 3 |
| Flight time | 10h 15m | 10h 10m |
| Departure OTP | 70% | – |
Travel Essentials
JFK: EDT · CAI: EET
When it's 6:00 PM in New York, it's 12:00 AM (next day) in Cairo.
US passport holders need a visa to enter Egypt. The easiest option is the eVisa, available at visa2egypt.gov.eg. A single-entry eVisa costs USD 25 and a multiple-entry eVisa costs USD 60, both valid for stays up to 30 days. Apply at least 7 business days before travel. A visa on arrival is also available at major airports for USD 25 (single entry). Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.
The AirTrain connects JFK to the NYC subway and Long Island Rail Road at Jamaica Station (Howard Beach is the other connection point). Subway fare plus AirTrain totals $9.25 from midtown Manhattan; allow 60–75 minutes. LIRR from Penn Station takes 25–30 minutes to Jamaica, then 8–10 minutes on AirTrain; total fare around $10–15 depending on time of day.Taxis from Manhattan to JFK are a flat rate of $70 plus tolls and tip ($85–95 all-in). Ride-shares cost $45–80 depending on traffic and time of day. A dedicated express rail (JFK Connect) has been proposed but does not exist yet.
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.
JFK–CAI Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from JFK to CAI
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Cairo International Airport (CAI) are connected by nonstop service from Emirates and Egyptair. With 8 weekly departures, this is a regularly served route.
JFK to CAI Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from JFK to CAI ranges from 10 hours 15 minutes to 11 hours 38 minutes. The route covers a distance of 5,603 miles (9,017 km). There are approximately 8 weekly flights outbound and 7 return, totaling 15 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
48 one-stop connections are available, with the fastest taking approximately 14 hours via SSH. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs. Nearby alternative airports include Newark (EWR).