Heading to Cairo any time soon? 

Renting a car can be a cost-efficient decision. It also allows you to explore the City of a Thousand Minarets easily. Yes, you can hire a limousine from the airport to your Airbnb or hotel, but a car gives you more freedom, allowing you to visit any city corner at your own pace. 

Luckily, several options are available if you want to rent a car from the airport. Today, we’ll walk you through renting a car from Cairo’s International Airport with some of the best options available. So, before you grab your suitcase, read this article.

Can I Drive in Cairo if I don’t Have an Egyptian Driving License?

Yes, foreigners can drive in Cairo as long as they have an International Driving Permit or IDP. This is a universally recognized document that proves that you hold a valid driving license in your country. It’s available in 10 languages. You can apply for one here. The other option is to get an Egyptian driving license, which requires a residence visa. So, if you plan to spend a few days in Egypt, this won’t work for you. The good thing about the IDP is that you can legally drive between various cities, no questions asked. So, whether you’re spending time admiring the Pyramids of Giza, scuba diving in the Red Sea, or exploring the temples of Luxor, you’ll be good to go. You won’t be pulled over regularly, but we’d never recommend driving without a license in Egypt. It’s a serious offense that can lead to spending jail time, in addition to paying a fine.

Renting a Car At Cairo’s International Airport

Now that you’ve your license sorted out, it’s time to think about your car rental. The following companies offer rental services, so you’ll definitely find something that works for your budget and needs.

Europcar

Europcar is currently available in 140 countries, allowing you to rent and return the car conveniently where you go. It offers a wide selection of SUVs, sedans, and minivans to suit every need with amazing prices to enjoy your Cairo trip without breaking the bank. Online booking makes the process hassle-free, and the 24/7 customer support will be ready to help you with any questions. You can also download the app to check partnerships with other companies for discount codes. When you head to the website, you’ll find vehicles divided into two categories, city and prestige. You can also search for your favorite car by brand. 

Europcar lets you pick up your car from the Meet & Greet station at Terminal 2 or Terminal 3. But that’s not all. Your vehicle can be delivered anywhere in Cairo when you book in advance. The company also offers a special service where you can rent a car with a private driver. After selecting the car, you can add more amenities like a car seat. Drivers under 24 are required to pay a surcharge of $28.50 You can also subscribe to the business service to rent a car for up to 24 months. 

How to Get/Return the Car –  An employee will accompany you to pick up the car of your choice. Once your rental period is over, you’ll be asked to call a representative to agree on the place and time to deliver your vehicle or have it picked up.

Prices

Prices depend on the car type, model, and availability. Here are some options. 

• Nissan Sunny: $80 per day
• Nissan Sentra: $95 per day
• Citrocen C5: $145 per day
• Mitsubishi Xpander: $170 per day

Payment

At the desk or online. You can also modify or cancel your booking when you book in advance. You get 20% off your first rental when you download the app. 

Contact

Head to the website to book your ride or call the number +20 0101 468 2268

Avis

Avis allows you to book and pick up a car from Cairo’s International Airport. You can also select a vehicle at one of their Cairo offices. 

Signing up grants you access to flash sales and offers, allowing you to enjoy a hassle-free and budget-friendly car rental experience.  But Avis also offers luxury and executive cars for those who want to travel in style. Availability is limited, so book your ride online if you have a special make in mind. It’s important to know that the prices mentioned on the website don’t include amenities or taxes. Adding anything extra will increase the price. With locations in 150 countries, you’ll always have an Avis office nearby to secure a reliable and safe ride. The great thing about Avis is that you can get amazing deals using your Amazon card or airline miles. These can result in significant savings if you’re renting the car for a long period. Pickup and return locations are flexible. 

How to Get/Return the Car –  When pay for your car, a representative will take you to where the car is parked, where you’ll receive the keys, registration papers, and all instructions needed to guarantee a safe and satisfactory experience. You’ll also receive a phone number to call when you want to return the car, and an employee will arrange the pickup.

Prices

Prices depend on the car type, model, and availability. Here are some options. 

• Economy like a Chevrolet Aveo: $38.12 per day
• Compact like a Nissan Sunny: $38.12 per day
• Intermedia like a Nissan Sentra: $48.12 per day
• Compact Elite like a Toyota Corolla: $53.12 per day
• Intermediate Crossover like a Renault Kadjar: $93.12 per day
• Standard like a Peugeot 508: $103.12 per day
• Standard Van like a Skoda Kodiaq: $113.12 per day
• Luxury like a Mercedes-Benz E200: $203.11 per day
• Premium Sepcial like a Volvo XC90: $213.11 per day
• Premium Van like a Mercedes-Benz V250: $593.37 per day

Payment

At the desk or online. Don’t forget to check the website periodically for offers. 

Contact

Head to the website to book your ride or call the number +202 354 7400

SIXT

SIXT is a car rental service available at Terminals 2 and 3 of Cairo’s International Airport. The airport office operates 24/7 to handle on-the-spot requests but you can also book a ride in advance. You can also find SIXT at multiple locations in Cairo. Options include sedans for those planning to explore the city or an SUV if you want to experience some adventures. Adding insurance protection to your rental guarantees your peace of mind. Booking a car on the spot takes no time. Once you’re done with your rental, head to the airport’s parking garage and go to Level G. Park your vehicle at one of the spots dedicated to SIXT, and you’ll be good to go. You have to be at least 20 to rent a car with SIXT. Some car types have a different minimum age limit and a fee might apply. When you book your car online, through the app, or at the desk, you can easily cancel, modify, or extend your rental. You can either choose the economy option with the best price or add some flexibility for an extra fee. This allows you to cancel or modify your booking for free. Regular rentals offer up to 600 km or 700 of travel, depending on the vehicle type. You can pay extra for an unlimited distance. SIXT Business is a special service for short and long-term car hire with special corporate rates. This will be an excellent choice for business people who travel a lot as they can rent vehicles at discounted rates. 

How to Get/Return the Car An employee will accompany you to pick up the car of your choice. Once your rental period is over, you’ll be asked to call a representative to agree on the place and time to deliver your vehicle or have it picked up.

Prices

Prices depend on the car type, model, and availability. Here are some options.

• Nissan Sunny: $33.86 per day
• Subaru Impreza: $41 per day
• Skoda Octavia: $68.21 per day
• Peugeot 3008: $100 per day
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class: $106.31 per day
• Jeep Grand Cherokee: $139.77 per day
• Chrysler Pacifica: $182.28 per day
• Mercedes-Benz GLE: $330.12 per day

Payment

At the desk or online. 

Contact

Head to the website, call at this number +202 4630 0000, send a fax at +202 2477 2219, or send an email at info@sixtegypt.com

Thrifty

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly ride, Thrifty should be your go-to option. It offers multiple cost-efficient transportation solutions with offices in 80 countries. Thrifty does a price match from multiple car rentals and dealerships to get you the best price. If you want to cancel your booking, you can do that with no extra charges. Despite specializing in affordable rentals, Thrifty owns a big fleet of vehicles with many car types including economy, compact, mid-size, full-size, luxury, mid-size SUV, minivan, convertible, premium, and all-terrain models. Requests can take more than a day to be processed, so it’s best to book in advance. Yet, you can always book a car on the spot and pick it up at the airport. This service is perfect for those trying to manage their travel expenses. So, if you’re looking for a luxury car with special amenities, you might not find what you’re looking for easily. 

How to Get/Return the Car  – You can have your car delivered to wherever you like, or request one on the spot at the airport. You’ll receive a phone number to call or WhatsApp when you want to return the car, and an employee will tell you exactly where to leave it.

Prices

Thrifty compares prices from different companies to get you the best offer. 

Payment

At the desk or online. 

Contact 

Head to the website. 

Tips for Driving in Cairo

Now that your ride is ready, it’s time for some necessary tips to keep in mind. 

• Drive on the right side of the road. Remember that speeding is a serious offense, although sometimes officers will be more lenient if you’re a tourist. 
• Traffic congestion, especially during rush hours, is a fact of life. So be patient and never mind the angry drivers heading home after a long day at work. 
• Don’t use a mobile phone while driving, unless you have a hands-free system. 
• Traffic lights sometimes don’t work, but you’ll see police officers signaling at drivers. So, keep an eye on them. 
• The driver and all passengers are required to wear a seat belt. 
• Pedestrians have the right of way. You’ll encounter some people trying to cross on highways or away from the pedestrian crossing. So, don’t exceed the speed limit. 
• Let your GPS be your best friend. The roads in Cairo are always subject to closures and renewals because new bridges are being built all the time. So, don’t rely on a map you used years ago. 
• Egyptian drivers don’t always follow traffic rules. Changing lanes and sudden stopping are quite common. Maintain a safe distance between you and the person ahead of you at all times. 
• Some roads can be in poor conditions with potholes and uneven surfaces. Getting your vehicle covered by insurance will be a smart choice. 
• Good luck finding parking spots in crowded areas. In most new neighborhoods, like New Cairo and Sheikh Zayed, you can find plenty of parking areas. It’s a different story Downtown, especially during working days when public garages will be fully booked until the end of the business day. 

Final Thoughts

Renting a car in Cairo is the cherry on top to make your trip unforgettable. It’s a whole new level of excitement that allows you to explore the hidden gems in a city built thousands of years ago.