Cairo traffic is known to be overwhelming and overcrowded. In order to get around Cairo in an efficient way it is important to know the different kinds of transportation systems.
Cairo Metro
The Metro is one of Cairo's delights. It is the first and fully-fledged Metro System in Africa. Operating between 6:00am and 12:00pm it is the fastest way of moving around Cairo. There are two lines. One runs from Helwan in the north to El Marg in the south, the other from Shurba in the north to Giza in the west. More extensions are planned. Cairo Metro is based on the French Subway in Paris. Ticket price for each journey is 1 EGP (0.12€).
Once you enter a station, there are employees behind a plexiglass window. Do not push anyone, but do not just stand back and wait. Be assertive, pass your coin to the employee and say "shukran" when he or she gives you your yellow ticket. Do not try to pay for a ticket with a bill larger than 5 EGP. You will have to wait for a long while if you try to get small change.
Once you get your ticket, you will need to put it through a turnstile machine. It will pop out on the other side. Take your ticket as you need it to exit. As I mentioned before, the system works like the one in Paris.
When the train pulls up, you will need to look for the "entry" cars and the "exit" cars. In theory, you are supposed to follow the directions. But in reality it does not work. Be cautious if you are running to catch the train. The doors will not react if they hit something solid. Better you wait for the next train, as they come every 2 minutes.
Bus system
I have not tried the buses yet, but I know that Cairo has many Bus lines. The reason I have not taken the Bus is very simple, signs are in Arabic, I do not know where they will take me and a taxi is very cheap.
There are three types of bus lines, the standard bus service, the air-conditioned service (CTA) and the Mini Buses. The main difference is the price.
Micro Buses
From my experience in Syria I know that Micro Buses are the cheapest way of travelling but at the same time the most unreliable and dangerous one. All of them are privately run by individuals.
Taxis
Taxis are a very convenient mean of transportation in and around Cairo. They are practically everywhere, just walk out on the street for a few minutes and you can be sure to find one. There are several types, the most common one is the old black and white taxi. Those usually do not have a meter, so be sure to bargain about the price before you get in!
The newer ones are either white or yellow. Those have an operating meter. I advice you to take this one if you have no clue about what to pay.
Tram
Cairo's Tam was constructed in the early 20th Century. The Tram network has been largely dismantled in recent years and few lines now remain operational outside the northern suburbs around Heliopolis. Even though a stop is 1 minute away I have never taken the tram.
How I get around Cairo
During working days (Sunday-Thursday) I take the Metro to work and back home. If I meet with my friends, they usually pick me up or I take a cab. The best way of getting around is when your friends drive you.
Future of the transport system
Cairo has a working transportation system, even though some parts are very old. The government has plans to modernise the whole Cairo transport system. This modernisation process started already:
1) There are plans to modernise and expand the Tram system
2) A third line for the Metro is under construction 12 more are planed
3) Black cabs are replaced by modern white cabs
4) Old Micro buses are replaced by new ones
