Cairo Travel Forum

We will be in Cairo for 3 days and need to figure out how to get from the Airport to Concorde Hotel Dokki the most convenient and inexpensive way and more importantly back to the Airport to catch a 5:30AM flight. I believe the Hotel is about 10-12k from the airport.

Also I understand our hotel is about a half K from the Egyptian Museum. So we will walk there However Any suggestions on getting the the Giza Pyramids & Sphinx. I read you can catch the subway to Giza station and then take a Taxi? Are there (or do we need) a guide to tour the Pyramids?

Thanks-

Rich and Deb Martin

Have fun while you're in Cairo.
1st: you don't need a guide to tour the pyramids. Taxis can be found outside the airport at all hours, and your hotel will arrange for a taxi to return you to the airport. Just ask the concierge.
2nd: be aware that the drivers don't drive the way other people do in any other country.they are completely insane with a total disregard for marked lanes, speed limits, etc. Just shut your eyes and you'll be fine. Stay away from the buses. They all carry a thousand people when they're rated for 50.
3rd: It might be a good idea to hire a guide at the Egyptian museum. Most of the items are marked from the 1920's or earlier and a lot is incorrect. I can suggest a guide, Mido. (his real name is Mohammed, but goes by Mido). his number is 002 010 1141014 in Cairo. He is an Egyptologist working on his PhD but still works part time as a guide. you won't find anyone better than him! If you email me I'll send his email address.
Susan

Thanks Susan,

Would you please send Mido' email address.



Thanks again
Richard
urme@cox.net



Susan

I seriouslt doubt you'll walk from Dokki to the Museum. It's really not in the same area.

the only real way to get from the airport to dokki is by taxi, especially if you have all your luggage with you. There are loads of taxis there. People will stop you in the terminal touting for business. Fair enough, but negotiate the price first. A fair price is 60 LE, though you can get it for much less if you haggle. Don't pay more than this though.

As for walking to the Egyptian museum from Dokki, it's do-able but not pleasant. Why not take the metro? there's a stop on Tahrir street, and a stop at Midan Tahrir for the museum.

Pyramids - you can metro and then taxi. Often easier just to get a taxi to take you and wait, especially if you want to go elsewhere - for example saqqara. You don't need a guide. Guide at the museum not a bad idea.

If you want other ideas on what to do, check out nileguide.com/destination/cairo. It's an interactive website with loads of info on what to see and do, where to eat, where to go out etc. Also includes some sample trips you can do.

Enjoy!

In terms of transportation from the airport, we recently used the Cairo Airport Shuttle and highly recommend it. New, comfortable, air-conditioned, seven-seater vans - total cost 80LE. Call +20 22 265 3937 to make a reservation and upon arrival go to the shuttle desk. You will be escorted to your van and driver.

For the return trip, the driver was prompt - to the minute! - and got us to the airport in record time. Best 80LE (+tip) I ever spent.

NP