London to Cairo is a short long-haul in disguise: a five-hour hop that opens up the pyramids, the Nile and the Red Sea. You can fly non-stop with two airlines, or trade a little time for a lower fare on a one-stop through Europe or Istanbul. This guide covers who flies the route, what a fair return costs in pounds, and when to book.
Route: London (LHR) → Cairo International (CAI)
Distance: approximately 3,550 km (2,200 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 5h 10m outbound
Direct flights: Yes — EgyptAir and British Airways both fly non-stop from Heathrow. One-stop options via Europe or Istanbul are sometimes cheaper.
Fares from London to Cairo (GBP)
Cairo is busiest for visitors from October to April, when the weather is cool enough for sightseeing; the summer months are fiercely hot and fares soften as a result. Christmas, Easter and the February half-term push prices up. The table below shows when the route is busiest. We no longer print per-month fare estimates here, because they were never measured.
| Month | Demand |
|---|---|
| January | high |
| February | high (half-term) |
| March | medium-high |
| April | high (Easter) |
| May | medium |
| June | low-medium |
| July | medium (summer holidays) |
| August | medium |
| September | low-medium |
| October | high (cool season starts) |
| November | high |
| December | very high (holidays) |
We do not quote a target fare for this route. Our price tracking holds no recorded observations for it, so a “typical” or “good deal” figure here would be an estimate dressed up as a measurement — so this page leaves it out rather than guess. The seasonal pattern above is the part we can stand behind; check the live fare for the number.
Airlines on this route
Non-stop (about 5 hours):
- EgyptAir — the Egyptian flag carrier, the most frequent non-stop from Heathrow (multiple flights daily).
- British Airways — non-stop from Heathrow Terminal 5, typically twice daily.
One-stop (sometimes cheaper, about 8–12 hours total):
- Turkish Airlines via Istanbul — frequent connections and often a competitive fare.
- Lufthansa via Frankfurt or Munich, and Air France via Paris — reliable European routings.
- Pegasus via Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen — a budget one-stop that can undercut the rest when it runs a sale.
Because Cairo is only five hours non-stop, the direct flights are usually the sensible choice unless a one-stop is meaningfully cheaper. Compare the all-in price, including bags, before you decide.
When to book & how to save
- Book 4–10 weeks ahead for the best balance of price and choice; Cairo fares are fairly stable but rise close to departure.
- Travel in late spring or early autumn (May, September) for lower fares and bearable temperatures — a good compromise on the fierce summer heat.
- Avoid the peaks if you can: Christmas, Easter and the February half-term are the priciest and busiest.
- Consider a one-stop through Istanbul or a European hub if the non-stop looks expensive — the extra time can save real money.
- Check checked-bag rules: EgyptAir and British Airways include a checked bag on most fares to Cairo, but the cheapest hand-baggage-only tickets do not.
Arriving in Cairo
Flights land at Cairo International (CAI), about 24 km north-east of the city centre. There’s no rail link yet, so the usual options are a pre-paid airport taxi or a ride-hailing app such as Uber or Careem (roughly £8–£14 to central Cairo or Giza, agree or app the fare first). Air-conditioned airport buses also run to the centre for a few pounds. The airport has three terminals — EgyptAir uses Terminal 3 and British Airways typically Terminal 2, so check which one your flight uses for the return.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from London to Cairo?
Non-stop flights take about 5 hours 10 minutes outbound from London Heathrow, and a similar time coming back. One-stop itineraries through Istanbul, Frankfurt or Paris typically take 8 to 12 hours in total, depending on the length of the connection.
Are there direct flights from London to Cairo?
Yes. EgyptAir and British Airways both fly non-stop between London Heathrow and Cairo, several times a day between them. If you’d rather save money, one-stop flights with Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa or Pegasus are sometimes cheaper than the non-stops.
How much does it cost to fly from London to Cairo?
A typical economy return runs about £300–£450 depending on the season. The best deals dip to around £180–£260, usually in late spring or early autumn, while the Christmas and Easter peaks sit toward the top of the range.
What is the cheapest month to fly from London to Cairo?
May, June and September are usually the cheapest months to fly. Avoid December, Easter and the February half-term, which are the busiest and most expensive times to fly.
Which airlines fly from London to Cairo?
Non-stop: EgyptAir and British Airways from Heathrow. One-stop: Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Lufthansa (via Frankfurt or Munich), Air France (via Paris) and Pegasus (via Istanbul), which can offer the lowest fares.
Which airport do I fly into in Cairo?
You arrive at Cairo International (CAI), the city’s main gateway, about 24 km north-east of the centre. It has three terminals, so check whether your flight uses Terminal 2 or Terminal 3, especially for onward transport and your return journey.
How far in advance should I book London to Cairo flights?
Aim to book 4 to 10 weeks ahead. Cairo fares are relatively steady through the year but climb as departure approaches, particularly around the October–April high season and the Christmas and Easter peaks, so booking early is usually best.
Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays?
Often, yes — midweek departures (Tuesday to Thursday) tend to be a little cheaper than Friday to Sunday. Flying out and back midweek save a little on a return, so being flexible by a day or two is an easy way to trim the fare.
Route and schedule details from current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Indicative economy returns — always check the live fare before booking.
