The best ways to get around Cairo are by metro train or taxi. Egypt's capital is constantly choked by traffic. But below Cairo's congested streets, the metro system is clean, affordable and extremely efficient.
BY METRO
The subway system, officially called "Metro", is a fast and efficient way of getting around Cairo. There are three lines that converge in the center of the city, and trains carry passengers to attractions like the Egyptian Museum and those found in Coptic Cairo. The metro's third line is currently undergoing an expansion project that will connect central Cairo with Cairo International Airport. Two train cars (the fourth and fifth ones) are reserved for women only, although women may ride in any car they want. Trains run every day from around 5 to 1 a.m. (or until 2 a.m. during Ramadan). One-way tickets cost 1 Egyptian pound (around $0.11) each and can be purchased at ticket booths located in each station. You'll need your ticket to enter and exit the Cairo Metro system, so be sure to save your ticket after going through the turnstile. Two train cars (the fourth and fifth ones) are reserved for women only, although women may ride in any car they want.
BY TAXI
Taxis are the most convenient way to get around areas that the Cairo Metro doesn't cover. Cairo contains two breeds of taxis. Older unofficial cabs (known as "black-and-whites" because of their coloring) are the cheapest, but these vehicles rarely have air conditioning. Also, black-and-whites don't charge fares based on a meter. Another option is to use the yellow or white cabs, which do use meters and have starting base fares of 3.50 Egyptian pounds (or less than $0.50). If you'd rather pass on taxicabs, consider using the ride-sharing service Uber.
ON FOOT
At first glance, Cairo seems impossible to traverse on foot. But when you break the city down and explore its neighborhoods, you'll find Cairo is actually very walkable. Strolling through areas like Islamic Cairo and Coptic Cairo will give you a sense of the city's rich culture and heritage.
BY BUS
There are three types of buses in Cairo. The local, privately-operated microbuses aren't always helpful to travelers: No destinations are marked and overcrowding is common. However, this is the cheapest mode of transportation, with rides costing 1 Egyptian pound or less. Fares are passed to drivers after taking your seat onboard. The city's orange minibuses are also not tourist-friendly and they cost more than the local buses at around 1 or 2 Egyptian pounds ($0.11 to $0.23). You'll have the best luck with the largest fleet operated by the Cairo Transit Authority (CTA). These buses are clearly marked with the CTA logo and serve major hubs such as Cairo International Airport and the Pyramids of Giza. However, these buses can also be tricky to use since bus numbers are non-existent or written in Arabic and no route maps exist. One-way tickets cost roughly 2 Egyptian pounds and can be purchased from the bus conductor.
