Layover Diaries: Pyramids & Koshary – Your 7-Hour Layover Guide to Cairo
This post is part of my Umrah+ journey (Nov 2 – Nov 18) planned with Trip.com’s multi-city search tool. Instead of booking a plain round trip, I experimented with routes that came with long layovers — and turned them into mini-adventures.
- ✈️ On my way to Jeddah, I had an 18-hour layover in Sharjah with Air Arabia.
- 🕌 I also wrote about my 6-hour stop in Abu Dhabi at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque → Read here .
- 🌊 And on the way home, I’ll be exploring Muscat with a 9-hour stopover on Oman Air.
The total fare for all sectors came to RM3,677 — about RM1,300 less than a direct flight. But to me, being able to explore three extra cities (Abu Dhabi, Cairo and Muscat) made it absolutely worth it.
Why Cairo?
Cairo isn’t just another transit point; it’s a chance to step into thousands of years of history without needing a separate holiday (or breaking your wallet).
Many flights between Saudi Arabia and Europe, Asia, or Africa pass through Cairo. That makes it one of the best airports for turning a long layover into a mini side trip.
With just a few hours, you could stand before the Pyramids of Giza and taste authentic koshary, Egypt’s national comfort food — all in one layover.
Why Cairo Works as a Layover City
- Flight Connections: Cairo International Airport (CAI) is served by EgyptAir, Nile Air, Air Cairo, Saudia, Flynas and more, with frequent routes to Jeddah, Madinah and Makkah.
- Visa on Arrival / eVisa: Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival (USD 25) or apply online for an eVisa. Always check the latest requirements before flying.
- Proximity: The Pyramids are about 1 hour from the airport, making a half-day excursion realistic.
My Cairo Story
For my second leg, I decided to fly Medinah → Istanbul via Cairo, instead of returning to Jeddah. This route allowed me to end my Umrah in Madinah and then continue my journey to Turkey.
- 🕋 Ending Umrah in Madinah: This way, my Umrah and ziarah ended beautifully in Madinah before continuing to Turkey.
- 🛫 Ihram Tip: On the first leg (Sharjah → Jeddah), I donned my ihram on the flight and entered ihram at the miqat when the pilot announced it.
- 🏺 Cairo Transit: My Madinah to Istanbul flight with EgyptAir came with a 20-hour stop in Cairo, a golden chance to experience both the pyramids and local food culture before continuing on.
Flight Details:
- Nov 11, 02:20: Depart MED (Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Intl.)
- Nov 11, 03:20: Arrive CAI (Cairo Intl., Terminal S) – No need to collect & re-check baggage
- Layover: 20 hours 5 minutes
- Nov 11, 23:25: Depart CAI (Cairo Intl., Terminal 3)
- Nov 12, 02:50: Arrive IST (Istanbul Airport)
👉 With arrival at dawn, I planned a 10am – 5pm Cairo city tour (7 hours), still leaving plenty of time to check in at the correct terminal for my connecting flight to Istanbul.
Suggested 7-Hour Layover Plan in Cairo
1. Quick Exit & Transport (1 Hour)
- From Cairo International Airport, take a pre-booked transfer (via Trip.com ) or taxi directly to Giza.
- Remember: Allow at least 2 hours total buffer time to return for security and boarding.
2. The Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx (2.5 Hours)
- Walk around one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- Snap a photo with the Great Sphinx.
- Optional: Camel ride or entry inside the Pyramid (time-permitting).
3. Cairo Local Flavors – Koshary Stop (1 Hour)
- Head to Abou Tarek, Cairo’s most famous koshary restaurant.
- Koshary is a filling dish of pasta, rice, lentils, chickpeas, fried onions and tomato sauce — perfect for quick energy before your flight.
4. Nile Corniche Quick Stroll (1 Hour)
- If time permits, take a short walk along the Nile Corniche for fresh air and city views.
5. Return to Airport (1.5 Hours)
- Head back with ample time to clear security.
Practical Tips for Cairo Layovers
- Baggage: If flying with EgyptAir or Saudia, often no need to collect & re-check baggage during layovers. Just travel light with essentials in your hand-carry.
- Halal Food: No worries — Egypt is majority Muslim, so halal food is available everywhere.
- Prayer: Mosques and prayer rooms are widely available, including inside the airport.
- Book a Tour: To save time and hassle, book a Half-Day Cairo Transit Tour in advance via Trip.com.
👉 Example 1: Cairo Layover Tours to Giza Pyramids and Sphinx From Cairo Airport
👉 Example 2: Authentic Cairo Food Tour – Discover Hidden Downtown Gems
Why This Worked for Me
- Cairo offered me a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of the pyramids without needing a dedicated trip.
- Timing aligned perfectly: arrival at dawn, full-day to explore, evening departure.
- Combined with my Abu Dhabi and Muscat layovers, this route made my Umrah+ journey feel like a multi-country travel experience at just a fraction more than a direct ticket.
✈️ Coming Up Next in Layover Diaries
If Abu Dhabi gave me a taste of stunning Islamic architecture and Cairo let me step into ancient history while enjoying a plate of koshary, then my journey wouldn’t be complete without a final stop:
👉 Layover Diaries: Muscat Magic – 7 Hours at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque & Mutrah Souq
Stay tuned as I share how I made the most of my 21-hour layover in Muscat on the way back home — from prayers at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque to wandering the colorful lanes of the Mutrah Souq.
✈️ Disclaimer: Flight schedules, routes and prices mentioned in this post are based on searches at the time of writing and may no longer be available. Airlines frequently update their fares and layover durations. This guide is intended for educational and informational purposes only — to inspire you to explore layovers as part of your UmrahPlus or travel journey. Always confirm current details directly on Trip.com or with your chosen airline before booking.
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