Cairo Travel Forum

I have a layover in Cairo that will allow just 5 hours in the city. Would that be enough time to visit the Pyramids? What mode of transportation would be best? Thank you!

I would say it's not to many time,because Cairo is huge city and you would spend at least 2 hours for round transportation to Giza and back.Giza Complex with pyramids is huge as well,so even to take a look would take at least 1 hour.It's risky,but Russians say:who is never takes a risk,that one never drinks Champagne!

Cairo has an amazing amount of traffic, and an amazing amount of traffic congestion. So taking a taxi to Giza (your only feasible option, I think) would be a risky.......it would be very easy indeed to get stuck in traffic and miss your connection. The ride is at least an hour either way...easily more, if you get stuck in traffic..... and the Pyramid site certainly warrants more than an hour's visit.

The airport itself is also very busy....and there is security scanning before you enter, which slows things down even more.

At least, that was the case when I visited.

5 hours between flights? too short time, you might have also to clear custom, passport control.. then both flights are from same terminal? there are 3 operational terminal at Cairo. How long before you should be at gate for security checks? Of course the first flight will arrive on time..

I would not go outside the airport, it could also hot (very hot), run at Cairo in a such short time! Maybe from 2012 when Cairo Metro will serve the airport and a new line will link Giza at other end.

Till then an helicopter or balloon tour?

Hi It is a little risky but if you are traveling alone you may be able to give it a try. Just know that it will take you at least 1 hour just to get there. When you get there you will have literally no more than 30 minutes before you will have to get back in the car and go back to the airport which will take..... another hour. Taking a cab would be best, pay no more than 80 L.E.
especially if you want the driver to get you there quickly and then wait for you.

You usually have to be at the airport for an international flight 2 hours before. I understand the idea of wanting to go take a few snapshots of Giza, and on a good day it could literally be done. On most days however, there is no such thing, of a good day when it comes to traffic in Cairo.

Thank you all for the advice. I land at 9:30am so should be able to exit customs/visa by 10:30am and I don't leave until 5:30pm. So getting to the airport at 3:30pm should be fine. Thus, I will have 5 hours free and I'm going to try it! This may be the only time I get to Cairo.

Mohax1,
I would be interested in renting a car/driver. How much would it cost for 5 hours?

Yes with a space of time like that you probably could get away with it.
Just keep in mind that you will need an hour to get back to the airport.
I think I would try it too. Have a great time. The Pyramids/Sphinx is truly beautiful and no one should really miss it.

Jobeyjobe, traffic is much lighter on Fridays as it's the holy day. So if you happen to be doing this on a Friday, it'll be a bit easier.

NP

I think people thought you have 5 hours between flights, but you have 5 hours to spare. This is do-able. You will take about 1 hour to get to giza, and allow maybe 1.5 hours on the way back - just in case.
This leaves you 2.5 hours at the pyramids which is reasonable. i reccomend you book a cab with the blue cab company, below i will provide their web page.
www.thebluecab.com
They are comfortable, affordable and have set prices and air con! all of these are novelties in cairos normal cabs
- CG