Welcome to Sphinx International Airport, a modern gateway to Egypt’s historical and cultural riches.
Serving the city of Giza on the west side of Cairo, this important airport is particularly close to iconic landmarks such as the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
Sphinx Airport is a modern and compact airport located west of Cairo, approximately 20 minutes from the Giza Pyramids. Close to major tourist attractions such as the Pyramids and the Great Sphinx, it is the airport of choice for travellers wishing to explore ancient wonders.
Table of contents
Overview Terminal 1 Sphinx Airport
Terminal 1 at Sphinx Airport is a modern, single terminal facility serving both domestic and international flights. All arriving and departing passengers use Terminal 1. Therefore, there is no need to transfer between terminals or use shuttle services. The terminal has many services such as fast passport control, large car parking areas (on and off-site), taxi stand and car rental offices.
Connecting Terminals
Single terminal layout: As there is only Terminal 1 at the airport, you do not need an intra-terminal shuttle service.
T1 Transportation Hub
The Terminal 1 Transportation Hub is located right in front of the terminal building. The hub consists of a large open area and regular traffic lanes that connect to the main road network. There are four main road junctions from here.
Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road
Giza City Centre Road
Giza City Centre Road 6th of October City Road
Pyramids Road
Thanks to this arrangement, both passengers wishing to go to the city centre and those travelling to tourist sites (Pyramids of Giza, Great Sphinx, etc.) can quickly reach their destination from a single intersection point.
Terminal 1 Sphinx – Arrivals Process
Disembarkation and Passport Control
You can easily find passport control points with large signposts.
Fast-track services are available for premium class and passengers requiring special assistance.
Baggage Delivery and Customs
There are two separate baggage belts for international flights. Domestic baggage is in a separate area.
Following the baggage claim area, you can proceed directly to the customs checkpoint.
Arrival Hall
After clearing customs, you reach the arrival hall. Here there are seats and tourist information desks.
You can read our comprehensive guide to arrivals. LIVE Sphinx flight arrival information.
Terminal 1 Sphinx – Departures Process
Check-in and Baggage Drop-off
There are 28 check-in counters lined up on the terminal ground floor. The counters start operating 3 hours before departure for international flights and 2 hours after departure for domestic flights.
Security and Passport Control
There are double X-ray scanning lines and eight e-gates (electronic passport gates).
Waiting and Gate Area
Along the single corridor there is a duty-free shop, snack bars and a cafeteria.
There is a waiting area with apron view with curtain walled windows.
You can read our detailed guide for departures. LIVE Sphinx flight departure information.
Car Parking Terminal 1 Sphinx Airport
There is a short-term car parking area directly in front of Terminal 1. The first 30 minutes are free of charge. You can park your car in the short-term car park for a maximum of 24 hours. This car park also has ample parking spaces reserved for disabled drivers.
If you want to leave your car at the airport for a longer period of time, you can use the long term car park. This area is 200 metres from the terminal. You can reach the terminal with a 5-10 minute walk. There are special parking spaces reserved for disabled passengers in this area.
Both cash and credit cards are accepted at the counters of the car parks. Your vehicles are protected by 24/7 camera surveillance and security personnel in the car park area
You can read our detailed guide for car park locations.
Off-site Parking
At Sphinx Airport, you may not find a place in the car park during peak periods. There are also private car parks 2-4 km away from the airport. You can make a reservation from these car parks. There is also a shuttle service from the car park to the terminal.
You can read our detailed article for Off-site Parking.
Public transport
Buses
There are no direct bus services from Sphinx Airport. However, regular shuttle buses and shuttle services are available at the airport through both shared and private businesses.
State buses of the Egyptian Ministry of Transport do not stop at this airport. You can first take a taxi ($2-$4) to Imbabe or Bulaq stations, which are close to the airport, and then transfer to the Egyptian National Railways bus and minibus lines.
You can read our detailed article for more information about transport at the airport.
Taxis
The official taxi rank at Sphinx Airport is located at the exit gate just in front of the Arrivals floor. Each vehicle’s licence plate and driver’s credentials must be approved by the competent authorities. Pricing is based on a ‘banda’ (start-up) + per kilometre rate instead of an hourly rate. You must pay the taxi fare in cash. Most taxis do not have a credit card payment system.
For more information about transport at the airport, you can read our detailed article.
Car Rental
Many car hire companies have offices at Sphinx Airport. International chains include SIXT, Avis and Budget. You can make your reservation directly on the company’s website or at the airport office.
Age and documents: Minimum age 21 years. International valid driving licence and credit card required
Additional fees: For drivers under 25, a young driver fee may apply. There are price differences according to vehicle groups
Office location: Terminal 1 arrivals level, at the exit of the baggage claim area.
For more information about car hire, please read our detailed article.
Private transfers
There are private transfer companies serving between Sphinx Airport and Cairo, Giza and other popular tourist destinations in Egypt. This service is ideal for those looking for a more economical option than a taxi or private car hire.
1. Shared Service
– The most affordable option. You share the journey with other guests on the same route.
– Plus: Cheaper, environmentally friendly.
– Minus: Journey time may be longer due to intermediate stops.
2. Private Shuttle
– You reserve the vehicle only for yourself or your group. Direct and seamless transfer.
– Pros: Privacy, flexible time and route.
– Minus: Higher fare than shared.
3. Luxury Shuttle
– You LIVE an extra comfort and prestigious experience with top segment vehicles.
– Plus: Stylish and comfortable for business or private travelling.
– Con: The most costly option.
You can read our article about private transfers.
Passenger Services
VIP Lounge and ‘Meet & Assist’: Packages offered by Pearl Assist and GM Travel ensure that the passenger receives priority service from check-in to boarding.
Wi-Fi and relaxation areas: Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available in all terminals. You can wait for your flight in comfortable seating areas.
Health and emergency assistance: A 24-hour medical room and ambulance service are available on the arrivals level of Terminal 1.
Disabled Access
A new service for hearing and visually impaired passengers has been launched at Sphinx Airport. Passengers with disabilities can use the ‘Deaf & Mute Service’ card for fast-track access, a booked sign language interpreter and orientation assistance.
Disabled ramps and lifts: Barrier-free access is provided at all terminal entrances and exits and flight gates.
Priority boarding: Passengers with disabilities can board the aircraft cabin without waiting in line with the help of a special assistant.
Lost Property & Luggage
The Lost Property Office is located just after the customs exit on the arrivals level. If you have lost your belongings, you can apply to this unit. The found item is sent free of charge to the address specified by the passenger within 48 hours. You should also contact your airline company for lost items on board the aircraft.
Loss report: You can fill in the form in the arrival hall and register with PNR/flight number.
Terminal 1 Sphinx Airport Restaurants
There are many cafés and restaurants in Terminal 1.
Edward’s Pizzeria: Italian pizza and pasta options
Segafredo Café: Wide menu from espresso to cold coffees and light snacks
ChezEdy Burger: Homemade burgers and fries
Grab & Fly: Sandwiches, salads and ready-made snacks
Find out more in our comprehensive guide to Sphinx Airport restaurants.
Terminal 1 Sphinx Airport Shopping
The large shopping area inside the T1 Departures hall is only open to passengers. In Terminal 1, passengers can enjoy the following shops:
Duty-Free: Tax exemption on perfumes, cosmetics, chocolate and alcoholic beverages
Target Shop: Souvenirs, books and magazines
Currency Exchange: All major exchange rates, credit cards accepted
Electronics Stores: Sells equipment such as travel adapters and headphones.
You can find out more by reading my comprehensive guide to shopping at Sphinx Airport.