The cairo metro can help you get around Cairo by linking central stations with railway connections and sights across the city. The network has three operating lines, but official information on fares and hours can vary, so it helps to know which details to confirm before setting out.
How the Cairo Metro Is Organised
Lines 1, 2 and 3 are operating lines. Line 1 runs between Helwan and New El Marg, with 35 stations: 30 surface stations and five underground. Line 2 links Shubra El Kheima and El Mounib, serving 20 stations: 12 underground, six surface and two elevated.
Line 3 has a total length of 41.2 km and was implemented in four phases. The Cairo Governorate route listing identifies its connections with the other lines at Gamal Abdel Nasser, where it meets Line 1, and Ataba, where it meets Line 2.
For a simple orientation, think of the network as three lines with specific interchange points rather than assuming every line connects directly with every other one. That distinction matters when you plan a journey: a change between Lines 1 and 2 is possible at Sadat or Al Shohadaa, while Line 3 connections use different stations.
Reading the Metro Map and Planning a Route
Start with the Cairo Metro operator’s English-language map page. Check your starting station and destination, then trace which line serves each one and whether your route requires a change. The map image itself is not available as text, so use the operator’s map page for the visual route information.
For a Line 1–Line 2 change, the listed interchange stations are Sadat and Al Shohadaa. For Line 1–Line 3, use Gamal Abdel Nasser; for Line 2–Line 3, use Ataba. Confirm the station names on the map before leaving, especially if your route crosses lines.
Useful connections can make the network easier to fit into a day. Al Shohadaa connects with Ramses Railway Station, also called Egypt Railway Station. Giza station is next to Giza Railway Station and gives access to buses heading to the Pyramids. If you are continuing by rail or bus, check which station serves that connection before choosing your route.
Tickets, Fares and Station Entry
Fare information can change, so check the official site before you go for current fares and ticket information. An anonymous smart card for single-trip ticket value costs EGP 80 initially, can be shared by more than one person, and can be recharged at stations on all three lines in denominations from EGP 40 to EGP 500.
It has no time limit on use and can be recharged repeatedly as long as it is not damaged.
Operating Times and Service Updates
Published general hours range from 5:00 to 5:15 a.m. for opening and midnight to 1:00 a.m. for closing. Ramadan hours are 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Line 1’s last trains leave Helwan at 11:40 p.m. and New El Marg at 11:45 p.m.; the final Line 1 train meets the final Line 2 train at Sadat at 12:15 a.m. and the final Line 3 train at Nasser at 12:10 a.m.
Line 1 takes 79 minutes between Helwan and New El Marg in either direction, with a stated headway of four minutes. Schedules can vary with timetables and passenger crowds on normal days, days off and festivals.
Using the Metro for Central Cairo Sights
Sadat station is identified with Tahrir and is near the Egyptian Museum and Qasr El Nile Bridge. From there, you can plan a visit to the Egyptian Museum or connect the station area with a walk through Downtown Cairo.
For another central connection, Opera station is next to the Cairo Opera House and is among the closest stations to Zamalek and the Nile Corniche. Mar Girgis serves Coptic Cairo, near the Hanging Church and the Religious Complex. These station-area links can help you choose a metro stop before deciding how to continue on foot.
At the hotel, Dokki station is about a 14-minute walk from Santana Hotel Cairo. For a day that includes the park, Al Azhar Park is covered in this guide to the city views; check the metro map to plan the route from your starting station.
Practical Advice for First-Time Riders
Follow the operator’s passenger guidance while you ride. Pay the fare, and note that men should not use the women’s cars. Smoking is prohibited in trains and stations. Use headphones for personal audio, avoid throwing food or drinks in trains or stations, and do not disturb the driver or other passengers or lie down on seats.
Before you go: Check the Cairo Metro operator’s official site for the current map, fares and service information. This is particularly useful when your route depends on a transfer or you expect to travel late, since published schedule details conflict.