Cairo Adds 60 Buses to Book Fair for Just $0.25 a Ride

Getting to one of the world's biggest celebrations of books just became easier and cheaper for millions of Cairo residents.

Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber announced that 60 buses will transport visitors to the 57th Cairo International Book Fair for just 10 Egyptian pounds per trip, roughly a quarter in US currency. The fair runs from January 21 to February 3, 2026, at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in New Cairo.

The Cairo Public Transport Authority is coordinating the special fleet, which will display clear "Book Fair Service" signs so riders can easily identify them. The buses will cover most areas of Cairo, supplementing existing routes that already pass the fairgrounds.

Seven dedicated routes will run from key locations including Abdel-Moneim Riad Square, Shubra, New Nozha, Amiriya, Giza Square, Saqr Quraish, and al-Mazallat. Essam al-Sheikh, head of the Cairo Public Transport Authority, confirmed the service can expand beyond 60 buses if demand requires it.

The initiative tackles two common barriers to attending cultural events: cost and convenience. Instead of navigating complicated transfers or paying premium fares, families can now reach the fair directly and affordably from their neighborhoods.

Officials plan to monitor ridership closely and add extra buses to high-demand routes. The goal is reducing overcrowding and cutting wait times, making the journey as pleasant as the destination.

The Ripple Effect

Making books accessible doesn't stop at lowering cover prices. When transportation becomes affordable, entire families who might have skipped the fair can now attend together. Children discover new authors, students find textbooks, and reading culture strengthens across economic lines.

The Cairo International Book Fair has grown into one of the largest literary gatherings globally, drawing publishers and readers from across the Middle East and North Africa. By ensuring transportation isn't a roadblock, organizers are living up to the fair's promise of bringing books to everyone, not just those who can afford expensive rides across a sprawling city.

This approach shows how small policy changes create big cultural impact. A subsidized bus ticket becomes an investment in literacy, education, and community connection.

Cairo's readers won't let high transportation costs keep them from the stories waiting at the fairgrounds.