London to Cairo (LHR–CAI) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

British passport holders need a visa for Egypt. The eVisa (visa2egypt.gov.eg) costs $25 for single-entry or $60 for multiple-entry, valid for 30 days per visit within a 90-day window. Processing takes 5 to 7 working days. Visa on arrival at Egyptian airports is also available for $25 (USD cash), but the eVisa skips the airport queue. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the entry date.

For the eVisa, upload a passport photo page scan and a digital passport-style photo. No hotel booking or flight confirmation is required at the application stage. At immigration, officers may ask for return tickets and hotel details. Sinai-only visitors (Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Taba) get a free 15-day entry permit stamped at the airport, no visa needed. This permit restricts travel to South Sinai only.

Direct flights from London Heathrow to Cairo run about 5 hours on EgyptAir and British Airways. Sharm el-Sheikh charters from Gatwick and Manchester take about 5 hours 30 minutes. The Egyptian pound (EGP) trades at roughly 50 EGP per $1. ATMs at airports dispense EGP. No mandatory vaccinations for UK arrivals. Tap water is not safe to drink. Carry cash for taxis and smaller vendors, as card acceptance outside hotels and tourist restaurants is inconsistent.

Heathrow Express runs from London Paddington to T5 and T2/T3 in 15–21 minutes (£37 single, cheaper booked online or via the Heathrow app). Elizabeth line (Crossrail) is a lower-cost alternative; Paddington to T5 in 34 minutes from £13.50 with an Oyster/contactless cap of £14.90. The Elizabeth line also serves central London stations including Bond Street, Farringdon, and Liverpool Street.London Underground Piccadilly line serves all terminals (T2/T3/T4/T5) from central London in 40–60 minutes (£6 with Oyster). Taxis (black cabs) from central London cost £55–90 depending on traffic. Coach services from Victoria Coach Station (National Express) cost from £10 booked in advance.

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.