Orientation
Al Matariyah (often written Al-Matariya) sits in the north-eastern part of the Cairo conurbation, close to Heliopolis, Al-Zaytun and Hilmiya. Cairo International Airport lies directly to its east, which makes the district one of the first parts of the city many visitors pass through on arrival. The practical points below focus on how to move around and how to connect with the wider Cairo transport network.
How visitors get around
Al Matariyah is a busy, built-up district rather than a tourist zone, and most local movement is by road. Visitors should expect to rely on taxis, ride-hailing apps and buses for getting around, with the airport and central Cairo reachable via the main road corridors that serve the area.
Rail, metro and tram
Visitors should not assume a metro or tram stop is within easy walking distance, and should plan on road-based transport for local trips and for reaching the wider Cairo network.
Buses and other public transport
An airport bus departs from Terminal 1 at Cairo International Airport and serves Cairo and other local destinations, including Giza. For visitors arriving by air, this is the main documented public-transport option connecting the airport area with the city.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Black-and-white taxis wait outside the Arrivals halls at Cairo International Airport, making them a straightforward option for reaching Al Matariyah or continuing into Cairo. Agree on the fare or confirm the meter before setting off, as is standard practice with street taxis.
Walkability
Given that the district is a dense urban area crossed by major roads, visitors should plan on using transport for most journeys and treat walking as suitable for short local trips only.
Getting from the airport into the city
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the main gateway, located north-east of Cairo and directly east of Al Matariyah and the neighbouring Heliopolis districts. It has three terminals: Terminal 1 is separated from Terminals 2 and 3, and a shuttle links them, so allow extra time if your flight uses a different terminal from your onward transport.
- By taxi: Black-and-white taxis wait outside the Arrivals halls and are the simplest way to reach Al Matariyah or central Cairo.
- By airport bus: A bus departs from Terminal 1 and serves Cairo and other destinations, including Giza.
- By car: Salah Salem Road and the Autostrad Road connect the airport with Heliopolis and Cairo. Rental desks for Avis, Budget and Hertz are in the Arrivals Hall, and there is extensive parking at the airport.
The airport's address is Oruba Road, Heliopolis, Cairo. Because Al Matariyah lies immediately to the west of the airport, it is one of the closest districts to the terminals and a convenient base for an early flight or a late arrival.