Getting Around

Trains, roads, taxis and how to move around Egypt.

National Trains [القطار]

• Main operators — Egyptian National Railways (ENR) operates most long-distance services. Book via the official website (enr.gov.eg) or ticket offices at major stations like Ramses Railway Station in Cairo. First and second-class sleeper cars are available on overnight routes to Aswan and Alexandria.
• Key routes — Popular routes include Cairo-Alexandria (2.5 hours), Cairo-Aswan (14+ hours), and Cairo-Luxor (10 hours). Trains are slower than buses but offer more comfort and views of the Nile Valley.
• Trains frequently run 1–3 hours late; plan extra time for connections. Pickpocketing occurs on crowded services, especially at Cairo Central Station—keep valuables secure.
• Booking tips — Book sleeper cars 2–3 weeks ahead during peak season (October–April). Bring your passport to the ticket office; foreigners sometimes pay a different (higher) fare than Egyptians.

City Metro & Buses [المترو والباص]

• Cairo Metro — The Cairo Metro has three lines and is the fastest way across the city, costing 2–5 EGP per ride. Trains run 5:30 AM–midnight daily. Women-only cars are available during peak hours on most lines.
• The Cairo Metro is extremely crowded during rush hours (7–9 AM and 4–7 PM)—avoid if you have heavy luggage or are uncomfortable in packed spaces. Theft and harassment are common on crowded trains.
• Alexandria transport — Alexandria has a single-line tramway system that is atmospheric but slow (1.50–2 EGP). Microbuses (shared minivans) are the main transport; hail them on the street and negotiate a fare or look for a set-fare stand.
• Cairo buses — Cairo's white-and-blue buses and orange microbuses crisscross the city cheaply (2–3 EGP) but routes can be confusing for visitors. Microbuses are faster but crowded; avoid night travel on any bus.
• Bus strikes and service disruptions are common during peak travel seasons. Ask your hotel about current conditions before planning a trip.

Taxis & Ride Apps [التاكسي]

• White taxis — Cairo's white metered taxis are licensed and abundant. Ask your hotel to estimate a fair fare beforehand; drivers often claim meters are broken and demand inflated prices. Always agree on a fare before entering or insist on the meter.
• Uber & Careem — Uber and Careem (ride-hailing apps) operate in Cairo, Alexandria, Giza, and some other cities. Fares are transparent and often cheaper than negotiating with street taxis. Both accept card payments, making them safer than cash-only taxis.
• Unlicensed taxis ('black taxis') are common but risky for tourists—use only metered white taxis, ride-hailing apps, or hotel-arranged transport. Solo travelers should avoid hailing taxis late at night.
• Long-distance travel — For trips outside the city (e.g., Cairo to Giza Pyramids), negotiate a round-trip fare with a taxi or use Uber. Many hotels can arrange private drivers for a full day at around 400–600 EGP.
• Taxi fines for speeding and traffic violations can be steep (up to 500 EGP), but as a passenger you are not liable. Never leave valuables unattended in a taxi.

Driving [القيادة]

• Driving in Egypt is chaotic and hazardous; road accidents are common, traffic laws are loosely enforced, and drivers often ignore signals and lane markings. Visitors unfamiliar with local driving customs should avoid renting a car and use taxis or ride-hailing instead.
• Legal requirements — You need an International Driving Permit (IDP), a valid passport, and an Egyptian driving license (obtainable from rental firms). Vehicle insurance is mandatory; check that the rental includes it. The legal driving age is 18.
• Police checkpoints are frequent, especially outside cities; always carry your rental agreement, license, and ID. Bribes are sometimes solicited; politely refuse and ask for an official fine receipt if cited.
• Practical alternatives — Hire a driver through your hotel or a tour operator (safer and often cheaper than renting a car). For long-distance travel (Cairo to Luxor, Aswan, or the Red Sea), use intercity buses or private car services.
• Speed limits are 50–80 km/h in cities and 100 km/h on highways, but enforcement is inconsistent. Speeding fines can exceed 500 EGP. Fuel stations are common in cities but sparse in remote areas; plan accordingly.

Airports & Flights [المطار]

• Major airports — Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the primary hub, followed by Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, Aswan, and Luxor. EgyptAir is the national carrier; budget airlines include Air Arabia Maroc and FlyEgypt.
• Getting to/from airports — Use Uber, Careem, or arrange a pickup through your hotel (safer and more reliable than street taxis). Some hotels offer free airport shuttle service. Cairo Airport is 20 km northeast of central Cairo; expect 45–90 minutes depending on traffic.
• Arrive 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights; queues can be long and unpredictable. Baggage handlers at the airport may expect tips (10–20 EGP) even though service is included.
• Domestic flights — Domestic flights (Cairo–Aswan, Cairo–Luxor) cost 600–1,200 EGP and save time versus trains or buses. Book via EgyptAir's website or through travel agents; prices are relatively stable year-round.
• Flight delays and cancellations are common during sandstorms (spring) or high winds. Confirm your flight 24 hours in advance via the airline.

Ferries & Water Transport [الفيري]

• Nile cruises — Multi-day Nile cruise ships operate between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. Booking through travel agencies or cruise lines (e.g., Uniworld, Abercrombie & Kent) is common; all-inclusive packages range from $1,500–$5,000+ per person.
• Local ferries — Ferries cross the Nile at multiple points (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan) and cost 2–5 EGP; they are scenic and efficient for reaching the West Bank (Valley of the Kings area). Service runs throughout the day.
• Red Sea ferries — Ferries connect Hurghada to Sharm El-Sheikh (45 minutes) and to Aqaba, Jordan (8 hours) via operators like Sinai Star. Fares range from 150–400 EGP depending on the route and vessel class.
• Ferry schedules are unpredictable; always confirm departure times and arrive early. Life jackets are often unavailable, and overcrowding is common on budget routes.

Tickets & Passes [التذاكر]

• Metro & bus passes — Cairo Metro offers daily, weekly, and monthly passes (50, 140, and 250 EGP respectively) that cover unlimited trips on all three lines. Tourists often just buy single tickets (2–5 EGP) as needed.
• Train & bus tickets — Book trains online via enr.gov.eg or at Ramses Station and other major hubs. Long-distance buses (Go Bus, Super Jet) can be booked at terminals or online; tickets cost 80–250 EGP depending on distance and comfort level.
• Ticket touts and unofficial vendors may approach you at stations offering discounted fares; always buy from official windows or kiosks. 'Special foreigner prices' are often inflated compared to local rates.
• Payment methods — Cash (Egyptian Pounds) is required for most public transport; few buses and microbuses accept cards. Metro and some bus lines are moving toward contactless cards, but check current systems when you arrive.

Connectivity & SIM Cards [بطاقة SIM]

• Local SIM cards — Egypt's main carriers—Vodafone, Etisalat, Orange, and We—sell prepaid SIM cards at kiosks, airports, and convenience stores for 5–50 EGP. Data bundles (500 MB–10 GB) range from 10–100 EGP and are valid 7–30 days.
• Best for tourists — Vodafone and Etisalat have the widest networks; Orange and We offer competitive data rates. Buy a SIM at Cairo Airport for immediate connectivity (open 24/7), or wait until you reach your hotel.
• Internet speeds are slow by Western standards; 4G connection is available in cities but unreliable in rural areas. The government has been known to throttle speeds and block social media sites during political unrest.
• International roaming — Roaming from your home carrier is very expensive (often 5–10 EGP per MB). Buying a local SIM is far cheaper and recommended unless you only stay a few days.
• Registration of SIM cards with your passport is required by law; the shopkeeper will handle this. Keep your receipt and phone number for support.