By Egypt Holiday Makers | Last Updated: Abril 2026
When we arrange tours to the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum, one of the first questions our clients ask is which Cairo airport they should fly into. For anyone whose trip centers on Giza and the west bank of Cairo, the answer is almost always the same: Sphinx International Airport.
Known by its IATA code SPX and sometimes called Cairo Sphinx Airport or Giza Airport, Sphinx International Airport opened in 2020 as Egypt’s newest international gateway. It sits just minutes from the Pyramids of Giza — closer than any other airport in the country to Egypt’s most visited attractions. We send clients through this airport regularly, and in this guide we’ll share everything we know about it: the location, the facilities, the duty-free, the restaurants, how to get there, and how it compares to Cairo International Airport.
Whether you are arriving in Egypt for the first time or returning for another adventure, this is the guide we wish had existed when Sphinx Airport first opened.
What Is Sphinx International Airport (SPX)?
Sphinx International Airport — officially designated مطار سفنكس الدولي in Arabic — is Egypt’s second Cairo-area airport, built to relieve pressure on Cairo International Airport (CAI) and to provide faster, more direct access to the Giza plateau and its surrounding attractions. It was inaugurated in 2020 and has been gradually expanding its route network and facilities since then.
The airport is smaller and quieter than Cairo International, which is both its main advantage and its main limitation. Quieter means faster check-in, shorter immigration queues, and less of the chaos that larger airports can generate. Smaller means a more limited selection of airlines and destinations — something to check carefully before booking.
The IATA code for Sphinx International Airport is SPX. You will sometimes see it referred to as Cairo Sphinx Airport, Giza Airport, or simply Sphinx Airport — all refer to the same facility.
Where Is Sphinx Airport? Location & Distance Guide
This is the most frequently asked question, and the answer is what makes this airport so valuable to our customers.
Sphinx International Airport is located in the Abu Rawash area of Giza Governorate, on the western edge of Greater Cairo. Here are the key distances:
| Destination | Distance | Approximate Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pyramids of Giza | 10 km | 15–20 minutes |
| Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) | 8 km | 10–15 minutes |
| Giza city center | 15 km | 20–25 minutes |
| Downtown Cairo (Tahrir Square) | 40 km | 45–60 minutes |
| Cairo International Airport (CAI) | 55 km | 60–75 minutes |
Compared to Cairo International Airport—located on the northeastern edge of the city and about 45 minutes from the Pyramids, even without traffic—the difference is vast. For a customer arriving in the afternoon and wanting to visit the Giza Plateau at sunset, landing at Sphinx Airport rather than Cairo International Airport could mean the difference between arriving on time and missing the flight.
The airport is accessible from Cairo via the Ring Road and the 6th of October Bridge. If you’re staying anywhere on the west side of Cairo—Giza, Sheik Zayed, 6th of October City, or the Pyramids area, Sphinx Airport is almost certainly closer to your hotel than Cairo International Airport.
Sphinx Airport vs Cairo International Airport — Which Should You Choose?
This is a comparison we regularly make for our clients, and the answer depends entirely on your itinerary.
Choose Sphinx Airport (SPX) if:
- Your trip focuses on the Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum, or Saqqara and Dahshur
- You are staying in Giza, Sheik Zayed, or Western Cairo
- You want a quieter, faster airport experience with shorter queues
- Your airline operates into SPX
Choose Cairo International Airport (CAI) if:
- You are flying on a major international carrier — most long-haul routes still use CAI
- Your trip takes you to central or eastern Cairo, or you are connecting to domestic flights
- You need a wider range of facilities — CAI has more shopping, dining, and lounge options
- You are arriving from a destination that does not yet have direct SPX service
The honest answer is that for most international visitors, Cairo International Airport is still the default — simply because more airlines fly there. Sphinx Airport’s route network is growing, and we expect it to expand significantly over the coming years. Always check which airport your specific flight serves before booking.
Sphinx Airport Flights – Airlines and Destinations
Sphinx International Airport currently serves a mix of domestic, regional, and international flights. Its route network is smaller than Cairo International Airport’s, but it has been steadily growing since its opening.
Domestic flights from Sphinx Airport connect Cairo to destinations including Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheik, and Alexandria, making it an ideal starting point for travelers beginning their journey in various Egyptian cities, from Giza, then heading south or to the coast.
International flights include connecting flights to cities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and several European destinations. The route network changes seasonally, so we always recommend checking directly with the airline or using a flight comparison tool for the most up-to-date Sphinx Airport flight schedule.
Airlines operating flights to Sphinx Airport include EgyptAir, Air Cairo, and several regional and charter airlines. Please confirm schedules directly as they are subject to change.
For arrivals and departures: Direct flight information to and from Sphinx Airport is available on the Egyptian Airports Company’s official website and through flight-tracking tools such as Flightradar24 and FlightAware. Search for SPX or Cairo Sphinx Airport to view current arrival and departure times.
Sphinx Airport Duty Free — What to Expect
Duty-free at Sphinx Airport is one of the most searched topics for this airport, and for good reason — many of our clients want to know what they can buy on arrival or pick up before departure.
The duty-free shops at Sphinx International Airport stock a solid range of products for a smaller airport:
What you can find at Sphinx Airport duty-free:
- Perfumes and cosmetics from international brands
- Tobacco and cigarettes
- Alcohol and spirits
- Egyptian specialty products — including spices, Egyptian cotton items, and papyrus souvenirs
- Confectionery and chocolates
- Electronics and accessories
Our practical tips for the Sphinx Airport duty-free: The selection is more limited than at Cairo International Airport’s larger duty-free halls, but for standard purchases — a bottle of perfume, cigarettes, a gift of Egyptian spices — it is perfectly adequate. If you are looking for a specific brand or a wide selection of spirits, we would suggest buying at Cairo International if you have a connection, or at the city’s dedicated duty-free shops before your departure.
Duty-free purchases on arrival are permitted in Egypt — you can collect your allowance as you enter the country. The standard allowance for alcohol is one liter per person for passengers over 18. Keep your boarding pass and passport accessible at the duty-free counter.
Sphinx Airport Restaurants & Food
The food options at Sphinx Airport are what you’d expect from a modern, mid-sized Egyptian airport – efficient, clean, and constantly improving as the airport grows.
What we noticed at the airport:
- A variety of cafes serving Egyptian tea and coffee, fresh juices, and light snacks.
- Fast food options, including international brands.
- Dining areas with Egyptian and international menus.
- Snack stands offering quick meals, such as sandwiches, pastries, and cold drinks.
Our honest verdict: The food at Sphinx Airport is perfectly adequate for a meal or snack before or after your flight, but it’s not a destination in itself. If you arrive hungry after a long international flight at Cairo International Airport, we always recommend eating at Cairo International Airport before your domestic flight to Sphinx – the food options there are much more varied.
By the way: Fresh juices are available at most Egyptian airport cafes, and they’re really delicious. Egyptian mango juice in the summer and fresh orange juice year-round are both worth trying while you wait.
Sphinx Airport Facilities – A Comprehensive Guide
Here’s everything you need to know about the services available at Sphinx International Airport:
- Wi-Fi: Yes, Sphinx Airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Connect to the airport network upon arrival – registration is usually not required, although speeds may vary during peak times.
- Parking: Sphinx Airport offers parking directly outside the terminal. Short-term and long-term parking options are available. We recommend confirming current rates directly with the airport, as they are subject to change. For our arranged transfers, parking is not required – a private transfer vehicle will pick you up from the arrivals platform.
- Passport and Customs: In our experience, passport control at Sphinx Airport is significantly faster than at Cairo International Airport. Queues are shorter, the process is more efficient, and most of our clients complete passport control and board their transfer vehicle within 30 to 45 minutes of landing.
- Visa on Arrival: Egypt offers a visa on arrival at Sphinx International Airport. The fee is currently US$25 and can be paid in US dollars, euros, or British pounds. You can also pre-apply for an e-Visa through the official Egyptian e-Visa portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg. We recommend this for travelers who wish to expedite their arrival procedures.
- Currency Exchange: Currency exchange offices are available in the arrivals hall. Exchange rates are usually less favorable than those in the city, so we suggest exchanging a small amount for immediate needs—such as a taxi, SIM card, or tip—and withdrawing the rest from ATMs in Cairo.
- ATMs: Available throughout the airport terminal for withdrawing cash in Egyptian pounds.
- Lounge Lounges: Sphinx Airport offers lounges for eligible passengers. Please check with your airline for lounge access requirements.
- Luggage Trolleys: Available free of charge in the arrivals hall.
- Information Desk: Airport staff are generally helpful, and assistance in English is available at the main information desks in the terminal.
How to Get from Sphinx Airport to Cairo & the Pyramids
Getting from Sphinx Airport to your destination is straightforward, and we handle it for all our clients. Here are the options:
Private airport transfer (recommended): This is what we always arrange for our guests arriving at Sphinx Airport. A private driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name board, handles your luggage, and takes you directly to your hotel. There are no meters, no negotiations, and no uncertainty about the route. Transfer times from Sphinx Airport to Giza hotels typically range from 15 to 25 minutes. To the Cairo city center, allow 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.
Egypt Holiday Makers arranges private airport transfers from Sphinx Airport to all hotels and destinations across Cairo and Giza. Book your Sphinx Airport transfer here.
Taxi: Official taxis are available from the airport exit. Always use metered taxis or agree on a fare before departing. To the Pyramids area, expect to pay approximately 100–150 EGP depending on the time of day. In downtown Cairo, fares are higher and traffic-dependent.
Rideshare apps: Uber and Careem both operate in Cairo and can be booked from the airport. This is a reliable option if you have a local SIM card or working mobile data. Prices are generally competitive, and the route is tracked.
Top Attractions Near Sphinx Airport
One of the reasons we prefer to route our clients through Sphinx Airport is what awaits them just minutes after landing. No other airport in Egypt offers such proximity to such a wealth of history.
Giza Pyramids (10 km, 15-20 minutes): The Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the Sphinx are all within a short drive of the airport. For clients arriving on morning flights, we often arrange a direct visit to the Giza Plateau before checking into their hotel – the light is magical in the morning, and the crowds are less than at any other time of day.
Grand Egyptian Museum (8 km, 10-15 minutes): The world’s largest archaeological museum is located between the airport and the pyramids. Home to over 100,000 artifacts, including the complete treasures of Tutankhamun, it’s the perfect destination for a full-day trip. The sheer scale of the architecture alone—a vast, air-conditioned complex designed to be viewed from the pyramids themselves—is worth the visit.
Saqqara and the Step Pyramid (30 km, 35-40 minutes): The oldest stone structure in Egypt, the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara, is less than 40 minutes from the Sphinx. We include Saqqara in many of our Cairo day trips because it offers a completely different perspective on ancient Egyptian architecture—it’s more tranquil than Giza, more diverse in its monuments, and often has a magical atmosphere.
Dahshur – The Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid (45 km, 50 minutes): To the south lie the pyramids of Dahshur, which are less crowded and more spectacular. The Red Pyramid can be fully explored from the inside, offering a unique experience of ancient Egypt. Our clients who visit Dahshur agree that it was the best day of their trip. The Red Pyramid can be fully explored from the inside, offering an immersive experience of ancient Egypt.
Abusir (25 km, 30 minutes): A lesser-known pyramid field between Saqqara and Giza, Abusir is a half-day trip away, but most tourists don’t visit. Therefore, we highly recommend it for clients looking to explore less familiar places.
Sphinx Airport — Practical Information Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| IATA Code | SPX |
| Full name | Sphinx International Airport |
| Arabic name | مطار سفنكس الدولي |
| Location | Abu Rawash, Giza Governorate, Egypt |
| Distance to Pyramids | 10 km / 15–20 min |
| Distance to Grand Egyptian Museum | 8 km / 10–15 min |
| Distance to downtown Cairo | 40 km / 45–60 min |
| Distance to Cairo International Airport | 55 km / 60–75 min |
| Visa on arrival | Yes — $25 USD |
| WiFi | Yes — free |
| Duty free | Yes |
| Restaurants | Yes |
| Parking | Yes |
| ATMs | Yes |
| How early to arrive | 2 hours for domestic, 3 hours for international |
Frequently Asked Questions about Sphinx International Airport
Is Sphinx International Airport open?
Yes. Sphinx International Airport is fully operational and open year-round. It handles domestic, regional, and international flights and is continuously expanding its route network.
Are there two airports in Cairo?
Yes. Cairo is served by two airports: Cairo International Airport (CAI) in the northeast of the city, and Sphinx International Airport (SPX) in the west, near Giza. Cairo International Airport handles the majority of international flights. Sphinx Airport is newer, less congested, and much closer to the Giza Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
When should I arrive at Sphinx Airport?
We recommend arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and at least three hours before international flights. In practice, due to Sphinx Airport’s smaller size and faster queues than Cairo International Airport, many of our customers find 90 minutes sufficient for domestic departures, but we always advise arriving at least two hours early.
Is there a duty-free shop at Sphinx Airport?
Yes. Sphinx Airport has duty-free shops offering perfumes, tobacco, alcoholic beverages, Egyptian cuisine, and sweets. While the selection is less varied than at Cairo International Airport, it adequately meets basic travel needs.
Are there restaurants at Sphinx Airport?
Yes. The airport has cafes and restaurants serving Egyptian and international cuisine and beverages. Options include dine-in, fast food, and takeaway kiosks.
Is Wi-Fi available at Sphinx Airport?
Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport terminal. Connect to the airport network upon arrival.
What is the IATA code for Sphinx Airport?
The IATA code for Sphinx International Airport is SPX.
How far is Sphinx Airport from the Giza Pyramids?
Sphinx Airport is approximately 10 kilometers from the Giza Pyramids, about a 15-20-minute drive. It is the closest airport in Egypt to the Giza Plateau.
What is the difference between Sphinx Airport and Cairo International Airport?
Sphinx Airport is newer, smaller, and quieter, and much closer to Giza and the Pyramids. Cairo International Airport is larger, handles more airlines and international flights, and is located closer to central and eastern Cairo. Choosing the right airport for you depends on your departure airport and travel itinerary.
Can I get a visa on arrival at Sphinx Airport?
Yes. Egypt offers visas on arrival at Sphinx International Airport. The current fee is US$25, payable in US dollars, euros, or British pounds. You can also apply in advance through the e-Visa portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg.
Plan Your Cairo Visit with Egypt Holiday Makers
I have been routing clients through Sphinx Airport since it opened, and what strikes me every time is how different the arrival experience is compared to Cairo International. You land, you clear immigration quickly, you step outside — and within 20 minutes you are looking at the same pyramids that have stood on that plateau for 4,500 years. There is no other airport arrival in the world quite like it.
If you are planning an Egypt trip and want to make the most of every hour — starting from the moment you land — Egypt Holiday Makers can arrange everything. Our private airport transfers from Sphinx Airport cover all hotels in Giza and Cairo. Our Cairo day tours are built around the best visiting windows for each site. Our Egypt tour packages can be designed to start at Sphinx Airport and take you the full length of the country — from the Pyramids to the temples of Abu Simbel.
Get in touch and tell us your flight details. We will take care of everything from the moment you land.
Conclusion:
Sphinx International Airport isn’t yet Egypt’s busiest airport, but it’s the perfect choice for travelers whose journey begins at the Giza Pyramids. Its proximity to Giza, efficient terminal, increasing number of airlines and destinations, and easy access to the city all make it an excellent choice for your trip.
Check if your flight lands at Sphinx Airport, compare it to your Cairo itinerary, and choose the option that suits you best. And upon arrival—however you arrive—the Egypt Holiday Makers team will be waiting for you.
