- Introduction: Four Times Across The Atlantic
- Review: ITA Airways Business Class A350 (MIA-FCO)
- Review: ITA Airways Lounge Rome Airport (FCO)
- Review: Prima Vista Lounge Rome Airport (FCO)
- Review: ITA Airways Business Class A320 (FCO-CAI)
- Changing Terminals At Cairo Airport: Still Complicated
- Review: EgyptAir Lounge Cairo Airport (CAI)
- My Rough Night At Cairo Airport, Made Better By EgyptAir’s Osama
- Review: EgyptAir Business Class 787 (CAI-CDG)
- Review: Sheraton Paris Airport (CDG)
- Review: YOTELAIR Paris Airport Priority Pass Lounge (CDG)
- Review: Air France Lounge Paris Airport (CDG)
- Review: New Air France Business Class 777-300ER (CDG-JFK)
- Review: Hyatt Regency JFK At Resorts World New York
- Review: AA & BA Greenwich Lounge New York (JFK)
- Review: AA & BA Soho Lounge New York (JFK)
- Review: AA & BA Chelsea Lounge New York (JFK)
- Review: Amex Centurion Lounge New York (JFK)
- Review: British Airways Lounge Newark Airport (EWR)
- Review: New British Airways First Class 777 (EWR-LHR)
- Review: Renaissance London Heathrow Hotel (LHR)
- Review: Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse London Heathrow (LHR)
- Review: Amex Centurion Lounge London Heathrow (LHR)
- Review: No1 Lounge London Heathrow (LHR)
- Review: Virgin Atlantic A330neo Upper Class Business Class (LHR-MIA)
- Is Virgin Atlantic’s Retreat Suite Worth It?
Probably the roughest part of my four flights across the Atlantic was my night at Cairo Airport. I landed in ITA Airways’ A320 business class from Rome at 2:25AM, and departed in EgyptAir’s 787 business class to Paris at 9:35AM. In this installment I wanted to cover my transfer from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3 at the airport, as changing terminals in Cairo Airport is sort of an adventure.
In this post:
I have a soft spot for Cairo Airport
While I’ve only entered Egypt a few times in my life, I’ve transited through Cairo Airport more times than I can count. Why? Well, there are certain markets known for their incredibly cheap premium fares, reflecting local demand.
Probably the two most popular airports for this are Cairo (CAI) and Colombo (CMB). So in the past it wasn’t uncommon for me to position myself to Cairo, just to start a ticket to somewhere else. Admittedly I haven’t done too much of this in recent years, given the pandemic. It was nice to finally be back!
Cairo Airport is kind of a disorganized mess, but I try to view the transit experience more as an adventure than a massive inconvenience, or else I’d probably be a very unhappy camper. 😉
I’ve written endlessly about Cairo Airport, from pleasant experiences, to terrible extended layovers, to the adventures of doing a direct turn, to the most premium yet back alley terminal transfer. So let me share my transfer experience this time around…
How to get from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3 at Cairo Airport
My ITA Airways flight arrived at Terminal 2, while my EgyptAir flight departed from Terminal 3. I know many people find themselves having to make this kind of transfer, so what’s the situation like in 2023? Well, it’s still a process, but not as much of a process as in the past.
The good news is that you can do an airside transfer between the terminals, so there’s no need to go through immigration or even security. The bad news is that the whole experience is still rather disorganized, and at the discretion of the immigration officers. Furthermore, every single employee I interacted with throughout this process (and there are way more than I can count) was unfriendly and borderline hostile. I haven’t consistently found that to be the case, so maybe I just got unlucky this time around.
Upon arriving at Terminal 2, I followed the signage in the direction of arrivals.
Rather than taking the escalator down to the immigration level, I instead stayed on the same level as arrivals, and followed the signage toward connecting flights and the transit info counter.
This brings you to a room that has a desk with an immigration officer, plus quite a few people sitting around. The immigration officer requested to see my passport and boarding pass, and told me to have a seat. I asked him roughly how long I’d have to wait, and he said “sit and wait!”
Okay, I’ve been in this situation before. While you’re not going to miss your connecting flight, in my experience they sometimes make you wait in this room for hours before letting you go to the other terminal. I’m not sure what exactly determines your wait time.
Fortunately this was my lucky day. Within about 10 minutes, the immigration officer yelled and pointed at me, said “you,” and then motioned for me to follow him. He then walked with me toward the elevator and took me down to the lower level, where the immigration counters are located. There I was told to have a seat and wait for the connecting bus.
Once there, I had to wait for roughly 30 minutes until the bus arrived. I seemed to be the only person making a transfer at this hour, as no one else showed up.
The bus ride also wasn’t without a bit of excitement. There was only one couple on the bus, but they had put their bags all over the bus, so the driver told me to just stand right by the door, because the drive would only take two minutes.
This ended up being kind of awkward, since the only way I could really position myself and my bags was to be face to face with the wife (so I could hold onto my bag without it falling). The husband then (I believe) in broken English told me to stop looking at his wife, which I most certainly wasn’t doing (I was looking over her head facing the back of the bus). Anyway…
Once I arrived at Terminal 3, the adventure continued. There was a locked door to get into the terminal, and there was an immigration officer sitting near it, but he was asleep. The bus driver had to knock on the door pretty hard for him to wake up.
Fortunately I then found myself in Terminal 3, and didn’t even have to clear security. By Cairo standards, I’d consider this to be a win…
Bottom line
Changing terminals at Cairo Airport isn’t exactly an efficient process. On the plus side, on this trip I had one of my fastest transits ever, as it took less than an hour to get between terminals.
I’m still not sure I understand why changing terminals at Cairo Airport has to be such a production. You’d think you could just head straight to the transfer area, show your boarding pass, and get on the bus when it arrives, rather than first having to sit in the immigration office until the officer decides to let you leave.
If you’ve changed terminals at Cairo Airport, what was your experience like?
Hi, I am travelling on 2 separate tickets from Dubai to Cairo (Egyptair) and from Cairo to Manila (via Jeddah) with Saudia airlines. The arrival with Egyptair is Terminal 2, with 5.5 hour layover, and departure from Terminal 3 with Saudia Airlines.
I am a Canadian Citizen, and from my understanding, do not need an e-visa for layover under 6 hours. But I am unsure about whether I would need to go through immigration...
Hi, I am travelling on 2 separate tickets from Dubai to Cairo (Egyptair) and from Cairo to Manila (via Jeddah) with Saudia airlines. The arrival with Egyptair is Terminal 2, with 5.5 hour layover, and departure from Terminal 3 with Saudia Airlines.
I am a Canadian Citizen, and from my understanding, do not need an e-visa for layover under 6 hours. But I am unsure about whether I would need to go through immigration to transfer between the terminals.
Do they allow me to collect checked baggage upon arrival and recheck the baggage with Saudia, as I am transiting without a visa?
Thank you for your kind help!
Andy
I think you have the terminals mixed up. The Egyptair flight is likely arriving at Terminal 3 (which is where Egyptair Departs from), and your flight on Saudia is from Terminal 2 (its used for foreign airline international flights).
As a Canadian Citizen, I believe you are eligible for a visa on arrival. The cost is $25 USD. I went through this process a week ago, and in Terminal 2, they also gave you change...
I think you have the terminals mixed up. The Egyptair flight is likely arriving at Terminal 3 (which is where Egyptair Departs from), and your flight on Saudia is from Terminal 2 (its used for foreign airline international flights).
As a Canadian Citizen, I believe you are eligible for a visa on arrival. The cost is $25 USD. I went through this process a week ago, and in Terminal 2, they also gave you change if you don't have the exact amount. Then you can get your bags and exit the terminal. Then, I would take an Uber to Terminal 2 (Uber is extremely cheap in Egypt by western standards, and the driver can't hike up your rate).
I have a very serious and hilarious question: why is there a bus connection required between Cairo's T2 and T3 when literally both buildings share the same monorail station? That they didn't create a parallel airside transfer is absolute bonkers to me!
. . . that's what you get, being CHEAP!
. . . i remember VERY well your story from about 3 years ago, at the exact same airport!
THAT should have thought you a lesson, but some people like to learn the HARD way! :-)
SORRY, . . . but you knew all along, that this entire wait and "delay" could have been had different, by simply spending US$25,- for a Egypt...
. . . that's what you get, being CHEAP!
. . . i remember VERY well your story from about 3 years ago, at the exact same airport!
THAT should have thought you a lesson, but some people like to learn the HARD way! :-)
SORRY, . . . but you knew all along, that this entire wait and "delay" could have been had different, by simply spending US$25,- for a Egypt Tourist Visa. SIMPLE.
Exit the arriving terminal, walk over to Terminal of your departure and then instead of using an OVERAGED, lousy MS Lounge, go the the BEST Lounge at CAI Airport with nice tarmac view and cool buffet and massive drink selection and a huge variety of seating and even relax seats and Kids playgroung room too! (Priority Pass Lounge too) Ahlein Premium Lounge at T2. In my eyes, THE BEST!!! Lounge all over CAI Airport, especially after 2pm, when all the US folks are gone! Nice, big, clean, quiet and great WiFi, super staff and features all you could ask for.
I agree, the BEST Airport Hotel of any i know, the LeMeridien CAI is great too, maybe THE best Hotel at any int. Airport worldwide i have ever stayed at, and almost like a "Resort" at a Hub airport, simply AMAZING, but no need, if you have only hours and "COULD" rest at some nice and great Seats at a modern and also AMAZING Lounge at T2, where you have been already!
So, it NEVER pays being too cheap! ;-)
OR just swim against the flow or rules, as YOU @Ben usually like to do! I wonder, what held you back from "simply" get that Online Visa and just do what you wanted to do, without ANY trouble?
Of course, we all would have had 1 less story to read here . . . BUT, i simply see this story as ONLY 1/2 the story!
As you had alternatives!
. . . those NOT familiar with CAI, of course would seam there is NO country as easy as the US to transit . . . :-o
To all those who think so: To "TRANSIT" in the US you HAVE TO be vaccinated, have to pay for either a US Visa (which is crazy expensive) or get an online ESTA (also costly! US$ 21,-/Person, with the risk of being declined, but still need to pay that fee!) and all that, just to TRANSIT, as the overaged US airport system does NOT allow any other way, other then enter the country, before you could cont. on! :-) :-) :-)
So to ALL here thinking CAI airport is behind, think of ANY Int. US Hub airport! . . . all from before any war we can think of!
BUT, was interesting to read your CAI experience again!
Hi
i have booked with Egypt Air arriving at 16:35 and next departure is at 19:30 at Terminal 2 with RJ.
on my way back i need to do reverse connection with same 3 hours layover. Do you think i would go for a transit or get a visa and re enter the airport? I dont mind travel with hand luggage on first leg but on return i may have a suitcase. Or i can carry 2 cabin baggages instead as i fly business.
Hello,was it ok? i have the same...
Hi Steffl, I'm transiting from T3 to T2 with a 2.5 hour time period for transit. I already have my online Egypt eVisa, should this allow enough time for me to make my next flight please? Thanks kindly :-)
How was your experience with the transit?
Going to be in the same situation and wondering whether transiting airside or landside with e-Visa.
Why even bother to travel to these shithole countries? They are rude, you get sick in the stomach, and nothing works properly.
. . . are you talking of US Airports?
:-) :-) :-)
chlorine water everywhere, most toilets as dirty as if you're somewhere in the slums anywhere, Employees who DON'T even speak the native language! ha ha ha
. . . you @John should NOT jell at CAI airport, that you might have been to many years ago the last time.
ANY US Hub airport is NOT any better!
That country has MORE to offer, then as you like to call it "shithole" USA!
Think about that!
I'm planning on transiting in Cairo this summer. I booked a cheap one-way Business Class ticket on Royal Air Maroc from Cairo to Miami through Casablanca for ~$800, with the first flight on their 737MAX, and the second on the 787. Can't wait to try out RAM!
I was already in South Asia and looking for a way back, and a one-way economy ticket was $1100+ on the same dates. Meanwhile, a one-way to...
I'm planning on transiting in Cairo this summer. I booked a cheap one-way Business Class ticket on Royal Air Maroc from Cairo to Miami through Casablanca for ~$800, with the first flight on their 737MAX, and the second on the 787. Can't wait to try out RAM!
I was already in South Asia and looking for a way back, and a one-way economy ticket was $1100+ on the same dates. Meanwhile, a one-way to Cairo was $200, so I spent in total $100 less for my flights (with the longest flights in Business Class), compared to a one-stop economy flight on QR. Sure, there are now 4 segments, but I see that as a big win!
except for the 2 aircraft types, COOL choice!
. . . while in CAI, make sure to chose the RIGHT Lounge!
As you're on AT, you can get easily to the BEST Priority Lounges at that Terminal!
Enjoy your Trip!
Horrible airport. Fairly new, but hopelessly outdated already. Tight departure corridors, few eatery options, impossible to find MS business class lounge, no staff anywhere as gate counters below main level, and they don't always until 45 mins. predeparture. Also unless you know exactly which terminal, taxis can't take you there. Inter terminal transport spotty. We connected in December and were unimpressed. We also transited new IST, now that is a world class airport.....
Horrible airport. Fairly new, but hopelessly outdated already. Tight departure corridors, few eatery options, impossible to find MS business class lounge, no staff anywhere as gate counters below main level, and they don't always until 45 mins. predeparture. Also unless you know exactly which terminal, taxis can't take you there. Inter terminal transport spotty. We connected in December and were unimpressed. We also transited new IST, now that is a world class airport.....
Thanks for this write-up. I'm making my first trip ever to Cairo in just under two weeks, on Turkish Airlines. Cairo is my final destination, so I won't need to change terminals, but I enjoyed seeing photos of the interior of the airport. It helps me envision the trip.
We had to connect in Cairo twice this month.. both times it was a horrible event. We will NEVER go thru there again. It would be easier if people were helpful, but everyone was either rude or trying to get you into their taxi. Thanks for the heads-up on MNL.. will try to bypass it.
Was your flight the only one arriving at that time? I think it would be different if you arrived at a reasonable hour. Not that it would not be disorganized, but still...
If ITA and EgyptAir are not partners how did you obtain that boarding pass in advance?
Cairo is a big city in the orient. It s worth to visit. If you are not stuck in western habits.
It s a city full of culture which everyone must visit.
Well, I remember the old Cairo. That place was a cluster*ck. I see it hasn't gotten much better here. Honestly Egypt is one of a few countries I would NEVER return to. It's sad. I wanted to Like Cairo so much, but it is a complete mess.
Absolutely the rudest and most hostile airport employees anywhere
I see you have not been through CDG
100% agree . . . go to CDG or try LHR when changing terminals . . . horrible Hubs!
“The immigration officer requested to see my passport and boarding pass, and told me to have a seat. I asked him roughly how long I’d have to wait, and he said “sit and wait!””
Dear Ben: Ask that same question to a CBP officer and guess what kind of an answer you’ll get. You’re not in Kansas, man!
Exactly! I've passed thru Cairo Airport several times and this is nothing to complain about, even if they're a little brusque! I too have my passport taken to be checked (I never ask "how long"?). Less than 5 minutes later, my passport gets returned and I'm on my way. No fuss. No bribe. No tip. No attitude. No interrogation. Just a regular - if somewhat bored and disinterested looking - passport check. As for the...
Exactly! I've passed thru Cairo Airport several times and this is nothing to complain about, even if they're a little brusque! I too have my passport taken to be checked (I never ask "how long"?). Less than 5 minutes later, my passport gets returned and I'm on my way. No fuss. No bribe. No tip. No attitude. No interrogation. Just a regular - if somewhat bored and disinterested looking - passport check. As for the transfer, do the quick and painless technique: pay the fee, 'officially' enter the country, and go to your next terminal. Easy! Egypt can be as easy (or as hard) as you make it.
You know you're doing a pretty bad job when people need to use CBP as a comparison to justify your level of behaviour.
I do not care where are you from or where do you live at but it sounds like you are just love to complain. Or getting paid to complain.
Cairo Airport one of the most easiest airport to go through on the world.
I do not understand why would you wonder when you were told to wait what is wrong in that and you waited 10 minutes. Then you are complaining when the...
I do not care where are you from or where do you live at but it sounds like you are just love to complain. Or getting paid to complain.
Cairo Airport one of the most easiest airport to go through on the world.
I do not understand why would you wonder when you were told to wait what is wrong in that and you waited 10 minutes. Then you are complaining when the bus arrived. I believe you just wants to complain.
I traveled through Europe
It is the worsts airport connection ever.
Airport are too big and you must take bus or train and Walk forever till you reach second terminal then you go through selly immigration. Good luck to find someone to help you ..
Please go back to your country and write first about it
And still, half Cairo would give anything for the opportunity to move to the West. Oh, well. It is in the character of very few men to honor without envy a friend who has prospered.
I agree. Cairo is one if the top 5 best airports in the world. The top 5 are Singapore Changi, Amsterdam Schiphol, Taiwan Taoyuan (formerly Chiang Kai Shek), Cairo, and Alderney
Hi Sherif - I’m travelling from Toronto to Moscow- it’s a connecting flight in Cairo -( It’s my first time)-how to get from terminal 3 to terminal 2 fast - it’s short layover 1h40 min
☺️
you get what you deserve in Cairo Airport, for your next trip, try transferring from one of the four terminals in Manila.... These airports should be avoided at all costs.
The worst change of terminal that i ever experiencied through all my life it was at Manila Airport. They theorically offer a Van for free to do this way, but when i was there, the gap between each Van is almost of one hour... And just one van for the entire terminal... Imagine the mess. Result, almost every single person use cabs. It's a shame.
TSA's security theatre is pretty dumb, but Cairo's complete lack of any organized security is even worse.
Hope someone in Egypt air or Cairo International Airport or Ministry of Tourism , reads your article and addresses the problem.
There is suppose to be a train between terminal, I asked about..not even the information desk knew where it starts!
Making the transfer has been unique /awful experience each time for the last 10 times at least.
Why do I need to take and pay for a taxi, why do i...
Hope someone in Egypt air or Cairo International Airport or Ministry of Tourism , reads your article and addresses the problem.
There is suppose to be a train between terminal, I asked about..not even the information desk knew where it starts!
Making the transfer has been unique /awful experience each time for the last 10 times at least.
Why do I need to take and pay for a taxi, why do i have to be spoken to like a criminal or in a rude way? The Bus pick up location is a mystery.
Travelers are usually tired and have luggage (not just a carry on).
I am sure you need to tip your way through transit
Agreed, no-one will be offended by being offered a tip/bribe. It's basically a facilitation fee. Their surly attitude may miraculously and instantly change too!
Lol-bakshesh seems to be everywhere and everyone.
Hey Ben At least the driver connecting you to terminals didn’t ask you “you tip me money?“ like the last time
@Lucky -- Many years ago, I read in one or more of your posts that Cairo and Colombo were good for cheap premium fares. I looked into it, and sure enough, I managed to get a good one. I figured I might as well have a look around while I was in Cairo. Long story short, my now wife was my then guide. All down to one of your posts, so thanks Lucky!
That's amazing!
@ Malc -- Like Luis said, that's AMAZING!!!
Now we wait Lucky's experience of MNL, which who knows changing an airport terminal can be a climax of a certain docuseries! :)
As somebody who's transited terminals in MNL too many times to count, the easiest way is to just enter the country and take a short 5 minute taxi ride. There is a transfer bus between terminals but you might be waiting for a while.
Hi Ben, I might have to fly into Cairo on Jordanian airlines and then fly out on Air France. I believe they are in the same terminal. Do you know if I can get the Air France boarding pass at the Transfer Desk in the Terminal? Thanks
You can check-in online 30 hrs before. Assume you’ve got no baggage otherwise your will can’t do an airside transfer
I did a lot of CAI transfers in the last 20 or so years. Never a pleasant experience, often long waits without explanation why, bad lounges and so on. But I never missed a flight.
Cairo actually has a lot to see. You can stay close to the airport in one of the hotels (Heliopolis is a good spot) or downtown (longer drive), see the Pyramids, the national museum and so on. I would recommend 2-3 nights there.
I've been to CAI a few times... is it just me or is it worth it just entering the country (bringing the 25 USD in cash), getting a cab to take you to the other terminal, and then leaving again? The process Ben has outlined seems way too stressful...
My exact thought.
Same. I can't understand how connecting like this could possibly be better than entering the country.
Ah yes, moving around the Cairo airport. Such a joy.
We flew in from JFK and were flying out to Hurghada. Had to go by the officious little man who threw a fit about my lithium batteries.
Insisted I could not have them. I dug in my heels and refused to budge. Officious little Egyptian men do NOT like being refused by foreign older women.
Finally a supervisor called in. To break the impass, he...
Ah yes, moving around the Cairo airport. Such a joy.
We flew in from JFK and were flying out to Hurghada. Had to go by the officious little man who threw a fit about my lithium batteries.
Insisted I could not have them. I dug in my heels and refused to budge. Officious little Egyptian men do NOT like being refused by foreign older women.
Finally a supervisor called in. To break the impass, he sent us out to put the lithium batteries in our checked luggage. What an idiot. Nobody allows this. I already had them in a fire safe litho bag.
But I put them in the checked luggage. At Hurghada, they started to challenge them again but got one good look at my face and waived us through.
When I returned stateside, I requested an official response from Egypt Air and shockingly got it. I now carry an official letter entitling me to travel with my lithium batteries in carryon and no limit to the number (I had batteries got 3 travelers in my litho safe bag).
Just hoping someday I run into Mr Officious again when I can whip put my official letter.
We also flew Hughada to Sharm,then back to Cairo and back to.US. Nobody challenged our batteries anywhere else.
Now, don't get me started on cigarette lighters
Way too stressful ???
It took 10 minutes for his passport to be checked, then he waited for a bus.
The rest is an embroidery of hardship, coloured by the author's readiness to take offence or seek out glitches most of us take in our stride.
You're not really selling it. Egypt has one of the worst and most arbitrary bureaucracies in the entire world. I wouldn't subject myself to it without tremendous incentive to do so. If you misconnected and needed to spend the night to go through customs you would have all sorts of difficulties if you have any camera equipment, or heaven forfend a drone.