The operation of Line 1 began in 1987 with a total length of approximately 44 kilometers, stretching from Helwan Station to New Marg Station. It was executed in three phases:

The first phase, Helwan/Ramses, was inaugurated in 1987, covering a distance of 29 kilometers. The second phase, Ramses/Al Marg, opened in 1989, spanning 14 kilometers. The third phase, Al Marg/New Marg, was opened in 1999, covering a length of 1.3 kilometers. In 2019, the line was operational from Helwan to New Marg after doubling the track between Al Marg and New Marg. Helwan University Station was opened in 2002.

The line comprises 35 stations, including 30 surface stations and 5 underground stations. It passes through several densely populated areas and important squares such as Martyrs’ Station (Ramses Square), Ahmed Orabi, Gamal Abdel Nasser (Ambulance Station), Anwar Sadat (Tahrir Square), Saad Zaghloul (Ladghouli Square), Helwan University, Dar El Salam, Sayeda Zeinab, Ezbet El Nakhl, Ain Shams, Old Marg, and New Marg.

Line 1 intersects with Line 2 at Martyrs’ and Anwar Sadat stations, and with Line 3 at Gamal Abdel Nasser Station.

Two cars in the middle of the train are designated for women (men are strictly prohibited from boarding the first car, and the second car is reserved for women until 9:00 PM, after which men are permitted to use it). Women are allowed to board any carriages of the train.

Operation:

• Operation starts daily at 05:15 AM and ends at 01:00 AM.
• The last trains on Line 1 depart at: • 11:40 PM from Helwan Station and 11:45 PM from New Marg Station. • The last train on Line 1 meets the last train on Line 2 at Anwar Sadat Station at 12:15 AM. • The last train on Line 1 meets the last train on Line 3 at Gamal Abdel Nasser Station at 12:10 AM.
• The journey time from Helwan Station to New Marg Station and vice versa is 79 minutes.
• The interval between trains throughout the day is 4 minutes.
• Trains are operated according to schedules and passenger density on regular days, holidays, as well as festivals and events, with an average of 500 trips per day.
• The fleet consists of 62 trains with a maximum operating speed of 80 km/h. Each train consists of 3 units with a design capacity of no less than 2583 passengers per train.