Airport pickup usually takes 5–15 minutes at Cairo International
Uber runs across all CAI terminals (1, 2, 3 and Seasonal), and drivers can legally pick up and drop off at the public curb, not inside the restricted taxi lanes. You’ll need mobile data or airport Wi‑Fi to request, and most rides into central Cairo or Zamalek land somewhere in the EGP 120–250 range depending on time of day and traffic.
From Terminal 3, follow the signs to “Arrivals – Public Parking” and walk about 100–150 meters outside sliding door 3 or 4 before you set your pickup pin. Terminal 2 arrivals usually work best near the outer curb by doors 2 and 3, while Terminal 1 and the Seasonal terminal have more basic layouts but the same rule: meet your driver on the public side, not in the signed “tourist taxi” queue.
UberX is the default and fits up to 4 riders; larger groups with big checked bags from a long‑haul flight into T3 or T2 might want to price out Uber Select or UberXL if shown in the app. Base fares can dip under EGP 100 late at night for close suburbs, but expect higher prices and surges on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings, especially for trips between CAI and central Cairo.
Most Uber drivers prefer cash in Egyptian pounds even though the app supports card payments; foreign cards sometimes fail on trips from Terminal 3 after midnight when issuers flag them. If you pay cash, check the exact fare in the app the moment you stop; a typical CAI–Downtown run in moderate traffic sits around 45–60 minutes and EGP 150–200.
To avoid confusion, send a quick in‑app chat with your terminal number (1, 2, 3 or Seasonal), airline name, and the nearest door number printed above the exit. CAI signage can be inconsistent at night, so drop a pin by a clear landmark like “Parking Garage” or “Arrivals Gate 3” and confirm the last 3 digits of the license plate before you get in.
One practical tip: order the Uber only after you clear customs and step into the public arrivals hall; CAI baggage claims in T3 and T2 can stall 20–30 minutes, and drivers often cancel if you’re not outside the terminal within 5–10 minutes of accepting the ride.