Egypt

Flights to Cairo

Pyramids · History · Culture. Compare cheap flights to Cairo from US airports — flight time 11h from New York JFK.

11h
From JFK
from $649
Typical price
Oct–Apr
Best season
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Price intelligence

When to fly to Cairo for the cheapest fare

Estimated baseline
updated 2026-04-25
Average return
$1298
From $649 on a great day
Cheapest month
January
Avg $1103 return
Peak month
August
Avg $2076 return
Good-deal threshold
$908 or less
25th-percentile fare
Cheapest day to depart: Tuesday
Most expensive day: Sunday

Flying to Cairo — what to know

Cairo is a long-haul destination from the US, suited to a pyramids and history trip. The 11h flight from New York JFK (JFK) makes it a realistic one- or two-week trip, with onward connections from major hubs (JFK, MIA, LAX, ORD, ATL) opening up additional departure options. Round-trip fares sit in the premium long-haul bracket on this corridor, with prices from $649 when timing and routing align.

January typically delivers the cheapest fares (around $1103 round-trip on average), with prices climbing through August when seasonal demand peaks ($2076+). On the ground, Egyptian pound (EGP) is the local currency and Arabic the dominant language — English coverage is solid in tourist quarters and at the airport. Visa: Visa on arrival or e-Visa for US passport holders — $25 for 30-day single entry. 8-14 weeks ahead is the long-haul sweet spot — earlier doesn't reliably help, later starts to hurt; last-minute bookings on this route can run two to three times the cheapest fare we see.

By Louisa Lowe, Lead Writer · Updated for 2026.

Plan ahead

Practical information for US travelers

Flight time from JFK~11h direct (where service exists)
Typical priceFrom $649 round-trip — booking 6-10 weeks ahead is generally cheapest
Best monthsOct–Apr
Visa (US passport)Visa on arrival or e-Visa for US passport holders — $25 for 30-day single entry.
CurrencyEgyptian pound (EGP)
Time zoneEET (UTC+2)
LanguageArabic

Always confirm visa and entry requirements at travel.state.gov before booking.

Things to do

Top experiences in Cairo

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Multi-day tours

Guided tours in Egypt

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight from the US to Cairo?

From New York JFK (JFK), nonstop flights to Cairo take approximately 11h. Total journey time depends on your departure airport, any connections, and seasonal headwinds.

Do US passport holders need a visa for Egypt?

Visa on arrival or e-Visa for US passport holders — $25 for 30-day single entry. Always check travel.state.gov for the latest entry requirements before booking.

When is the best time to visit Cairo?

The best months to visit Cairo are Oct–Apr, when conditions are most comfortable for sightseeing and weather is settled.

What currency is used in Egypt?

Egyptian pound (EGP) — most major hotels and restaurants in Cairo accept card payments, but cash is useful for smaller establishments and tipping.

What language is spoken in Cairo?

Arabic. English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and major restaurants.

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