Zurich to Cairo (ZRH–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.
ZRH–CAI is served by 2 airlines with nonstop service. Egyptair and Swiss lead the route. The flight covers 1,706 miles in approximately 3h 50m. Beyond nonstop, 1-stop connecting options are also available.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Egyptair | 9 | 223, 32N | 3h50-4h | – | Star Alliance | – |
| LX Swiss | 8 | 223, 32N | 3h42-3h50 | – | Star Alliance | – |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
Other ways to reach Cairo from Zurich
| Metric | ZRH→CAI | MXP→CAI |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from ZRH | – | 127 mi |
| Nonstop airlines | 2 | 6 |
| Weekly flights | 17 | 64 |
| Flight time | 3h 50m | 2h 11m |
Travel Essentials
ZRH: CEST · CAI: EEST
When it's 6:00 PM in Zurich, it's 7:00 PM in Cairo.
Swiss passport holders can get an eVisa before departure through visa2egypt.gov.eg or a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports. The single-entry tourist visa costs USD 25 and allows stays up to 30 days. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry. The eVisa typically processes within 5 business days. Visa on arrival is paid in cash at the bank counter before the immigration desk.
Direct SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) trains run from Zurich HB (main station) to the airport station in 10 minutes, departing every 10–15 minutes for CHF 6.80 with a standard zone 1–2 ticket. From other Swiss cities, intercity trains call at Zurich Airport station directly; Basel (65 min), Bern (90 min), Geneva (2h45) all have direct connections. The airport station is integrated beneath the terminal.Taxis from Zurich city centre cost CHF 55–75 and take 15–25 minutes via the A1 motorway. Driving is practical; the terminal has a large multi-storey car park (P1/P2/P3) with short- and long-term rates. Rental cars are on-site.
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.
ZRH–CAI Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from ZRH to CAI
Zürich Airport (ZRH) and Cairo International Airport (CAI) are connected by nonstop service from Egyptair and Swiss. With 17 weekly departures, this is a well served route.
ZRH to CAI Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from ZRH to CAI is about 3 hours 50 minutes gate to gate. The route covers a distance of 1,706 miles (2,745 km). There are approximately 17 weekly flights outbound and 17 return, totaling 34 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
1-stop connecting options are also available, commonly via Vienna, Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen and Athens Eleftherios Venizelos. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs. Nearby alternative airports include Ferno (VA) (MXP).