UAE to Egypt Distance: Routes, Flight Time, and Travel Guide

This guide covers the distance from the UAE to Egypt, typical flight times, and the main travel options to help you plan your trip. Here’s what you need to know before traveling from the UAE to Egypt. This guide explains the UAE to Egypt distance, available travel options, and everything you need to plan a smooth journey.

Explore the distance from the UAE to Egypt

Distance between UAE and Egypt

The air distance between the United Arab Emirates and Egypt is approximately 2,420–2,450 kilometers (about 1,500 miles) depending on the cities involved.This is the shortest direct air distance between the two countries. When we are specifically talking of the distance separating Dubai and Cairo, the distance covered by air is approximately 2,425 kilometers.

You can technically drive from Dubai to Egypt, but the journey is long and complex. Although technically possible, the journey would cover roughly 3,700–4,000 kilometers and require traveling through Saudi Arabia and Jordan, followed by a ferry across the Red Sea. Air travel is generally the most practical option due to multiple border crossings and an estimated driving time of more than 35 hours.

UAE to Egypt flight time

A direct flight from the UAE to Egypt takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes. The average direct flight time between the UAE and Egypt is about 3 hours and 45 minutes. Flight duration varies slightly depending on departure and arrival points.

Flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Cairo International Airport (CAI) usually take about 3 hours and 50 minutes. Flights from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Cairo typically take around 3 hours and 35 minutes. Indirect flights with layovers in cities such as Riyadh or Jeddah can take between 6 and 8 hours in total.

Travel time by air from UAE to Egypt

Best travel routes from UAE to Egypt

The primary and most efficient travel route between the UAE and Egypt is via commercial aviation.

• Air travel: The fastest and most reliable route connects major UAE hubs (DXB, AUH, SHJ) directly to primary Egyptian gateways like Cairo (CAI) and Alexandria (HBE).
• Overland and sea route: For overland adventurers, the route involves driving to the port city of Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), then taking a ferry to Egypt (e.g., Safaga or Nuweiba). This route requires multiple transit visas, specialized vehicle insurance, and extensive logistical preparation.

Factors that affect travel between UAE and Egypt

Travel time can vary slightly due to a few factors:

• Airline choice and layovers: Direct flights are the fastest option. Budget airlines utilizing indirect routes can significantly increase travel time.
• Weather conditions: Seasonal sandstorms, known as Khamsin in Egypt or Shamal in the UAE, during spring, can cause reduced visibility, or airspace rerouting.
• Geopolitical airspace routing: Regional air traffic control corridors occasionally adjust flight paths to maintain safety and compliance, which can add 15 to 30 minutes to the total flight time.

What can impact travel between the UAE and Egypt

Entry requirement for traveler from UAE to Egypt

UAE citizens have visa-free access to Egypt for tourism and can stay for up to 90 days. Visa requirements depend on your nationality, not your UAE residency status. Some nationalities are eligible for an e-Visa or visa on arrival, while others must apply in advance through an embassy or consulate. Travelers must have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry, along with proof of accommodation and a return ticket.

Travel tips for visiting Egypt from the UAE

Here are some practical tips for traveling from the UAE to Egypt:

• Currency exchange: Convert AED to Egyptian Pounds (EGP) upon arrival at authorized bank kiosks inside the airport to get better exchange rates.
• Optimal travel season: Schedule your trip between October and April. Temperatures comfortably range from 15°C to 25°C, providing the perfect climate for exploring outdoor historical sites like the Pyramids of Giza or the Valley of the Kings.
• Local transportation: Utilize authorized ride-hailing applications like Uber or Careem in Cairo and Alexandria to ensure safe, transparently priced journeys without the need for intensive negotiation.

Useful advice for visiting Egypt from the UAE

FAQs about UAE to Egypt distance

How many hours is the flight from UAE to Egypt?

A direct flight from the UAE to Egypt takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. Indirect flights with layovers can take between 6 to 8 hours depending on the transit city and airline.

Is there a direct flight from UAE to Egypt?

Yes, numerous airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways, EgyptAir, and Air Arabia operate multiple direct flights daily between major UAE airports and key Egyptian cities.

Which airport in Egypt is the most convenient to fly to from the UAE?

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the main international gateway, with the highest number of direct flights from the UAE, offering the highest frequency of direct flights. For coastal vacations, Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) is the optimal choice.