Is There Uber In Egypt: Guide To Prices, Info & More
Is there Uber in Egypt? Yes, and it is one of the best ways to get around, especially in Cairo.
When I visited Egypt and was not being driven by family, I used Uber. The streets in Egypt are busy and chaotic, full of cars, motorbikes, horses, and donkey carriages, with people crossing wherever they feel like it.
Driving yourself is not something I would recommend. Uber takes all of that stress away.
Here is everything you need to know about using Uber in Egypt, including where it is available, how much it costs, how to use it, and what to watch out for.
Is Uber Available In Egypt?
Yes, Uber is available in Egypt, but only in certain cities: Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada, Delta, Mansoura, Zagazig, Damietta, and the Canal Cities. If you are visiting other cities, you may need to use public transport, a local taxi, or a private transfer.
Uber also officially operates at the airports of Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada, and Sphinx International Airport. However, getting an Uber from Cairo International Airport is not straightforward.
More on that below. If you want to avoid the hassle of negotiating with taxi drivers at the airport, I recommend booking a private transfer in advance.
➡️Book your transfer from Cairo International Airport HERE
What Is The Uber Price In Egypt?
Uber prices in Egypt are very affordable, and you will always see the price before you confirm the ride, so there are no surprises.
There is also no tourist pricing, unlike with taxis where drivers often charge several times more, and you have to negotiate.
Prices went up slightly in 2023 due to increased fuel costs, and again in 2024 when Cairo and Alexandria saw an 8% increase. Here are the current Cairo prices as a guide. Other cities are similar.
| Uber X | Uber Comfort | Uber X Saver | |
| Start of the trip | 12 EGP | 15 EGP | 9 EGP |
| Price per km | 3.10 EGP | 4.52 EGP | |
| Price per minute | 0.55 EGP | 0.70 EGP | |
| Minimum price per trip | 20 EGP | 25 EGP | 18 EGP |
To give you an idea: a short trip within the city centre can cost around 30 EGP (about 1 USD), while a ride from Downtown Cairo to the Giza Pyramids is around 230 EGP (about 8 USD).
With prices this low, I always recommend tipping the driver if you are happy with the ride.
How To Use Uber In Egypt?
You use Uber in Egypt exactly the same way as anywhere else in the world. Download the app if you do not already have it, set your pick-up and drop-off location, choose your ride type, and confirm. You will see the price before you book.
One thing you do need is mobile data, as wifi is not available everywhere. Egypt now requires you to register your mobile phone if you use a local SIM card, which makes it more complicated than it used to be.
The easiest option is to get an eSIM before you leave home so you are connected as soon as you land. You can get your eSIM for Egypt here.
When choosing your driver, go for the one with the best rating. A few things to do once your driver arrives: ask the driver for your name, check the car model and plate number, and take a photo of the plate before you get in.
Also make sure the driver starts the ride on the app before you set off.
During peak times, traffic in Cairo can add a lot of time to your journey, so always allow extra time when you need to be somewhere.
Types of Uber
There are a few different types of Uber in Egypt.
- UberX – the standard option, most widely available and affordable
- Uber XSaver – a lower-fare option for shorter trips
- Uber Comfort – newer cars with more space, slightly higher price
- Uber Scooter – faster and cheaper, great for getting through traffic, but only available for one passenger
Uber At Cairo Airport
Getting an Uber from Cairo International Airport is not reliable. Officially, Uber operates there, but in practice many drivers refuse to pick up from the airport because of issues with the local police.
Some will cancel your trip, and others will arrange an alternative pick-up point away from the terminal.
My family member living in Cairo has tried ordering Uber from the airport several times and been refused.
To avoid arriving after a long flight and having to negotiate with taxi drivers who will charge far more than they should, I strongly recommend booking a private transfer in advance.
You will travel in a clean, air-conditioned car and someone will be waiting for you with your name.
➡️Book your private transfer from Cairo International Airport HERE
Is Uber Better Than City Taxis?
Yes, without question. Here is why:
- Uber cars are newer, cleaner, and air-conditioned. City taxis in Egypt are often old with no AC.
- Uber is tracked by GPS, and you have the driver’s details, which makes it much safer.
- Uber prices are fixed and transparent. Taxi drivers in Egypt regularly try to scam tourists by charging several times the normal price, and even after negotiating, you will usually pay more than you would with Uber.
- Some taxi drivers will take detours via souvenir shops where they earn a commission.
- Others have been known to drop passengers off partway and demand full payment, with a friend conveniently nearby offering another taxi at an inflated price.
- Uber removes all of that hassle.
Other Ride-Hailing Apps in Egypt
Uber is not the only option. There are two others worth knowing about.
Careem was bought by Uber but operates separately with its own app.
It is available in more cities than Uber, including: Cairo, Alexandria, Tanta, Mansoura, Damietta, Hurghada, Zagazig, Ismailia, Qena, Sohag, Aswan, Banha, Port Said, Asyut, Minya, Marsa Matrouh, Sahel, Fayoum, and Luxor. If you are visiting cities outside Cairo, Careem is worth downloading.
Didi is a Chinese ride-hailing company that entered Egypt in 2021 and operates in Cairo and Alexandria.
Tips For Using Uber In Egypt
Before you start using Uber in Egypt, here are some tips for you.
✔️ Before getting in, check the car model, ask the driver for your name, and take a photo of the licence plate.
✔️ Note that Egyptian licence plate numbers are in Arabic numerals, not Western ones. Here are Arabic numbers for you
✔️ Make sure the driver starts the trip on the app before you move.
✔️ Do not agree to any deal outside the app.
✔️ Do not let the driver stop at souvenir shops or drop you off somewhere other than your destination.
✔️ You can share your journey with friends or family through the app.
✔️ You can report any incident through the app.
✔️ Pay by card if you can, ideally with a card that has low or no foreign transaction fees.
✔️ If paying cash, have small notes ready. Drivers may claim not to have change.
✔️ Allow extra time for traffic, especially during peak hours in Cairo.
✔️ Rate and tip your driver if you are happy with the ride.
Visiting Egypt: FAQs
1. Is Uber in Egypt safe?
Yes, Uber in Egypt is safe. The cars are newer, your journey is tracked by GPS, and you can share your trip with friends or family.
You also have the driver’s name and plate number, so you can report anything if needed.
2. Is there Uber in Hurghada?
Yes, Uber is available in Hurghada.
3. Is there Uber in Sharm El Sheikh?
There is no Uber in Sharm El Sheikh, but Careem is available there. You can also book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel, which I recommend for a hassle-free arrival.
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