Trains

Trains

Trains in Egypt, in general, are comfortable, particularly the first class variety. They are usually not the cheapest fare between destinations. That distinction appears to go bus travel. While the sleeper trains seem expensive, this may be somewhat deceptive. Traveling at night, one makes the trip, misses no real "Tour Time", and avoids the cost of a hotel room. All pricing and other information is far departure from Cairo, and are for one way only. Prices are in US Dollars and may change.Luckily, these days one can reserve a train fare on-line through the Arab Travel Agency.

 

Trains to Alexandria leave almost hourly. The duration of the trip is approximately two hours. Tickets cost $8.64 for first class and or $6.34 for second class.

Regular trains to Luxor (non sleeper trains) leave usually in the morning or late evening, as do trains to Aswan. The duration of this trip is anywhere from about 8 1/2 to 11 hours depending on the train. Tickets to Luxor are $17.27 for first class and $10.37 for second class. The regular trains to Aswan are $21.00 for first class and $12.09 for second class. This trip can take from 14 1/2 to 18 hours, depending on the speed of the train.

Sleeper trains can vary. The Abelaegypt sleeper train costs anywhere from $89.50 per person for a double occupied sleeper all the way up to $241.00 for a single person cabin for a trip to Luxor or Aswan.

All trains depart from Ramsis Station (Mahattit Ramsis). It is a very good idea to make advanced reservations. For information, call 202 57 53 555 in Egypt.

Buses

Buses are the most economical way for a tourist to travel in Egypt. Buses available to tourists are air conditioned, fairly comfortable and generally in good condition. Again, all pricing and other information is for departure from Cairo, and are for one way only. Prices are in US Dollars.

Buses to Luxor and Aswan depart daily from Mahattit Aboud (Aboud Station) in Cairo-Shubra at 8:30 p.m. The trip takes 9 hours. From the same station, buses to Aswan depart at 5:30 p.m. This trip takes about 12 hours. For either, the cost is $14.39. It is best to get reservations a day ahead of time, though we are told that one need only make such arrangements within an hour and a half of departure. For more information, call 202 43 16 723 in Egypt.

Buses to Alexandria depart from a different terminal in Cairo, the Mahattit Tourguman (Tourguman Station) in Downtown, behind the building of the publishing house Al-Ahram. Buses to Alexandria depart at least once an hour, and sometimes more frequently. Reservations should be made at least one day in advance, though one may be able to arrange tickets as little as an hour prior to departure. One way tickets cost between $4.32 and $7.20 depending on the bus. Some buses are more comfortable then others. For additional information, call 202 75 60 261 in Egypt.

We should also mention El-Gouna Transport Company, which provides modern air-conditioned busses from Cairo to El-Gouna and Hurghada. These depart and arrive from in front of the Maspero Mall, very near the Ramesses Hilton Hotel. The tickets currently cost about 50 Egyptian Pounds, and include coffee or tea while on board.