Cairo to London flights

Flying direct, the trip from Cairo to London takes between 5 hours and 5 hours 30 minutes, with British Airways and Egyptair on the route. Routings through Istanbul, Frankfurt or Rome stretch the journey to between 8 and 12 hours. Cheap flights from Cairo to London start from £62.

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the primary hub for Egyptair and is located in Heliopolis, north-east of central Cairo.

To reach the airport from downtown Cairo, Giza, or Maadi, you can use the Cairo Airport Shuttle Bus or a local taxi, which generally takes 30 to 40 minutes in light traffic. Alternatively, bus 381 runs from Ahmad Orabi Station directly to the terminals.

When you land in the UK, your Cairo to London flight duration concludes at either Heathrow Airport (LHR) or Gatwick Airport (LGW). From Heathrow, the Heathrow Express provides the fastest link to Paddington Station, while the Piccadilly line of the Tube offers a cost-effective route across the city. The Elizabeth Line is also available for direct access to the West End and Canary Wharf. For those arriving at Gatwick, the Gatwick Express or southern rail services drop off at Victoria Station or London Bridge.

If you prefer road travel, National Express coaches operate from both airports to major hubs like Hammersmith and Victoria. Taxis and private hire vehicles are available at designated pick-up points. Expect a journey of at least 50 minutes from Heathrow and up to 90 minutes from Gatwick depending on traffic. Remember that London is on GMT, which is 2 hours behind Cairo time.

Entry requirements for London

Egyptian citizens require a valid visa to enter the UK, which should be applied for in advance via the British Embassy Cairo. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.

EU and EEA nationals do not currently require a visa for short-term tourism in the UK but must present a valid passport for entry at the border, as national ID cards are no longer accepted for most travellers.

London is defined by its historic landmarks and cultural depth. You can view masterpieces at the National Gallery, home to works by Van Gogh and Da Vinci, or explore world history through the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum. For a view of the skyline, the London Eye provides a perspective of the Thames and the historic Tower Bridge.

Beyond the museums, the city offers expansive green spaces like Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. The West End is famous for world-class theatre, while Shakespeare’s Globe on the South Bank offers a look into the 17th-century stage. From shopping in Soho to festivals in December, London provides a diverse range of activities for every traveller.