Bus 356 runs between CAI and central Cairo for a few pounds
CTA Bus 356 is the cheapest public ride from Cairo International Airport into town, with tickets typically under 10 EGP per person. It’s a standard city bus run by the Cairo Transport Authority, not an airport-branded coach. You’ll usually find it outside the arrivals area at Terminal 1, with some trips also serving Terminal 3 depending on the timetable posted at the stop.
The route links the airport with central Cairo districts, taking roughly 45–75 minutes depending on traffic on the Salah Salem and city-center roads. This is a regular stop-and-go city route, so expect frequent stops once you get closer to downtown. The bus runs throughout the day, but late-night frequencies thin out after around 23:00, so don’t assume a quick connection if you land on a 01:30 arrival bank.
Buy your ticket in cash from the driver or conductor as you board; fares are paid in Egyptian pounds only, and small notes like 5 or 10 EGP make it easier. There’s no card payment and no advance booking, unlike some private shuttles at Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Keep your ticket handy, as spot checks sometimes happen on city routes leaving the airport perimeter roads.
These are standard city buses with basic seats and no dedicated luggage racks, so that 23 kg checked bag from your EgyptAir flight out of Terminal 3 will likely sit on your lap or by your feet. Doors are level with the curb, not low-floor ramp style, so rolling two big suitcases on and off can be awkward. If you’re landing with kids, a stroller, and multiple bags, factor in that you’ll be sharing space with daily commuters heading in from the airport road.
Stops are announced mainly in Arabic and timetables can shift, so it helps to have your target stop written in Arabic script on your phone or on paper. Ask the driver “Wasl el…[area name]?” before paying, especially if you’re aiming for a specific district like Heliopolis rather than pushing all the way into the denser center. If you’re on a tight schedule, build a 30-minute buffer in case traffic on the ring road spikes at rush hour.
Practical tip: pull 50–100 EGP in small notes from an airport ATM in Terminal 2 or Terminal 3 arrivals before walking out to the 356 stop, so you’re not stuck trying to break a 200 EGP bill at the bus door.