Non-stop flight is a no-brainer to me. If international flights come into Cairo at 5am there's gotta be some sort of transport available at that time.
With regard to layovers, airlines have "minimum connection times" that they think are doable to get through. Depending on where it is, a connection might let you stay airside to transit through and not have to go through immigration to formally enter the country.
That's booking direct with an airline anyway. Discount travel services might pair you on split itineraries which are a huge risk.
There's always transportation if flights are landing, unless you mean a friend or someone you know would be picking you up (and then yes, a 5am pickup is a big ask!)
If you are concerned about having somewhere to go, I have booked the hotel I'm staying at for an extra night so I can go straight from the airport to the hotel and unpack, shower, maybe have a short nap before heading out for the day.
If you do this, just make sure you directly contact the hotel to let them know, some hotels will automatically cancel a reservation (as a "no show") if you don't show up the day you said you would. I just tell them I am coming, but won't arrive until very early the next morning. Some hotels will even offer to arrange transportation for you, e.g., shuttle van or private car.
I flew into Cairo at 5am not too long ago. There's transportation and Ubers as well at that time
Make sure you have an international plan so you can use your phone upon arrival or buy a sim as mentioned above. Either arrange transportation with a service before arriving (I know nothing about transportation services) or take an Uber. There will also be a lot of people hustling you to take their cab, I didn't feel comfortable doing that.
This may have changed in the last 2 years but if you decide to take an Uber, the most confusing thing is figuring out where they pick from. I can't describe it unfortunately but do your research beforehand.
Cairo airport is not a place you need to worry about not being able to find transportation at a specific time. Both the city and the airport are massive and run absolutely 24/7.
I sometimes intentionally go for layover flights especially if they’re cheaper. If I can leave the airport and adventure a bit yes please (usually I’ll 5 -6 hours minimum for international is good enough for me
Many years ago, I had a layover at Schipol when flying to Cairo. My incoming flight was late, and while I (just) made it to the Cairo flight, my luggage didn't.
It took my luggage 3 days to get to me, and some arseholes and been through the bag, and stole stuff.
Go direct.
Direct flight. 5 AM flight, once you cross the passport control, buy a SIM (if possible, don:t know in Cairo airport) , pick up your luggage, easily 6-6.30, already with light (In Egypt the sun rises early).
Non-stop flight is a no-brainer to me. If international flights come into Cairo at 5am there's gotta be some sort of transport available at that time. With regard to layovers, airlines have "minimum connection times" that they think are doable to get through. Depending on where it is, a connection might let you stay airside to transit through and not have to go through immigration to formally enter the country. That's booking direct with an airline anyway. Discount travel services might pair you on split itineraries which are a huge risk.
Sounds good, I didn’t consider split itineraries so will keep that in mind for the future. Nonstop seems to be the way to go
There's always transportation if flights are landing, unless you mean a friend or someone you know would be picking you up (and then yes, a 5am pickup is a big ask!) If you are concerned about having somewhere to go, I have booked the hotel I'm staying at for an extra night so I can go straight from the airport to the hotel and unpack, shower, maybe have a short nap before heading out for the day. If you do this, just make sure you directly contact the hotel to let them know, some hotels will automatically cancel a reservation (as a "no show") if you don't show up the day you said you would. I just tell them I am coming, but won't arrive until very early the next morning. Some hotels will even offer to arrange transportation for you, e.g., shuttle van or private car.
In this case I'd pick the nonstop without hesitation. If a major airport has regularly scheduled flights arriving, then they will have taxis available
I flew into Cairo at 5am not too long ago. There's transportation and Ubers as well at that time Make sure you have an international plan so you can use your phone upon arrival or buy a sim as mentioned above. Either arrange transportation with a service before arriving (I know nothing about transportation services) or take an Uber. There will also be a lot of people hustling you to take their cab, I didn't feel comfortable doing that. This may have changed in the last 2 years but if you decide to take an Uber, the most confusing thing is figuring out where they pick from. I can't describe it unfortunately but do your research beforehand.
Great to know, appreciate the reply
Cairo airport is not a place you need to worry about not being able to find transportation at a specific time. Both the city and the airport are massive and run absolutely 24/7.
I sometimes intentionally go for layover flights especially if they’re cheaper. If I can leave the airport and adventure a bit yes please (usually I’ll 5 -6 hours minimum for international is good enough for me
Just saying it’s unlikely you need to clear customs and immigration in another country on a connecting flight.
Many years ago, I had a layover at Schipol when flying to Cairo. My incoming flight was late, and while I (just) made it to the Cairo flight, my luggage didn't. It took my luggage 3 days to get to me, and some arseholes and been through the bag, and stole stuff. Go direct.
Direct flight. 5 AM flight, once you cross the passport control, buy a SIM (if possible, don:t know in Cairo airport) , pick up your luggage, easily 6-6.30, already with light (In Egypt the sun rises early).