Renting a car in Cairo gives you the freedom to reach the pyramids, the desert highways, and the wider region on your own schedule, though Cairo's traffic is famously busy, so it suits confident drivers. Rental agencies operate at Cairo International Airport and across the city, and many visitors hire a car for day trips rather than for driving in the dense centre.
Paperwork and who can rent
Egypt requires an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence if your licence is not in English or Arabic, and it is wise to carry both regardless, since police check documents at roadside stops. Rental companies typically require drivers to be at least 25, with an upper age limit around 60 on some categories, and to have held a licence for at least two years. Bring your passport and your tourist visa, which is often issued on arrival. Comparison sites such as DiscoverCars help you check availability and prices in advance.
Traffic, tolls, and speed enforcement
Cairo traffic is dense and assertive, so drive defensively and allow extra time. Speed limits are broadly 60 km/h in towns, 90 on rural roads, and 100 to 120 on highways, and the Ring Road and desert highways are heavily monitored by speed radar, so keep to the limits to avoid fines. Several routes are toll roads, including the Cairo to Alexandria desert highway and parts of the Ring Road, with tolls usually payable in cash, so keep some Egyptian pounds handy. Fuel is inexpensive by international standards.
Safety and booking tips
Keep your passport, licence, and IDP in the car, as checkpoints routinely ask to see them. Alcohol enforcement is strict, so do not drink and drive. Avoid unfamiliar routes after dark, and consider a driver or guided day trip if you would rather not tackle central Cairo traffic yourself. Read the rental terms for the deposit, fuel policy, insurance, and excess, and book ahead in the winter high season, when demand for cars is strongest.