How to Reach Egypt

Getting to Egypt from India is straightforward from Delhi and Mumbai, where nonstop flights save hours. From other cities, a one-stop or two-stop route is the norm, and the choice of hub affects the total journey time as much as the fare. This guide covers typical flight times, the main airports and how to get around once you land. Schedules change, so use the figures as a guide and confirm the timings with your airline or planner before you book.

Nonstop and one-stop flights from India

Nonstop flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Cairo are operated by EgyptAir. A typical Delhi to Cairo flight takes about five hours and forty minutes, and a Mumbai to Cairo flight takes about six hours. Schedules vary, so check the departure time each season.

From other cities, travellers usually connect through a Gulf hub, including Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, or through Istanbul in some routings. Airlines commonly serving these routes include Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways and Gulf Air. Kolkata often needs one or two stops and can involve Turkish Airlines through Istanbul.

Flight times from major Indian cities

These are typical total journey times, which include the connection where there is one:

• Delhi: about 5 hours 40 minutes, nonstop, EgyptAir.
• Mumbai: about 6 hours, nonstop, EgyptAir.
• Ahmedabad: about 8 hours, one stop via Abu Dhabi, Dubai or Doha, with Etihad, Emirates or Qatar Airways.
• Pune: about 8.5 hours, usually one stop through Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi. Some travellers compare a Pune departure with a separate Mumbai positioning flight, if the schedule allows a generous buffer.
• Bengaluru: about 8 hours 40 minutes, one stop via Doha, Dubai or Abu Dhabi, with EgyptAir, Qatar Airways, Emirates or Etihad Airways.
• Hyderabad: about 8.5 hours, one stop through a Gulf hub, with Qatar Airways, Emirates or Etihad Airways.
• Chennai: about 9 hours, one stop via Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Bahrain, with Gulf Air among the carriers.
• Kolkata: about 10 hours, one or two stops through a Gulf hub or Istanbul, with Qatar Airways, Emirates or Turkish Airlines.

Compare total journey time, not only the fare. A short Gulf connection is often worth a modest premium, because it saves a long wait and an extra airport change. A morning departure usually gives better onward connections than a late-night one.

Airports in Egypt

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the main gateway for most Indian travellers, and most itineraries start or end there. Hurghada International Airport (HRG) and Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) are the usual gateways for Red Sea trips. Many travellers route through Cairo for connections to Luxor and Aswan, even when they arrive by another airport.

Getting around once you land

From Cairo airport, prearranged transfers or reputable ride-hailing services are the most practical options. Metered taxis and app-based cars work within cities. Domestic flights connect Cairo with Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, and these are usually the fastest way to cover long distances. Nile cruises link Luxor and Aswan. Trains run on some intercity routes, but rail and road journeys take much longer than a flight over the same distance.

For multi-city touring, a private air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed guide is generally the most efficient option. Plan airport transfers for the arrival and departure times, and allow extra time for Cairo traffic, which can be heavy.

Tips for connections and onward travel

• Use Cairo as the entry point, and avoid adding a domestic flight on the same day as a late international arrival.
• Build a buffer for connections, because airport changes or long transit times can erase a fare saving.
• When combining airlines, check baggage through-ticketing and the minimum connection time.
• If your Nile cruise has a fixed departure, consider arriving one day before it.
• Allow extra time for Abu Simbel transport, because the road departure from Aswan is very early.

Before you book

Confirm the flight schedule, the connection time and the baggage allowance before you pay. Ask your planner what your quote covers for flights, because our Egypt packages are land-only and international flights are booked separately. Check your passport validity and your visa before you travel. The Egypt visa guide for Indians explains the requirements.

How was this guide compiled?

This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information and traveller reports. It was last checked on 2 November 2026. Flight times are typical figures, and airlines change schedules, so confirm the exact timings with your airline or planner before you book.

Where to go next

Start with the Egypt travel guide for an overview, then choose your route in places to visit in Egypt. Plan your month with best time to visit Egypt, check costs in Egypt trip cost and read things to do in Egypt. Review the Egypt visa guide for Indians and browse our Egypt tour packages.