🇪🇬 Flights to Cairo
Cheap Flights to Cairo from the UK
Find the best deals on flights to Cairo International Airport (CAI). Dream Fare beats comparison sites with exclusive fares from London to Cairo — one of the world’s greatest cities and home to the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World.
Airlines to Cairo
All Airlines Flying London to Cairo
Cairo has excellent daily direct connections from London with several airlines. We compare every option to find your best price.
Baggage Allowances — London to Cairo
| Airline | Cabin Bag | Hold Baggage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EgyptAir | 1 bag up to 8kg | 1 x 23kg | Extra bags purchasable at booking |
| British Airways | 1 bag up to 23kg | 1 x 23kg | No checked bag on Basic fares |
| Emirates | 1 bag up to 7kg | Depends on fare | Confirm at booking |
| Qatar Airways | 1 bag up to 7kg | Depends on fare | Confirm at booking |
| Turkish Airlines | 1 bag up to 8kg | Depends on fare | Confirm at booking |
| Lufthansa | 1 bag up to 8kg | 1 x 23kg | Extra bags purchasable at booking |
When to Visit
Best Time to Visit Cairo & Egypt
Egypt has a desert climate with very hot summers and mild winters. Cairo is 2 hours ahead of GMT year-round. Winter is by far the most popular season for UK visitors.
Peak Tourist Season
Oct — April
The finest time to visit Cairo and Egypt. Mild and sunny (15°C to 26°C). Ideal for the Pyramids, Luxor, Aswan and the Valley of the Kings. Peak season means higher prices and larger crowds at major sites — book ahead.
Spring Season
March — April
Warm (20°C to 30°C) and excellent for sightseeing. The Khamsin sandstorms can blow in from the desert in March and April — bring eye protection. Spring is beautiful along the Nile and in Upper Egypt.
Getting Hot
May — June
Temperatures rise sharply (30°C to 38°C). Lower tourist numbers and competitive fares. Early morning visits to the Pyramids and monuments are manageable. The Nile cruise season begins. Popular for budget-conscious travellers.
Peak Summer Heat
July — September
Extremely hot (38°C to 45°C) in Cairo. The lowest tourist numbers and cheapest fares of the year. Visit monuments at sunrise and spend afternoons in air-conditioned museums. Popular for Red Sea and Sharm El Sheikh beach holidays.
About Cairo
Cairo — Mother of the World
Cairo — Al-Qahira, the Victorious — is one of the world’s great cities. The largest city in Africa and the Arab world, Cairo is a city of extraordinary historical depth, vibrant chaos, incredible food and the most important collection of ancient monuments on earth. The Pyramids of Giza — the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World — are visible from the city’s western suburbs. The Egyptian Museum houses the greatest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts in existence.
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Pyramids of Giza
The last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World — the Great Pyramid of Khufu (built approximately 2560 BC) is the most extraordinary human construction ever made. The Pyramids of Giza — Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure — together with the Great Sphinx, rise from the desert plateau on the western edge of Cairo. No photograph prepares you for the scale and perfection of these 4,500-year-old monuments.
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Egyptian Museum
The greatest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts in the world — over 120,000 objects spanning 5,000 years of Egyptian civilisation. The Tutankhamun galleries — featuring the golden death mask, the golden throne, the royal chariots and thousands of objects from the intact royal tomb discovered in 1922 — are extraordinary. The new Grand Egyptian Museum near the Pyramids opened in 2023.
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Islamic Cairo (UNESCO)
The medieval Islamic city of Cairo — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — contains one of the finest concentrations of Islamic architecture in the world. The Khan el-Khalili bazaar (operating since 1382), the Al-Azhar Mosque (founded 970 AD — the world’s second-oldest university), the Citadel of Saladin and the magnificent Sultan Hassan Mosque are all within walking distance.
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Nile Cruises
A Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan (or vice versa) is one of the world’s great travel experiences. Floating past 3,000-year-old temples on the bank of the Nile, visiting the Valley of the Kings (Tutankhamun’s tomb), Karnak Temple, Abu Simbel and the temples of Philae in the company of an Egyptologist guide is an extraordinary way to experience ancient Egypt. Most cruises are 4 to 7 nights.
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Egyptian Cuisine
Egyptian food is one of the Middle East’s great culinary traditions. Koshari (the national dish — lentils, rice, macaroni, tomato sauce and crispy onions), Ful medames (fava bean stew — the Egyptian breakfast staple), Ta’meya (Egyptian falafel made with fava beans), Molokhia (jute leaf soup), Hamam mahshi (stuffed pigeon), fresh flatbread from the oven and Egyptian tea with mint are all essential Cairo food experiences.
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Coptic Cairo
One of the oldest Christian communities in the world — the Coptic Christians of Egypt trace their faith to Saint Mark the Evangelist (c.42 AD). Coptic Cairo — in the Old Cairo district — contains the Hanging Church (one of the oldest churches in the world), the Church of St Sergius (built over the cave where the Holy Family sheltered), the Coptic Museum and the Ben Ezra Synagogue (where Moses was found in the bulrushes, according to tradition).
Top Places to Visit in Cairo & Egypt
Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx
The single most important historical site on earth — the Pyramids of Giza are the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World and the most recognisable monuments in human history. The Great Pyramid of Khufu — built approximately 2560 BC — remained the tallest structure on earth for 3,800 years. The Great Sphinx, 73 metres long and carved from a single limestone outcrop, guards the plateau. Visit at sunrise to beat the crowds.
Egyptian Museum & Grand Egyptian Museum
The original Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square holds the world’s greatest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts — including the complete Tutankhamun treasury. The new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near the Pyramids opened in 2023 and is the largest archaeological museum in the world — displaying over 100,000 objects across 120 gallery rooms with the Pyramids visible through the windows.
Luxor — Valley of the Kings
4 hours from Cairo by overnight sleeper train or 1 hour by EgyptAir flight — Luxor is the world’s greatest open-air museum. The Valley of the Kings (64 royal tombs including Tutankhamun’s), Karnak Temple (the largest religious complex ever built), Luxor Temple and the temples of Hatshepsut and Ramesses II at Abu Simbel make Luxor an unmissable Egypt experience.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Cairo’s legendary Islamic bazaar — in continuous operation since 1382. The labyrinthine lanes of Khan el-Khalili sell spices, gold and silver jewellery, papyrus, perfumes, textiles, lanterns, Pharaonic souvenirs and Egyptian cotton. The Fishawi’s coffeehouse (open 24 hours since 1773 — legend says it has never closed) serves tea and shisha in the heart of the bazaar.
Alexandria — The Mediterranean City
2 to 3 hours from Cairo by train — Alexandria was one of the greatest cities of the ancient world (founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, home of Cleopatra and the ancient Library of Alexandria). Today it is a beautiful Mediterranean city with excellent seafood, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (a modern homage to the ancient library), the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa and the Qaitbay Citadel.
Abu Simbel Temples
The most dramatic ancient monuments in Egypt — the two rock-cut temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari at Abu Simbel in southern Egypt are among the most extraordinary sights on earth. The temples were relocated in one of history’s greatest engineering feats (1964 to 1968) to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. A short flight from Aswan or a spectacular sunrise bus journey from Aswan.
Travel Tips
Cairo Travel Guide
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Visa for Egypt
UK citizens require a visa to enter Egypt. An e-visa is available online at visa2egypt.gov.eg before travel — strongly recommended. The tourist e-visa costs approximately $25 USD and is valid for 30 days. Visa on arrival is also available at Cairo Airport for approximately $25 USD but queues can be very long. Apply online before travel to save time.
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Currency & Money
Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). USD is widely accepted in tourist areas. Cards are accepted in major hotels and tourist shops but cash is essential for local restaurants, markets and tips. ATMs are widely available in Cairo. Inform your bank before travelling. Exchange rates vary — airport rates are less favourable than city centre banks.
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Getting Around Cairo
Uber operates reliably in Cairo and is strongly recommended over roadside taxis. The Cairo Metro is excellent — air-conditioned, efficient and very cheap (approximately 8 EGP per journey). Women-only carriages are available. For the Pyramids of Giza, book a tour through your hotel or use Uber — avoid unofficial guides at the site entrance.
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SIM Cards & Data
Orange Egypt, Vodafone Egypt and Etisalat are the main networks. SIM cards are available at Cairo Airport on arrival. 4G coverage is excellent across Cairo and the major tourist areas. Data bundles are very affordable. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels. Download offline maps before visiting the Pyramids and Valley of the Kings.
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Weather in Cairo
Cairo has a desert climate. October to April is ideal (15°C to 26°C) — warm, sunny and dry. May and June are warm (28°C to 35°C) and still manageable. July to September is extremely hot (38°C to 45°C) — visit monuments at sunrise only. Sandstorms (Khamsin) can blow in from the Sahara in March and April — pack sunglasses and a scarf.
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Culture & Etiquette
Egypt is a Muslim country and modest dress is respectful when visiting mosques and religious sites. Women should carry a headscarf for mosque visits. Photography inside the Pyramids requires a separate ticket. Bargaining is expected in the souks and with guides. Tipping (baksheesh) is deeply embedded in Egyptian culture — tip guides, hotel staff, restaurant waiters and anyone who provides a service.
Flights to Cairo FAQ
How long is the flight from London to Cairo?
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Cairo International Airport take approximately 5 hours. EgyptAir and British Airways both operate daily direct services. Connecting flights via Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar) or Istanbul (Turkish) take 7 to 8 hours. Cairo is only 2 hours ahead of UK time — jet lag is minimal.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Egypt?
Yes. UK passport holders require a visa to enter Egypt. An e-visa is available online at visa2egypt.gov.eg for approximately $25 USD before travel. Visa on arrival is also available at Cairo Airport but queues can be very long. Apply online before travel to save time. The e-visa is valid for 30 days single entry.
What is the best way to see the Pyramids of Giza?
The Pyramids are approximately 30km from central Cairo — about 45 minutes by Uber (avoid official taxis at the site). Visit at sunrise (gates open 8am) to beat the crowds and the heat. Book pyramid interior tickets in advance as numbers are strictly limited. A licensed Egyptologist guide dramatically enhances the experience — book through your hotel or a reputable tour operator.
What else is there to do in Egypt besides the Pyramids?
Egypt is one of the world’s richest historical destinations. Luxor (Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple), a Nile cruise, Abu Simbel, Alexandria, the Sinai Peninsula (Mount Sinai, St Catherine’s Monastery), the White Desert and the Red Sea coast (Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada) are all extraordinary. Egypt can easily fill 2 to 3 weeks of exceptional travel.
Is Egypt safe to visit in 2026?
Egypt is a popular destination for millions of UK tourists every year. The major tourist areas — Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, the Red Sea coast — are well-policed and generally safe for visitors. The UK Foreign Office advises normal tourist precautions in Cairo and the main tourist sites. Check the latest FCDO advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt before travelling.
How much do return flights from London to Cairo cost?
Return flights from London to Cairo start from approximately £199 with Dream Fare. EgyptAir and British Airways direct fares and Turkish Airlines via Istanbul are typically the most competitive options. Contact us on 020 8264 0018 for the latest fares and Egypt holiday packages.
* Prices are indicative from fares and subject to availability and change. Call 020 8264 0018 for current pricing.