[6] Extending 21.5 kilometres (13 mi) with 20 stations, it is sometimes called the "Japanese-Built Line".

[citation needed] It is mostly in bored tunnel, with two exceptions: a short section at the northern end approaching Shubra El-Kheima which is elevated, and a section just south of this by cut-and-cover.

[citation needed] The construction of the line was finished in October 2000 and was later extended to El Mounib.

After the 2011 Egyptian revolution, the station "Mubarak" has been renamed and is now called "Al-Shohadaa" (Arabic for "martyrs").

Access to Cairo International Airport is expected via transfer to Line 3 upon completion of Phase 4 in early 2020.