Known as the land of pharaohs, Egypt is a northeast African country that houses thousands of years of history, culture, and landmarks that captivate travellers from all over the world. According to data from the Egyptian Civil Aviation Ministry, nearly 47 million passengers transited through Egypt’s airports in 2023, showcasing a significant 28% increase from the previous year. This rise in air traffic, bolstered by 365,000 flights—marking a 23% year-on-year increase—reflects Egypt's enhanced global and regional accessibility, including its stronger connections with India.

Source: WorldData.Info

Things To Know Before Travelling To Egypt

Before we cover the different travel modes from India to Egypt, here’s a quick look at some key travel essentials.

• Visa requirements: Indian passport holders do need a visa to travel to Egypt. Luckily, you can easily apply for an Egypt e-visa through Atlys, which allows you to complete the entire visa process from the comfort of your home. 

Note: Indians must have an “Authorized Travel Agent Letter of Invitation” to enter Egypt (unless they hold a valid UK, US visa, or UAE residency). Worry not! When you apply through Atlys, you also get the letter of invitation along with the e-visa. 

• Currency and payment methods: The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While credit, debit, and forex cards are widely accepted in major cities, having cash on hand is essential, especially when exploring more remote areas. Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, and authorised exchange bureaus. 

• Best time to visit: The ideal time to visit Egypt is from October to April when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. December and January are peak tourist months, so expect larger crowds and potentially higher prices during this time. If you are seeking a more budget trip to Egypt, consider travelling in the shoulder season of March and May. 

Trying to figure out the best time to visit Egypt? Then, read our comprehensive guide on the best time to visit Egypt based on the different experiences that the country has to offer.

• Food: Egyptian cuisine offers diverse options, though vegetarian dishes may be limited in some areas. Indian travelers can enjoy koshari, falafel, and stuffed vegetables. For strict vegetarian or vegan meals, clarify at restaurants or opt for eateries known to accommodate these diets. Bringing snacks or ready-to-eat meals is helpful, especially when visiting remote regions.

• Language and communication: The official language of Egypt is Arabic, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and major cities, making it relatively easy for travellers to communicate. However, it is still best to learn a few basic Arabic phrases before travelling. Consider using Google Translate or hiring a local guide to help communicate, especially when visiting the more remote areas. 

• Transportation within Egypt: Egypt has a robust public transportation network, including buses, taxis, and trains, connecting major cities. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem are also available in Cairo and other urban centres, providing a convenient way to navigate the city. For intercity travel, domestic flights and trains offer reliable options.

Travelling From India To Egypt By Air 

The most convenient way to travel from India to Egypt is by air. According to Egypt’s Civil Aviation Ministry, the country currently has 15 international airports, well-connected to the major cities in India and the world in general. 

• Depending on multiple factors, like season, route and airline, the average cost for a one-way flight from major Indian cities to Egypt typically ranges from INR 35,000 to INR 70,000. 

• Major airlines operating flights between India and Egypt include EgyptAir, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Air India. 

• The average flight duration varies from 7 to 13 hours, with most flights requiring at least one layover, often in the UAE or Qatar.

Overview: Flights from Major Indian Cities to Cairo International Airport (CAI)

Amongst all the airports in Egypt, the Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the busiest and most well-connected airport in Egypt, serving as the primary hub for international flights.

Source: CEIC

The reason behind such a high number of passengers at Cairo International Airport is it’s a highly convenient entry point for travellers from India and around the world. The large number of airlines operating from this airport contributes to its extensive connectivity, resulting in numerous flight options and competitive ticket prices, making travel more affordable for visitors.

Moreover, the airport’s strategic location in the capital city of Cairo further enhances its appeal, providing travellers with easy access to major attractions, historical sites, and well-developed transportation networks. \

Flying from India to Cairo International Airport? Then, read our comprehensive Cairo arrival guide to know what to expect upon landing and how to navigate the facilities smoothly.

Here is a brief analysis of travelling to the Cairo International Airport from major cities of India by air:

1. Mumbai to Cairo

Source: Flight Routes

Source: Google Flights [Avg. round-trip price for a flight from BOM to CAI]     

• Average Cost: INR 35,000 - 50,000

• Flight Duration: 7-9 hours

• Major Airlines: EgyptAir, Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways.

• Advantages: One key advantage of this route is the availability of direct flight options through EgyptAir, which significantly reduces travel time compared to connecting flights. Additionally, multiple airlines operate on this route, providing a range of options that cater to various schedules and budgets, adding flexibility for travellers.

• Considerations: However, there are important considerations to keep in mind. Airfare prices tend to increase during peak travel seasons, such as the winter months and major holidays, making it wise to book in advance to secure the best rates and availability. While direct flights are convenient, connecting flights with airlines like Emirates, Etihad, or Qatar Airways, although extending travel time, can sometimes be more affordable than direct options. 

2. Delhi to Cairo

Source: Flight Routes

Source: Google Flights [Avg. round-trip price for a flight from DEL to CAI]     

• Average Cost: INR 35,000 - 45,000

• Flight Duration: 8-10 hours

• Major Airlines: Gulf Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways. 

• Advantages: Delhi offers a variety of flights to Cairo, which are known for their high service standards. Additionally, multiple airlines operate on this route, providing a range of options that cater to various schedules and budgets, adding flexibility for travellers.

• Considerations: One major consideration for Delhi-Cairo flights is the limited availability of direct flights. Most journeys require layovers, which can add several hours to the travel time. 

3. Bangalore to Cairo

Source: Flight Routes

Source: Google Flights [Avg. round-trip price for a flight from BLR to CAI]

• Average Cost: INR 40,000 - 60,000

• Flight Duration: 9-11 hours

• Major Airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa. 

• Advantages: Flights from Bangalore to Cairo offer a favourable balance between comfort and convenience, with one-stop layovers that make the journey relatively manageable. Major airlines on this route, including Emirates and Qatar Airways, are known for their high standards of service, excellent in-flight amenities, and modern fleets. 

• Considerations: Longer duration due to layovers compared to flights from northern cities like Delhi.

4. Chennai to Cairo

Source: Flight Routes

Source: Google Flights [Avg. round-trip price for a flight from MAA to CAI]

• Average Cost: INR 40,000 - 50,000

• Flight Duration: 10-12 hours

• Major Airlines: Qatar Airways, Emirates. 

• Advantages: Well-served by quality airlines with layovers in major transit hubs, like Doha.

• Considerations: Limited direct flights make it less convenient for those prioritising shorter travel times. The overall cost can be higher compared to flights from Mumbai or Delhi.

5. Kolkata to Cairo

Source: Flight Routes

Source: Google Flights [Avg. round-trip price for a flight from CCU to CAI]

• Average Cost: INR 55,000 - 70,000

• Flight Duration: 11-13 hours

• Major Airlines: Etihad, Qatar Airways. 

• Advantages: The only advantage of travelling from Kolkata to Cairo is access to airlines known for excellent in-flight service. 

• Considerations: Long travel time with multiple layovers can be tiring. Higher ticket prices are common due to fewer direct or short-connection options.

Key Takeaways

• Mumbai and Delhi are the best options for flights to Cairo, offering competitive prices, shorter durations, and more flexible schedules. 

• Bangalore is a good choice if you’re okay with one layover and prefer premium service, though it tends to be more expensive and has a longer duration.

• Chennai offers quality airlines with layovers but has longer travel times and higher costs compared to Mumbai and Delhi.

• Kolkata is the most expensive option with the longest travel time due to multiple layovers, making it less convenient unless in-flight service quality is a priority.

Travelling From India to Egypt by Road

A road trip from India to Egypt is not practically feasible due to significant logistical challenges. This journey requires passing through multiple countries, each with unique visa requirements, border controls, and sometimes additional permits. Furthermore, there are no direct highways connecting the two countries, and certain regions may pose safety and accessibility risks.

For those still interested, this route is only realistic for adventurous travellers looking to explore multiple destinations across South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa in one extended journey. The general route would involve:

• India to Pakistan

• Pakistan to Iran

• Iran to the UAE or Saudi Arabia (or crossing via ferry to Oman)

• Through Jordan or by ferry from Aqaba to Egypt. 

Travelling From India to Egypt by Rail

Again, travelling from India to Egypt by rail is not a practical option due to the lack of continuous railway networks between South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. There are no direct or connected train routes linking India with Egypt, so a fully rail-based journey is not feasible. However, if you are interested in exploring multiple regions on the way to Egypt, you can combine train travel segments with flights and ferries.

Conclusion

For travellers from India, Egypt is highly accessible by air, with options catering to various budgets, schedules, and service preferences. Flights from Mumbai and Delhi offer the best convenience, often with direct or single-stop options to Cairo, making them ideal for a faster, smoother journey. Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata provide additional options but typically require layovers, adding some travel time.

While adventurous travellers may consider alternative routes by road or combining rail and ferry segments, these options demand considerable planning and are not practical for most. Given the logistical challenges, air travel is the best way to reach Egypt, balancing affordability, time, and convenience. 

Planning a trip to Egypt? Plan your perfect trip by reading our comprehensive blog on What to Pack for Egypt: The Ultimate Packing Checklist, and ensure you're fully prepared for your adventure.