Flying from Dubai (DXB) to Cairo (CAI): what you need to know
Book a direct flight from Dubai to Cairo and you'll be travelling for an average of 3 hours 55 minutes.
Cairo's timezone is UTC+2, which makes Cairo two hours behind Dubai.
Flights from DXB to CAI start from 05:00 — the first with EgyptAir. The last departure is at 22:00 with Emirates. Overall, there are 62 weekly Dubai to Cairo flights.
For a smooth journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your DXB to CAI flight.
Flying during a peak time like January? Major public holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer queues and delays at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and get there up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Emirates offers direct flights from Dubai to Cairo. Book with this popular carrier, then get ready to check out the sights in Cairo — and maybe even more of Egypt if time allows.
Most passengers choose to fly with Emirates on this route.
Emirates is the most punctual carrier that operates DXB to CAI flights, with 75.78% of its services landing on time.
Think about adding a stopover when booking your ticket from Dubai to Cairo. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' to break up your trip, or perhaps see a new city along the way. Here's where you can stop between DXB and CAI:
Jeddah
Dammam
Bahrain
How to find the cheapest flights from Dubai (DXB) to Cairo (CAI)
The cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Dubai to Cairo flight is ₹ 13,695. A return ticket right now is ₹ 24,501. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares could change.
To get cheap tickets from DXB to CAI, book your journey two months ahead of your planned departure.
The cheapest month for flights from Dubai to Cairo is July. Use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest prices if you have a flexible schedule.
Picking up cheap flights from DXB to CAI is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when a new deal comes up.
Tailor your trip using filters. Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Dubai to Cairo.
Handy information about Dubai (DXB)
Of the departures from Dubai, 71% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
Dubai is around 14 kilometres from central Dubai. If you're ride-sharing, catching a taxi or driving from the centre, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to arrive, depending on the traffic.
Taking public transport? Expect a journey time of around 35 minutes.
Searching for a convenient hotel near DXB? If you're boarding an early flight from Dubai to Cairo, these stays will put you moments from your check-in counter:
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Dubai Airport (DXB) to Cairo Airport (CAI)?
Most airlines operating flights from DXB to CAI include a carry-on bag with standard fares, though baggage allowances vary by airline and ticket type. Here is what you can expect with the main airlines on this route:
Emirates
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (55x38x25cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Dubai Airport (DXB), Terminal 3
Arrival terminal: Cairo Airport (CAI), Terminal 3
Check-in counters: Open 4 hours before departure
EgyptAir
Carry-on allowance: 8kg cabin bag up to 55x40x23cm plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Dubai Airport (DXB), Terminal 3
Arrival terminal: Cairo Airport (CAI), Terminal 3
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure
Saudia
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag up to 56x45x25cm plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Dubai Airport (DXB), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Cairo Airport (CAI), Terminal 2
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure, close 1 hour before departure
You can access essential facilities including free Wi-Fi, prayer rooms, and baggage storage services at Dubai Airport (DXB). The airport also provides currency exchange counters, medical services, and numerous shops and restaurants throughout the terminals. Dubai Airport (DXB) offers lounges, baby care facilities, and reliable transport connections to help make your journey more comfortable.
Arriving at Cairo (CAI)
If you're landing on a late Dubai to Cairo flight, nothing tops the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing shortly after at one of these hotels near CAI:
Begin your adventure by picking up a Cairo rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Auto-Union, Hertz or Alamo and explore beyond Cairo's usual tourist stops.
Lock in the best rate by reserving your ride from Cairo around one week in advance of your trip.
Getting from Cairo (CAI) to central Cairo
Cairo to the centre of Cairo has a drive time of about 45 minutes. It's approximately 23 kilometres away.
Travelling to the centre on public transport typically takes 1 hour.
When to fly to Cairo (CAI)
It's time to work out your trip dates for your flight from Dubai to Cairo. February is the most popular month to head to Cairo. If you want a quieter vibe, go in March.
Before locking in your flight from Dubai to Cairo, consider the kind of weather you like. July is the warmest month in Cairo, with the temperature ranging from 20ºC to 39ºC.
January has average temperatures of between 8ºC and 21ºC. Look for cheap tickets from DXB to CAI sometime around then if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Cairo brings a desert climate with warm summers, mild winters, and very little rainfall throughout the year. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: Winter brings mild days and cool evenings, making these some of the best times to explore Cairo. Pack light layers for daytime wandering and a jacket for after dark.
March – May: Spring brings warm, dry weather that's perfect for exploring Cairo's outdoor attractions, with temperatures rising steadily through the season. Stay hydrated and wear light layers for maximum comfort.
June – September: Cairo's summer season delivers hot, dry weather with clear blue skies and minimal rainfall. You'll want lightweight, breathable clothing and sun protection for comfortable exploration. The consistent sunshine makes it ideal for indoor attractions, air-conditioned museums, and early morning sightseeing before temperatures peak.
October – November: Autumn brings milder weather that's perfect for exploring outdoor attractions and wandering through the city's historic quarters. The intense summer heat fades, making sightseeing and walking tours much more enjoyable throughout the day.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
Cairo blends ancient monuments with modern city life, where pharaonic temples sit alongside busy streets and traditional markets. Home to the Pyramids of Giza and countless museums, this historic city offers centuries of culture and archaeology. Planning flights to Cairo opens up one of the world's greatest collections of ancient treasures.
Things to do in Cairo: Wander through Khan el-Khalili market, about 2 kilometres northeast of the centre, where you can browse handcrafted goods and sample street food in the narrow alleyways. Head to Al-Azhar Park, roughly 3 kilometres east, for tree-lined paths and panoramic views across the city's rooftops and minarets. Take a felucca boat ride along the Nile River, starting from central docks, and watch the sunset paint the water while the city skyline drifts past.
Cultural experiences: Sample traditional mezze and koshari in the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, about 3 kilometres northeast of central Cairo, then catch evening performances at the Cairo Opera House in Zamalek, roughly 4 kilometres northwest. The Egyptian Museum displays ancient artifacts just 1 kilometre north of Tahrir Square, and you can listen to classical Arabic music at cultural cafes throughout Islamic Cairo's historic quarter.
Seasonal highlights: Experience the Cairo International Film Festival in November, when cooler temperatures create perfect conditions for exploring the city between screenings. The spring months bring the Sham el-Nessim celebration in April, offering a chance to join locals in parks and along the Nile for traditional picnics. Winter provides the best time to visit Cairo, with comfortable weather for touring ancient sites and enjoying outdoor cafes without the intense summer heat.
Explore more of Egypt
You've done Cairo, now it's time to explore other parts of Egypt. Journey around 177 kilometres north-west to Alexandria to check off its must-visit sights. From Bibliotheca Alexandria to Lighthouse of Alexandria and Cleopatra Beach, there's plenty to keep you busy.
If you want to check out another well-known destination in Egypt, consider Port Said, roughly 177 kilometres north-east of Cairo. Suez Canal, Museum of Modern Art in Port Said and Zahir Mosque are highlights.
