Cairo taxi fares in EGP, Cairo International Airport rates, Uber vs Careem vs white taxis, and what to know about meter negotiation in Egypt 2026.
Cairo is one of the cheapest cities in the world for taxis — a 10 km trip should cost less than the equivalent of $2–4 USD. The challenge is that Cairo has three parallel taxi systems: modern white metered taxis, the old black-and-white negotiated cabs, and app-based Uber and Careem. Each has different rules. Knowing which to use — and how to deal with fare negotiation in the older system — makes getting around Cairo straightforward and affordable.
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White taxis (introduced in the 2000s) have digital meters and are the official licensed system. The old black-and-white or black-and-orange Peugeot 504 cabs have no meters — fares are set by custom and negotiated before you get in. Uber and Careem use a mix of registered private cars and some white taxis, with upfront app pricing. For tourists, Uber/Careem is the easiest; for budget travel, learning to negotiate with white taxis or knowing the going rates for old cabs works well.
Many Cairo taxi drivers — even in white metered taxis — will not use the meter, especially for tourists. They will propose a flat rate. Always insist on the meter first ("el-adaad, min fadlak" = "the meter, please"). If the driver refuses, negotiate a flat rate in Egyptian pounds BEFORE getting in. Never agree to a fare quoted in US dollars — always deal in EGP.
At Cairo International Airport, Uber and Careem have designated pickup zones in the arrivals area outside both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. The app shows the exact pickup point. This is strongly recommended for airport trips — upfront pricing, no negotiation, and the driver's details recorded. Saves the stress of dealing with meter refusals after a long flight.
Both Uber and Careem (Uber's regional brand, headquartered in Dubai) operate widely in Cairo and are the recommended option for most tourists. Careem has deeper driver networks and is often more reliable in suburbs and outlying areas. Both offer cash and card payment — cash is important in Egypt because card payment infrastructure outside tourist areas is limited. Prices are confirmed upfront before the trip starts.
For old black-and-white cabs and for white taxis whose drivers refuse the meter, the negotiation follows a clear ritual: state your destination clearly in Arabic or show it on your phone, ask "bikam?" (how much?), then counter-offer at roughly 60–70% of their initial quote. The driver will usually accept somewhere between the two. Never get in before agreeing a fare. Once seated, the agreed price is binding — drivers rarely try to change it after arrival.
Cairo Metro has three lines covering the main commuter corridors. Line 1 (Helwan–New El-Marg) passes through the city centre including Tahrir Square (Sadat station). Line 2 (Shubra–Giza) reaches Giza. Line 3 (Airport–Kit Kat) connects Cairo Airport to the city via Abbassia. Fares are very low (E£8–10 per journey). The metro avoids Cairo's notorious traffic and is the fastest option for many cross-city routes during peak hours.
How much is a taxi from Cairo Airport to the city centre?
Expect E£150–250 for a negotiated white or old cab to Downtown Cairo (Tahrir area). Via Uber or Careem, the app price is typically E£130–200. The journey takes 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Should I negotiate taxi fares in Cairo?
For white taxis, always ask for the meter first ("el-adaad, min fadlak"). If refused, negotiate a flat fare in EGP before entering. For old black-and-white cabs, always negotiate — there is no meter. For Uber/Careem, pricing is automatic and upfront.
What is Careem and is it available in Cairo?
Careem is a Middle East-founded ride-hailing app (majority-owned by Uber) with strong coverage across Egypt. It is available throughout Greater Cairo with a large local driver network. Often slightly cheaper than Uber for city trips. Both cash and card are accepted.
Do Cairo taxis accept card payment?
Cash only for white metered taxis and old negotiated cabs. Uber and Careem accept both international cards and cash. Always carry Egyptian pounds (EGP) in small denominations for taxi travel outside app services.
Is it safe to take a taxi in Cairo?
Yes. Cairo taxis are generally safe. The main risk is overcharging, not personal safety. Using Uber or Careem is the safest approach — driver details are recorded and the route is tracked. For street taxis, use metered white cabs or negotiate old cabs firmly before entering.
How do I say "use the meter" in Arabic for Cairo taxis?
"El-adaad, min fadlak" (الع داد، من فضلك) means "the meter, please." Showing this on your phone to the driver works effectively. If they still refuse, Uber or Careem is the simplest alternative.
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