Flights from Melbourne to Cairo

What are Cairo's most famous landmarks and monuments?

Pyramids of Giza

First time buying tickets to Cairo? Don't miss out on exploring the Pyramids of Giza. These iconic structures are often at the top of every visitor’s sightseeing wishlist in Egypt, and the history of these tombs is astounding. Getting to the Pyramids is easy enough by taxi (all drivers know where this trio are!), and the site can be explored on foot. Avoid riding camels or horses around the site as the animals can be poorly treated by their owners.

Al-Azhar Mosque

The Al-Azhar Mosque is one of the oldest in the city. The building was completed in 972 AD and is one of the oldest universities in the world. Travellers landing on flights to Cairo can take a taxi to the mosque and spend an hour or two exploring the prayer hall, the central courtyard and the El-Taibarsiya Medrese. As it is a religious site, you’ll need to wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders and women will need a headscarf.

Saqqara

Another worthwhile day trip from Cairo is Saqqara, an ancient burial ground. The entire site is home to beautifully painted tombs including the Step Pyramid, the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid. For history lovers buying airfare to Cairo, it's a fantastic excursion that can be paired with a visit to the nearby Memphis, the first capital of Ancient Egypt.

The Grand Egyptian Museum

If you’re looking to purchase flights to Cairo to learn about Egypt’s past, the Grand Egyptian Museum opening in 2020 is an excellent place to spend a few hours. It’s expected to house the largest collection of Tutankhamen relics ever displayed and is expected to be the largest archaeological museum in the world.

What are the dos and don'ts of visiting Cairo?

Tipping

On top of your return flights to Cairo and accommodation, you’ll also need to budget for baksheesh. In Egypt, it’s a form of tipping and locals usually expect you to leave a small amount behind when providing you with a service. For example, you’ll need to tip your taxi driver for your trip from Cairo International Airport (CAI) as well as tour guides, waiters and hotel staff.

What to wear

Egypt is a conservative country, and you'll need to keep this in mind when packing your suitcase for your flights to Cairo. Choose items that will cover your shoulders and knees. Figure-hugging clothing is also not considered appropriate, and women will need a scarf to cover their heads when entering a mosque.

Dining

Whether you're eating out at a restaurant or in someone's home, it's considered polite to leave some food on your plate. It shows your hosts that you aren't hungry and they've provided enough food. Another thing that travellers buying flights to Cairo should avoid doing is eating or passing food with the left hand. It’s considered ‘unclean’ in Egyptian culture.

What are the best places to stay in Cairo?

Zamalek

Zamalek is a neighbourhood on Gezira Island. It's the perfect place to stay if you're a luxury traveller buying return flights to Cairo. The area boasts five-star hotels, high-end boutiques and fine dining restaurants. The island is where you'll find top attractions such as the Cairo Tower and the Nile River.

Maadi

If you're a foodie looking to buy flights to Cairo, you'll love staying in the Maadi neighbourhood. It's brimming with restaurants that offer almost every kind of cuisine. The older part of the area has beautiful luxurious villas, but if you’re looking for accommodation to complement your cheap flights to Cairo, there are also more affordable hotels in the newer part of Maadi.

Downtown

For budget travellers buying cheap flights to Cairo, Downtown offers the best selection of affordable accommodation options. It’s a 40 to 50-minute drive from Cairo International Airport (CAI) or 1 hour 30 minutes with public transport. There are also cheap places to eat, and the neighbourhood is a short taxi ride away from the Egyptian Museum and Khan El-Khalili, the city's oldest bazaar.

Pyramids

Many travellers who book return flights to Cairo dream about staying in the Pyramids area. Here you'll find hotels located in Giza that offer unmatched views of the pyramids. There are luxury and mid-range hotel options available, making it possible to wake up on the Giza Plateau no matter your budget.

New Cairo

Buying tickets to Cairo for business? Look for hotels in New Cairo. It's where many companies have moved their offices and it’s the best area to stay in for business travellers. The neighbourhood is 40 minutes’ drive from Cairo International Airport (CAI) and there are many restaurants and malls, including the massive Cairo Festival City.

When is The Best Time to Visit Cairo?

The best time to visit Cairo is during its two shoulder seasons. From March to April and October to November the city sees cooler temperatures, fewer crowds and cheap hotel rates. However, if you want to nab a deal, it's best to book your accommodation a month in advance to make sure you find something reasonable.

The most popular time to visit Cairo is during its winter months. Day temperatures are warm and evenings are cool, but you'll have to deal with long lines at the city's main attractions. Hotel rates are also at their highest during this time, so book at least a month in advance to lock in prices and ensure availability.

Cairo's low season is during its summer months from May to September. Temperatures average around 32°C during the day, making outdoor excursions hot and exhausting. But if you don't mind packing on extra sunscreen, you'll find fantastic hotel deals. Just plan your travel dates around Ramadan. Hotel rates increase during this holiday, and it's an expensive time to visit if you are sticking to a tight budget.

Airports in Cairo

Cairo International Airport

Cairo International is Africa's second busiest airport and the main air transport for Egypt's capital city. It flies passengers to over 150 destinations around the world and serves as a hub for EgyptAir, EgyptAir Express and Nile Air.

Getting To and From Cairo International

The cheapest way to get from the airport into the city centre is with the Airport Bus Service. The bus stops at Tahrir Square, Mohandeseen and along the Pyramids Road in Giza. It runs every 30 minutes and costs LE 2 for a one-way ticket.

There is a shared shuttle service that runs from the airport every 30 minutes. It costs LE 25 one-way, and the driver will drop you off at your hotel. It's the best option if you have a lot of luggage and want to avoid negotiating with taxi drivers.

If you do decide to take a taxi, you'll find the cabs waiting outside the Arrival terminal. The average fare from the airport should cost you LE 80, and it takes 30 to 60 minutes to get into central Cairo depending on traffic.

Many hotels in the city also over private transfers for their guests.