Getting Around Egypt: Trains, Metro, Buses, Cars & Ride Apps

Trains

Egypt's railway links the Nile Valley from Alexandria through Cairo to Aswan. The Egyptian National Railways (ENR) runs air-conditioned express trains; book online or at the station. For Cairo to Luxor or Aswan, the Watania sleeper train offers private cabins with dinner and breakfast, costing roughly 100-120 USD per berth. Day express trains between Cairo and Alexandria take about 2.5 hours and are cheap and reliable.

Cairo Metro

The metro is the fastest way across the capital, avoiding Cairo's legendary traffic. Three lines connect Giza, central Cairo, and Heliopolis, with Line 3 reaching toward the airport. Tickets cost a few Egyptian pounds based on distance; buy a paper ticket or rechargeable card at the gate. The first carriage of every train is reserved for women.

Buses

For intercity travel, comfortable coaches are excellent value:

• Go Bus and Blue Bus serve Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Luxor with online booking.
• East Delta and Upper Egypt lines cover Sinai and the south.
• In cities, microbuses and minibuses are cheap but chaotic; agree on the route first.

Ride apps

Uber and Careem work reliably in Cairo, Giza, and Alexandria, with upfront pricing that removes haggling. inDrive lets you propose your own fare. These are far less stressful than street taxis, though white-and-black metered taxis still roam Cairo.

Car rental and driving

Renting a car gives freedom along the Red Sea coast, but Cairo traffic is intense and lane discipline is loose. International firms operate at airports; you need an International Driving Permit. Watch for unmarked speed bumps and frequent police checkpoints, especially in Sinai and the desert roads where you may need to keep your passport handy.

Intercity tips

• Buy popular train and bus tickets a day or two ahead, especially around holidays.
• Carry small cash; many counters and microbuses do not take cards.
• Friday mornings are quieter; afternoons fill up fast.
• For the Pyramids, Saqqara, or desert sites, hiring a driver for the day is affordable and saves hassle.
• Domestic flights with EgyptAir cut long hauls like Cairo to Aswan to just over an hour.

Stay connected in Egypt

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online the moment you land, so you can navigate maps, translate Arabic, book trains, and call rides without roaming fees.