Renting a car is possible, but not recommended for the first-time visitor. The roads are of varying quality, and Cairo traffic laws are widely ignored. It's not uncommon to find buses stopping in the centre lane of the overpasses and highways to allow passengers to disembark right into traffic.
The metro service is regular and reliable, but does not cover the city widely. Fares, however, are cheap (1LE) and if your route happens to match one of the metro's two lines, it's a great way to get across the city. Note that the centre two cars are women-only.
If you would like to travel outside of Cairo, note that Egypt has a phenomenal number of checkpoints at which you'll have your passport and visa inspected. It is very important to make sure that you remain within the terms of your visa if intending to travel outside the city.
River Bus
One of the main stops is next to the Ramses Hilton. River buses operate to the Coptic Quarter.
By metro
The metro has two lines with interchanges at Mubarak, at Midan Ramses, at Sadat, and at Midan Tahrir. The first car of each train is for women.
Taxi
Taxis are metered. Make sure the driver uses the meter or negotiates a fixed price first. Easily recognisable by being black and white.
By bus
The red, white and blue buses have an extensive network and are cheap. An alternative are mini buses that are orange and white, or red, white and blue.
Road System
The road system in Egypt is like a network connecting Cairo with other cities and villages in Egypt.
The Ring Road that surronds the city reaches to nearly every district in Cairo. There are brigdes such as the 6th of October that are a fast means of transportation through the city. The traffic in Cairo is known to be overcrowded and jammed.
Bus System
The bus system in Cairo offers many lines of service varying in prices and classes. The fares of the buses range from 0.25 pounds to 2 pounds.
There's the standard bus that isn't air conditioned and goes all around Cairo. There is also the air-conditioned one for a higher fare, but it's more comfortable. There are also the mini-buses, which have a more extensive network.
There are the micro-buses that are run privately by individuals. They are the cheapest means of transportation around Cairo, but they arenot very reliable and are almost always crowded.
Taxi
Taxis in Egypt are also run by individuals and usually run on old car models. Taxis nowadays in Cairo are being replaced by the Cairo Cab that offers a more advanced, luxurious and comfortable service. They run on newer car models and are air-conditioned. There are taxi stops for the Cairo Cab and there's a free number to reserve or call a cab whenever and wherever you need one.
The fare for the Cairo Cab is around 3 dollars and it depends on the distance.
Cairo Metro
The Cairo metro has two lines that are currently operating. There is a third line but it's still being planned. The price of the ticket is one pound to any part of the city. The two cars in the middle of the train are reserved for women who don't wish to ride with men in the same car, although they are free to choose.
Train
Cairo's railway station is located at Ramses Satation.
Nile Ferry
There's a small boat that runs across the Nile River from one side to the other. It's a nice way to enjoy the scenery and the weather.
