Sphinx Airport to Cairo
Cairo, located on the fertile banks of the Nile River, is a historic city that has been inhabited for over a thousand years. It was founded in 969 CE by the Fatimid caliph Al-Muizz under the name ‘el-Kâhira.’ Today, Cairo is a cultural mosaic at the heart of Africa and the Middle East, with a population of 22.1 million. Its streets are layered with history, from ancient Egypt to Ottoman splendour and modern skyscrapers. Every corner holds a historical treasure or a surprise street delicacy.
You can take a short break from the hustle and bustle of the city with a felucca tour on the Nile River. As you wander through the labyrinthine streets of Khan el-Khalili, you can feel the passage of time accompanied by the aromas rising from the colourful spice stalls. Cairo is not just a destination. It is a place worth exploring.
My personal recommendations
Giza Pyramids and Sphinx: The pyramids of Cheops, Khafre and Menkaure, considered one of the seven wonders of the world, and the Sphinx complex are symbols of ancient Egypt. Don’t leave Egypt without visiting these places.
Egyptian Museum (Tahrir Square): Home to Tutankhamun’s golden mask and thousands of ancient artefacts, the museum has been open to visitors since 1902.
Cairo Citadel (Saladin Citadel): Built in the 12th century by Saladin, the citadel is home to the Muhammad Ali Mosque and the Egyptian National Military Museum.
Khan el-Khalili Market: A traditional market dating back to the 14th century, it is filled with handmade souvenirs, spices, and handicrafts.
Coptic Cairo: Religious structures such as the centuries-old Coptic Orthodox Church of Saint Mary of the Assumption, the Church of Saint George, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue reflect Egypt’s multicultural history.
Modern Buildings and Magnificent Architecture
Cairo Tower: Designed by Naoum Shebib, this 187-metre-high tower is quite eye-catching with its panoramic city views and revolving restaurant. Here you can enjoy a panoramic view of Cairo.
Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM): Built on the edge of the Giza Plateau, this 500,000 m² museum is a stunning example of modern architecture, with a glass and alabaster façade reminiscent of mud pyramids.
Cairo Opera House: This opera house is part of a complex located in the Zamalek district on Nil Island. It hosts contemporary art performances.
Shopping and Gastronomy
Historical Markets: The street vendors around Khan el-Khalili and the Sixth Street markets are must-visit spots for traditional souvenirs and spice shopping.
Large Shopping Centres: City Stars, Mall of Arabia and Cairo Festival City Mall are home to international brands. These shopping centres also have cinema halls and entertainment centres.
Local Street Food: You should definitely try local dishes such as koshary, ful medames, ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel) and hawawshi.
Gourmet Experiences: You can find local and international cuisine at places like Abou Tarek (koshary), Sequoia (modern Mediterranean cuisine), and Citadel View Restaurant (with a view of Al-Azhar Park).
Outdoor and Nature Experiences
Nile Felucca Tours: Traditional sailboats offer sunset tours on the Nile River. This enchanting experience will give you a sense of peace.
Al-Azhar Park: Spanning 72 acres of landscaped grounds, 12th-century ruins, ponds, and well-maintained walking paths, this is the city’s ‘green lung.’
Desert Safaris: Quad bike tours, camel rides, and camping activities organised just outside Giza are fantastic adventures for thrill-seekers. These activities, set against ancient landscapes, transport you back in time.
Nile Corniche Bike Tours: Rent a bike and explore the riverfront along the paths stretching along Zamalek and Gezira islands.
Climate
Cairo has a hot desert climate. The average annual temperature is 22.1 °C. Only 18 mm of rain falls here annually.
Summer (May–October): The average daily high temperature is between 35–46 °C. Humidity is low, and there are long sunny days.
Winter Months (December–February): Average high temperatures range from 19–23 °C. Nighttime average temperatures range from 10–15 °C. Rainfall is rare during these months.
Dust Storms: From March to May, Saharan dust transport increases, and dust storms occur for up to 15 days. During this period, visibility is significantly reduced and air quality is poor.
Why You Should Visit Cairo?
Cairo is a capital city unlike any other in the world, with 3,000 years of uninterrupted civilisation, modern dynamism and a rich street culture. Every corner of the city offers a glimpse into a different layer of Egyptian history. I invite you on an adventure that takes you from pyramids to skyscrapers, from street markets to elegant restaurants. Additionally, you can enjoy both urban and natural experiences with the peace offered by the Nile River, parks, and desert activities.
Transportation Options from Sphinx Airport to Cairo
The distance between Sphinx Airport (SPX) and Cairo city centre is approximately 45 km. Depending on traffic conditions, the journey takes between 45 and 60 minutes. The most common options for this route are ride-sharing apps such as Uber/Careem, official yellow taxis, shared shuttle taxis, pre-booked private transfer services and hotel services.
Taxi
When you exit the airport terminal, you can easily spot yellow-and-white taxis at the taxi stands. The fare generally ranges from 150–250 EGP, depending on your destination, the time of day, and traffic conditions. Official yellow taxis at SPX operate on a fixed-rate basis rather than using a taximeter. So, don’t forget to negotiate with the driver before getting in the taxi.
Uber & Careem
For a more transparent pricing experience, you can opt for Uber and Careem apps. After requesting a ride through the app, you can see the fare based on your destination. This way, you won’t be surprised by an unexpected price when you get out of the car. Additionally, you can track your journey details through the app. At Sphinx Airport, Uber (and Careem) vehicles pick up passengers from the ‘Rideshare Pick-Up’ area on the arrivals floor of the single terminal. The designated area for Uber/Careem is located on the right side, a little ahead of the taxi queue. You can wait for your vehicle there.
Private Transfers
If you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with a large group, you can rent a private vehicle for a comfortable travel experience. You can make your reservation online at least 24–48 hours before your trip. This allows you to specify details such as the type of vehicle, your driver’s language, and luggage capacity. Prices generally vary depending on the vehicle class (sedan, SUV, minivan, luxury limousine) and distance. The average price for a standard sedan between Sphinx Airport and Cairo city centre is between 300–450 EGP. For a 6-seater minivan, this amount can go up to 600 EGP. This transportation option is slightly more expensive than standard taxis, but you will have a more comfortable journey with extra amenities such as air conditioning, water, and Wi-Fi.
Hotel Shuttle Services
If your hotel offers airport transfers, your task is quite easy. Simply ask your hotel if they provide airport service when making your reservation or before check-in. Most hotels offer this service for free or for a small fee. Upon arrival at the hotel, a representative will meet you at the door and take you to your destination.
Car Rental
You can also start your journey by renting a car from Sphinx Airport. There are many car rental companies at the airport. If you decide to rent a car from Sphinx Airport, I recommend reading our detailed guide.
Bus
There is no direct bus stop at Sphinx Airport. You can reach the nearest bus stop from the airport by taxi in 10 minutes. Below, I have listed the three main bus terminals that are easiest to reach from Sphinx Airport and how to get there.
1. Blue Bus Station – Dandy Mall (Kerdasa)
Blue Bus Station is located opposite Dandy Mall in the Kerdasa district of Giza. Both city and intercity bus services operate from here. You can reach this bus stop in about 10–15 minutes by taxi.
Address: 3299+65W Bluebus Station – Dandy Mall, Kilo 28 U-Turn Bridge, Kerdasa, Giza Governorate 3630101, Egypt
2. GoBus Giza New Bus Station (Mourad Street)
GoBus’s main terminal in Giza is the new bus station located on Mourad Street, at 15 Mourad St. You can reach here by taxi in approximately 12–15 minutes from Sphinx Airport.
3. Giza to Cairo Bus Stop (Pyramid area)
The ‘Giza to Cairo bus stop’ near the Giza Pyramids is a stop used by city minibuses and buses. From here, you can take buses to Cairo city centre. The bus stop is 620 m from the Great Pyramid, 1 km from the Khafre Pyramid, and next to the Ahram Police Station. You can reach the bus stop by taxi in approximately 10–13 minutes. Giza–Cairo minibuses and buses operated by the Egyptian National Transport Company (Mwasalat Misr) depart from this stop.