Riyadh, Saudi Arabia → Cairo, Egypt · ✈ 2h 33min · 🚗 26h 33min
882 nautical miles · Time difference: -1h behind · Direction: northwest
The distance from Riyadh to Cairo is 1,634 km (1,015 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 2h 33min.
The straight-line distance from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to Cairo, Egypt is approximately 1,634 kilometers (1,015 miles or 882 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Cairo is located northwest of Riyadh. Riyadh is in Asia, in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia, while Cairo is in Africa, in Greater Cairo, Egypt. This intercontinental route spans from Asia to Africa.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 1,634 km | ~2h 33min | Best option for speed |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Riyadh to Cairo. For 1,634 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Riyadh sits at 24.7136°N, 46.6753°E, while Cairo is located at 30.0444°N, 31.2357°E. The initial compass bearing from Riyadh to Cairo is 295° (WNW), so a great-circle flight path leaves Riyadh heading roughly WNW. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 5.33° and the longitude difference is 15.44°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Riyadh and Cairo is approximately 27.5925°N, 39.1428°E. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 817 km from each city. On long-haul flights this point usually falls over open ocean or remote terrain, which is why in-flight maps often look "empty" mid-route.
Cairo is roughly 1 hour behind Riyadh. When it is 09:00 in Riyadh, it is approximately 08:00 in Cairo. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Riyadh uses the Saudi Riyal (SAR), while Cairo uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Plan to exchange currency before departure or use a low-fee travel card on arrival — airport rates are typically the worst available. Both destinations share Arabic as a primary language, simplifying signage, transit, and everyday interactions.
Riyadh is a major city in Saudi Arabia with a population of approximately 7,676,654. Located in the Riyadh region, it is an important hub in Asia. As one of the largest cities in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from Riyadh
Cairo is a notable city in Egypt with a population of approximately 9,540,000. Situated in the Greater Cairo region, it serves as a key destination in Africa. Cairo is one of Egypt's largest cities, offering major airport hubs, extensive public transport, and a wide range of accommodation options.
→ See all distances from Cairo
1,634 km is a long-distance route that typically requires air travel. This is comparable to crossing an ocean or continent. For context, London to Dubai is about 5,500 km.
The 1,634 km between Riyadh and Cairo means a beam of light could travel this distance in approximately 5.5 milliseconds — but a flight still takes 2h 33min.
Combined, Riyadh and Cairo have a population of over 17,216,654 people, making this a major urban corridor.
This route crosses from Asia to Africa, spanning 1 timezone.
The straight-line distance from Riyadh to Cairo is approximately 1,634 kilometers (1,015 miles, 882 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 2h 33min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 26h 33min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Cairo is approximately -1h behind compared to Riyadh.
The estimated road distance is approximately 2,124 km, which is about 30% longer than the 1,634 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 21, 2026.